Leicester to Southampton train with South Western Railway

Wed 23 Sept
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CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
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2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Southampton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£83

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£153

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

3 h 18 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

3 h 24 m

Trains on 23 Sept

6

Distance

194 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Leicester to Southampton will cost around £153 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £83.

Fast trains

To travel from Leicester to Southampton you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • CrossCountryG00955 · G01005
    8:503h57
    Leicester station (LEI)
    12:47Southampton Central (SOU)
    £831One-way
    1 change
  • East Midlands RailwayC21667+South Western RailwayL80241+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo
    9:043h18
    Leicester station (LEI)
    12:22Southampton Central (SOU)
    £1191One-way
    2 changes
  • East Midlands RailwayC21675+South Western RailwayL80101+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo
    8:313h18
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:49Southampton Central (SOU)
    £1631One-way
    2 changes
  • East Midlands RailwayW70683+Great Western RailwayW35115+CrossCountryG01005+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington
    9:123h35
    Leicester station (LEI)
    12:47Southampton Central (SOU)
    £1841One-way
    3 changes
  • East Midlands RailwayW70677+Great Western RailwayW35111+CrossCountryG01003+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington
    8:133h30
    Leicester station (LEI)
    11:43Southampton Central (SOU)
    £1841One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Leicester to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 37m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a train costs an average of £115.

Distance: 194 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£115

Average Price

£26

Average Price

Cheapest

£38

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 37m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 43m

Average total duration

5h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 1m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Southampton is a coach with an average price of £26.

This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Southampton:

A coach is £89 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Southampton costing on average £115.

The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Southampton is by train with an average journey time of 3h 7m.

Other travel options to Southampton take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 13m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Southampton including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £115 compared to roughly £38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-77.07. The journey takes 3h 7m versus 3h 1m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Leicester to Southampton train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Southampton trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western RailwayL80233+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo+East Midlands RailwayC216708:01 Leicester station (LEI)
3h21
11:22 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70677+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW35111+CrossCountryG010038:13 Leicester station (LEI)
3h30
11:43 Southampton Central (SOU)3 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21675+South Western RailwayL80101+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo8:31 Leicester station (LEI)
3h18
11:49 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes
CrossCountryG00955 · G010058:50 Leicester station (LEI)
3h57
12:47 Southampton Central (SOU)1 change
South Western RailwayL80241+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Waterloo+East Midlands RailwayC216679:04 Leicester station (LEI)
3h18
12:22 Southampton Central (SOU)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70683+Great Western RailwayW35115+CrossCountryG01005+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington9:12 Leicester station (LEI)
3h35
12:47 Southampton Central (SOU)3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester 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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Leicester to Southampton trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway and more offer trains services from Leicester to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Southampton.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Leicester 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Southampton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, South Western Railway or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Southampton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Southampton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to Southampton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 194 km distance in 2h 35m.

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 £12
Distance
194 km
Average train duration
3h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
£37
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 35m
First train
4:45
Last train
22:52
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
56 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 £12

Train companies: South Western Railway, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway from Leicester to Southampton trainsSouth Western Railway, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Leicester and Southampton from £12. 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 South Western Railway Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£52
South Western Railway frequency
3 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

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£60
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the 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
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£37
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

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
4h 3m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£140
Great Western Railway frequency
1 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.

  • Must visit

SeaCity Museum

Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.

  • 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.

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.

Trains from Leicester to Southampton: Journey Details

The first train from Leicester to Southampton leaves just after 4:00 a.m., but passengers will have to make some changes along the way. There is no direct train from Leicester to Southampton, so passengers can choose to make two or three changes in London, two changes in Nuneaton and Coventry, or one change in Birmingham on the way. Some journeys include Tube travel through London. Due to a large number of different route options, there are up to five services per hour, with the last train leaving Leicester in the late evening and arriving in Southampton in the early hours of the morning, taking approximately five and a half hours. The first train from Leicester to Southampton on Sundays leaves after 7:00 a.m. The service is provided by both South West Trains and East Midlands Trains.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Leicester to Southampton

All trains from Leicester to Southampton depart from Leicester station is on London Road around a 10-minute walk from the city centre. There are seven bus stops near to the station, serving both universities in the city, as well as other attractions and local towns and cities. There is also a taxi rank stationed just outside the station.

Trains from Leicester to Southampton arrive at Southampton railway station. There are five bus stops at Southampton station, serving the city centre, St. Mary's Stadium and the University of Southampton. There are also two taxi ranks, and a bicycle hire facility. With onward travel options to the Isle of Wight via ferry, among other destinations.

FAQs: Leicester to Southampton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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
The cost of a train ticket from Leicester to Southampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £115.
The train journey from Leicester to Southampton covers a distance of 194 km and takes approximately 2h 35m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Southampton is 194 km.
The first train from Leicester to Southampton leaves at 4:45.
The last train from Leicester to Southampton departs at 22:52.
Trains from Leicester to Southampton run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Southampton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Southampton.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Southampton.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Southampton is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Southampton Central (SOU).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Southampton is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Leicester 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 Leicester to Southampton offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with highlights including views of the English countryside, small towns, and glimpses of historic architecture as the train passes through various regions.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Southampton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Southampton

Most Leicester to Southampton trains use the Leicester to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Southampton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Southampton

Which Leicester station do trains to Southampton leave from?

Trains from Leicester to Southampton leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre

BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min

Leicester train station facilities and services

Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Leicester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.

More options for your journey from Leicester to Southampton

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