- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Cheapest price on 01 Sept
£34
Average ticket price on 01 Sept
£134
Fastest journey on 01 Sept
4 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 01 Sept
4 h 12 m
Trains on 01 Sept
18
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 £134 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
On Tue 01 Sept, we found 18 trains from Southampton to Manchester, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 292 km distance in an average of 4 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 14 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.
G00879
G00875
G00855
G00851
G00849
G00739 · G00854
G00858
G00855
G00879
G00875Omio 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 an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 1m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a flight costs an average of £86.
Distance: 292 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest | £86 Average Price |
4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration 6h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 1m Onboard + 2h 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.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Manchester trains for today, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00849 | Delayed 5:15 6:15Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 9:30 9:30Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 1 September | |||||
G00849 | 6:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 10:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L78869+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ W33961 | 6:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h35 | 11:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W34038+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L78750 | 7:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h19 | 11:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00851 | 7:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00739 · G00854 | 7:55 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h04 | 11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W34102+ G88375+ Tube from London Victoria to London Euston+ L78756 | 8:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h19 | 12:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
G00855 | 8:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34210+ L78760+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston | 8:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h35 | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W33931+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L78764 | 9:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h44 | 13:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W34198+ L78764+ G88386+ Tube from London Victoria to London Euston | 9:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h19 | 13:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
G00858 | 9:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34101+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L80064 | 9:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h35 | 14:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W34280+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L80207 | 12:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h19 | 16:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00875 | 12:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 16:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34157+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L80079 | 12:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h35 | 17:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W33951+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+ L80217 | 13:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h23 | 17:23 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00879 | 13:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h14 | 17:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34231+ L80087+ Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston | 13:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h35 | 18:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Southampton to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 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 23:45. The fastest train covers the 292 km distance in 4h 14m.
Distance 292 km |
Average train duration 4h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 14m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
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.
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.
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.
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.

Most Southampton to Manchester trains use the Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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 Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Swaythling is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Swaythling.
Wi-Fi is available at Swaythling.
Ticket office support is available at Swaythling.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swaythling: Parking.
Available at Swaythling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are 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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: 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.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need