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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 55 trains per day traveling from Manchester to Southampton and tickets for this journey start from $55.85 when you book in advance.

First train

04:11

Last train

19:25

Departure station

Manchester

Arrival station

Southampton

Journey time

From 4h 9m

Distance

181 miles (292 km)

Frequency

55 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From $55.85

Train operators

CrossCountry

Take the train from Manchester to Southampton in 4 hours 9 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 9 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 55 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 $55.85 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 for 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.

How long does the train from Manchester to Southampton take?

The average journey time by train between Manchester and Southampton is 4 hours and 30 minutes, with around 55 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Manchester and Southampton by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Southampton is 4 hours and 9 minutes.

How much does the train from Manchester to Southampton cost?

Train tickets from Manchester to Southampton can start from as little as $55.85 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.

Is there a direct train from Manchester to Southampton?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Southampton without having to change trains. There are 55 direct trains from Manchester to Southampton each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Manchester to Southampton leave?

The first train from Manchester to Southampton leaves at 04:11. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Manchester to Southampton leave?

The last train from Manchester to Southampton leaves at 19:25. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Manchester and Southampton by train?

Trains travelling from Manchester to Southampton cover a distance of around 181 miles (292 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Southampton to Manchester.

Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Southampton

Train tickets from Manchester to Southampton start at $55.85 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

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.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

*Based on the average monthly unique visitors to Trainline’s website from 1.03.2022 to 28.02.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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