Southampton, Hampshire to Manchester, Greater Manchester from $22: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Southampton to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$22 by busBest price
294 kmDistance
3h 50m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Southampton to Manchester 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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Compare prices for your selected dates
| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $20 | $30 | $28 | $26 | $35 | $32 | $33 |
| Train | $68 | $56 | $68 | $64 | $45 | $53 | $99 |
Traveling From Southampton to Manchester
Traveling from Southampton to Manchester offers a refreshing contrast between the serene coastal charm of Southampton and the vibrant urban energy of Manchester.
Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester
Manchester boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct vibe and charm.
Northern Quarter
• Known for its independent shops and street art.
• Vibrant nightlife with unique bars and live music.
Castlefield
• Picturesque canals and historic industrial architecture.
• Popular for outdoor cafes and relaxing parks.
Spinningfields
• Hub for upscale dining and modern offices.
• Home to vibrant cultural events and public art.
Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions
Planning your visits to Manchester’s attractions can enhance your experience significantly.
Manchester Art Gallery
Visiting on weekday mornings offers a quieter atmosphere and full enjoyment.
John Rylands Library
Early afternoons are less crowded, allowing for peaceful exploration.
Science and Industry Museum
Mornings during weekdays usually see fewer visitors, making it easier to explore.
Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Manchester features a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination. Late spring and early autumn often provide the most pleasant weather, enhancing your travel experience as you explore the city's rich cultural offerings.
Dining Recommendation in Manchester
For a culinary adventure in Manchester, try the city’s renowned dish, the Manchester Tart, a delightful blend of custard, jam, and coconut atop a pastry base. Unlike Southampton's coastal offerings, this dessert showcases local flavors and a vibrant atmosphere in cafes that buzz with creativity and regional pride.
Southampton - Manchester operators
Explore transport companies operating between Southampton and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
0345 6000 650Website
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/
Train from Southampton Central to London Waterloo
Average Duration
1h 19mEstimated price
$40-110Train from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly
Average Duration
4h 14mEstimated price
$120-370Train from Southampton Central to Woking
Average Duration
50mEstimated price
$30-75Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly
Average Duration
2h 12mEstimated price
$85-220Contact phone
0344 736 9123Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/
Train from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly
Average Duration
4h 14mEstimated price
$120-370Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125Website
https://www.gwr.com/
Train from Southampton Central to Newport (S Wales)
Average Duration
2h 19mEstimated price
$60-140Contact phone
03333 211 202Website
https://tfw.wales/
Train from Newport (S Wales) to Manchester Piccadilly
Average Duration
3h 8mEstimated price
$65-110Website
https://uk.megabus.com
Bus from Southampton Herbert Walker Avenue to Manchester Shudehill Interchange
Average Duration
5h 30mEstimated price
$22-35Website
https://www.britishairways.com
Plane from Southampton (SOU) to Manchester (MAN)
Average Duration
3h 50mEstimated price
$160-700Website
https://www.easyjet.com
Plane from Southampton (SOU) to Manchester (MAN)
Average Duration
3h 45mEstimated price
$80-550Website
https://www.aerlingus.com
Plane from Southampton (SOU) to Manchester (MAN)
Average Duration
3h 50mEstimated price
$160-700Website
https://www.klm.com
Plane from Southampton (SOU) to Manchester (MAN)
Average Duration
3h 52mEstimated price
$250-1300Website
https://www.ryanair.com
Plane from Southampton (SOU) to Liverpool (LPL)
Average Duration
3h 45mEstimated price
$180-850Southampton to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Southampton and Manchester 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 scenic journey from Southampton to Manchester, covering a distance of 226 miles. Explore the beautiful English countryside as you make your way north.
💰 Drive cost-effectively with prices ranging from £55 to £87 for the trip, giving you flexibility in your budget. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and the convenience of traveling at your own pace.
⏱️ Arrive in Manchester after approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes of driving time, ready to experience the vibrant city life and diverse cultural attractions it has to offer.
Average price
£54 - £85
🌆 The scenic journey from Southampton to Manchester takes approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes. Passengers can relax and enjoy the English countryside views along the way.
💷 Ticket prices for this train route vary from £104 to £257, depending on the class and booking options chosen. With comfortable seating and reliable service, this train trip offers a hassle-free travel experience.
Departure Point
Southampton Central station
Arrival Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Southampton to Manchester, you can expect various onboard catering services depending on the operator. For instance, CrossCountry trains typically offer a café bar where you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages. If you book a first-class ticket, you might enjoy complimentary refreshments and a wider selection of meals served at your seat.
• The main operators for your route are CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast. CrossCountry offers standard (Economy) and first-class seating, while Avanti West Coast has Economy, First Class, and Business Class options available. First Class on Avanti includes spacious seating and complimentary food and drink service, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys. For more information, you can visit their websites: CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast.
• Upon arriving at Manchester Piccadilly Station, you can easily navigate the station as it is well-signposted. The station offers luggage storage services at a small fee, allowing you to explore the city unencumbered. Additionally, restrooms are available, but showers are not provided. To get to the city center quickly, take the tram from Piccadilly towards Altrincham (the Metrolink service) or hop on the bus numbers 42 or 43, which run frequently to popular city center destinations.
🛫 Flying from Southampton Airport to Manchester Airport involves a journey with one stopover, typically lasting around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
💸 Flights between Southampton and Manchester offer a range of prices, starting at £80 and going up to £315 for those looking for different options and amenities during the 5-hour journey.
