The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cheapest price
£49
Average price
£79
Fastest journey
4 h 14 m
Average duration
4 h 15 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
291 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £49.
Of the 5 trains that leave Southampton Central (SOU) for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 291 km distance in an average of 4 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 16 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a train costs an average of £25.
Distance: 291 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£85 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest | £72 Average Price |
4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C23376 | On time 07:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L46999+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W09638 | On time 07:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h35 | 12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
L46942+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W09724 | On time 08:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h44 | 12:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
L46942+ Y29207+ Tube from London Victoria to London Euston+ W09640 | On time 08:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h19 | 12:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
C23380 | On time 08:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L46944+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W09643 | On time 08:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h35 | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 18:30. The fastest train covers the 291 km distance in 4h 14m.
Distance 291 km |
Average train duration 4h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 14m |
First train 04:15 |
Last train 18:30 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Southampton Central (SOU) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
FAQs: Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton Central (SOU) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
- 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)
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Most popular train connections from Southampton Central (SOU)
More options for your journey from Southampton Central (SOU) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need





