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London Waterloo to Southampton Central train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€10.65
On Sun 1
Live timetable and departures
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:35 London Waterloo | 1h 46m, 1 change | 16:21 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:54 London Waterloo | 1h 51m, 1 change | 16:45 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:35 London Waterloo | 1h 46m, 1 change | 17:21 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:50 London Waterloo | 1h 55m, 1 change | 17:45 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:35 London Waterloo | 1h 46m, 1 change | 18:21 Southampton Central | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from London Waterloo to Southampton Central
- South Western Railway
- Southern
- Thameslink
South Western Railway (SWR) provides commuter and regional services across London and the south-west of England. It runs from London Waterloo along the South West Main Line, the Portsmouth Direct Line, among other regional lines. Though SWR often receives criticism for delays and cancellations, its trains feature plenty of seating, so you’re less likely to be standing at peak times.
First Class
Standard
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"If you’re travelling with bags, it’s worth noting that most South Western Railway trains don’t have dedicated luggage areas. You’ll have to make do with overhead racks, underseat space and floor space; just make sure you’re not blocking aisles, doorways or wheelchair spaces. Consider upgrading to First Class for some extra space while prices start at £5 on weekends."
"If you’re travelling to or from London Waterloo, SWR’s main hub, make sure to allow some extra time for navigating the station, especially at peak times. Waterloo is the UK’s largest station and one of the busiest, so allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes if you’re trying to catch the Tube downstairs or a connecting train."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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 when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- 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 provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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 free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from London Waterloo
Address:
Station Approach, London, SE1 8SW, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
London Underground: Located in Fare Zone 1, the station is directly linked to Waterloo Tube station on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines.
Bus: Hop on TfL routes and night buses from the main Victory Arch exit (stops A, B, C, V and W), Tenison Way (stops H, J and K) and Waterloo Road (stops D, E and F). Areas served include Holborn, Lambeth, Oxford Street and Elephant & Castle. The express Bakerloop service from stop D is a speedier way to get to Old Kent Road, New Cross and Lewisham.
River bus: Travel along the River Thames to and from the London Eye Waterloo Pier (a 6-minute walk from the station).
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Licensed black cabs take passengers to and from the taxi rank on Waterloo Road.
Platforms:
24 in total, numbered 1-24 from left to right when viewed from the station entrance. Suburban trains on the South West Main Line generally use platforms 1-6 on the southeastern end of the station, while long-distance services usually depart from platforms 7-16 across the centre of the main concourse. Platforms 17-24 tend to be used by trains on the Waterloo to Reading line.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"The lower concourse is a great waiting area away from the crowds, with a Sainsbury’s Local and Black Sheep Coffee for quick refreshments, plenty of seats and tables and often another passenger playing on the station piano. If you’ve got loads of time to spare, check out more shops and eateries in The Sidings, a new retail space with exciting pop-ups and BrewDog’s flagship bar housing duckpin bowling lanes and a giant slide."
FAQs about London Waterloo Station
Where is London Waterloo station?
London Waterloo is in the Waterloo area in Lambeth, a short walk from the south bank of the River Thames.
Which Tube line is Waterloo station on?
Waterloo station is on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines, together covering major residential, business and sightseeing areas. Passengers can take a direct shuttle to Bank on the Waterloo & City line. Other lines head to locations across northwest, central, east and south London, including Oxford Circus, Morden and Stratford.
Is Waterloo East and Waterloo the same station?
No, Waterloo East is a separate rail station, connected to London Waterloo via a walkway.
Is there food at Waterloo station?
Yes, choose from over 20 outlets, from West Cornish Pasty, Pret and M&S to Costa and other coffee shops.
What facilities are there at Waterloo station?
London Waterloo has plenty of shops and eateries, as well as a ticket office, toilets and left luggage facilities.
Arriving at Southampton Central
Address:
Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL
Onward Transit Options:
Bus: Local bus services stop on Blechynden Terrace on the northern side of the station and on Western Esplanade on the southern side, with frequent connections across Southampton and the wider region.
Taxi: Licensed taxi ranks are located on both sides at the northern entrance on Blechynden Terrace and the southern entrance on Western Esplanade. Taxis to the cruise terminals typically take 5-10 minutes and cost around £10, depending on which terminal you're heading to.
Car: Paid parking is available on both sides of the station with a long-stay option on Blechynden Terrace. Pre-booking is recommended for cruise passengers.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
WestQuay shopping centre (directly adjacent to southern entrance)
SeaCity Museum (10-minute walk)
Bargate and the old city walls (10-minute walk)
Southampton Common (15-minute walk)
Mayflower Theatre (10-minute walk)
Airport Transfers:
South Western Railway and CrossCountry operate frequent services to Southampton Airport Parkway in approximately 7 minutes, with the airport terminal directly connected. For Birmingham Airport, CrossCountry operates direct services via Birmingham International in around 2 hours 30 minutes.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"The National Express coach station is just a short walk from the station – useful to know if you're connecting between rail and coach services, or need onward transport to London or further afield. WestQuay shopping centre is directly adjacent to the southern entrance. With a wide range of restaurants, coffee shops and retail all under one roof, it's the best and most convenient option if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or a drink before or after your train.
If you have a little more time, the SeaCity Museum is a 10-minute walk from the station and tells the story of Southampton's extraordinary maritime history, including a remarkable permanent exhibition on the Titanic, which departed on its fatal voyage from here."
