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Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train ticket prices
£8.00
On Sat 09 May
Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train timetable
Travelling from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central, the fastest train takes 1h 48m with an average travel time of 2h 22m. 80 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 00:42 and the last at 23:55. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
16:09 Gatwick Airport | 2h 22m, 1 change | 18:31 Southampton Central | Southern | Find tickets |
16:13 Gatwick Airport | 2h 6m, 2 change | 18:19 Southampton Central | Southern | Find tickets |
16:26 Gatwick Airport | 2h 16m, 3 change | 18:42 Southampton Central | Southern | Find tickets |
16:29 Gatwick Airport | 2h 13m, 3 change | 18:42 Southampton Central | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:32 Gatwick Airport | 2h 17m, 2 change | 18:49 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
It takes around two hours and twenty minutes to get from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central with Southern. However, you must change trains at Ford to get to Southampton. On your journey, you’ll head west, swapping the busy station of Gatwick Airport in Sussex for the sunny south coast of Hampshire.
Southern primarily operates routes between Central London and the South Coast of England, to places in Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
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.
Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink, and Great Western Railway all operate through this station, serving destinations such as London St Pancras, London Euston, Brighton, and Southampton.
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.
Do you want to see more of the UK but feel that train tickets are too expensive? If so, try TrainPal, your gateway to searching and booking cheap train tickets. Don’t forget to add a Railcard for an extra discount.
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.
South Western Railway, Southern, CrossCountry, and Great Western Railway all run their services through Southampton Central, serving routes to destinations like London Waterloo, Bournemouth, Weymouth, and Portsmouth.
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.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central train travel guide
The train journey from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Gatwick Airport, you can get to Southampton Central in just 1h 48m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central?
The average fare from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central is approximately £8.00, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific 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 . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
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, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
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 Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
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
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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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
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* 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.
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