Transfers Countries United Kingdom LondonLondon to Southampton

Private car transfer from London to Southampton

Door-to-door
in 1 h 50 min

From €40
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in London.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 50 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Southampton.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

129 km1 h 50 min

Overview: car trip from London to Southampton

Southampton is a popular departure port for many cruise lines. If you’re flying into London for your cruise out of Southampton, a road trip will get your vacation started early. There is a distance of about 80 miles (125 km) from London to Southampton, and trade routes across land and sea have connected these cities for over 1,000 years. With Daytrip, you can make a similar journey and stop by important sites along the way.

As you leave the chaos of London, the English countryside is a welcome contrast. Before you hurry to the pier in Southampton, take the time to see southern England’s rolling hills and quaint farmhouses.

For fans of English literature, Jane Austen's House Museum sheds light on the life of the Pride and Prejudice author. This house in the small village of Chawton is where Jane Austen spent the last 8 years of her life writing most of her books. Pick up a copy of your favorite for some poolside reading later.

The party doesn’t have to start on the boat! Visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and see the gin-making process up close. This distillery is not only a proud part of British history, but it also incorporates modern architectural elements into the original 18th-century mill where it all started. With someone else behind the wheel, you’ll be free to enjoy a drink or two after your tour before getting back on the road.

When you arrive in Southampton, you’ll be relieved to have someone else navigating the roads, especially when the summer cruises start! Your driver will take you right to your Southampton address so the next leg of your vacation can begin. Von voyage!

About Southampton

Southampton is a small city on the south coast of England, at the mouth of the Rivers Test and Itchen. It is best known for the many cruise ships that start their voyages from its piers. Today, over 250,000 people call Southampton home, and millions more make the journey from Southampton to ports of call all over the world.

Southampton throughout history

The estuary Southampton sits on has been inhabited since the Stone Age due to its fertile soil and access to the ocean, according to archeological finds. The first written records of human settlements in Southampton date back to the Roman era, with the establishment of Clausentum in the first century AD. This site, now in modern-day Bitterne Manor, was a significant trading post and defensive stronghold on the River Itchen.

Southampton changed hands through Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman conquests over the centuries due to its strategic location as a port town. While being the center of maritime trade and transportation has its economic and cultural advantages, it did come at a cost. In 1348, ships carrying the bubonic plague brought the Black Death to England, most likely through Southampton or Weymouth.

International trade continued through Southampton’s ports, which attracted all kinds of travelers. In 1620, the Mayflower and the Speedwell set sail from Southampton, carrying Pilgrims who would establish one of the first English settlements in North America.

The Industrial Revolution in Southampton

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes in the 19th century. The arrival of the railway and the development of docks made Southampton an even larger industrial port, and it became known for its shipbuilding and maritime industries. Perhaps its best-known ship is the ill-fated RMS Titanic, which departed for New York City in 1912.

Southampton today

During World War II, the city was heavily bombed, which resulted in extensive damage. Most of the city had to be rebuilt, and this transformed Southampton into a more modern-looking city than some of its neighbors. Despite the damage, you can still find original structures, including some as far back as Medieval times.

Today, Southampton is best known for its shopping and cruise culture. With over 2.6 million visitors and 450 cruise ships docking on its shores each year, it has adapted its ports to the high demand for cruise infrastructure.

From London to Southampton: travel tips

Even though your cruise hasn’t started yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t start vacationing! Make your trip from London to Southampton a memorable and stress-free one by following these helpful tips:

Get to Southampton one day early

Don’t let a flight delay, bad weather, or a traffic accident prevent you from boarding your ship! Cruise ships have strict departure times, and if you miss it then you are out of luck. If your cruise departs from Southampton, arrive one day early to the city. This will alleviate any stress about traveling the distance from London to Southampton on the same day as your cruise.

Another good reason to follow this tip is that there is plenty to see and do during your stay in Southampton!

Book any must-sees ahead of time

If you’ll only have a short time in southern England, you don’t want to find out that the excursion you wanted to do is closed or sold out. Museums are typically closed on Mondays and federal holidays, so double-check the opening hours before you plan your trip. For sightseeing stops like the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, book your tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Learn the cruise ship lingo

Cruise ships are a whole new world, and with that comes new terminology to learn. Don’t get caught out of the loop! Here are some basics to start your trip:

Home port: The port that the cruise ship embarks and disembarks (for your trip, this will be Southampton)
Port of call: Stops the cruise ship makes along the way
Bow: The front of the ship
Stern: The back of the ship
Galley: The ship’s kitchen

How to get from London to Southampton

You’ve booked your cruise and flights, but how will you get to the ship? You have several transport options for your transfer from London to Southampton: car, bus, or train. When choosing your mode of transportation, consider how much time you have before the cruise departs, the price, as well as the flexibility you’d like on your trip.

