The distance between Southampton and Cardiff is around 184km (115 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 20m.
We've found 4 different ways to get from Southampton to Cardiff by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out Cardiff → Southampton if you're planning a return trip.
Take the train to Cardiff Central.
Take the bus to POOLE Dorset and then to Cardiff North Road.
Multiple bus operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
There are several options for getting from Southampton to Cardiff by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £23 ($27) and will take around 2h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £25 ($29).
The distance between Southampton and Cardiff is around 184km (115 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 139km (87 miles)
It takes around 2h 35m to get from Southampton and Cardiff by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 20m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Southampton to Cardiff is to drive which takes around 2h 20m and will set you back approx £25 ($29).
The cheapest way to travel between Southampton and Cardiff, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £23 ($27) for a standard one-way ticket.
Yes there is a train service that runs between Southampton and Cardiff. It typically takes around 2h 35m and departs hourly.
Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Southampton and Cardiff with no changeovers required. The train runs hourly and takes 2h 35m.
Great Western Railway run train services between Southampton and Cardiff. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 35m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Southampton and Cardiff. It typically takes around 2h 40m and departs once daily.
Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Southampton and Cardiff with no changeovers required. The bus runs 3 times a week and takes 7h 25m.
National Express and Megabus UK run regular bus services between Southampton and Cardiff. Buses run once daily and take around 2h 40m on average but will vary depending on you book with.
It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Southampton to Cardiff. We recommend that you take the train to Cardiff Central. instead which will take 2h 35m.
The closest major airport to Cardiff is Cardiff Airport (CWL) (CWL) which is approximately 14km (9 miles) from Cardiff. Bristol Airport (BRS) (BRS) and Exeter Airport (EXT) (EXT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Yes it is possible to drive from Southampton and Cardiff. The distance is around 213km (133 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 20m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Southampton to Cardiff is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 35m and will usually cost around £46 ($55).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Train | 2h 35m | £46($55) | hourly | 184km (115 miles) |
Bus + 1 similar | 2h 40m | £23($27) | once daily | 243km (151 miles) |
Bus to Cardiff University | 7h 25m | £25($29) | 3 times a week | 409km (254 miles) |
Drive | 2h 20m | £25($29) | on demand | 213km (133 miles) |
The following major airports near Cardiff offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.