Southampton to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Wed, Jul 22
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jul 22

Cheapest price

€57

Average price

€66

Fastest journey

2 h 35 m

Average duration

2 h 38 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

139 km

Cheap tickets

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 €66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €57.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Southampton for Cardiff on Wed, Jul 22, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 35 m .

On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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 Railway
    10:11 AM2h38
    Southampton
    12:49 PMCardiff
    571One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    9:11 AM2h35
    Southampton
    11:46 AMCardiff
    631One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    8:11 AM2h35
    Southampton
    10:46 AMCardiff
    651One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    8:10 AM2h42
    Southampton
    10:52 AMCardiff
    701One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    5:33 AM3h06
    Southampton
    8:39 AMCardiff
    711One-way
    0 transfers

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 prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 43m. 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 €16, and a train costs an average of €14.

Distance: 139 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€64

Average price

€25

Average price

Cheapest

3h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 25m

Average total duration

5h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Southampton to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway5:33 AM Southampton
3h06
8:39 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway7:10 AM Southampton
2h42
9:52 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway8:10 AM Southampton
2h42
10:52 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway8:11 AM Southampton
2h35
10:46 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway9:11 AM Southampton
2h35
11:46 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway10:11 AM Southampton
2h38
12:49 PM Cardiff0 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.

Wed
Jul 22
Thu
Jul 23
Fri
Jul 24
Sat
Jul 25
Sun
Jul 26
Mon
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28

Why should you book Southampton to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Southampton to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Cardiff.

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.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Southampton to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Southampton to Cardiff is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Southampton to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Southampton to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Southampton to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southampton to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €14 if you book in advance.

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 22m.

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
Distance
139 km
Average train duration
2h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
€14
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 22m
First train
4:25 AM
Last train
9:30 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
3 days
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

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 €14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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 22m
Cheapest Price
€14
Great Western Railway frequency
8 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest Price
€172
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Price
€95
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
13 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Southampton to Cardiff can start from as little as €14 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Southampton to Cardiff is €64; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Southampton to Cardiff is 2h 22m to travel the 139 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Southampton to Cardiff leaves at 4:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Southampton to Cardiff leaves at 9:30 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Southampton to Cardiff with Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Southampton to Cardiff, you can count on Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Southampton and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 22m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Southampton to Cardiff is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.

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.

Departure train stations in Southampton
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Southampton station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Southampton to Cardiff leave from Southampton Central. The station is 1 km from Southampton city centre at Southampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre

BusX4, X5 · 5m · €2 · every ~20 min

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.

Southampton Airport ParkwaySouthampton Airport Parkway station, Wide Lane, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2HW+44 345 600 0650WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre

Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSalisbury - Romsey, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Bournemouth - Winchester, Poole - London Waterloo, Southampton Central - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Woking, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Poole - Winchester, Southampton Central - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Romsey - Romsey, Southampton Central - Woking, Salisbury - Salisbury, Salisbury - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Romsey · 10m · €3 · every ~8 min
BusU1a, U1e · 34m · €2 · every ~21 min
U1a, U1e · 40m · €2 · every ~37 min

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.

St DenysSt Denys station, Osborne Road South, Portswood, Hampshire, SO17 2EZWifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to St Denys from Southampton city centre

St Denys is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSouthampton Central - London Waterloo, Southampton Central - Portsmouth & Southsea, Salisbury - Romsey, Romsey - Romsey, Salisbury - Salisbury, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Southampton Central - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - Winchester, Southampton Central - Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton Central - Woking, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Salisbury - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Romsey · 5m · €1 · every ~5 min
Bus20 · 22m · €2 · every ~12 min

St Denys train station facilities and services

St Denys has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at St Denys.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at St Denys.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at St Denys.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at St Denys: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at St Denys: Bike Parking.

More options for your journey from Southampton to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to CardiffSouthampton to Cardiff train

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