First train | 05:06 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 19:56 | |
Departure station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
Arrival station | Southampton Central | |
Journey time | From 7h 50m | |
Distance | 356 miles (573 km) | |
Frequency | 29 trains per day | |
Changes | 1 change | |
Price | From £55.50 | |
Train operators | CrossCountry, London Overground, TransPennine Express, South Western Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Southern, Lumo |
There's no direct train from Edinburgh to Southampton, but you will only have to change once. The trains you will typically take on this route will be Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains) from Edinburgh to Wolverhampton and CrossCountry from Wolverhampton to Southampton Central.
Each table features a power socket if travelling with Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains). There's free WiFi if you travel in First Class and 15 minutes of complimentary WiFi if you sit in Standard (unlimited WiFi can be purchased in Standard for a small charge).
All Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains) have a buffet car called The Foodbar, usually located either in coach J or H, where you can purchase hot and cold food and drink throughout the day. On most journeys, you can also enjoy a full drinks menu and trolley service. If you travel in First Class, food and drink are complimentary but subject to availability. Quiet Coaches are available on most Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains). Noise must be kept to a minimum, with restrictions on mobile phone calls.
Most CrossCountry trains offer WiFi on board. Passengers travelling in Standard must pay a small charge to use it, while the service is complimentary in First Class. A buffet car is also available for passengers to buy food and drink during the journey, if not, then there'll be an at-seat trolley service. You can also take your bike with you free of charge, but we advise you to book a space in advance or, if you prefer, at a station before you travel.
Starting your journey from Edinburgh, we recommend taking Avanti West Coast (formerly Virgin Trains)' western route, as you'll be blown away by the outstanding natural beauty of the Lake District, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales, some of the best scenery in the north of England. Make sure you grab a window seat and have your camera ready to capture some stunning shots.
After taking the CrossCountry train from Wolverhampton, you'll quickly move to the South of England and stop by Oxford, the home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the fastest growing and most diverse cities in the UK.
A few stops later and you'll be in Winchester, where you'll have the chance to admire the South Downs National Park, one of the many scenic sights en route to Southampton.
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.
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 Edinburgh (Waverley) to Southampton Central is right for you.
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.
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.