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Trip Summary
You can pick from 9 daily train trips between Southampton and Cardiff. The average train journey from Southampton to Cardiff takes 3 hours and 17 minutes, but some CrossCountry + Connections train trips are as short as 2 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 86 mi (139 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 30m |
| Lowest price | £47.14 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Southampton to Cardiff?
2 train services operate from Southampton to Cardiff. South Western Railway + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 3 | 3h 1m | £93.48 |
| South Western Railway + Connections | 6 | 3h 26m | £53.29 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Southampton to Cardiff start from £84, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Cardiff. CrossCountry + Connections in Southampton leaves from Overline House . And in Cardiff trains arrive at Cardiff Central .
From Southampton to Cardiff train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 3 hours and 1 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cardiff faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
UK's South Western Railway operates passenger rail services in London, Windsor, Reading, and Southampton. Both standard class and first-class seating are available, with the first-class section clearly marked and physically separated from the rest of the train by internal doorways. These cars offer more space and quiet away from the more crowded areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Southampton to Cardiff. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Southampton at 12:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 9 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cardiff to Southampton.
City Information
Southampton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Southampton is a scenic city along England's south coast, known for its history as an important port. No matter the time of year you visit, Southampton has a wealth of activities and attractions.
Your first stop is the SeaCity Museum, where you can discover the city's history and engage with the model of the RMS Titanic. Next, the Solent Sky Museum turns your attention skyward as it details Southampton's aviation history. The Southampton City Art Gallery is a hidden gem to view painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print, and video exhibits. And if you're on a tour of England's premier league stadiums, Southampton's St. Mary's Stadium is a must.
For a unique dining experience, try the café at the Tudor House and Garden Museum. They serve local food and fantastic coffee in a home that's over 800 years old. Then, as you walk through the nearby Cultural Quarter, keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the city's medieval walls amidst the chic bars and stores.
Southampton Airport does serve international flights, but it's easy to reach Southampton even if you fly into one of London's airports. South Western Railway and Megabus provide train and coach service from London and other cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Cardiff
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, as well as its largest city. Although the city was initially founded as a Roman fort, Cardiff has glided effortlessly into the 21st century, offering tourists a diverse mix of old and new.
Looking to explore the city's history? Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city makes for an exciting day out, where visitors can learn about the fascinating 2,000 years of history that the castle represents.
If the castle gets you in the mood to explore more history, the St Fagans National Museum of History will surely satisfy your historical appetite. As one of Europe's leading open-air museums, the museum offers historical attractions that detail history back to the Celtic era.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Cardiff boasts a fantastic selection of shops and cafes, with Cardiff Central Market as the top choice for retail therapy.
Cardiff has excellent transport links, making it an easy place to visit no matter where you're coming from. Cardiff Airport provides access for visitors traveling from off the island, while high-speed rail services make access to and from London simple. Cardiff Central Station also offers direct routes from Bristol, Bath, Manchester, Nottingham, as well as other main cities and towns.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Southampton?
Main departure station: Woolston
Many trains to Southampton stop across the river in one of its suburbs, Woolston. The Woolston Station dates to 1866, and its blanched Italianate facade has been preserved despite damage during World War II. The small station offers basic amenities and is surrounded by suburban shops and homes. Routes through Woolston include the West Coastway line from Brighton to Southampton. Past the Woolston Station, South Western trains round the River Itchen for a beautiful view of Southampton.
All train stations in Southampton:
Woolston
Overline House
Where is the train station in Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station is the largest and busiest rail terminal in Wales and one of two primary train stations in Cardiff. A registered historic building, it first opened in 1850 but is known for its art deco concourse and north entrance, both added in the 1930s. Most facilities are in the main concourse, including ATMs, food outlets, and a newsagent. Transport for Wales operates services to south, central, and north Wales, while Cross Country runs hourly services to Gloucester, Birmingham, and Derby. Great Western operates the route to London Paddington via Bristol Parkway.
Train stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Central
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Need a return trip from Cardiff to Southampton?
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