Manchester to Southampton train with CrossCountry

Fri 02 Jan
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Southampton

Showing times and prices for 03 Jan

Cheapest price

£39

Average price

£145

Fastest journey

4 h 17 m

Average duration

4 h 18 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

292 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Southampton will cost around £145 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Manchester 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 292 km distance in an average of 4 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 17 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 18 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.

CrossCountryC72479
09:254h18
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
13:43Southampton Central (SOU)
£391One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC72484
11:254h17
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
15:42Southampton Central (SOU)
£1671One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC72481
10:254h18
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
14:43Southampton Central (SOU)
£1671One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC72491
13:254h17
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
17:42Southampton Central (SOU)
£1671One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC72487
12:254h19
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
16:44Southampton Central (SOU)
£1671One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Manchester to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a flight costs an average of £67.

Distance: 292 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£106

Average Price

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

£122

Average Price

5h 3m

Average total duration

4h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 3m

Average total duration

6h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Eastern Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Manchester to Southampton train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Southampton trains for today, Friday 2 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 05:50
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
cross_countryC72472
On time
07:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h18
11:43 Southampton Central (SOU)
0 changesdirect
transpennine_expressC43636+london_north_eastern_railwayY11693+assertis_tubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+south_west_trainsQ11495
On time
07:32 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
5h49
13:21 Southampton Central (SOU)
3 changes
transpennine_expressC43742+london_north_eastern_railwayC40669+assertis_tubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+south_west_trainsQ11447
On time
07:45 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
6h07
13:52 Southampton Central (SOU)
3 changes
cross_countryC72475
On time
08:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h22
12:47 Southampton Central (SOU)
0 changesdirect
transpennine_expressL36636+london_north_eastern_railwayY11699+assertis_tubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Waterloo+south_west_trainsQ11394
On time
08:30 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
5h51
14:21 Southampton Central (SOU)
3 changes
cross_country04:11 Manchester
4h32
08:43 Southampton0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester 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.

Sat
03 Jan
Sun
04 Jan
Mon
05 Jan
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08 Jan
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09 Jan
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Southampton?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Southampton is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Southampton route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Southampton per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Southampton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Southampton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 292 km distance in 4h 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 £15
Distance
292 km
Average train duration
4h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
£49
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 14m
First train
00:04
Last train
22:15
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 £15

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Cross Country from Manchester to Southampton trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Cross Country trains will get you between Manchester and Southampton from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest Price
£59
CrossCountry frequency
2 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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 14m
Cheapest Price
£99
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest Price
£242
Cross Country frequency
10 a day

Trains From Manchester To Southampton: Journey Details

Taking one of the regular trains from Manchester to Southampton can be a faster and simpler option than travelling by road. Direct trains make the distance in just over 4 hours starting at Manchester Piccadilly Station and arriving at Southampton Central. Although some trains travel to Southampton direct, others may take about 4.5 hours and involve up to two changes en route at London Euston and London Waterloo. Services begin as early as 5:00 a.m. and run approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day until about 10:00 p.m.

Where do trains from Manchester to Southampton depart from and arrive to?

All trains from Manchester to Southampton depart from Manchester Piccadilly, which is located on the east side of Manchester city centre. The station can easily be reached on foot from the city centre by walking to Station Approach just off Ducie Street.

All trains from Manchester to Southampton arrive at Southampton Central Station, which is situated on Blechynden Terrace near the city centre. The station is within a 10-minute walk of many of Southampton's attractions and shopping areas. Several bus stops and a taxi rank are situated outside the station.

FAQs: Manchester to Southampton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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
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.
A day trip from Manchester to Southampton is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 14m each way. Trains run 6 times per day and the distance is 292 km.
The train distance from Manchester to Southampton is 292 km.
The train journey from Manchester to Southampton offers diverse scenery, including urban views, rolling countryside, and glimpses of the Peak District, providing a varied visual experience.
Booking trains from Manchester 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 Manchester to Southampton covers a distance of 292 km and takes approximately 4h 14m. Trains run 6 per day.
The first train from Manchester to Southampton leaves at 0:04.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Southampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £106.
The last train from Manchester to Southampton departs at 22:15.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Southampton is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Trains from Manchester to Southampton run approximately 6 times per day.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Southampton is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Southampton Central (SOU).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Southampton.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Southampton.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Southampton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Southampton. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
To get from Manchester to Southampton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Southampton

Manchester
Southampton
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Southampton.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
  • Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: No cycle storage
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Southampton Manchester to Southampton train

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