- 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
£36
Average price
£83
Fastest journey
2 h 24 m
Average duration
2 h 28 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
139 km
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 £83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
Of the 12 trains that leave Cardiff for Southampton every day 6 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 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 34 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.
W34974
G15006
G15025
W35025
G15022
W35437+
G01039
W35198+
G01032
G15045+
G01009
G15008
G15006Omio 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 £14. 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 £14, and a train costs an average of £12.
Distance: 139 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£54 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Southampton trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:27 Cardiff | 2h38 | 9:05 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:28 Cardiff | 2h35 | 9:03 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:28 Cardiff | 2h34 | 11:02 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:28 Cardiff | 2h34 | 12:02 Southampton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:30 Cardiff | 2h32 | 17:02 Southampton | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Southampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
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.
Distance 139 km |
Average train duration 2h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 4:45 |
Last train 21:38 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 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 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.

Most Cardiff to Southampton trains use the Cardiff Central to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton Airport Parkway. 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.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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.
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: 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.
Swaythling is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Swaythling has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Swaythling.
Wi-Fi is available at Swaythling.
Ticket office support is available at Swaythling.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swaythling: Parking.
Available at Swaythling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Swaythling: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B station - This station has no step-free access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Eastleigh/ London Waterloo). There is level access to Platform 2 (for trains towards Southampton Central). 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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