Cambridge to Southampton train with South Western Railway

Sun 21 Dec
+ Add return
South Western Railway
Great Northern
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Great Northern
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Southampton

Showing times and prices for 21 Dec

Cheapest price

£27

Average price

£32

Fastest journey

3 h 29 m

Average duration

3 h 41 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

178 km

Cheap tickets

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 £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Cambridge for Southampton every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 178 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

South Western Railway
08:283h32
Cambridge
12:00Southampton
£271One-way
0 changes
South Western Railway
07:313h29
Cambridge
11:00Southampton
£291One-way
0 changes
South Western Railway
06:353h59
Cambridge
10:34Southampton
£341One-way
0 changes
South Western Railway
06:313h29
Cambridge
10:00Southampton
£341One-way
0 changes
South Western Railway
06:393h55
Cambridge
10:34Southampton
£351One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cambridge to Southampton

Omio 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 prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, and a train costs an average of £22.

Distance: 178 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£50

Average Price

£45

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 9m

Average total duration

4h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cambridge to Southampton train times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Southampton trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 03:33
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
south_west_trains04:53 Cambridge
3h28
08:21 Southampton0 changesdirect
south_west_trains06:20 Cambridge
4h01
10:21 Southampton0 changesdirect
south_west_trains07:44 Cambridge
3h05
10:49 Southampton0 changesdirect
south_west_trains08:44 Cambridge
3h05
11:49 Southampton0 changesdirect
south_west_trains14:44 Cambridge
3h05
17:49 Southampton0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Southampton by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec
Thu
25 Dec
Fri
26 Dec
Sat
27 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cambridge to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cambridge to Southampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:22. The fastest train covers the 178 km distance in 3h 5m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
178 km
Average train duration
2h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 5m
First train
00:04
Last train
23:22
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: South Western Railway, Great Northern, Thameslink from Cambridge to Southampton trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Northern, Thameslink trains will get you between Cambridge and Southampton from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
£23
South Western Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Great Northern

About
Great Northern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and sleeper services. The high-speed trains are called InterCity Express Trains and they offer a fast and comfortable journey between major cities. The regional trains are called Regional Express Trains and they provide a slower but more frequent service to smaller towns and villages. The sleeper services are called Caledonian Sleeper Trains and they offer overnight journeys with comfortable sleeping compartments. Great Northern offers a variety of ticket types, including single, return, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Great Northern are London to Cambridge, London to Peterborough, and London to Norwich. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 53m
Cheapest Price
£30
Great Northern frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free, maximum two dogs per passenger, must be on lead
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Price
£152
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

FAQs: Cambridge to Southampton train

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.

FAQs
For a well-rounded experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Southampton allows you to explore key attractions such as the SeaCity Museum, Tudor House and Garden, and the vibrant waterfront.
Booking trains from Cambridge to Southampton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cambridge to Southampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The cheapest way to get from Cambridge to Southampton is by train, costing approximately £22.
The train station in Cambridge that goes to Southampton is Cambridge station (CBG), and it arrives at Southampton Central (SOU).
In Southampton, you can explore the New Forest National Park for hiking and cycling, take the Hythe Ferry for a scenic trip to Hythe, and enjoy shopping at Westquay Shopping Centre. Visit the Ocean Village Marina for dining and leisure activities, or relax at Southampton Common. Discover the city's history at the Tudor House and Garden, SeaCity Museum, and Solent Sky Museum. Art enthusiasts can visit the Southampton City Art Gallery, while theatre lovers can catch performances at the Mayflower Theatre.
A day trip from Cambridge to Southampton is not feasible since the journey takes 3h 5m. There are 7 train services available per day. The distance is 178 km.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cambridge to Southampton.
Yes, you can take the train from Cambridge to Southampton.
The train journey from Cambridge to Southampton offers views of the English countryside, passing through areas such as the Chiltern Hills and the North Wessex Downs, providing a picturesque experience despite being primarily urban and suburban.
The train distance from Cambridge to Southampton is 178 km.
To get from Cambridge to Southampton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train journey from Cambridge to Southampton covers a distance of 178 km and takes approximately 3h 5m. Trains run 7 per day.
The first train from Cambridge to Southampton leaves at 0:04.
The last train from Cambridge to Southampton departs at 23:22.
Trains from Cambridge to Southampton run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cambridge to Southampton.
There is no night train service from Cambridge to Southampton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Southampton

Cambridge
Southampton
The major train station for departures in Cambridge is Cambridge. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge for your trip from Cambridge to Southampton.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cambridge
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Station foyer
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Adjacent station building.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
Public transport options for Cambridge North
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.

More options for your journey from Cambridge to Southampton

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HomeTrainsTrain Times to Southampton Cambridge to Southampton train

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