First Class
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£27
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£47
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
3 h 9 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
4 h 42 m
Trains on 17 Sept
3
Distance
179 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU) will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 3 trains from Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU), including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 179 km distance in an average of 4 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 9 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 48 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 179 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU):
A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU) costing on average £35.
Other travel options to Southampton Central (SOU) take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 5m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (2h 47m by train vs 2h 59m by car). Tickets start at around £35 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU) trains for today, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:12 Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h10 | 9:22 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:42 Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h09 | 12:51 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
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 station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 06:42, the last at 20:12. The fastest train covers the 179 km distance in 3h 7m.
Distance 179 km |
Average train duration 2h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 6:42 |
Last train 20:12 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Compare Greater Anglia classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare Great Northern classes and the amenities included in each one.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU) 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 Central (SOU), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cambridge station (CBG) to Southampton Central (SOU) trains use the Cambridge to Southampton Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Cambridge station (CBG) and Southampton Central (SOU) 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.
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.