4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Cardiff
Cheapest price
€39
Average price
€69
Fastest journey
2 h 36 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Trains per day
3
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 €69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €39.
Of the 3 trains that leave Southampton for Cardiff on Sat, Dec 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Dec 06 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 36 m .
On Sat, Dec 06 the slowest trains will take 3 h 21 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.
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 41m. 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 €26.
Distance: 139 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€50 Average price | €29 Average price Cheapest |
3h 11m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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 today, Friday, December 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 C23372+P08234 | On time 6:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h53 | 9:08 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| P08380 | On time 6:47 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h58 | 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 L46938+P09254 · P08235 | On time 7:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h35 | 9:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| C23376+P08236 | On time 7:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h54 | 10:09 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| L48577+P09258 · P08237 | On time 7:37 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h00 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| P08382 | On time 8:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h42 | 10:52 AM 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.
Dec 06
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Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Southampton to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €26 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 21:38. The fastest train covers the 139 km distance in 2h 21m.
Distance 139 km |
Average train duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price €26 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 04:25 |
Last train 21:38 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Southampton to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western 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 Rail
first_great_western
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.
When departing from Southampton, you have various train station options to start your route from including Southampton Central and Southampton Airport Parkway. When arriving in Cardiff, you can end your route in train stations like Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Southampton Central, which is located around 0.7 miles (1.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cardiff Central, located 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Southampton to Cardiff
WifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Totton / Romsey: Redbridge Roundabout Bus Stop (Southampton side of Roundabout on A33 slip road) To Southampton: Redbridge School Bus Stop (Southampton side of Roundabout on A33 slip road)
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is step-free access to Platform 2 (for trains to Fareham) using a long ramp (40m) at approx 1:10 gradient (up to 1:7 in places). There is no step-free access to Platform 1 (towards Southampton, which is accessed via a stepped footbridge only). 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Woolston/Southampton, in Station Road by the 'Stop & Shop' store adjacent to footpath leading to station. To Bursledon/Fareham, in Station Road between Cranbury Road and Sholing Vicarage driveway.
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 07:45 - 20:10
- Car Park: Upside and Multi-Storey
- Taxi: Yes
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Inside booking hall.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Car park and platform 2
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Through Journeys: Station Forecourt Bus Stop off Wide Lane (A335) Terminating Journeys: Car Park at Eastleigh end, off Wide Lane (A335)
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- 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.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- 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
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk- 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.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- 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.
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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