Trains from London to Southampton
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London to Southampton by train
It takes an average of 1h 53m to travel from London to Southampton by train, over a distance of around 69 miles (111 km). There are normally 119 trains per day traveling from London to Southampton and tickets for this journey start from $12.78 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 00:10 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Southampton | |
| Journey time | From 1h 5m | |
| Distance | 69 miles (111 km) | |
| Frequency | 119 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $12.78 | |
| Train operators |
Travel by train from London to Southampton in just over an hour
Considering a trip to the south coast and need more information on the journey from London to Southampton by train? Start your journey with us!
Usually, the journey from London to Southampton by train takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes to travel the 69 miles between these two cities. However, the fastest services can take you there in as little as 1 hour and 5 minutes. With around 105 direct trains running on this popular route, you can sit back and relax as you don’t need to make any changes along the way.
If you’re traveling on this route, you’ll board a train at train operated by South Western Railway or Southern. With the former, you’ll depart from London Waterloo station. Whereas with the latter, you’ll board a train at London Victoria station. With both operators, you’ll find free WiFi on the majority of services, as well as comfortable seating and luggage storage. Lastly, no matter who you end up traveling with, you’ll arrive at Southampton Central station.
Once you’ve arrived, you can begin to enjoy Southampton’s most popular sights. Not sure where to begin? Head for the Southampton City Art Gallery and the SeaCity Museum – home to interactive maritime displays and events. From Southampton, you can also access some of the UK’s most beautiful areas, including the New Forest and Jurassic Coast.
If you’d like to purchase the cheapest train tickets, try traveling during Off-Peak hours, as tickets are generally cheaper outside of morning/evening rush hours on weekdays. Hoping to save even more? Try booking an Advance ticket – they tend to be released 12 weeks prior to the departure date and are usually cheaper than purchasing tickets on the day of travel.
Eager to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Southampton in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For further information, continue reading for FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets.
FAQs for London to Southampton
Want to know more about your journey from London to Southampton? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from London to Southampton take?
The average journey time by train between London and Southampton is 1 hour and 53 minutes, with around 119 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Southampton by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Southampton is 1 hour and 5 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Southampton cost?
Train tickets from London to Southampton can start from as little as $12.78 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from London to Southampton?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Southampton without having to change trains. There are 119 direct trains from London to Southampton each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from London to Southampton leave?
The first train from London to Southampton leaves at 04:30. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Southampton leave?
The last train from London to Southampton leaves at 00:10. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between London and Southampton by train?
Trains travelling from London to Southampton cover a distance of around 69 miles (111 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Southampton to London.
Cheap train tickets from London to Southampton
Book in advance
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.
Consider a Season Ticket
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 London to Southampton is right for you.
Use your Railcard
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.
Split your tickets
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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.