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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Cambridge
Showing times and prices for 21 Nov
Cheapest price
£37
Average price
£49
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
3 h 19 m
Trains per day
4
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 £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Southampton for Cambridge every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 178 km distance in an average of 3 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 43 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.
07:003h30
Southampton10:30Cambridge
£371One-way
0 changes
05:303h00
Southampton08:30Cambridge
£371One-way
0 changes
04:553h43
Southampton08:38Cambridge
£401One-way
0 changes
06:003h03
Southampton09:03Cambridge
£851One-way
0 changes
05:303h00
Southampton08:30Cambridge
£371One-way
0 changes
06:003h03
Southampton09:03Cambridge
£851One-way
0 changes
07:003h30
Southampton10:30Cambridge
£371One-way
0 changes
04:553h43
Southampton08:38Cambridge
£401One-way
0 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 train with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 58m. 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 train costs an average of £20, and a coach costs an average of £39.
Distance: 178 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£49 Average Price Cheapest | £51 Average Price |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration 4h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 09:17
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 14:15 Southampton | 3h16 | 17:31 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 21 November | |||||
| 04:55 Southampton | 3h43 | 08:38 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05:30 Southampton | 3h00 | 08:30 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06:00 Southampton | 3h03 | 09:03 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:00 Southampton | 3h30 | 10:30 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
Fri
21 Nov
21 Nov
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22 Nov
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23 Nov
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27 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 178 km distance in 2h 58m.
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 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 00:04 |
Last train 23:10 |
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, CrossCountry, Thameslink, Abellio Greater Anglia, Great Northern from Southampton to Cambridge trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry, Thameslink, Abellio Greater Anglia, Great Northern trains will get you between Southampton and Cambridge from £20. 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 0m
Cheapest Price
£20
South Western Railway frequency
5 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
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
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
£84
CrossCountry frequency
1 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
Abellio 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
£33
Abellio 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
£32
Thameslink frequency
1 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
Great Northern
About
Great Northern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and sleeper services. The high-speed trains are called InterCity Express Trains and they offer a fast and comfortable journey between major cities. The regional trains are called Regional Express Trains and they provide a slower but more frequent service to smaller towns and villages. The sleeper services are called Caledonian Sleeper Trains and they offer overnight journeys with comfortable sleeping compartments. Great Northern offers a variety of ticket types, including single, return, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Great Northern are London to Cambridge, London to Peterborough, and London to Norwich. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£85
Great Northern frequency
1 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
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free, maximum two dogs per passenger, must be on lead
Quiet zone
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.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Southampton to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £20, while the average price tends to be around £49.
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.
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 cheapest way to get from Southampton to Cambridge is by train, costing approximately £20.
The train journey from Southampton to Cambridge covers a distance of 178 km and takes approximately 2h 58m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Southampton to Cambridge is 178 km.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Cambridge is Southampton Central (SOU), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The last train from Southampton to Cambridge departs at 23:10.
The first train from Southampton to Cambridge leaves at 0:04.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Cambridge.
Trains from Southampton to Cambridge run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Cambridge.
Yes, you can take the train 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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Cambridge
Southampton
Cambridge
The major train station for departures in Southampton is Millbrook (Hants). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Millbrook (Hants) for your trip from Southampton to Cambridge.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Parking
Lost and Found Officeinformation
Distance to city center
2 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Public transport options for Millbrook (Hants)
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From Totton / Romsey: Bus Stop outside of Station on sliproad from Waterloo Road to Mountbatten Way (A33) To Southampton: Mountbatten Way (A33) Bus Stop by Lakelands Drive
Amenities at train station
WifiParking
DiningLost and Found Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
4 kmBike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Redbridge
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Totton / Romsey: Redbridge Roundabout Bus Stop (Southampton side of Roundabout on A33 slip road) To Southampton: Redbridge School Bus Stop (Southampton side of Roundabout on A33 slip road)
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
LoungeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeBike Parking
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 07:45 - 20:10
Distance to city center
5 kmParking
- Car Park: Upside and Multi-Storey
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
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 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1; 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
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Inside booking hall.
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Car park and platform 2
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Southampton Airport Parkway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Through Journeys: Station Forecourt Bus Stop off Wide Lane (A335) Terminating Journeys: Car Park at Eastleigh end, off Wide Lane (A335)
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar 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)
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 11:00 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Level access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Southampton). Steps to Platform 2 (for trains towards Portsmouth). 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Woolston
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Through Journeys: Bridge Road Bus Stops at bottom of Garton Road. Terminating Journeys: Station Forecourt, Garton Road
The major train station for arrivals in Cambridge is Cambridge. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge for your journey to Cambridge from Southampton.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWC
HotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- 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: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cambridge
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Information Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff
- 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
- Toilets Location: Station foyer
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent station building.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
Public transport options for Cambridge North
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.
Most popular train connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cambridge and Southampton
Most popular train connections to Cambridge
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