How far is Southampton from London by train?

The distance between Southampton and the centre of London is around 80 miles (130km). The fast direct trains between London’s Waterloo Station and Southampton have a journey time of around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Two direct train lines between London and Southampton!

The London Waterloo train is the fastest and most frequent to Southampton. However there is also an alternative direct train service from London’s Victoria Station to Southampton. This takes a slower route via Gatwick Airport and takes around an hour longer.

The train journey time between London’s Gatwick Airport and Southampton is around 2 hours. There is no direct train service from London’s Heathrow Airport to Southampton, but there is a Heathrow – Southampton coach service.

Trains from London to Southampton

The graphic above depicts the direct London to Southampton train routes. These depart from two of London’s train stations, Waterloo and Victoria.

If you’re traveling directly between Southampton and London, the train from Waterloo to Southampton is quicker and more frequent compared to the service from Victoria. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with trains departing at least once an hour. Furthermore, you can change trains at Clapham Junction, where the two lines connect, if you prefer.

London Heathrow & Gatwick airport to Southampton by train

Gatwick

The Victoria train is primarily useful if you’re arriving at Gatwick Airport. It operates roughly every hour, but keep in mind that it doesn’t run directly on Sundays.

Heathrow

There are no direct trains from London’s Heathrow Airport. You can take a train from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to Southampton Central via London Paddington and Reading.

RailAir  offer a shuttle (bus) service between Heathrow and Woking Station, which is a stop on the Waterloo train line. However, if you’re looking for a quicker and more affordable option, the direct coach service from Heathrow to Southampton is the better choice. Visit our London to Southampton coach services page for more information.

Southampton Central, Waterloo & Victoria Stations

London Waterloo and London Victoria stations

London’s Waterloo and Victoria Stations are very large railway stations each handling millions of passengers each year from around twenty separate platforms. Both are terminus stations. the end of the line. As a result you train will be standing ready to board for about 15 minutes prior to departure. Waterloo remains open 24×7, and they close Victoria for just a few short hours in the very early morning.

Because of the footfall there is a wide range of fast food, pubs, convenience stores and restaurants at each. Toilets, left luggage, foreign exchange, tourist offices, ATM’s and fee wifi are available.

Victoria is a major hotel district for London, we have a dedicated page for hotels near Victoria Station. There are hotels around Waterloo Station too, mostly large chain hotels like Marriott, Park Plaza and Premier Inn. We have a dedicated page for hotels near Waterloo Station too.

Southampton Central station

Southampton Central Station is a much quieter station with four platforms and more basic facilities. There are toilets, a station buffet and ATM’s but no left luggage, foreign exchange, wifi or a tourist office.

How to transfer between Southampton train & coach stations and cruise terminals, port & hotels

The railway and coach stations at Southampton are within 400 yards of each other in the city centre. There are no shuttles or public transport to any of Southampton’s four cruise terminals. You will need the services of a local taxi for the cruise transfer. The cost will vary depending on cruise terminal, budget around £10 (one way).

Both railway and coach stations are in the heart of Southampton city centre, there is a good choice of hotels close to both, a few within 5 minutes walk.

We identify and compare all the main hotels, including their relative locations on our Southampton map page.

Train Tickets & Timetables

Book train tickets in advance, save money

• Full timetables and planning
• Identify the best fares, including advanced
• Purchase e-tickets or collect tickets at the station

 

Train Tickets & Timetables

The trains, what to expect

Boarding the train

Trains between London and Southampton are commuter train style designed to cope with the large volumes of people on the daily commute into London. There are no luggage cars and most people will be travelling with just a handbag or small bag.

You need to independently carry your luggage into the passenger cabin, seats are taken on a first come first serve basis. Trains at Waterloo and Victoria will be standing on the platform for about 10-15 minutes prior to departure, if you board at Gatwick or Southampton the train will have started several stations prior and have passengers already aboard. Whatever luggage you bring you must carry on-board yourself.

Luggage

Luggage storage space is limited. There is headroom space above the seats, but this is for smaller bags not large cases. The allocated area for large luggage may be some distance from your seat making it difficult for you to keep an eye on it.

Space permitting you may be able to store luggage around your seating area.

Fare and ticket options

First Class – a good idea?

Trains between Southampton and London offer a limited number of first class seats. The distinction between first class and second class is minimal, primarily revolving around the ticket price, which is why only a small number of passengers opt for first class. Most of those who do choose first class are often business travellers.

Train fares – why so many different fares?

Train ticket prices can be quite confusing, with a range of costs that can vary significantly. Purchasing a ticket the day before your trip can lead to some shockingly high prices. However, by following a few simple guidelines, you can secure the best deal that suits your travel needs.

Trains in the UK are operated by privately owned train companies closely regulated by a national licencing authority.

