Southampton to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Fri, Apr 24
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Apr 25

Cheapest price

€25

Average price

€53

Fastest journey

4 h 14 m

Average duration

4 h 15 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

292 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Southampton to Manchester will cost around €53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Southampton for Manchester on Sat, Apr 25, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Apr 25 the direct trains cover the 292 km distance in an average of 4 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 14 m .

On Sat, Apr 25 the slowest trains will take 4 h 19 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.

  • CrossCountry
    1:15 PM4h14
    Southampton
    5:29 PMManchester
    251One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    11:15 AM4h14
    Southampton
    3:29 PMManchester
    371One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    5:15 AM4h14
    Southampton
    9:29 AMManchester
    371One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountry
    8:15 AM4h14
    Southampton
    12:29 PMManchester
    371One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West Coast
    8:00 AM4h19
    Southampton
    12:19 PMManchester
    1271One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Southampton to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Manchester 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a flight costs an average of €60.

Distance: 292 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€89

Average price

€34

Average price

Cheapest

€114

Average price

4h 36m

Average total duration

4h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 8m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 8m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Southampton to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Manchester trains for today, Friday, April 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
south_west_trainsL72804+assertis_tubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW02536
On time
8:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h44
12:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
south_west_trainsL72804+southernP25337+assertis_tubeTube from London Victoria to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW02610
On time
8:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h19
12:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3 transfers
south_west_trainsL72804 · L74889+assertis_tubeTube from Vauxhall to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW02610
On time
8:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h19
12:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3 transfers
cross_countryC74878
On time
8:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h14
12:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 transfersDirect
south_west_trainsP60981+assertis_tubeTube from London Waterloo to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW02607
On time
8:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h35
1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
south_west_trainsP60982+southernP25348+assertis_tubeTube from London Victoria to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW02605
On time
9:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h19
1:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Manchester by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Sat
Apr 25
Sun
Apr 26
Mon
Apr 27
Tue
Apr 28
Wed
Apr 29
Thu
Apr 30
Fri
May 01

Why should you book Southampton to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast or Cross Country offer trains services from Southampton to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
  • 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Manchester.

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

The best time to book your train from Southampton to Manchester is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Southampton to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Southampton to Manchester 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 Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southampton to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €25 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 292 km distance in 4h 4m.

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
292 km
Average train duration
4h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
€25
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 4m
First train
12:04 AM
Last train
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
77 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €15

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Southampton to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Southampton and Manchester from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 4m
Cheapest Price
€25
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
€80
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 13m
Cheapest Price
€258
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

Trains from Southampton to Manchester: Journey Details

Daily trains between Southampton and Manchester are operated by CrossCountry and Virgin Trains. CrossCountry trains run directly to Manchester Piccadilly with no changes and take around 4 hours 20 minutes. If you travel with Virgin, you will need to change in London, but the overall journey time may not be any longer. Trains depart for Manchester from 7 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Taking the Train from Southampton

All trains from Southampton to Manchester depart from Southampton Central Station, which is right at the heart of the city. The station is served by city buses U1A, U1C and U1E, as well as CityLink buses which run to the West Quay shopping centre and the port, the station is also served by night buses, which provide a connection to suburbs like Bitterne or Millbrook, while nearby towns like Winchester are a short train ride away as well.

Getting into Manchester by Train

Some people visit Manchester to watch two of England's greatest football teams. Others go for the famous music scene and nightlife, the chance to see their favourite television shows being filmed or superb galleries like the Whitworth and the Lowry. There are plenty of reasons to visit the capital of north-west England. All trains from Southampton to Manchester arrive at Manchester Piccadilly train station, which is a short walk to the east of the city centre. If you want to reach other destinations in Greater Manchester, there is a regular, quick tram network, along with free city centre buses and night buses for late arrivals. Coaches also depart regularly for Liverpool and Manchester International Airport, if you need to make an onward connection.

FAQs: Trains from Southampton to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Southampton to Manchester can start from as little as €25 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Southampton to Manchester is €89; 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 Manchester is 4h 4m to travel the 292 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 Manchester leaves at 12:04 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Southampton to Manchester leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Southampton to Manchester with CrossCountry, Cross Country. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Southampton to Manchester, you can count on CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Southampton and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 4m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Southampton to Manchester is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Southampton and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Southampton to Manchester

Southampton
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Southampton is Southampton Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton Central for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:45 Saturday 06:00 - 20:45 Sunday 06:30 - 20:45
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Premium-downside
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes outside Platform 4 exit
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Rooms on Platforms 1 and 4. The National key toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 4; 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
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: All platforms. Waiting rooms are heated and seating complies with Code of Practice.
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1 - 200 spaces Platform 4 - 44 spaces Outside Platform 4 entrance - 4 spaces Outside Platform 1 entrance - A new bike hut with 140 two tier spaces
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Southampton Central
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement bus service goes from the north side (Blechynden Terrace) during engineering works. Overnight onward transport goes from the South side (West Quay side)
Southampton Airport ParkwayWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 07:45 - 20:10
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Upside and Multi-Storey
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside booking hall.
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Car park and platform 2
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Southampton Airport Parkway
  • 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)
SwaythlingWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 11:00 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Swaythling
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Outside station in Wessex Lane.
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