The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Manchester
Cheapest price
£88
Average price
£112
Fastest journey
4 h 14 m
Average duration
4 h 49 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
292 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Manchester will cost around £112 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £88.
Of the 5 trains that leave Southampton for Manchester 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 292 km distance in an average of 4 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 19 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 to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Manchester 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 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a flight costs an average of £66.
Distance: 292 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£105 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £122 Average Price |
4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration 6h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Southampton to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Manchester trains for today, Saturday 17 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 14:15 Southampton | 4h14 | 18:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 18 January | |||||
![]() | 05:55 Southampton | 6h07 | 12:02 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 07:26 Southampton | 5h23 | 12:49 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 08:15 Southampton | 4h14 | 12:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 09:25 Southampton | 4h41 | 14:06 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 09:55 Southampton | 4h57 | 14:52 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Manchester 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.
18 Jan
19 Jan
20 Jan
21 Jan
22 Jan
23 Jan
24 Jan
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Southampton to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Manchester
Trains from Southampton to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 292 km distance in 4h 14m.
Distance 292 km |
Average train duration 4h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 14m |
First train 00:04 |
Last train 22:15 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Southampton to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Southampton and Manchester 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
Trains from Southampton to Manchester: Journey Details
Daily trains between Southampton and Manchester are operated by CrossCountry and Virgin Trains. CrossCountry trains run directly to Manchester Piccadilly with no changes and take around 4 hours 20 minutes. If you travel with Virgin, you will need to change in London, but the overall journey time may not be any longer. Trains depart for Manchester from 7 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Taking the Train from Southampton
All trains from Southampton to Manchester depart from Southampton Central Station, which is right at the heart of the city. The station is served by city buses U1A, U1C and U1E, as well as CityLink buses which run to the West Quay shopping centre and the port, the station is also served by night buses, which provide a connection to suburbs like Bitterne or Millbrook, while nearby towns like Winchester are a short train ride away as well.
Getting into Manchester by Train
Some people visit Manchester to watch two of England's greatest football teams. Others go for the famous music scene and nightlife, the chance to see their favourite television shows being filmed or superb galleries like the Whitworth and the Lowry. There are plenty of reasons to visit the capital of north-west England. All trains from Southampton to Manchester arrive at Manchester Piccadilly train station, which is a short walk to the east of the city centre. If you want to reach other destinations in Greater Manchester, there is a regular, quick tram network, along with free city centre buses and night buses for late arrivals. Coaches also depart regularly for Liverpool and Manchester International Airport, if you need to make an onward connection.
FAQs: Southampton to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Manchester 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Manchester
- 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)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 07:45 - 20:10
- Car Park: Upside and Multi-Storey
- Taxi: Yes
- 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
- 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
- Waiting rooms location: Inside booking hall.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Car park and platform 2
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 11:00 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Outside station in Wessex Lane.
- 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
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
Most popular train connections from Southampton
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