Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport Trains From £8.00*

Get a fast and easy Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport train and arrive in around 2 hours and 4 minutes with Southern.

On the way, you'll travel through some of the South's most beautiful landscapes, including hugging the coastal towns below the stunning South Downs National Park. You'll pass through the delightful city of Chichester before beginning to travel north, leaving the coast behind and heading inland through West Sussex, then arriving at the airport, relaxed and ready for your flight!

Southern runs trains that mostly serve destinations South of Central London, travelling out to places like Eastbourne, Hastings, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Portsmouth. Their main base is at London Victoria, but they additionally operate from London Bridge to locations such as Caterham and Tattenham Corner. Their trains also link Brighton on the South Coast with Eastbourne, Ore and Southampton Central, among others.

Departing from Southampton Central

The fastest direct train from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport sets off from Southampton Central Station. The main entrance is on Blechynden Terrace, on the west side of the centre. There is a bus stop with five routes at the rear of the station, just off the Western Esplanade. Reaching the station is easy, thanks to its accessible location and multiple transportation options.

Southampton Central is well served for onward travel. South Western Railway travels to London Waterloo, Salisbury, Romsey, Portsmouth and Southsea, Winchester, Poole and Weymouth. Great Western Railway trains go from here to Portsmouth, Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central, and Manchester Piccadilly is reachable on CrossCountry.

Main stops

The direct train calls at Woolston, Swanwick, Fareham, Portchester, Cosham, Havant, Emsworth, Southbourne, Chichester, Barnham, Horsham, Crawley and Three Bridges. The stops may vary depending on the time, train operators, and train routes.

Arriving at Gatwick Airport

The cheapest direct Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport train arrives at Gatwick Airport Railway Station.

There are two terminals at Gatwick: North Terminal and South Terminal. The station is situated at the South Terminal, so getting to your flight is simply a matter of a short walk. There is a shuttle bus that takes you to the North Terminal in just two minutes.

Gatwick Airport is on the Brighton Main Line, connecting that city with London Bridge and London Victoria Stations. You can also reach Cambridge, Peterborough, Bedford, Reading, Horsham, Bognor Regis, Portsmouth and Eastbourne from here. Gatwick Express and Great Western Railway run services that call at the station.

Southern train classes

• Standard Class: Book in advance and you can reserve a seat to ensure your journey is a comfortable one. Your train may well have Wi-Fi - look out for a blue sticker on the door to find out.
• First Class: If you want to really relax on your journey, then opt to travel from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport First Class. You'll benefit from the quieter, calmer carriage with comfier seats and more legroom.

Southern train travel advice

If you're keen to buy cheap train tickets, then make sure you've checked if you can benefit from a Railcard. This national scheme offers a third off most off-peak rail fares. There are a number of different types, so you may be eligible for one. Check out our Railcard Guide to find out!

• Luggage: If you have any big cases for your upcoming flight, then pop them in the main luggage rack. Otherwise, just lift your luggage into the overhead shelves.
• Bicycles: If you're travelling during peak-time, you won't be allowed to bring a non-folding bike on board. Cycles are welcome off-peak, though. You don't have to book (but staff may put you on a different service if one is too busy). Foldable bikes are welcome at all times.
• Children: Under 5s travel for free, which is great news for families. What's more, kids between 5 and 15 get half-price tickets. Southern has a great offer allowing up to four kids to travel for just £2 each when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
• Pets: You can bring two pets with you on your train journey. They need to be in suitable carriers (no bigger than 85 x 60 x 60 cm) unless they're dogs, which can be kept on a lead.
• Passenger Assist: Southern operates a 'turn up and go' service, so you can simply let staff at the station know when you arrive what accessibility assistance you will require. If you have time, though, it's sensible to book it by phone or online in advance of travel.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.