Southampton to Chester train with CrossCountry

Thu 26 Feb
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
South Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
South Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Chester

Showing times and prices for 27 Feb

Cheapest price

£64

Average price

£81

Fastest journey

4 h 36 m

Average duration

4 h 51 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

274 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Southampton to Chester will cost around £81 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Southampton for Chester every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 274 km distance in an average of 4 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 36 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 6 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.

CrossCountry
08:155h06
Southampton
13:21Chester
£641One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
08:304h36
Southampton
13:06Chester
£991One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Southampton to Chester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £23. 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 £23, and a flight costs an average of £95.

Distance: 274 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£98

Average Price

£38

Average Price

Cheapest

£120

Average Price

4h 28m

Average total duration

3h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 53m

Average total duration

6h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 5m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Eastern Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Southampton to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Chester trains for today, Thursday 26 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 08:02
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
avanti_west_coast09:00 Southampton
4h42
13:42 Chester0 changesdirect
cross_country09:15 Southampton
4h27
13:42 Chester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Chester by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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
27 Feb
Sat
28 Feb
Sun
01 Mar
Mon
02 Mar
Tue
03 Mar
Wed
04 Mar
Thu
05 Mar

Why should you book Southampton to Chester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, South Western Railway, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Southampton to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Chester.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, South Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Chester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Chester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southampton to Chester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:39, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 274 km distance in 4h 27m.

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 £23
Distance
274 km
Average train duration
3h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
£51
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
4h 27m
First train
03:39
Last train
21:34
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 £23

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, South Western Railway, Cross Country from Southampton to Chester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, South Western Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Southampton and Chester from £23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
4h 27m
Cheapest Price
£51
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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
£98
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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
South Western Railway frequency
1 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 25m
Cheapest Price
£221
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Southampton to Chester train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Southampton to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £98.
The train journey from Southampton to Chester covers a distance of 274 km and takes approximately 4h 27m. Trains run 6 per day.
The first train from Southampton to Chester leaves at 3:39.
The train distance from Southampton to Chester is 274 km.
The last train from Southampton to Chester departs at 21:34.
Trains from Southampton to Chester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southampton to Chester.
To get from Southampton to Chester, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Chester.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Chester is Southampton Central (SOU), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Chester is by coach, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Southampton to Chester 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 Chester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with highlights including the rolling landscapes of the Chiltern Hills and picturesque views of the English countryside as the train travels through areas like the Cotswolds and Cheshire.
A day trip from Southampton to Chester is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 27m and covers 274 km. There are 6 trains per day.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Chester

Southampton
Chester
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 Chester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:45 Saturday 06:00 - 20:45 Sunday 06:30 - 20:45
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Premium-downside
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes outside Platform 4 exit
Accessibility
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
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
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: All platforms. Waiting rooms are heated and seating complies with Code of Practice.
Bike Parking
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
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Parking
Parking
  • 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
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 07:45 - 20:10
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Upside and Multi-Storey
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
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
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
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside booking hall.
Bike Parking
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)

More options for your journey from Southampton to Chester

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Chester Southampton to Chester train

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