- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£20
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£41
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
3 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
3 h 4 m
Trains on 17 Sept
17
Distance
178 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Southampton will cost around £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.
To travel from Cambridge to Southampton you need to make at least 2 changes.
G77093+
L78861+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G77098+
L80557+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G77088+
L78853+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G77005+
L80282+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G77010+
L80148+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G77000+
L80140+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G77010+
L80148+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G27004+
L80102+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G77005+
L80282+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo
G27005+
L80110+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London WaterlooOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 178 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Southampton:
A coach is £18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Southampton costing on average £43.
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 22m.
Tickets start at around £43 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-7.66. The journey takes 2h 53m versus 2h 45m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80234+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+ C93336 | 8:16 Cambridge South | 3h06 | 11:22 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
W45408+ L79352+ G01003+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo | 8:25 Cambridge South | 3h18 | 11:43 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3 changes | |
L80102+ G27004+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo | 8:45 Cambridge South | 3h04 | 11:49 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L80242+ C93347+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo | 9:16 Cambridge South | 3h06 | 12:22 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
W45430+ L79363+ G01005+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo | 9:25 Cambridge South | 3h22 | 12:47 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3 changes | |
L80110+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+ G27005 | 9:46 Cambridge South | 3h05 | 12:51 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L80274+ C93377+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo | 12:16 Cambridge South | 3h06 | 15:22 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
W45399+ L79395+ G01018+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo | 12:25 Cambridge South | 3h18 | 15:43 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3 changes | |
L80140+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+ G77000 | 12:46 Cambridge South | 3h02 | 15:48 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L80282+ G77005+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo | 13:16 Cambridge South | 3h05 | 16:21 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
W45431+ L79406+ G01022+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo | 13:25 Cambridge South | 3h19 | 16:44 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3 changes | |
L80148+ G77010+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo | 13:46 Cambridge South | 3h03 | 16:49 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L78849+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+ G77083 | 20:16 Cambridge South | 3h06 | 23:22 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L78853+ G77088+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo | 20:46 Cambridge South | 3h06 | 23:52 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L78861+ G77093+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo | 21:16 Cambridge South | 3h20 | 0:36 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
L80557+ G77098+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo | 21:46 Cambridge South | 3h26 | 1:12 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cambridge to Southampton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 178 km distance in 3h 4m.
Distance 178 km |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:12 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.
Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Southampton Central -> Westquay, Southampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Southampton by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cambridge to Southampton trains use the Cambridge South to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Woolston. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Woolston is 1 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Woolston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Woolston.
Wi-Fi is available at Woolston.
Ticket office support is available at Woolston.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Woolston: Parking.
Available at Woolston: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Woolston: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Level access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Southampton). Steps to Platform 2 (for trains towards Portsmouth). Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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