Southampton to Birmingham from $17: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Southampton to Birmingham: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$17 by busBest price

180.25 kmDistance

2h 24m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Southampton to Birmingham with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Type	Mo 06/01	Tu 07/01	We 08/01	Th 09/01	Fr 10/01	Sa 11/01	Su 12/01
Bus	$19	$15	$28	$23	$20	$14	$13
Train	$89	$55	$25	$65	$51	$41	$109

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Traveling From Southampton to Birmingham

Your journey between Southampton, known for its bustling port and coastal charm, and Birmingham, a vibrant hub of culture and commerce, offers distinct experiences that showcase the diversity of the UK.

Best Neighbourhoods in Birmingham

Birmingham boasts vibrant neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and attractions.

Jewellery Quarter

• Home to over 100 specialist jewelry shops.

• Rich history with stunning architecture to explore.

Digbeth

• Known for its artsy vibe and creative spaces.

• Great street food and independent venues.

Bournville

• Famous for Cadbury chocolate and lush green spaces.

• Picturesque village atmosphere with charming architecture.

Best Times To Visit Birmingham's Attractions

Maximize your Birmingham experience by timing your visits to popular attractions wisely.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Early weekdays are ideal for a quieter experience and better engagement.

Cadbury World

Visit in the morning on weekdays to avoid long queues.

The Bullring Shopping Centre

Late afternoons on weekdays offer a more relaxed shopping atmosphere.

Birmingham Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Birmingham experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters, which makes it pleasant for year-round visits. Spring and early autumn provide the most comfortable weather for exploring, while visitors should prepare for occasional rain throughout the year.

Culinary Delights in Birmingham

In Birmingham, don't miss a chance to savor a classic balti dish, bursting with flavors and spices that reflect the city’s rich Asian culinary heritage. This dining experience, filled with vibrant atmosphere and a fusion of local and international ingredients, stands in contrast to the seafood-focused offerings prevalent in Southampton.

Southampton - Birmingham operators

Explore transport companies operating between Southampton and Birmingham, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

0344 736 9123

Website

https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Southampton Central to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration

2h 36m

Estimated price

$85-240

Bus Show bus routes

Website

https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Solent University to Navigation Street

Average Duration

3h 40m

Estimated price

$17-25

Southampton to Birmingham: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Southampton and Birmingham offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque journey from Southampton to Birmingham, covering a distance of approximately 218.9 km. 💷 Experience the flexibility of road travel with prices ranging from £32 to £51 for the trip from Southampton to Birmingham. 🌟 Arrive in vibrant Birmingham after approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes of driving.

Average price

£31 - £50

🚆 Experience a smooth and convenient journey from Southampton to Birmingham by hopping on a direct train operated by CrossCountry. 🌳 Sit back and relax during the scenic 2 hour and 36-minute ride through the English countryside as you make your way from Southampton to Birmingham. CrossCountry ensures a comfortable trip with onboard amenities to enhance your travel experience. 🎟️ Ticket prices for the Southampton to Birmingham train range from £67 to £190, offering flexibility to choose the fare that suits your budget and travel preferences. Whether for business or leisure, this efficient train service is a fantastic option for your journey across the UK.

Departure Point

Southampton Central station

Arrival Point

Birmingham New Street station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard services for your journey from Southampton to Birmingham typically include a catering trolley service offering snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. You can expect to find both light refreshments and hot beverage options. Some services may also feature an onboard café car where you can enjoy hot meals, especially in First Class.

• The South Western Railway and Avanti West Coast operate trains on this route. In general, you'll find options ranging from standard seating (Economy) to First Class. First Class offers more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments, and quieter carriages. Economy is comfortable but more basic. For details on each operator and their respective seating options, visit: South Western Railway: southwesternrailway.com and Avanti West Coast: avantiwestcoast.co.uk

• At Birmingham New Street station, you can find luggage storage services available if you wish to explore the city without your bags. The station also has ample restroom facilities. To navigate the station, be mindful of the signage directing to the various exits. For getting to the city center, the fastest option is to take the tram from the station; simply board the West Midlands Metro tram at the stop outside the station. It’s just a short ride to the core of Birmingham's shopping district.

🚌 Starting from Solent University in Southampton, you can take a direct bus to Navigation Street in Birmingham. The journey typically lasts around 3 hours and 40 minutes, with departures occurring three times a day. 💸 Prices for the bus journey between the two cities range from £13 to £20, offering an affordable and efficient means of transportation for those looking to explore both Southampton and Birmingham.

Departure Point

Solent University station

Arrival Point

Navigation Street station

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Book your ticket in advance through Megabus UK, National Express, or FlixBus websites to secure the best fares, as prices can range from £13 to £19 depending on demand and how close to your travel date you book: Megabus UK, National Express, FlixBus.

• Arrive at Solent University station at least 15-20 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process, as the bus typically departs on time and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Upon arrival at Navigation Street station in Birmingham, use the exit towards the city centre for easy access to nearby transport options, including buses and trains; you can also find a handy map of the station layout here: Navigation Street Station Map.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Southampton to Birmingham.

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The distance between Southampton and Birmingham is 180.2 km by road. It takes approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes to travel by car from Birmingham to Southampton. By train, it takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes to reach Birmingham from Southampton. If you prefer to travel by bus, the journey takes approximately 4 hours.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Southampton to Birmingham is by bus, with tickets costing between £16-£23. Although it takes 4 hours to reach Birmingham by bus, it offers a budget-friendly alternative. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest option with a travel time of 2 hours and 24 minutes, though it is slightly more expensive at £31-£51.

The prices for a train journey between Southampton and Birmingham can range from £63 to £189, depending on factors such as the class of travel, time of booking, and availability of discounts. On the other hand, taking a bus from Birmingham to Southampton would cost approximately £16 to £23, again depending on factors like time of travel and ticket availability.

To travel from Southampton to Birmingham without using public transportation, you can drive your own car. The distance between the two cities is approximately 218.9 km, and the journey takes around 2 hours and 24 minutes. The cost of driving from Southampton to Birmingham can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls, but it is generally estimated to be between £31 and £51.

The most convenient way to travel from Southampton to Birmingham without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes, and tickets typically cost between £63 and £189. Alternatively, you can also opt for a bus, which takes around 4 hours to reach Birmingham from Southampton.

Yes, there is a direct link between Southampton and Birmingham. There is an hourly train service operated by CrossCountry that takes approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes to travel between the two cities. Additionally, there is a direct bus service operated by Megabus UK that departs twice daily and takes around 4 hours to reach Birmingham from Southampton.

There are numerous accommodation options near Birmingham as there are 1554+ hotels available. Prices for these hotels start at £31, providing a range of choices to suit different budgets.