- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Southampton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct
Cheapest price on 04 Oct
£64
Average ticket price on 04 Oct
£90
Fastest journey on 04 Oct
2 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 04 Oct
2 h 33 m
Trains on 04 Oct
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 £90 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Fast trains
On Sun 04 Oct, we found 6 trains from Cardiff to Southampton, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 46 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.
W3497910:252h38Cardiff Central (CDF)13:03Southampton Central (SOU)£641One-way0 changes- W349739:182h46Cardiff Central (CDF)12:04Southampton Central (SOU)£641One-way0 changes
- C0085011:252h38Cardiff Central (CDF)14:03Southampton Central (SOU)£641One-way0 changes
- C33109+
G0101211:202h22Cardiff Central (CDF)13:42Southampton Central (SOU)£1161One-way1 change - C00123+G0100810:202h22Cardiff Central (CDF)12:42Southampton Central (SOU)£1161One-way1 change
- C33109+G0101211:202h22Cardiff Central (CDF)13:42Southampton Central (SOU)£1161One-way1 change
- C00123+G0100810:202h22Cardiff Central (CDF)12:42Southampton Central (SOU)£1161One-way1 change
- W3497910:252h38Cardiff Central (CDF)13:03Southampton Central (SOU)£641One-way0 changes
- C0085011:252h38Cardiff Central (CDF)14:03Southampton Central (SOU)£641One-way0 changes
- W349739:182h46Cardiff Central (CDF)12:04Southampton Central (SOU)£641One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Southampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Southampton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
There are 6 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 14m.
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 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 14m |
First train 4:45 |
Last train 21:38 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
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
Live departures
Cardiff to Southampton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Southampton trains for today, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C42259 | On time 10:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 13:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C42261 | On time 11:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 14:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C42262 | On time 12:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 15:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C42264 | On time 13:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 16:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C42265 | On time 14:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 17:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35191+G01025 | On time 14:41 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h03 | 17:44 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
| C42267 | On time 15:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 18:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C42269 | On time 16:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h36 | 19:03 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 4 October | |||||
| C50038+G01004 | 8:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h52 | 11:42 Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 change | |
| W34973 | 9:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h46 | 12:04 Southampton Central (SOU) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Southampton trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all 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 Railway?
- 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 Railway 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.
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Southampton trainsGreat Western Railway 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 Railway
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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£30
Great Western Railway 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
Complete guide to Southampton
Things to do in Southampton
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
- Recommended
Tudor House and Garden
Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.
- Recommended
Southampton City Art Gallery
Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.
- Must visit
Old Town
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
- Recommended
Southampton Common
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
- Recommended
Ocean Village
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Hampshire Hoggers
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
- Gluten-free
South Coast Crab
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
Plaice
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
The Oxford Brasserie
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Bacaro
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
The Jetty
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Bluestar
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.60
- Day pass
- £4.30
To the city centre
Southampton Central -> Westquay, Southampton
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Adult singles in the Southampton zone are £2.60, and contactless tap on or tap off is accepted on Bluestar and Unilink buses.
- A Southampton Zone Dayrider is £4.30 in the app or via tap on tap off, or £4.50 as a paper ticket from the driver.
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 £30, while the average price tends to be around £70.
The train journey from Cardiff to Southampton covers a distance of 139 km and takes approximately 2h 14m. Trains run 8 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 8 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 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway.
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).
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Southampton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Southampton
Most Cardiff to Southampton trains use the Cardiff Central to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Woolston. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Southampton
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Southampton station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Southampton most often arrive at Southampton Central. Some services arrive at Woolston, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southampton arrival station.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton Central train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
WoolstonWoolston station, Garton Road, Woolston, Hampshire, SO19 2DJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Woolston from Southampton city centre
Woolston is 1 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainSouthampton Central - London Waterloo, Southampton Central - Portsmouth & Southsea, Southampton Central - Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton Central - Woking · 9m · £3 · every ~2 min
Bus17, 10, 15, 13, N17 · 5m · £2 · every ~51 min
7 · 7m · £2 · every ~9 min
17, 13, 19, 15, 19a, 7, 10, N17 · 10m · £2 · every ~82 min
Woolston train station facilities and services
Woolston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Woolston.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Woolston.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Woolston.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Woolston: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Woolston: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
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
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