- Recommended
House on the Hill Toy Museum
House museum beside the castle displaying eccentric collections, period rooms and curiosities that make for an unusual visit near Stansted.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Stansted is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Stansted will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 1 trains from Southampton to Stansted, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 7 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 7 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.

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Trains from Southampton to Stansted run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 158 km distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 158 km |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 0:30 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 77 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Southampton to Stansted.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Stansted trains for tomorrow, Monday 2 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:30 Southampton | 3h07 | 11:37 Stansted | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Stansted — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stansted trip today.
House museum beside the castle displaying eccentric collections, period rooms and curiosities that make for an unusual visit near Stansted.
Museum and art gallery in Saffron Walden with natural history, archaeology, world cultures and temporary exhibitions in one compact venue.
Aviation museum at the airport featuring preserved aircraft and displays on Stansted’s role in civil and military aviation.
Large country park with lakes, woodland and open grassland. Popular for walking, birdwatching and an easy escape close to the airport.
Historic market square in Saffron Walden lined with old buildings, shops and regular market activity, ideal for a short stroll and photos.
Landscaped park around a maze, open lawns and ornamental features. It is a pleasant local favourite for a quiet walk near Stansted.
Essex smoked bacon is traditionally cured and smoked, prized for a rich savoury flavour and long links to the county’s farming and breakfast tables.
Tiptree jam, made in Essex since the nineteenth century, is a classic local preserve served with toast, scones and afternoon tea.
Bread and butter pudding is a traditional English dessert of buttered bread, dried fruit, custard and baking, widely eaten in Essex pubs and homes.
Smart country-house dining venue in Elsenham offering modern British dishes in a quieter, more refined setting.
Traditional pub near Stansted Mountfitchet serving British classics and drinks in a historic, cosy setting.
Established pub and restaurant in Stansted Mountfitchet known for hearty British meals and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Moderate for England: airport-area stays and rail fares are pricey, but casual dining and coffee are fairly typical for UK tourist hubs.
Restaurants often add 10-12.5% service; otherwise round up or tip 10%. Taxis: round up. Cafes: optional small change.
Official public transport app
Stansted Airport Railway Station -> Liverpool Street Station, London
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Stansted.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Stansted 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 Stansted, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southampton to Stansted trains use the Southampton Central to station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Stansted 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.
Redbridge is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Redbridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Redbridge.
Wi-Fi is available at Redbridge.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Redbridge: Parking.
Available at Redbridge: Bike Parking.
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.
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