How much does a train ticket cost from Southampton to Cardiff?

The cheapest train tickets from Southampton to Cardiff start from £26. The average price for this train route is around £65. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Southampton to Cardiff?

The average train journey time from Southampton to Cardiff is 2h 39m, covering a distance of 86 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 2h 33m and is operated by Great Western Railway .

Which train operators serve the Southampton to Cardiff route?

Several major train operators run on this route with 5 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Southampton to Cardiff?

The earliest train from Southampton to Cardiff departs at 08:09. And the latest train departs at 21:11.

Train Southampton to Cardiff from £25

Previously seen journeys

Next departures from Southampton to Cardiff on 11 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	15:57	Southampton Central	3h 34m	19:31	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	16:57	Southampton Central	3h 32m	20:29	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	17:57	Southampton Central	3h 32m	21:29	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	18:57	Southampton Central	3h 35m	22:32	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	19:57	Southampton Central	3h 36m	23:33	Cardiff Central	No tags

Compare 3 ways to travel from Southampton to Cardiff

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 3 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just £28, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3h 20mAverage duration

87 milesDistance

6kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average price£14 - £51	Average duration7h 20m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£26 - £222	Average duration2h 39m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£28 - £28	Average duration3h 20m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Southampton and Cardiff?

Southampton

A
Southampton Airport
Visit page

Cardiff

A
Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central, UK
Visit page

Train Companies

Great Western Railway

4/542 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness4.7

Cleanliness4.7

WiFi4

Based on 42 reviews, the company was rated 4 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Great Western Railway ticket prices on this trip start at £26

GB train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, FlixTrain, Amtrak Acela

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Southampton to Cardiff by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.

How much does a train ticket cost from Southampton to Cardiff?
The cheapest train tickets from Southampton to Cardiff start from £26. The average price for this train route is around £65. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Southampton to Cardiff?
The average train journey time from Southampton to Cardiff is 2h 39m, covering a distance of 86 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 2h 33m and is operated by Great Western Railway.
Which train operators serve the Southampton to Cardiff route?
Several major train operators run on this route with 5 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Southampton to Cardiff?
The earliest train from Southampton to Cardiff departs at 08:09. And the latest train departs at 21:11.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

09/12

£63

10/12

£56

Today

£64

12/12

£51

13/12

No data

14/12

No data

15/12

No data

16/12

No data

The cheapest trip from Southampton to Cardiff was searched and found on 12 Dec 2025 with a price of £51

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Southampton to Cardiff as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from £51 to £64 for a train ticket from Southampton to Cardiff based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £51, which is on 2025-12-12.