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Home > UK Train Journey > Southampton Central to London Waterloo trains

Southampton Central to London Waterloo train times

Journey from Southampton Central to London Waterloo on the fastest train in 1h 14m, usually 1h 38m. Every day, 79 trains leave from Southampton Central, starting at 05:11 and ending at 23:20. 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.

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Departs	Arrives	Status	Duration	Operator
18:20 Southampton Central	21:31 London Waterloo	On time	3h 11m	Southern	Find tickets
18:30 Southampton Central	19:46 London Waterloo	On time	1h 16m	South Western Railway	Find tickets
18:50 Southampton Central	21:58 London Waterloo	On time	3h 8m	Southern	Find tickets
19:00 Southampton Central	20:20 London Waterloo	On time	1h 20m	South Western Railway	Find tickets
19:20 Southampton Central	22:28 London Waterloo	On time	3h 8m	Southern	Find tickets

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Southampton Central to London Waterloo Train journey information

Experience seamless journey planning from Southampton Central to London Waterloo. Explore the earliest and latest train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and pricing options to optimise your trip.

First train	05:11
Last train	23:20
Departure station	Southampton Central
Arrival station	London Waterloo
Distance	70 miles (112 km)
Journey time	From 1h 14m
Price	From £5.05
Train operators	CrossCountry, Southern, South Western Railway

Train Stations Information

Check the addresses of Southampton Central and London Waterloo, and review the amenities available at each location. With us, receive live updates on train departure and arrival times, ensuring you have accurate information for a seamless travel experience.

Departs from Southampton Central

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South Western Railway: Southampton Central to London Waterloo trains

Getting from Southampton Central to London Waterloo takes approximately one hour and nineteen minutes with South Western Railway.

On your journey, you’ll first head northeast, up from the English Channel and towards Hampshire and Surrey before arriving in Greater London.

South Western Railway operates an extensive and varied network, linking passengers across the South West of England’s urban, suburban, and rural routes. Its services extend to counties like Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Surrey, and Hampshire. The network also runs further south, connecting key social cities such as Portsmouth and Southampton.

Departing from Southampton Central

Southampton Central is the city’s main train station, located in the city centre, so it’s easy to get to. Local taxis and public buses stop outside the station’s Platform One exit. If you’re coming to the station from the Isle of Wight, a regular bus service connects the station to the city’s ferry terminal.

Southampton Central is the busiest station in Hampshire. It is only around seventy-nine miles from London Waterloo, meaning you can get to the UK capital in only one hour and nineteen minutes.

South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR), CrossCountry, and Southern all call Southampton Central home, providing train service to destinations like Weymouth, Manchester Piccadilly, London Waterloo, and Brighton.

Main stops

There are only three stops from Southampton Central to London Waterloo: Southampton Airport Parkway, Winchester, and Woking.

However, it should be remembered that these routes may change due to poor weather, scheduling alterations, train faults, or construction work. So, it’s best to double-check before you travel.

To secure cheap train tickets, follow these three rules: book your tickets early, use a Railcard for discounts, and search and book through TrainPal for the best deals.

Arriving at London Waterloo

London Waterloo is an excellent station to arrive at, as it’s connected to the Waterloo & City, Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Northern London Underground lines, helping you explore the rest of the city easily and connecting you with the rest of London’s transport system if you’re embarking on another journey.

It also helps you conveniently explore the rest of London. For instance, there are plenty of places to see near Waterloo. For example, the Tate Modern, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Shard, and the legendary London Eye are all close by. If you’d like to go a little further afield, you can easily catch the tube to the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, or the British Museum.

South Western Railway train classes

Standard Class: Comfortable seating, Wheelchair spaces and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
First Class: It is possible to get a Southampton Central to London Waterloo First Class ticket. Tickets include at-seat wireless charging and more spacious seats and tables.

South Western Railway train travel advice

Luggage: Bags and other luggage items are permitted. Luggage racks and overhead compartments are available for the convenient storage of large luggage, carry-on items, and small belongings.
Pets: Small animals, including dogs and cats, travel for free. Dogs should be leashed, and other animals must be transported in carriers. Each passenger is allowed up to two pets.
Bicycles: Bikes are welcome, but there is a ‘first-come, first-served’ policy. Small folding bicycles can be carried, but electric scooters are not allowed.
Children: Under 5s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
Passenger Assist: Help with journey planning, ticket booking, boarding and alighting (including ramps), station navigation, and light luggage handling. It also provides guidance for visually impaired passengers and information on train and station facilities.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Southampton Central to London Waterloo train travel guide

The train journey from Southampton Central to London Waterloo combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Southampton Central, you can get to London Waterloo in just 1h 14m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

1. Where can I buy the cheapest train tickets from Southampton Central to London Waterloo?

Looking for discounted train tickets? Use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also help you save. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal provides even more savings with split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.

2. What is the best way to travel from Southampton Central to London Waterloo by train?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Southampton Central to London Waterloo.

3. What is the fastest train from Southampton Central to London Waterloo?

The fastest train journey time from Southampton Central to London Waterloo is 1h 14m . 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.

4. Are there direct trains from Southampton Central to London Waterloo?

Yes, there are direct trains from Southampton Central to London Waterloo. These direct routes eliminate the need for transfers, making your journey quicker and more convenient. You can check the train timetable on TrainPal to find the best options for your travel schedule.

5. What are the main train operating companies from Southampton Central to London Waterloo?

The main train operating companies from Southampton Central to London Waterloo include CrossCountry, a key provider on this route. For the latest and most accurate information on train operators, schedules, and services, head to TrainPal, which allows you to compare different train operators, check schedules, and book tickets all in one place. It's a great tool for finding the best deals and most convenient travel times!

6. How far in advance can I book UK train tickets?

In the UK, you can usually book train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This allows you to lock in the best prices and guarantee your seat, particularly during peak travel times. For certain routes, tickets might be available even sooner, so it's wise to consult TrainPal for the latest information.

Check timetables and during the journey

1. Are Southampton Central to London Waterloo trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

Southampton Central to London Waterloo 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.

2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.

3. Do Southampton Central to London Waterloo trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the Southampton Central to London Waterloo 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.

4. 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.

Other things you might be interested

1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.

3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Without

Buy Network Railcard

† Railcards offer discounted train tickets, with various types based on age and number of travellers. Enjoy up to 1/3 off for a cheaper journey. The actual price will vary based on factors such as the train service, time, and ticket availability.

Compensation and refunds

Trainpal makes it simple to adjust your travel plans, get refunds, and request Delay Repay.

Change your plans or get a refund: Visit our Ticket Refunds and Changes page.
Check for any train delays or interruptions:Go to our train Delays and Disruptions page or UK Rail Strike page.

Need help? Just contact us!

How to buy cheap Southampton Central to London Waterloo train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Split tickets

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Book in advance

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Off-Peak train tickets

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

Use a Railcard

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Save with Season Tickets

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

Travel in groups

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.

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More train routes

Trains from Southampton Central	Trains from London Waterloo
Southampton Central to London	London Waterloo to Southampton
Southampton Central to London Waterloo	London Waterloo to Southampton Central
Southampton Central to Waterloo	London Waterloo to Portsmouth
Southampton Central to Gatwick Airport	London Waterloo to Guildford
Southampton Central to Bournemouth	London Waterloo to Bournemouth

* 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.

** Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.

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Southampton Central to London Waterloo Trains From £5.05*

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