Southampton, Hampshire to Birmingham, West Midlands 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 20/01	Tu 21/01	We 22/01	Th 23/01	Fr 24/01	Sa 25/01	Su 26/01
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

The journey from Southampton to Birmingham offers a shift from the coastal charm of Southampton's historic ports to Birmingham's vibrant urban landscape and rich industrial heritage.

Best Neighbourhoods in Birmingham

Birmingham boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and appeal.

Jewellery Quarter

• Home to over 100 jewelry businesses.

• Features stunning Victorian architecture.

Digbeth

• Known for its vibrant street art scene.

• Packed with trendy bars and eateries.

Selly Oak

• Popular among students and young professionals.

• Offers beautiful parks and green spaces.

Best Times To Visit Birmingham's Attractions

Planning your visit to Birmingham's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Visiting early on weekdays provides a quieter, more intimate experience.

Cadbury World

Afternoons during the week often have fewer visitors, allowing for easier exploration.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Early mornings on sunny days are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying tranquility.

Birmingham Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Birmingham experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, with rainfall spread throughout the year. The best times to explore the city are during late spring and early autumn, as pleasant weather enhances outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Dining in Birmingham: A Culinary Adventure

Don't miss the chance to savor a Birmingham classic—Balti, a flavorful dish that showcases a unique blend of Indian and Pakistani spices, often served in a traditional iron bowl. The vibrant atmosphere of the Balti Triangle, paired with the robust flavors of locally sourced ingredients, offers a distinct culinary experience that sets Birmingham apart from Southampton's coastline-focused fare.

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

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

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.