London to Southampton via private driver

Unlike a cruise shuttle bus with specific departure points, Daytrip will pick you up right from your London hotel or airport. This flexibility allows you to focus on the fun aspects of your trip without worrying about logistics and deadlines.

While you’re traveling to Southampton, you’ll have the flexibility and control of renting a car without the hassle of returning it (or learning how to drive on the left side of the road!) Daytrip’s private drivers are local professionals, so they know this route very well.

You’ll have the chance to see more of England beyond its capital and lean into the cultural experience of traveling to another country. Choose sightseeing stops that fit into your schedule and interests, and let Daytrip worry about the transportation details.

Once you arrive in Southampton, you’ll be glad a shuttle bus didn’t take you to a general drop-off point like the bus station. Enjoy door-to-door service as you’re chauffeured straight to your hotel or the pier of your cruise ship. Secure your seat in a comfy sedan with two other guests for $70 (£55).

London to Southampton via bus

National Express operates buses from London’s Earl’s Court Station, London Hammersmith, and London Victoria to the Southampton Coach Station Harbour Parade. The trip takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets can be found as low as $9 (£7), but the average is $32-$44.50 (£25-£35).

Once you’re at the Southampton Coach Station, you can take a taxi to the Southampton Port in 5 minutes. The U1C bus is another option, which stops at the coach station and is a 10-minute ride from the Telephone House stop. It is then another 5 minutes' walk to the docks.

London to Southampton via train

South Western Railway has direct trains from London Waterloo Station to Southampton Central that depart around every 30 minutes during the high season of summer. London Waterloo is Britain’s largest and busiest train station, so you have plenty of options for getting to the station from your hotel or the airport.

Tickets cost between $57-$140 (£45-£110) per passenger depending on how far in advance you book your ticket and which class of seats you choose. Once you arrive at Southampton Central Railway Station, a five-minute taxi ride can take you to Southampton Port. Alternatively, you can take the 17 or 19 bus to the Holyrood Church stop and walk about 10 minutes to your ship.

Things to do when you get to Southampton

After your transfer from London to Southampton, take some time to see all the city has to offer. Southampton has plenty of entertainment and dining options for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Learn about Southampton at the SeaCity Museum

At the SeaCity Museum, you can follow centuries of Southampton’s rich maritime history, trading routes, and claims to fame. This includes stories of everyday sailors and merchants and, of course, a detailed exhibit on the RMS Titanic, which set sail from the city's docks in 1912.

Visit the Southampton City Art Gallery

Conveniently next to the SeaCity Museum, the Southampton City Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of art spanning six centuries. Its focus is on contemporary British works and temporary exhibitions. The gallery is free to enter and family-friendly.

Go to new heights at the Solent Sky Museum

Southampton isn’t just about sea navigation! Come to the Solent Sky Museum for the history of aviation in Southampton. This family-friendly museum features a collection of iconic aircraft, including the Supermarine Spitfire.

Attend a show at the Mayflower Theatre

Catch a West End show, musical, or live performance at the UK’s third-largest theater, the Mayflower Theatre, which hosts a variety of top-quality productions throughout the year.

Step back in time at the Tudor House and Garden

The Tudor House and Garden was established in 1912 as Southampton’s first museum. The house dates back to 1491 and showcases over 800 years of Southampton’s history through interactive exhibits. The garden is a model of the medicinal plants and foods that would have been typical of a Tudor garden at the time. Keep in mind that unlike most museums, the Tudor House is open on Mondays but closed on Fridays.

Walk along the Medieval City walls

About a 10-minute walk from the Tudor House are some of the best-preserved medieval city walls in England. These walls include the Bargate gatehouse and a lookout tower.

Stroll in one of Southampton’s many green spaces

This might be your last time on land for many days, so enjoy the many parks and natural spaces Southampton has to offer before your cruise.

