Southampton to Cambridge train with South Western Railway

Thu 20 Aug
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South Western Railway
Thameslink
Greater Anglia
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Great Western Railway
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South Western Railway
Thameslink
Greater Anglia
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Cambridge

Showing times and prices for 20 Aug

Cheapest price

£36

Average price

£59

Fastest journey

3 h 9 m

Average duration

3 h 9 m

Trains per day

11

Distance

178 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Southampton to Cambridge will cost around £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

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

  • South Western RailwayL80068+Great NorthernG27008+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
    10:303h09
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    13:39Cambridge South
    £361One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL78764+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG27007
    9:003h09
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    12:09Cambridge South
    £401One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL80064+Great NorthernC93376+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross
    9:303h09
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    12:39Cambridge South
    £401One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL80195+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG76998
    10:003h09
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    13:09Cambridge South
    £401One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL80201+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77008
    11:003h09
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    14:09Cambridge South
    £401One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Southampton to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, and a train costs an average of £17.

Distance: 178 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£47

Average Price

£26

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 12m

Average total duration

4h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Southampton to Cambridge train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Cambridge trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western Railway8:00 Southampton
3h13
11:13 Cambridge0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Cambridge by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Thu
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug

Why should you book Southampton to Cambridge trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Thameslink or Greater Anglia offer trains services from Southampton to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Cambridge.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southampton to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 01:27, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 178 km distance in 3h 9m.

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
Distance
178 km
Average train duration
3h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 9m
First train
1:27
Last train
23:12
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 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

Train companies: South Western Railway, Thameslink, Greater Anglia from Southampton to Cambridge trainsSouth Western Railway, Thameslink, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Southampton and Cambridge from £17. 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 Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
£17
South Western Railway frequency
6 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

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 31m
Cheapest Price
£32
Greater Anglia frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class 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 require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 52m
Cheapest Price
£31
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Cambridge

Things to do in Cambridge

Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.

  • Must visit

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.

  • Recommended

Kettle's Yard

Contemporary art gallery in a former chapel, showing changing exhibitions by modern and international artists near the city centre.

  • Recommended

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

Museum of Earth sciences with dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and minerals. Compact, family-friendly, and useful for a rainy day.

Pound sterling (£)

Cambridge is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels and dining are above average, but walking and buses help keep transport costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for fine dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.

FAQs: Southampton to Cambridge train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Southampton to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from Southampton to Cambridge covers a distance of 178 km and takes approximately 3h 9m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Southampton to Cambridge is 178 km.
The first train from Southampton to Cambridge leaves at 1:27.
The last train from Southampton to Cambridge departs at 23:12.
Trains from Southampton to Cambridge run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southampton to Cambridge.
To get from Southampton to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Cambridge.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Cambridge is Southampton Central (SOU), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Cambridge is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Southampton to Cambridge 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 to Cambridge offers limited scenic views, primarily featuring urban landscapes, farmlands, and occasional glimpses of the English countryside.
A day trip from Southampton to Cambridge is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 9m. Trains run 6 times per day, covering a distance of 178 km.
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views of the colleges and bridges, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square for local produce and crafts, attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, or take a guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Some of the best sights include King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, Trinity College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Two to three days in Cambridge allows you to explore its historic university, enjoy punting on the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and stroll around the city's beautiful gardens and colleges.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Cambridge.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Cambridge

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

Departure train stations in Southampton
Arrival train stations in Cambridge

Which Southampton station do trains to Cambridge leave from?

Trains from Southampton to Cambridge leave from Southampton Central. The station is 1 km from Southampton city centre at Southampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre

BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min

Southampton Central train station facilities and services

Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: 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.

Southampton Airport ParkwaySouthampton Airport Parkway station, Wide Lane, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2HW+44 345 600 0650WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre

Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSalisbury - Romsey, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Bournemouth - Winchester, Poole - London Waterloo, Southampton Central - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Woking, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Poole - Winchester, Southampton Central - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Romsey - Romsey, Southampton Central - Woking, Salisbury - Salisbury, Salisbury - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Romsey · 10m · £3 · every ~8 min
BusU1a, U1e · 34m · £2 · every ~21 min
U1a, U1e · 40m · £2 · every ~37 min

Southampton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services

Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: 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 some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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: No.

SwaythlingSwaythling station, Wessex Lane, Swaythling, Hampshire, SO18 2LB+44 345 600 0650WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Swaythling from Southampton city centre

Swaythling is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSouthampton Central - London Waterloo, Salisbury - Romsey, Romsey - Romsey, Salisbury - Salisbury, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Southampton Central - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - Winchester, Southampton Central - Woking, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Salisbury - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Romsey · 7m · £2 · every ~3 min
BusU6h · 22m · £2 · every ~11 min
2 · 28m · £4 · every ~22 min
U1a, U1e · 30m · £2 · every ~21 min
U1a, U1e · 33m · £2 · every ~37 min

Swaythling train station facilities and services

Swaythling has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Swaythling.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Swaythling.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Swaythling.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Swaythling: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Swaythling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Swaythling: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B station - This station has no step-free access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Eastleigh/ London Waterloo). There is level access to Platform 2 (for trains towards Southampton Central). 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Southampton to Cambridge

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cambridge Southampton to Cambridge train

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