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Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport train ticket prices
€9.73
On Thu 28 May
Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport train timetable
The journey from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport on the fastest train in 1h 53m, usually 2h 8m. Each day, 33 trains leave from Southampton Central, starting at 05:27 and ending at 22:58. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
22:00 Southampton Central | 2h 29m, 1 change | 00:29 Gatwick Airport | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
22:20 Southampton Central | 6h 42m, 1 change | 05:02 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
22:30 Southampton Central | 2h 30m, 1 change | 01:00 Gatwick Airport | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
23:00 Southampton Central | 2h 59m, 1 change | 01:59 Gatwick Airport | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
23:20 Southampton Central | 9h 20m, 2 change | 08:40 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport 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.
LNER vs CrossCountry vs Transpennine Express vs Lumo: Which should you choose?
Travelling the East Coast Main Line? Choose between premium comfort and speed, or a smarter, budget-friendly way to travel with a lighter carbon footprint.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LNER | 1h 30m | Fastest journeys, business travel & frequent departures | First Class with complimentary meals, free Wi-Fi, quiet coaches, seat reservations | |
CrossCountry | 1h 30m | Newcastle | Good balance of price and journey time | Direct services with onboard trolley service and Wi-Fi on most trains |
1h 45m | Newcastle | Budget travellers, often the cheapest fares | Modern trains, Wi-Fi and plug sockets, onboard refreshments | |
Lumo | 1h 30m | Newcastle | Fastest journeys & eco-friendly travel | Single-class trains, usually cheapest advance fares, 100% electric, onboard café |
- LNER is the East Coast Main Line flagship operator, running frequent long-distance services from London King’s Cross with some of the fastest journey times. It’s the best choice if you want a full First Class experience, with complimentary dining, quiet coaches and strong onboard Wi-Fi.
- CrossCountry connects cities across Britain without requiring a change in London, making it useful for cross-country journeys and regional connections. Services typically run via Birmingham, with onboard Wi-Fi and a trolley service for drinks and snacks.
- TransPennine Express focuses on linking major cities in the North of England, including Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, with onward connections towards Scotland. Its modern trains offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi and power sockets, making it a great choice for journeys around the region.
- Low-cost operator Lumo offers a no-frills, single-class service between London and Scotland designed to compete with budget airlines. It’s often the cheapest option on the route, running modern all-electric trains with Wi-Fi and a café bar, though luggage allowances are a little stricter.
Train travel from Newcastle to Edinburgh
One of the most scenic stretches of the East Coast Main Line, the journey from Newcastle to Edinburgh takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, crossing the border into Scotland while hugging dramatic sections of the Northumberland coastline.
Newcastle: Getting to the Platform
- The Platform Tip: Most trains heading north to Edinburgh depart from Platform 2 – the main through platform for LNER and CrossCountry services on the East Coast Main Line. Platforms are usually announced shortly before departure, so keep an eye on the departure boards in the main concourse.
- Pre-Departure: If you have time before boarding, the station concourse has coffee shops, convenience stores and takeaway options for snacks to take onboard. Just outside the historic portico you’ll also find The Centurion, one of Britain’s most famous railway pubs, and a great spot for a coffee or a pint beneath the station’s grand Victorian arches.
Onboard trains from Newcastle to Edinburgh
- The View Alert: For the best sea views, try to sit on the right-hand side of the train as you head north. This side offers sweeping panoramas of the North Sea, sandy beaches and rugged coastal cliffs.
- Key Landmarks: Keep an eye out as you pass Alnmouth, where the railway runs close to the shoreline with wide views of the coast. Further north, the train crosses the spectacular Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-upon-Tweed, a huge stone viaduct with stunning views of the estuary and the North Sea beyond.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
- The Princes Street Exit: Head this way for the quickest access to Princes Street shopping, St Andrew Square and the New Town. It’s also the most convenient route for buses and the Edinburgh Tram link to the airport, with the nearest tram stop at St Andrew Square just a short walk away.
- The Market Street Exit: Use the southern exit if you’re heading to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle or the University of Edinburgh. This side brings you directly into the historic Old Town and is where you'll also find the station’s main taxi rank.
- Onward Travel: Taxis can be found on Market Street, while buses run along Princes Street just above the station. If you’re travelling light, most of central Edinburgh is easily walkable from Waverley – just be prepared for some of the city’s famously steep streets.
Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport train travel guide
Taking the train from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Southampton Central, you can arrive at Gatwick Airport in just 1h 53m, 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 Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport?
The average fare from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport is approximately €9.73, 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 Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport?
What is the fastest train from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport?
The fastest train journey time from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport is 1h 53m. 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 Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport?
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 Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport train timetables?
While Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
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 Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport 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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport route?
The train from Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport is operated by Southern. 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
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.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport 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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