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Outbound fromSouthampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly by train
It takes an average of 4h 31m to travel from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly by train, over a distance of around 181 miles (291 km). There are normally 18 trains per day travelling from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly and tickets for this journey start from £24.50 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 19:15 | |
| Departure station | Southampton Central | |
| Arrival station | Manchester Piccadilly | |
| Journey time | From 4h 13m | |
| Distance | 181 miles (291 km) | |
| Frequency | 18 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £24.50 | |
| Train operators |
Travelling from Southampton to Manchester Piccadilly by train
You can take a direct train from Southampton Central station to Manchester Piccadilly. Direct trains are provided by CrossCountry and all services to Manchester Piccadilly are run on an hourly basis during off-peak times.
CrossCountry trains not only offer WiFi access (complimentary in First Class) but also have space for up to three bikes free of charge, two of these spaces can be reserved in advance.
First Class services are offered for most CrossCountry trains, which include complimentary drinks, reclining seats and the chance to enjoy especially great views.
For more information, visit our CrossCountry page.
If you decide not to take a direct train, and instead take two trains, the two main train operators for this route are CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains), which offer complimentary WiFi to all First Class passengers. If you travel in Standard you must pay an additional fee for WiFi access should you need it.
Route information from Southampton to Manchester
Going by train from Southampton to Manchester is a popular route for many in the UK. The direct train for this journey takes you through some of England's most historical sites, such as medieval Winchester, the university city of Oxford and Birmingham - the second largest city in the United Kingdom.
Another option would be to take a direct train crossing the beautiful countryside of South-Central England to London Waterloo station, in the South West of the UK’s capital. This train stops at Southampton Airport Parkway, Winchester and Woking station before heading up to London Waterloo. From Waterloo, you'll need to take a tube to London Euston station via the Northern Line before boarding your connecting train to Manchester.
FAQs about the train journey from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly
Want to know more about your journey from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
What's the distance between Southampton Central and Manchester Piccadilly by train?
Can you travel from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Manchester Piccadilly from Southampton Central?
What time is the first train from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
What time is the last train from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
How often do trains go from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
Is there a return trip from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
Cheap train tickets from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly
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 Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly 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.