Each train company will have its own promotional fares where fares are very volatile and other fares that are highly regulated where the train companies have little wiggle room and fares are relatively stable.

Lower fares, which are not regulated, are often utilized to boost train occupancy during periods when they would otherwise run with many empty seats. The licensing authority conducts an annual review of fares, with regulated prices being adjusted every January 2nd.

Where can I purchase rail tickets?

Most stations have staffed ticket offices, and all of them feature ticket machines. However, the best prices are frequently only accessible if purchased in advance or online, and having tickets pre-loaded on your mobile device is quite convenient.

Every train company operates its own website where you can purchase tickets not only for their services but also for other train companies across the UK. Moreover, there are numerous independent ticketing websites that offer these tickets as well.

Generally, train fares remain consistent regardless of where you buy them, unless there’s a special fare available only on a specific rail operator’s site. The user experience can vary between these websites, and many provide helpful tools to help you find the best rail fare available.

Rail fare concessions

There are no senior rail fares.

Children under 5 travel free and those between 5 and 15 years can take advantage of children’s fares. You may be able to get family fares commonly called GroupSave fares and there are often group fares for of 10 or more.

If you are travelling extensively by train in the UK you can purchase an annual railcard. There are various railcards for different categories like seniors, families, couples etc but all for an annual fee give one-third off rail fares including the promotional fares.

Visit our UK railcards page for more information.

Getting the best rail fare

Contractually the regulator sets the timetable at least 12 weeks in advance. Train operators will commonly release cheap advance tickets shortly after. It’s not always dead on 12 weeks though, often more like 10 or 11. If you purchase rail tickets earlier than this they will be almost certainly the often more expensive regulated fares.

There are return, round trip train fares which may give a discount but bizarrely, it can be often cheaper to buy two one-way tickets because of the availability of a promotional ticket on one-leg of the journey.

Furthermore, it can work out cheaper to buy 2 separate split tickets one-way for a journey. By buying two tickets, splitting the journey into two sections for fares but not leaving the train when you ride.

In Summary

It may seem quite complex, but to sum it up, if you want to snag a great train fare, try to travel outside of the busy early morning and evening rush hours.

Research and buy your tickets within 10-11 weeks of departure. For short train journeys of under an hour the potential ticket savings are much less than longer journeys.

Buying train tickets and timetables

Nearly all stations have manned ticket offices, unlike the London Underground, and all have ticket machines. Ticket offices at the main stations are open all day from early morning to evening. However, queues for the manned ticket offices can be long and much of the time you will get a cheaper fare by buying well in advance.

E-tickets and mobile tickets

E-tickets and mobile tickets are increasingly becoming available from many train operating companies. These include South Western, Southern, Thameslink, Chiltern, London North Western and London North Eastern operating services into London. The airport trains run by Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express and Thameslink are also supported.

Magnetic card tickets

Magnetic card tickets are the traditional tickets dispensed by ticket machines and ticket offices. These can be ordered in advance and collected at main railway stations.

You can pick up your tickets at all of London’s major train stations, as well as at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Furthermore, the railway stations at Southampton and Dover ports also provide this service.

When you buy tickets online, you’ll receive a unique code. Simply enter this code into the designated ticket machines, and they will print your tickets for you. Your tickets will be available for collection just 15 minutes after placing your order.

Card payments (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Maestro), PayPal and Apple Pay are payment options on-line.

Train Tickets & Timetables

Other Transfer Options Between London & Southampton

Private transfers

Offering the most convenient and flexible option with a meet and greet door to door service, either at the cruise terminal or your Central London or Southampton hotel. There is the flexibility to include sightseeing.

• Fastest most convenient transfer. Only option with immediate departure at a time of your choosing.
• Major sightseeing opportunities along the way. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle.
• Most expensive transfer for couples. For groups and families is price competitive

Shared shuttle transfers

Exclusive to cruise passengers and provides a convenient door to door service between Central London (and Heathrow Airport) and Southampton cruise terminals with a maximum of 4 pick-ups or drops.

• Small number of passengers (max 8) results in minimal drops or pick-ups
• Will pick-up or drop passengers at any hotel or Airbnb in Central London
• Guaranteed to run, no minimum passengers. Will run with only one person

Shared stopover and tour transfers visiting Stonehenge, Windsor Castle

Tour and stopover transfers are a variation on the shuttle transfers, but sometimes in larger touring coaches and again exclusive for cruise passengers.

• Time efficient and economic world class sightseeing during your Southampton cruise transfer
• Also serves Heathrow Airport. Full days tours from Southampton, half day stopovers to Southampton
• Relatively small extra cost over shuttles offering great value.

Public transport – National Express coaches

National Express coaches run direct between London, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and Southampton. The National Express coaches do not visit Southampton cruise terminals, just the coach station in Southampton city centre from where you get a cab to the ships.

