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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Showing times and prices for 31 May
Cheapest price
£64
Average price
£100
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Trains per day
38
Distance
138 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £100 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Fast trains
To travel from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) you need to make at least one change.
W35023 · GW212700 · C5004515:574h56Southampton Central (SOU)20:53Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way2 changes- W35043 · GW20170018:573h28Southampton Central (SOU)22:25Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way1 change
- W34984 · GW229600+
G388469:573h51Southampton Central (SOU)13:48Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way2 changes - W34990 · GW229300+G3889910:573h52Southampton Central (SOU)14:49Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way2 changes
- C33095 · GW229100+G3892011:573h58Southampton Central (SOU)15:55Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way2 changes
- C33099 · GW212600+
G0111617:573h25Southampton Central (SOU)21:22Cardiff Central (CDF)£651One-way2 changes 
L80137+C03044 · C012279:253h26Southampton Central (SOU)12:51Cardiff Central (CDF)£1161One-way2 changes- L80171+C03054 · C5004711:253h28Southampton Central (SOU)14:53Cardiff Central (CDF)£1161One-way2 changes
- L80231+C03084 · C5004517:253h28Southampton Central (SOU)20:53Cardiff Central (CDF)£1161One-way2 changes
- W35043 · GW20170018:573h28Southampton Central (SOU)22:25Cardiff Central (CDF)£641One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and ferry for Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 138 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest | £24 Average Price |
3h 10m Average total duration 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration 6h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 40m Average total duration Fastest 40m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Saturday 30 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C42272 · GW087100+G38891 | 18:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h42 | 21:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G00910+C42181 | On time 18:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h24 | 21:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C42274 · GW086700+G01125 | On time 19:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h24 | 22:34 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C42276 · GW086300 | 20:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h30 | 23:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G00926+W34650 | On time 20:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h12 | 23:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C42278 · GW086100 | 21:12 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h23 | 0:35 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Sunday 31 May | |||||
| C50048_W35439+L78754 · L79160 | 6:55 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 11:09 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| L78766+C03038 · C01228 | 8:26 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h49 | 12:15 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C01227+G00860 | 9:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h36 | 12:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03044 · C01227+L80137 | 9:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h26 | 12:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W34984 · GW229600+G38846 | 9:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h51 | 13:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C01226+G00863 | 10:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h42 | 13:57 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03049 · C01226+L80157 | 10:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h32 | 13:57 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W34990 · GW229300+G38899 | 10:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h52 | 14:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C50047+G00867 | 11:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h38 | 14:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03054 · C50047+L80171 | 11:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h28 | 14:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C33095 · GW229100+G38920 | 11:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h58 | 15:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C00840+G00874 | 12:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h41 | 15:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03059 · C00840+L80179 | 12:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h31 | 15:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W35001 · GW228800+G38852 | 12:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h59 | 16:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G00880+C50040 | 13:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h43 | 16:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03064 · C50040+L80183 | 13:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h33 | 16:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C33097 · GW228600+G39608 | 13:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h42 | 17:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C50042+G00885 | On time 14:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h41 | 17:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03069 · C50042+L80189 | 14:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h31 | 17:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C33098 · GW228100+G38855 | 14:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h57 | 18:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G00890+C50043 | 15:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h42 | 18:57 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L80199+C03074 · C50043 | 15:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h32 | 18:57 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W35023 · GW212700 · C50045 | 15:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h56 | 20:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W35023 · GW227900+G38932 | 15:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h46 | 19:43 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G00897+W34659 | 16:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h43 | 19:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L80211+C03079 · W34659 | 16:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h33 | 19:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W35029+G00907+GW212800+G38858 | 16:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h45 | 20:42 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| G00902+C50045 | 17:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h38 | 20:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L80231+C03084 · C50045 | 17:25 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h28 | 20:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C33099 · GW212600+G01116 | 17:57 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h25 | 21:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) by train, coach or ferry
Compare train, coach and ferry 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.
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Why should you book Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
- 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, bus and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and ferry to find the ideal travel option from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:33, the last at 21:11. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 2h 21m.
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 £13
Distance 138 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 4:33 |
Last train 21:11 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 £13
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £13. 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 Duration
2h 21m
Cheapest Price
£17
Great Western Railway frequency
8 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest Price
£157
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Price
£91
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
13 a day
FAQs: Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The train journey from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) covers a distance of 138 km and takes approximately 2h 21m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 138 km.
The first train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:33.
The last train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) departs at 21:11.
Trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, there is a direct train between Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF). The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and ferry.
There is no night train service from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Southampton Central to Cardiff Central offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the rolling hills and countryside of southern England and glimpses of the Severn Estuary as you approach Cardiff.
A day trip from Southampton Central to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 21m. However, there are 7 trains per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Southampton
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Southampton is Southampton Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton Central for your trip from Southampton to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car 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)
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Southampton.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar 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)
Most popular train connections from Southampton Central (SOU)
More options for your journey from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Southampton Central (SOU)
Most popular train connections to Cardiff Central (CDF)
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