FAQs: Southampton Central Station
Is Southampton Parkway the same as Southampton Central?
No, they are two separate stations. Southampton Central is the main city centre station on Blechynden Terrace, serving intercity services to London, Manchester and Cardiff. Southampton Airport Parkway is approximately 7 minutes away by train and serves Southampton Airport with a direct link to the terminal.
Is there a free bus from Southampton Central to the cruise terminal?
No, there is no free bus or shuttle service between Southampton Central and the cruise terminals. The most practical option is a taxi, available at ranks on both the northern and southern entrances. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes and costs around £10, depending on which terminal you're heading to.
How far is Southampton train station from the town?
Southampton Central is in the heart of the city – WestQuay shopping centre is right beside the station, and the historic high street, Bargate and city centre are all within a 10-15 minute walk. The SeaCity Museum and Mayflower Theatre are both around 10 minutes away on foot.
How do I get from Southampton Central to the Red Funnel ferry?
Red Funnel ferries to the Isle of Wight depart from Town Quay, approximately a 15-minute walk from Southampton Central, or a short taxi ride. A bus link to Town Quay also operates from outside the station.
Travelling with South Western Railway: Onboard experience
Reach the coast in next to no time on a South Western Railway (SWR) service. Two hourly services depart London Waterloo, reaching the port city in roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How much luggage can I bring on a South Western Railway train?
Although SWR doesn’t provide a specific luggage allowance, you’re generally permitted to travel with up to two large bags (e.g., suitcases) and a piece of hand luggage. This is similar to the majority of rail-operating companies. Store all baggage away from any doorways, aisles or wheelchair spaces.
What are South Western Railway Standard Class carriages like?
Coaches are fitted with cosy seating and charging points. WiFi is available on most trains, which will include signage. Want to read a book or take a nap? Look for the blue-labelled windows and doors and take a seat in the Quiet Zone.
Is South Western Railway’s First Class service worth it?
When is the last London to Southampton train?
The last direct train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central departs at 23:35 on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 23:05 on Sundays.
Train travel from London Waterloo to Southampton Central
Whether you’re heading to campus or a luxury cruise, rail travel is the most straightforward way to take on the 70-mile (112-kilometre) journey.
London Waterloo: Getting to the platform
- Station layout: London Waterloo has 24 platforms, with platforms 20–24 located on the lower concourse past The Sidings. Services from London Waterloo to Southampton Central generally use platforms 8–14, near the information point and escalators to the mezzanine. Check the departure boards and allow plenty of time to reach your platform, especially during peak hours.
- While you wait: There are enough food outlets, bars and shops to make you forget you’re in a rail station. Grab refreshments to go from M&S, coffee from Caffè Ritazza or refill your water bottle at either end of the concourse. Explore The Sidings on the lower level, where you’ll find a BrewDog like no other. Take the giant helter-skelter-style slide down to the main bar and bowling alley for ultimate fun before your train departs.
On board trains from London Waterloo to Southampton Central
The London to Southampton train offers an hour of impressive sights from the comfort of your seat.
- The scenic side: Opt for a seat on the right side of the train to admire views of the stunning Surrey hills and suburban towns.
- Key landmarks: Enjoy green fields and glimpses of the Fleet Pond Nature Reserve. As the train approaches Southampton Central, look out for planes taking off from Southampton Airport and stretches of the River Itchen, a beautiful chalk stream.
Arriving at Southampton Central
Southampton Central is the perfect base for exploring the city’s rich heritage and green spaces on foot or connecting to onward travel services.
- Blechynden Terrace exit: Take the main exit to head to the city centre or hop on a Go-Ahead and Unilink buses serving local areas, the University of Southampton and halls. You can also catch a cab from the taxi rank.
- Western Esplanade exit: The station’s southern exit offers access to more buses, another taxi rank, the Westquay shopping centre and the coach station.
- Getting around Southampton: From Southampton Central, you’re no more than 20 minutes away from the city centre, historic Old Town and cruise terminals on foot. The vast bus network is a reliable alternative for exploring the port city’s endless attractions.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from London Waterloo to Southampton Central
Apply for South Western Railway Delay Repay
If your SWR train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket or 12.5% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Southern Delay Repay
Southern operates Delay Repay 15, meaning eligible passengers can claim compensation when they arrive at their destination at least 15 minutes later than scheduled.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket price or 25% of the affected portion of a return ticket price
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket price or 50% of the affected portion of a return ticket price
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket price or 50% of a return ticket price
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single ticket price or 100% of a return ticket price
Apply for Thameslink Delay Repay
If your Thameslink train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 25% of the affected portion of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 50% of the affected portion of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
120+ minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket return journey (a full day’s travel). (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
Tickets from London Waterloo to Southampton Central typically cost €49.33, but can be as cheap as €10.65 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
The journey should take, on average, 1h 52m, though it can be as quick as 1h 26m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
There is no direct service between London Waterloo and Southampton Central. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
You can typically book tickets from London Waterloo to Southampton Central up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do London Waterloo to Southampton Central trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from London Waterloo to Southampton Central are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is London Waterloo from Southampton Central?
The distance between London Waterloo and Southampton Central is approximately 70 miles (112km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
There is 43 train running from London Waterloo to Southampton Central per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from London Waterloo to Southampton Central?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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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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