Cardiff to Southampton train with Great Western Rail

Wed, Nov 05
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF TER
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF TER
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Southampton

Showing times and prices for Nov 05

Cheapest price

€46

Average price

€78

Fastest journey

2 h 24 m

Average duration

2 h 31 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

139 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Southampton will cost around €78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €46.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Southampton on Wed, Nov 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 24 m .

On Wed, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 36 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.

Great Western RailP08387
10:30AM2h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)
01:02PMSouthampton Central (SOU)
461One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08385
09:28AM2h34
Cardiff Central (CDF)
12:02PMSouthampton Central (SOU)
631One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08383
08:27AM2h36
Cardiff Central (CDF)
11:03AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
631One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08481+CrossCountryC23555
10:18AM2h29
Cardiff Central (CDF)
12:47PMSouthampton Central (SOU)
841One-way
1 transfer
Great Western RailP08478+CrossCountryC23552
08:37AM3h06
Cardiff Central (CDF)
11:43AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
1061One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a train costs an average of €26.

Distance: 139 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€53

Average price

€26

Average price

Cheapest

3h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 15m

Average total duration

5h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Southampton train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 5
Last updated at 10:19 PM
Last updated at 10:19 PM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
great_westernP08477+cross_countryC23548
On time
8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h24
10:42 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
1 transfer
great_westernP08383
On time
8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h36
11:03 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08478+cross_countryC23552
On time
8:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h06
11:43 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
1 transfer
great_westernP08385
On time
9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h34
12:02 PM Southampton Central (SOU)
0 transfersDirect
great_westernP08481+cross_countryC23555
On time
10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h29
12:47 PM Southampton Central (SOU)
1 transfer
great_westernP08387
On time
10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h32
1:02 PM Southampton Central (SOU)
0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Southampton by train or bus

Wed
Nov 05
Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
Trains from Cardiff to Southampton run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €26 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.
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
Bus from €15
Distance
139 km
Average train duration
2h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
€26
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 24m
First train
05:07
Last train
21:38
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
Bus from €15

Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Southampton trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Southampton from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Price
€28
Great Western Rail frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest Price
€100
first_great_western frequency
25 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Southampton

FAQs: Travel by train from Cardiff to Southampton easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cardiff to Southampton.
FAQs
On average the Cardiff to Southampton train travel time is 2 h 34 min   for the 139 km long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Cardiff to Southampton leaves at 07: 28. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Cardiff to Southampton leaves at 15: 30.
There are 15 trains a day from Cardiff to Southampton which require at least one change with Great Western Rail. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
For the best Cardiff to Southampton train to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Great Western Rail. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services to Southampton from Cardiff to compare what amenities they may offer.

When departing from Cardiff, you have various train station options to start your trip from including Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street. When arriving in Southampton, you can end your trip in train stations like Southampton Central and Southampton Airport Parkway.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cardiff Central, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Southampton Central, located 0.7 miles (1.2 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Cardiff to Southampton by train is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Southampton including taking a coach or train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Southampton

Cardiff
Southampton
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your trip from Cardiff to Southampton.
CathaysParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
  • Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Cardiff Queen StreetParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
  • Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
  • Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
  • Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
GrangetownParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category C. The station platforms are only accessible by stairs.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Grangetown
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Penarth Road
Heath High LevelParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Heath High Level
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Lisvane & ThornhillParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Rhymney) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via Clos Llysfaen and a ramp with a shallow gradient. Access between the platforms is via a footbridge
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Lisvane & Thornhill
  • Onward travel information: Visit Cardiff Bus (routes 85 and 86) for more details.
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait on Cherry Orchard Road adjacent to station car park entrance
Ninian ParkParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Ninian Park
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
Waun-gron ParkParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Radyr) and Platform 2 (to Cardiff) from Waungron Road via ramps with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via the ramps and beneath the railway bridge on Waungron Road.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Waun-gron Park
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Waun Gron Road

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Southampton

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