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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Cardiff
Cheapest price on Sep 05
€64
Average ticket price on Sep 05
€98
Fastest journey on Sep 05
2 h 22 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
2 h 22 m
Trains on Sep 05
26
Distance
139 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Cardiff will cost around €98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €64.
On Sat, Sep 05, we found 26 trains from Southampton to Cardiff, including 12 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 05 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 22 m .
On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 22 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.
W350062:10 PM2h39Southampton Central (SOU)4:49 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€641One-way0 transfers- C422684:10 PM2h40Southampton Central (SOU)6:50 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€641One-way0 transfers
- C422705:09 PM2h41Southampton Central (SOU)7:50 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€641One-way0 transfers
- W350113:10 PM2h38Southampton Central (SOU)5:48 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€641One-way0 transfers
- C422726:10 PM2h36Southampton Central (SOU)8:46 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€641One-way0 transfers
- W35420+
G008964:15 PM2h22Southampton Central (SOU)6:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1291One-way1 transfer - W34635+G008893:15 PM2h22Southampton Central (SOU)5:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1291One-way1 transfer
- W34621+G0086811:15 AM2h22Southampton Central (SOU)1:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1291One-way1 transfer
- C42180+G009106:15 PM2h22Southampton Central (SOU)8:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1291One-way1 transfer
- W34625+G0087312:15 PM2h22Southampton Central (SOU)2:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€1291One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Southampton to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 13m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €25, while a train costs an average of €55.
Distance: 139 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€55 Average price | €25 Average price Cheapest | €35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration 6h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Cardiff:
A bus is €30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Cardiff costing on average €55.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 0m.
Live departures
Southampton to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Cardiff trains for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G15018 | Delayed 3:13 PM 4:11 PMSouthampton Central (SOU) | 2h39 | 6:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34637+G00895 | On time 4:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 6:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C03080 · G14942+ L80115 · L79976 | On time 4:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h08 | 7:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| G15020 | On time 5:11 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h42 | 7:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G14943+G00901 | 5:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h59 | 8:14 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C42255 | 8:09 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h43 | 10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C42174+G00856 | 8:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h25 | 10:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C42716 · C42463 · W34615 | 8:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h10 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C42257 | 9:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h35 | 11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34615+G00859 | 9:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h25 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34983 | 10:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h40 | 12:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C42175+G00862 | 10:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h25 | 12:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C42260 | 11:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h37 | 1:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34621+G00868 | 11:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 1:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W34995 | 12:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h40 | 2:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34625+G00873 | 12:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C03061 · C42176+L80081 · L79953 | 12:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h06 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C42263 | 1:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h36 | 3:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W35006 | 2:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h39 | 4:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34631+G00886 | 2:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 4:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W35011 | 3:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h38 | 5:48 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34635+G00889 | 3:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h22 | 5:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C42268 | 4:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h40 | 6:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Cardiff by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Sep 05
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Sep 11
Why should you book Southampton to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Cardiff.
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €23 but you can travel from only €16 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 139 km distance in 2h 35m.
Distance 139 km |
Average train duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €23 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 35m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Southampton to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Southampton and Cardiff from €16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Southampton to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Southampton to Cardiff
Most Southampton to Cardiff trains use the Southampton Central to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Southampton station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
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.
Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Swaythling from Southampton city centre
Swaythling is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Swaythling train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Swaythling.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swaythling.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swaythling.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swaythling: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Swaythling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Most popular train connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Southampton
Most popular train connections to Cardiff
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