• The best reason to use National Express coaches is it is the lowest cost option, (by far)
• Local cabs between Southampton coach station and cruise terminals.
• The slowest and most inconvenient transfer. Luggage allowance may well be less than your flight allowance

Shared Shuttle Transfers – Between London & Cruise Ships

These shared shuttle transfers give you an affordable and simple option of travelling between London and Southampton cruise Port, and go in either direction. You choose your pickup/drop offs from one of the London Zone 1 hotels below.

Central London to Southampton Port

Pick-up: *Please choose between A, B and C (click the hotel for more information and exclusive prices):
A. Meliá White House
B. The Westminster London Curio Collection by Hilton
C. The Holiday Inn Kensington High Street

*Pick-up will take place between 7:30 am and 9:35 am. The exact time will be advised on your voucher, which you’ll receive approx. 7 days prior to your transfer.
*Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time for boarding.

Drop-off: You will be transferred to the Southampton Port cruise terminal, arriving approximately at 11:35 am.

Southampton Port to Central London

Pick-up: Following your arrival at Southampton Port via cruise ship, your driver will be waiting to greet you at the cruise terminal exit from 8:00 am. The shared transfer shall depart at 8:30am from Southampton Port and will guide you through to Central London.

Drop-off: *Please choose between A, B and C (click the hotel for more information and exclusive prices):

A. The Holiday Inn Kensington High Street
B. The Westminster London Curio Collection by Hilton
C. Meliá White House

Drop offs in London will start at approximately 10:30 am.

CRUISE SHUTTLE RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION

• Cancel up to 15 days in advance for a 85% refund

• From Central London to/from Southampton Port

• Convenient pick-ups/drop-offs in central London

• 1 Check-in luggage + 1 Hand luggage per person

• Two free walking tours included: The Wizard Walk walking tour & The Royals and Landmarks tour

Book Now

Public Shared or Private Southampton Cruise Ship Tour Transfers

Our cruise ship tour transfers are exclusive to cruise customers disembarking or boarding ships at Southampton cruise port. A great opportunity to include world class sightseeing on your journey to or from your cruise ship.

With these tour transfers you have the option to choose from either shared or private transfers.

Both shared and private starting rates are based on two sharing a vehicle; you can then choose up to eight passengers. If you are travelling solo you can see the rates by clicking through to book.

Half day tour transfers (shared or private) visiting Windsor Castle or Stonehenge, in either direction between Central London and Southampton

Cruise tour transfers allow you to visit popular attractions in the UK en-route between Southampton and London: Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.

Tours go in either direction so you can choose the tour transfer (and visit the attraction) that is right for you.

Private transfers between Southampton, London and beyond

Cars, vans and touring coaches catering for all party sizes

We offer a comprehensive private transfer service to or from your Southampton cruise ship.

We have a wide range of vehicles of all sizes that cater from single travellers to large groups. All transfers are competitively priced with no hidden extras. Prices include all taxes, parking and London congestion charges.

At airports and Southampton cruise terminals the you will personally be met and greeted as you exit into the public area of the terminal. At airports our drivers track your incoming flight and will time their arrival based on actual landing time. No need to worry if your flight is early or late.

Sightseeing options like Stonehenge or Windsor Castle on the way!

A host of world class attractions are accessible during Southampton transfer route and with a private transfer you have the freedom to stop and explore. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral are just three heritage sites of many you could visit.

Private Southampton Transfers by Car, Van or Coach

Options available:

• Direct door to door private transfers
• Stonehenge or Windsor stopover
• Full day private tour transfers

London to Southampton by Coach

The cheapest public transport between Southampton and London

National Express, the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator run very frequent coach services between London and Southampton. National Express run separate services to Southampton from Victoria Coach Station in Central London, Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

The National Express coaches are the cheapest and slowest transfer option between London and Southampton.

The coaches only stop at a few regional towns on the journey like Basingstoke or Winchester – no stops are made at hotels or Southampton cruise terminals.

At Southampton the coach station is in the heart of Southampton city centre. There are no shuttles or public transport between the cruise terminals and the coach station. From Southampton’s four cruise terminals it is too far to walk with luggage.

National Express ticketing

We recommend you pre book your ticket on-line in advance. Departures, especially after a cruise ship has docked do get fully booked and when this happens a second bus is not provided. E-tickets are available sent directly to your e-mail in-box.

National Express offer a choice of ticket types. Cheapest fares are advance purchase on-line, some are exclusively on-line. Like many fare structures you pay more for flexibility to change schedules or cancel. Fares will vary according to demand and how far a ticket is booked in advance of their journey.

Tickets are not allocated a seat number, you select your seat on boarding on a first come first served basis. Subject to availability you can reserve the front seats of the coach for a supplement.

For more comprehensive information we have a designated National Express page for full details.