Departure Point
Southampton Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 30m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Given that there are no direct flights from Southampton to Manchester, consider booking with Eastern Airways or KLM, as they typically offer the most convenient stopovers; check their websites for better prices and schedule options: Eastern Airways and KLM.
• Upon arrival at Manchester Airport, utilize the innovative 'Airport to City' signage for easy navigation; follow the signs to the SkyLink walkway connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3, which seamlessly leads you to the train station for swift access to the city center.
• Expect to pay around £20 to £30 for a taxi from Manchester Airport to the city center; alternatively, the train is a budget-friendly option costing around £5 and provides a quicker journey of approximately 20 minutes—check the timetable at Trainline.
🚌 Sit back and relax during the scenic 5.5-hour drive from Southampton to Manchester. Megabus UK ensures a comfortable journey for passengers, allowing you to enjoy the views along the way.
🚌 With ticket prices ranging from £17 to £28, taking the bus from Southampton to Manchester is not only affordable but also a stress-free travel option. Explore both cities with ease while saving money on transportation.
Departure Point
Southampton Herbert Walker Avenue station
Arrival Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Southampton to Manchester.
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The distance between Southampton and Manchester is 183 miles by air, road distance is 225.9 miles. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes to reach Manchester from Southampton. By taking a combination of train, train to London Heathrow, and then flying to Manchester, the travel time is around 4 hours and 20 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to reach Southampton from Manchester, while the bus journey takes about 5 hours and 35 minutes to reach Manchester from Southampton.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Southampton to Manchester is by bus, with tickets costing between £21 and £31. However, this option takes the longest time, with a travel time of 5 hours and 35 minutes. If you are looking for a quicker option, driving is the best choice as it takes only 3 hours and 50 minutes, but it can be more expensive, with estimated costs ranging from £55 to £87.
The prices of a train ticket between Southampton and Manchester can range from £94 to £291, depending on factors such as the time of booking and class of travel. On the other hand, taking a bus from Manchester to Southampton can cost anywhere between £21 and £31. It is advised to book in advance and compare prices to find the best deal for your journey.
To get from Southampton to Manchester without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is 226 miles, and the driving time is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. The price for a car rental to make this journey varies between £55 and £87. Driving allows you the flexibility to set your own schedule and make stops along the way if desired.
The best way to travel from Southampton to Manchester without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes and the ticket prices range from £94 to £291. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, which takes 5 hours and 35 minutes and costs £21 to £31. Another option is to fly, which takes 5 hours and 10 minutes and costs £79 to £310.
Yes, there is a direct link between Southampton and Manchester. You can take a direct train from Southampton Central to Manchester Piccadilly, with services departing hourly and taking approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service available, departing from Southampton Herbert Walker Avenue and arriving at Manchester Shudehill Interchange. The bus services operate six times a week, on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the journey takes around 5 hours and 35 minutes.
The flight between Southampton and Manchester typically takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available. The cost of the flight can vary between £84 and £309, depending on the airline and the time of booking. It is recommended to check with different airlines to get the best price and to allow for flexibility in travel dates.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Manchester. With over 1539 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a place that suits their budget and needs. Prices start at £23 per night, providing affordable options for those on a budget. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, travelers can easily find a suitable place to stay during their visit to Manchester.
Trips from Southampton
- Southampton to Amsterdam
- Southampton to Paris
- Southampton to Bath
- Southampton to Dublin
- Southampton to Edinburgh
- Southampton to Brighton
- Southampton to Glasgow
- Southampton to Gosport
- Southampton to Bordeaux
- Southampton to Winchester
- Southampton to Portsmouth
- Southampton to Bournemouth
- Southampton to Salisbury
- Southampton to London
- Southampton to Leeds (West Yorkshire)
- Southampton to Liverpool
- Southampton to Newcastle upon Tyne
- Southampton to Madrid
- Southampton to Sheffield
- Southampton to Farnborough (Hampshire)
- Southampton to Oxford
- Southampton to Poole
- Southampton to Weymouth
- Southampton to Guildford
- Southampton to Christchurch (Dorset)
- Southampton to Cowes (Isle of Wight)
- Southampton to Bedford
- Southampton to Porto
- Southampton to Beziers
- Southampton to Bristol
- Southampton to Hythe (Hampshire)
- Southampton to Istanbul
- Southampton to Copenhagen
- Southampton to Marrakesh
- Southampton to Rome
- Southampton to Birmingham
- Southampton to Plymouth
- Southampton to Strasbourg
- Southampton to GUERNSEY
- Southampton to Gloucester
Trips to Manchester
- Birmingham to Manchester
- Londonderry to Manchester
- Dublin to Manchester
- Paris to Manchester
- Amsterdam to Manchester
- Cardiff to Manchester
- Rome to Manchester
- Leicester to Manchester
- Glasgow to Manchester
- Belfast to Manchester
- Liverpool to Manchester
- Bristol to Manchester
- Berlin to Manchester
- London to Manchester
- Sheffield to Manchester
- Nottingham to Manchester
- York to Manchester
- Norwich to Manchester
- Wolverhampton to Manchester
- Doncaster to Manchester
- Newcastle upon Tyne to Manchester
- Brussels to Manchester
- Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Manchester
- Barcelona to Manchester
- Stockport to Manchester
- Crewe to Manchester
- Shrewsbury to Manchester
- Warrington to Manchester
- Bournemouth to Manchester
- Halstead (Essex) to Manchester
- Boston to Manchester
- Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) to Manchester
- Chester to Manchester
- Edinburgh to Manchester
- Aberdeen to Manchester
- Preston (Lancashire) to Manchester
- Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
- Stafford to Manchester
- Houston to Manchester
- SeaTac to Manchester