No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train ticket prices
£8.33
On Sun 17 May
Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train timetable
From Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central, take the fastest train in 1h 48m, typically 2h 22m. Daily, 80 trains depart from Gatwick Airport, with the first at 00:42 and the last at 23:55. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:32 Gatwick Airport | 1h 49m, 1 change | 17:21 Southampton Central | Southern | Find tickets |
15:39 Gatwick Airport | 2h 24m, 1 change | 18:03 Southampton Central | Southern | Find tickets |
15:43 Gatwick Airport | 2h, 2 change | 17:43 Southampton Central | Southern | Find tickets |
15:43 Gatwick Airport | 2h 35m, 1 change | 18:18 Southampton Central | Southern | Find tickets |
16:09 Gatwick Airport | 2h 22m, 1 change | 18:31 Southampton Central | Southern | Find tickets |
Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Southern: Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central trains
Departing from Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is a straightforward station to depart from, as the train station is already built into the South Terminal building. If you’re coming from the North Terminal building, then you can catch the shuttle bus service that ferries passengers between terminals every few minutes.
Main stops
When travelling with Southern from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central, there are several stops along the way, including Three Bridges, Horsham, and Chichester. Note that you must change trains at Ford to continue to Southampton.
It’s worth considering that these routes may change due to adverse weather conditions, train faults, engineering works, or scheduling alterations. So, it’s best to double-check before you travel.
Arriving at Southampton Central
Southampton Central is a convenient and straightforward station to arrive at. Placed in the West Quay area of the city centre, there are local buses and taxis outside the Platform 1 exit that can help you get around the city centre and neighbouring areas of the city.
Southampton has buckets (and spades) of things to do. Known for its rich maritime heritage, pleasant weather, and excellent beaches, it makes for a great day out at the seaside. If you’d like to imbibe the warm southern weather and the salty sea air, consider visiting Lepe Beach, Weston Beach, or Calshot Beach. Or, if you’d like to know more about Southampton’s past, consider visiting the SeaCity Museum to learn more about the city’s connection to the ocean.
Southern train classes
Standard Class: Enjoy comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi, with priority seating and wheelchair space available near train doors. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
First Class: It is possible to get a Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central First-Class ticket with Southern, enjoy quieter carriages, larger seating and tables, and wireless charging.
Southern train travel advice
Luggage: Store larger bags away on the overhead shelf or luggage racks. Smaller items of luggage can fit under the seats.
Pets: Dogs, cats, and small animals can travel at no cost. Dogs need to be on a lead, and other animals must be in carriers. Passengers can bring a maximum of two pets.
Bicycles: Peak-time restrictions apply to regular bikes and e-bikes. Spaces are free of charge with no need to pre-book. E-scooters and hoverboards are not permitted.
- Children: For children under 5, travel is free, and those between 5 and 15 receive a 50% fare reduction. The Family & Friends Railcard can reduce family ticket costs by up to one-third.
Passenger Assist: Assisting with purchasing tickets and other necessary items for the journey, providing ramps or alternative transportation, and helping with luggage handling, boarding, and transfer services.
Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train travel guide
Travelling by train from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Gatwick Airport, you can reach Southampton Central in just 1h 48m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central?
Ticket prices from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central average around £8.33, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central?
What is the fastest train from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central?
The fastest train journey time from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central is 1h 48m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central?
No, there are no direct trains from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train timetables?
Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central route?
The Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central route is operated by CrossCountry. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
-
Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
-
Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
-
Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
New user welcome pack