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Going to Southampton for a sunny day out on the beach or a weekend away? Frequent rail services can take you to Southampton from London in a little over two hours and from Brighton in about an hour and a half, so you'll be exploring the thriving city centre in no time.

Walking for about 20 minutes from the city centre, in Blechynden Terrace, you can have just a short hop (or bus ride) into the thick of the action. In the Cultural Quarter, the interactive SeaCity Museum traces the city's Titanic heritage; in the charming Old Town, the Tudor House and Garden cover over 900 years of history and is Southampton's most important historic building, and the internationally renowned Southampton City Art Gallery is well worth a visit. The Town Quay, a key departure point for ferries to the Isle of Wight, is a short bus ride away from the station.

Station details & facilities

Trains to Southampton Central station

Southampton Central train station is mainly served by GWR, Southern and South Western Railway trains. Frequent Southern services connect London Victoria to Southampton Central in 2h 26m and Brighton to Southampton Central in 1h 33m. The main routes served by GWR are from Cardiff to Southampton Central (2h 31m) and from Portsmouth Harbour to Southampton Central (43m), while the main route operated by South Western Railway is from Bournemouth to Southampton Central (27m).

Need more information on how to get to Southampton by train? Check out our dedicated page to trains to Southampton.

How to get from Southampton Central station to the beach

It's easy to get to the beach from Southampton Central station. The nearest beach to Southampton Central station is Weston Hard Woolston, which is only a 15-minute taxi ride away.

Southampton Central train station departures and arrivals

Want to know when your next train from/to Southampton Central station departs? Scroll down this page and click on the ‘Departures’ tab if you want to check all trains departing from Southampton Central railway station or click on the ‘Arrivals’ tab for more information about all services arriving into Southampton Central.

Southampton Central station has four platforms and two entrances, each of which has toilets, a waiting room, ticket office and machines and a place to grab a snack or two. All the platforms are split into two sections, A at the east and B at the west, and each platform has luggage trolleys. A footbridge, accessed by stairs or lifts, connects all platforms.

Southampton Central train station parking

Southampton Central has three car parks, one towards Western Esplanade and the other two near the main entrance. Step-free access is available at all car parks as well as throughout the whole station.

Hotels near Southampton Central train station

Looking for a hotel near Southampton Central railway station? There’s a wide range of hotels you can choose from. Simply click on the button below and book now your accommodation in Southampton.

Check hotel availability

Frequently asked questions

Is Southampton Central station open?

Southampton Central station is open every day that services are running to and from the station. The station usually opens just before the first train of the day leaves and then closes after the last train departs. Ticket office opening hours may vary.

Are trains running today from Southampton Central station?

Trains arrive into and depart from Southampton Central station almost every day, although there may be fewer services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains running to and from Southampton Central.

Are there toilets at Southampton Central station?

Yes, there are toilets available to use at Southampton Central station.

Are dogs allowed at Southampton Central station?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Southampton Central station, but they should be kept on a lead or in a pet carrier at all times.

How do I get from Southampton Central station to the beach?

The nearest beach to Southampton Central station is Weston Hard Woolston, which is only a 15-minute taxi ride away.

Departures and arrivals from Southampton Central

Want to check the latest departures and arrivals into Southampton Central station? Find live information for the next trains departing and arriving at the station below.
Departing toTrainTimePlatformStatus
to London WaterlooSouth Western Railway06:301On time
to SalisburySouth Western Railway06:324On time
to RomseySouth Western Railway06:333BOn time
to London VictoriaSouthern06:371On time
to London WaterlooSouth Western Railway06:432On time
Arriving fromTrainTimePlatformStatus
from PooleSouth Western Railway06:281On time
from SalisburySouth Western Railway06:304On time
from Portsmouth HarbourGreat Western Railway06:454On time
from Bristol Temple MeadsGreat Western Railway06:472On time
from PooleSouth Western Railway07:031Late
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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