4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price
£17
Average price
£45
Fastest journey
2 h 33 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
138 km
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 £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.
Of the 5 trains that leave Southampton Central (SOU) for Cardiff Central (CDF) every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 138 km distance in an average of 2 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 33 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 21 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.
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 ferry with prices starting from £19. 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 ferry costs an average of £19, and a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 138 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price | £26 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration 6h 3m 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, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:33 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h15 | 07:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05:47 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h58 | 08:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h34 | 12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:11 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h38 | 16:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17:10 Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h36 | 19:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
02 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
05 Dec
06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
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 7 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:33, the last at 20:11. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 138 km |
Average train duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 04:33 |
Last train 20:11 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Southampton Central (SOU) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton Central (SOU) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:45 Saturday 06:00 - 20:45 Sunday 06:30 - 20:45
- Car Park: Premium-downside
- Taxi: Yes outside Platform 4 exit
- 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
- 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
- Waiting rooms location: All platforms. Waiting rooms are heated and seating complies with Code of Practice.
- 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
- 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)
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
