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London Waterloo to Southampton Central train ticket prices
£14.50
On Tue 03 Mar
London Waterloo to Southampton Central train timetable
Journey from London Waterloo to Southampton Central on the fastest train in 1h 13m, usually 1h 23m. Every day, 81 trains leave from London Waterloo, starting at 05:30 and ending at 23:40. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:22 London Waterloo | 3h 41m, 1 change | 10:03 Southampton Central | Gatwick Express | Find tickets |
06:30 London Waterloo | 1h 27m, Direct | 07:57 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:03 London Waterloo | 1h 23m, Direct | 08:26 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:10 London Waterloo | 1h 32m, 1 change | 08:42 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:15 London Waterloo | 2h 36m, Direct | 09:51 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
London Waterloo to Southampton Central train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London Waterloo 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.
Direct train route from London Waterloo to Southampton Central
London Waterloo is 70 miles (112km) away from Southampton Central. The train ride takes about 1h 13m. 81 trains are running daily between London Waterloo and Southampton Centre. The first train departs at 05:30, and the last train departs at 23:40. Check the latest schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Departing from London Waterloo
The best train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central departs from London Waterloo, located in the London Borough of Lambeth on the Southern bank of the River Thames. This station is conveniently positioned near Waterloo Bridge and to the northeast of Westminster Bridge. London Waterloo is easily accessible by taxi, bus, underground, or cycling.
The primary train operators at London Waterloo are South Western Railway, Southeastern, and River. Additionally, London Waterloo station offers services to destinations such as Weymouth, Hampton Court, Reading, and more.
Waterloo Underground Station is well-connected by four lines: the Bakerloo line, the Jubilee line, the Northern line, and the Waterloo & City line. This extensive connectivity makes it convenient for passengers to transfer between different lines.
Main stops
Primary stations on this route are Woking, Winchester, and Southampton Airport Parkway. Stops can vary with different operators, routes, and times.
Arriving at Southampton Central
The best train from London Waterloo to Southampton arrives at Southampton Central, which is located in Southampton, Hampshire, in Southern England. This station is accessible by train, taxi, or bus.
Southampton Central Station is served by four major train companies: South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway, and CrossCountry. Trains from this station also provide services to other destinations such as Weymouth, Poole, Bournemouth, and more.
While in Southampton, you can explore a variety of attractions:
- Visit art galleries and the maritime museum.
- Enjoy theatre and live music performances.
- Walk along the mediaeval walls.
- Shop at Westquay.
For a seamless journey from London Waterloo to Southampton Central, choose the best train options and enjoy all that Southampton has to offer.
South Western Railway trains from London Waterloo to Southampton Central
The trip from London Waterloo to Southampton Central on South Western Railway takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes. Enjoy views of suburban towns and the English countryside, including farmland, meadows, forests, lakes, and hills. Approaching Southampton, see the bustling port scenery.
South Western Railway links Southern England to London Waterloo, providing reliable service to thousands of commuters each day. The trains are well-furnished, featuring comfortable seats and free WiFi, ensuring a convenient and comfortable travel environment.
South Western Railway Standard Class
Provide free WiFi, and comfortable seats.
South Western Railway First Class
Provide spacious and luxurious real leather seats, larger tables, free WiFi, and unlimited charging capabilities at the seats.
Travel with South Western Railway
Key travel instructions provide information on luggage limits, bicycle permissions, passenger assistance, and travelling with children and pets.
- Luggage: A maximum of two large items and one small carry-on are allowed.
- Bicycles: Small folding bicycles can be carried without reservation. Non-foldable Bicycles are not allowed during peak times at specific stations.
- Children: Children under 5 ride for free. Children aged 5 to 15 pay half price. 16 and older pay adult fare.
- Pets: Up to 2 pets can be carried for free. Pets must be in carriers not exceeding 85 x 60 x 60 cm.
- Passenger Assist: Arrange boarding ramps, assist with travel planning, move luggage, reserve seats, buy tickets, and provide transportation services.
London Waterloo to Southampton Central train travel guide
Taking the train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London Waterloo, you can arrive at Southampton Central in just 1h 13m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
Ticket prices from London Waterloo to Southampton Central average around £14.50, 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.
What is the best way to travel from London Waterloo to Southampton Central by train?
What is the fastest train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
The quickest train journey from London Waterloo to Southampton Central takes 1h 13m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
No, there are no direct trains from London Waterloo 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 London Waterloo 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?
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 London Waterloo to Southampton Central trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London Waterloo 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?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do London Waterloo to Southampton Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London Waterloo 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?
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?
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?
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 London Waterloo to Southampton Central route?
The train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized 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 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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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.
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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 London Waterloo to Southampton Central train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
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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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