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Manchester to Southampton by train
It takes an average of 4h 30m to travel from Manchester to Southampton by train, over a distance of around 181 miles (292 km). There are normally 42 trains per day traveling from Manchester to Southampton and tickets for this journey start from $56.41 when you book in advance.
| First train | 4:11 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 6:25 pm | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Southampton | |
| Journey time | From 4h 8m | |
| Distance | 181 miles (292 km) | |
| Frequency | 42 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $56.41 | |
| Train operators |
Take the train from Manchester to Southampton in 4 hours 8 minutes
If you want to travel from Manchester to Southampton by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Manchester to Southampton by train to take around 4 hours 30 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 4 hours 8 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 42 trains per day running on this route, which spans 292 km. There's no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Southampton.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Manchester to Southampton start from $56.41 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
FAQs about the train journey from Manchester to Southampton
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Southampton? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Manchester to Southampton?
How close is Manchester to Southampton by train?
Is it possible to get from Manchester to Southampton without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Southampton?
What time does the first train from Manchester to Southampton leave?
What time does the last train from Manchester to Southampton leave?
How often are trains from Manchester and Southampton?
Do you need to book the train from Manchester to Southampton in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Manchester to Southampton?
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Southampton
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Manchester to Southampton is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.