Southampton to Chester train with CrossCountry

Sun 11 Oct
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Chester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 11 Oct

Cheapest price on 11 Oct

£57

Average ticket price on 11 Oct

£116

Fastest journey on 11 Oct

4 h 36 m

Average journey duration on 11 Oct

4 h 51 m

Trains on 11 Oct

10

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 £116 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £57.

Fast trains

To travel from Southampton to Chester you need to make at least one change.

  • CrossCountryG00874+Transport for WalesW44306
    12:155h15
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    17:30Chester station (CTR)
    £571One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastW33130+South Western RailwayL78789_L79955+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+Transport for WalesW44281
    12:545h55
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    18:49Chester station (CTR)
    £901One-way
    3 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33135+South Western RailwayL80180+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+Transport for WalesG38382
    12:255h30
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    17:55Chester station (CTR)
    £991One-way
    3 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33126+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+Transport for WalesG38376+South Western RailwayL80158
    10:255h31
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    15:56Chester station (CTR)
    £991One-way
    3 changes
  • South Western RailwayL80138+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW33270+Transport for WalesW44296
    9:255h24
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    14:49Chester station (CTR)
    £991One-way
    3 changes

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 9 times per day, taking around 3h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £28 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:39, the last at 20:55. The fastest train covers the 274 km distance in 3h 24m.

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 £28
Distance
274 km
Average train duration
3h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
£46
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
3h 24m
First train
3:39
Last train
20:55
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
70 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £28

Live departures

Southampton to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Chester trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry8:45 Southampton
4h57
13:42 Chester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Southampton to Chester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast 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 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 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.

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Southampton to Chester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Southampton and Chester from £28. 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 CrossCountry Duration
3h 52m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£46
CrossCountry frequency
3 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

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 Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£74
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
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

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

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

  • Recommended

Deva Roman Experience

Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.

  • Recommended

Dewa Roman Experience

Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

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 £46, while the average price tends to be around £97.
The train journey from Southampton to Chester covers a distance of 274 km and takes approximately 3h 24m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Southampton to Chester is 274 km.
The first train from Southampton to Chester leaves at 3:39.
The last train from Southampton to Chester departs at 20:55.
Trains from Southampton to Chester run approximately 9 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.
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).
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Chester

Most Southampton to Chester trains use the Southampton Central to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Chester 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 Chester

Which Southampton station do trains to Chester leave from?

Trains from Southampton to Chester 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.

More options for your journey from Southampton to Chester

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

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