1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Southampton
Showing times and prices for 20 Feb
Cheapest price
£58
Average price
£95
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
139 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Southampton will cost around £95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Southampton every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 36 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.
P2272308:272h36
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:03Southampton Central (SOU)
£581One-way
0 changes
P2272509:282h34
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:02Southampton Central (SOU)
£641One-way
0 changes
P2272710:302h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)13:02Southampton Central (SOU)
£641One-way
0 changes
P22799+
C7247510:182h29
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:47Southampton Central (SOU)
£1161One-way
1 change
P22801+C7247811:182h25
Cardiff Central (CDF)13:43Southampton Central (SOU)
£1161One-way
1 change
P22801+C7247811:182h25
Cardiff Central (CDF)13:43Southampton Central (SOU)
£1161One-way
1 change
P22799+C7247510:182h29
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:47Southampton Central (SOU)
£1161One-way
1 change
P2272710:302h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)13:02Southampton Central (SOU)
£641One-way
0 changes
P2272509:282h34
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:02Southampton Central (SOU)
£641One-way
0 changes
P2272308:272h36
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:03Southampton Central (SOU)
£581One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Southampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a train costs an average of £26.
Distance: 139 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£61 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Southampton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Southampton trains for today, Thursday 19 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 10:15
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P22799+C72475 | On time 10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h29 | 12:47 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
| P22727 | On time 10:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 13:02 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P22801+C72478 | On time 11:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 13:43 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
| Friday 20 February | |||||
| P22723 | On time 08:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h36 | 11:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P22796+C72472 | On time 08:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h05 | 11:43 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
| P22725 | On time 09:28 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h34 | 12:02 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.
Fri
20 Feb
20 Feb
Sat
21 Feb
21 Feb
Sun
22 Feb
22 Feb
Mon
23 Feb
23 Feb
Tue
24 Feb
24 Feb
Wed
25 Feb
25 Feb
Thu
26 Feb
26 Feb
Why should you book Cardiff to Southampton trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail as well as first_great_western offer trains services from Cardiff to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Southampton.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Southampton.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Southampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Southampton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Southampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Southampton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 139 km distance in 2h 32m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £11
Distance 139 km |
Average train duration 2h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 04:45 |
Last train 21:38 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £11
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Southampton trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Southampton from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Price
£26
Great Western Rail frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest Price
£91
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to Southampton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Southampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Cardiff to Southampton covers a distance of 139 km and takes approximately 2h 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Southampton is 139 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Southampton leaves at 4:45.
The last train from Cardiff to Southampton departs at 21:38.
Trains from Cardiff to Southampton run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Southampton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Southampton. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
To get from Cardiff to Southampton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Southampton.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Southampton is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Southampton Central (SOU).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Southampton is by coach, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Southampton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Southampton offers pleasant views of the Welsh countryside, Severn Estuary, and rolling landscapes of southern England, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Cardiff to Southampton is not feasible as the one-way journey takes 2h 32m. However, there are 5 train services available per day. The distance is 139 km.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Southampton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Southampton
Cardiff
Southampton
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Southampton.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
The major train station for arrivals in Southampton is Southampton Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton Central for your journey to Southampton from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:45 Saturday 06:00 - 20:45 Sunday 06:30 - 20:45
Parking
- Car Park: Premium-downside
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes outside Platform 4 exit
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Rooms on Platforms 1 and 4. The National key toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 4; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: All platforms. Waiting rooms are heated and seating complies with Code of Practice.
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 - 200 spaces Platform 4 - 44 spaces Outside Platform 4 entrance - 4 spaces Outside Platform 1 entrance - A new bike hut with 140 two tier spaces
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Southampton Central
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement bus service goes from the north side (Blechynden Terrace) during engineering works. Overnight onward transport goes from the South side (West Quay side)
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 07:45 - 20:10
Distance to city center
5 kmParking
- Car Park: Upside and Multi-Storey
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
- 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 some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Inside booking hall.
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Car park and platform 2
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Southampton Airport Parkway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Through Journeys: Station Forecourt Bus Stop off Wide Lane (A335) Terminating Journeys: Car Park at Eastleigh end, off Wide Lane (A335)
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 10:45 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
2 kmBike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platforms 1 & 4
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for St Denys
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Belmont Road/Junction with Osborne Road Setting Down only journeys - stop by traffic lights (Thomas Lewis Way/Duke Street)
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Southampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Southampton and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Southampton
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
