Planning your journey
If you intend to make your own way to Southampton upon arrival in the UK, the following information may be of use.
Travel to Southampton
Please note that travelling during the evening and at weekends may take longer due to less frequent transport services.
Public Transport Services
Coach: www.nationalexpress.com|
Train: www.thetrainline.com| (tickets are more expensive for travel at peak times, 7am - 9am and 4pm -7pm)
Taxi is not recommended as this is very expensive.
If you arrive after 6pm and you do not have accommodation in Southampton, you are advised to find a local hotel and to travel to Southampton the following day.
Getting here
From Heathrow Airport
By train: Take the Railair coach link from Heathrow Airport to Woking train station. Services to Southampton Central operate from Woking. The total journey time from Heathrow to Southampton is approximately 2 hours. The Railair service runs every 30 minutes and picks up from all four terminals. The cost of a standart ticket for a single (one-way) journey is approximately £34. For more information on the service, visit www.southwesttrains.co.uk/transportlinks| (click on 'Airport Links', then 'Woking - Heathrow Railair').
By coach: The National Express coach service operates from the bus station at Heathrow Airport to Southampton coach station. On direct services the average journey time is 1 hours and 50 minutes. The cost of a standard ticket for a single journey is approximately £15. Discount coach cards are available for students and young people.
For more information on services to Southampton and discount coach cards, visit www.nationalexpress.com|
From Gatwick Airport
By train: Train services operate between Gatwick Airport and Southampton Central. the average journey time is 2 hours, and a standard single ticket is approximately £29.
By coach: National Express coach services operate from Gatwick to Southampton coach station, via Heathrow (coach changeover). The average journey time is 4 hours, and standard single tickets start from £25.
From London Stansted Airport
By train: Rail services operate from Stansted Airport to central London via the London Underground. Direct services to Southampton operate from London Waterloo. The average journey time is 3 hours and 30 minutes, and standard single ticket costs approximately £46.
By coach: National Express coach services operate from the coach station at Stansted Airport to Southampton via Heathrow and central London (coach changeover). The average journey time is 4 hours. A standard single ticket costs approximately £28.
From Southampton International Airport
By train: The airport is approximately four miles from Southampton Solent University and train services to the city centre run frequently with journey times of 10 minutes.
By taxi: Taxis are available from outside the terminal but need to be booked at the taxi desk inside the airport. The fare and methods of payment will be given to you.
From the Eurostar
By train: The Eurostar train will take you directly to London Waterloo (see below) to connect with services to Southampton Central.
From London Waterloo
By train: services to Southampton Central run every 15-30 minutes with journey times from 71 minutes. Standard single tickets are available from £34.
Travel in Southampton
Travelling by Taxi
When arriving at Southampton Central train station or coach station, it may be advisable to hire a taxi to take you to your accommodation, especially if you have large or heavy luggage. Taxis are available from outside the main entrances to the station. Ask for an estimate of the fare and ensure that you have enough money to pay before you get in the taxi. Only cash will be accepted as payment.
If you would like to book a taxi in advance, here are the names of some taxi companies in Southampton:
Radio Taxis Southampton|
Southampton Taxi - West Quay Cars|