Southampton Common

This large public park, located in the north of the city, has expansive green spaces, ponds, and woodlands. It is perfect for a leisurely walk and a picnic.

East Park

East Park is in the center of the city and has a memorial to the Titanic's engineers, rock gardens, fountains, and paths. It is also adjacent to Hogsland, Palmerston, and Watts Parks.

New Forest National Park

Just a short drive from Southampton, this beautiful national park offers stunning landscapes, walking trails, and the chance to see free-roaming ponies and other wildlife.

When is the best time to visit Southampton

The best time to travel from London to Southampton depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Generally, the period from late spring to early autumn (May to September) is ideal for most visitors.

Late Spring (May through June)

Late spring is one of the best times to visit Southampton. The daytime temperatures range from 54°F to 64°F (12°C to 18°C), making it pleasant for sightseeing. The city’s parks and gardens, like Southampton Common, are in full bloom, providing beautiful scenery for walks and picnics. This period also sees fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Summer (July through August)

Summer is the peak tourism season in Southampton. The weather is warm, averaging between 59°F and 72°F (15°C and 22°C). This is the best time to go on a cruise or for outdoor activities, such as visiting the nearby New Forest National Park. However, popular attractions and accommodations can be crowded and more expensive during this time, so booking in advance is recommended.

Early Autumn (September through October)

This season is perfect for exploring the city’s historical sites, such as the medieval city walls and the Tudor House and Garden, without the hustle and bustle of peak season tourists. For boating fans, time your visit with the Southampton Boat Show, which usually takes place in September. This is Britain’s largest boat show and attracts experts and novices alike. Expect temperatures around 65°F (18°C).

Winter (November through April)

While winter in Southampton is colder and wetter, with temperatures between 37°F and 50°F (3°C and 10°C), it can still be a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind the chill. Indoor attractions, like the SeaCity Museum and the Mayflower Theatre, can keep you out of the cold.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from London to Southampton

How do I get from London to Southampton?

You can travel from London to Southampton via car, bus, train, or sometimes cruise ship shuttle bus depending on your package options. During the peak summer season, book your transportation in advance to give you peace of mind before your trip.

How much does a train from London to Southampton cost?

South Western Railway has direct trains between Southampton and London with tickets starting at $57 (£45). The average cost, however, is $88 (£69) per passenger. Book your tickets in advance to get the best price and check if you qualify for any discounted tickets (child, senior, disabled, etc.).

How much does Uber cost from London to Southampton?

The starting rate for an Uber, taxi, or other rideshare app trip from London to Southampton is $178 (£140). The cost may change based on the time of day and the demand for the route. In order to not miss your cruise, book your trip ahead of time to guarantee the service.

Which station in London goes to Southampton?

London Waterloo has about 20 direct trains a day going to Southampton during the height of the summer season. London Waterloo is also the largest and busiest train station in London. For buses, Earl’s Court Station also has a variety of options for traveling to Southampton.

What is the cheapest way to get from London to Southampton?

Traveling by National Express bus is your cheapest option to Southampton, but you do pay with your time. The trip takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes, compared to 90 minutes by train or car. Tickets can cost as low as $9 (£7).

How far is the Southampton cruise terminal from the train station?

A 5-minute taxi ride can get you from the Southampton train station to your cruise terminal. You can also take the 19 bus to Platform Tavern stop. If the weather is good and your luggage is light, it is a 30-minute walk.

Visit these sights on the way

Kew Gardens

The world’s largest botanical collection, and beautiful historic buildings make this UNESCO World Heritage Site nirvana for nature lovers. Eden on Earth

Brooklands Museum

An impressive array of autos and planes are on display at the world’s first racetrack and one of Britain’s earliest aerodromes. Vroom and Zoom

Milestones Museum

Experience a slice of life from the Victorian Era and early 20th century in this ‘living museum’. A Walk Through Time

Jane Austen's House Museum

Experience the life and times of Jane Austen in the house where she wrote most of her major works, including Pride and Prejudice. Literary Pride

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the famous gin in this beautiful old-meets-new distillery. Big Blue

The Great Hall

The centerpiece of one of England’s finest medieval halls is a 13th century reproduction of King Arthur’s legendary round table. Gather Round

Stonehenge

One of Europe’s most famous ancient monuments, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been the focus of countless theories and legends. Rock Star Rocks

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

2,575 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R

Jan 25, 2025

Excellent service

“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Omar

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.