Southampton Central to London Trains From £8.00*

Some featured services onboard SWR trains for this route include:

• Wireless charging pads in First Class

• Plug sockets at every window seat in First Class

• Larger windows for better views and light

Is South Western Railway First Class worth it?

Only in specific circumstances. Generally, Standard Class on SWR is perfectly comfortable for most passengers on this journey, but if you need a large table to get some work done or you’re someone who appreciates extra legroom, First Class might be worth it for you.

Do South Western Railway trains have free Wi-Fi?

SWR offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi across all service classes. They implement a three-tier system to avoid deadspots along the route. 

• Basingstoke to London: Superfast Rail-5G for speeds 20 times faster than standard rail Wi-Fi – think high-definition streaming and large downloads.
• New Forest Area: Starlink Satellite technology to cover blackspots in rural areas.
• Remainder of Route: Multi-SIM mobile technology to find the best signal according to the area.

How much luggage space is there on South Western Railway trains?

Luggage space on the Desiro trains serving this route is ample, as these trains don’t tilt. This means wider carriages with more spacious overhead and under-seat luggage areas. You will also find floor-to-ceiling luggage racks at the end of every carriage and usually one in the middle of the coach.

Travelling from Southampton Central to London is a breeze with our simple train guide, featuring all the essential tips to ensure a seamless journey from start to finish.

Departing from Southampton Central

Southampton Central is a well-connected station, with plenty of options for getting there, such as the Quayconnect bus from the ferry terminal to the station, local train links and most buses stopping at the station’s north side.

• London Platform: Direct trains to London Waterloo usually depart from Platform 1, located on the North Side of the station. If you arrive at the South Side, you can access Platform 1 via an overbridge. Always check screens for your platform, though!
• The Snack Run: As there is no catering on this route, a pre-departure snack run is essential. The station has a few options for cafes, including Upper Crust and Starbucks, and you’ll find an M&S Simply Food just a short walk from the station at the Westquay Shopping Centre, for a wider selection of snacks.

Onboard trains from Southampton Central to London

The SWR train from Southampton Central to London Waterloo traverses Hampshire countryside and Winchester before transitioning to the urban views of Greater London.

• Best side for views? We recommend the left – it offers better views of iconic landmarks on the approach to London.
• What to look out for: Landmarks you’ll see on your left as you enter London include the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.

Arriving at London Waterloo

London Waterloo is the busiest railway station in the UK, so knowing which exit you’re heading to is essential. All platforms lead to the main concourse, and exits are located at this level as well as the balcony level.

• Station Approach (South) exit: This South Side exit is located near Platform 1, and is best for reaching the Lower Marsh area, local markets, and is closest to the main taxi rank.
• Waterloo Road: This East Side exit is behind the ticket barriers, with both a balcony level and lower level exit. The balcony level exit will bring you to Waterloo Road and the Old Vic, as well as a taxi rank, while the lower level leads directly to the Jubilee Line ticket hall.
• Station Approach (Main) exit: This is the main entrance, located near the centre of the main concourse. Head this way to cross towards the South Bank via Westminster Bridge.
• Tenison Way exit: Located on the North/East Side, this exit is near the Victory Arch and is the primary exit for local bus stops on Tenison way. Passengers heading to the BFI IMAX should take this exit.
• Victory Arch exit: This is the main North Entrance, and is a grand stone arch at the top of the steps on the balcony level. It leads to York Road and County Hall.
• Southbank/York Road exit: This exit is located on the balcony level, near the higher-numbered platforms. Take this exit for tourist destinations such as the London Eye and the South Bank riverside. It’s worth noting that this is not a step-free exit.