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The University of Southampton
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Travel information

How to get to Southampton and local directions

From Southampton Airport

Southampton has its own international airport with connecting routes to several European destinations. From the airport, the University's Highfield Campus is only a short taxi ride away or you can catch the University's Uni-link service to the halls of residence. Further details about the service are available on the Uni-link website.  

Some of you will be travelling to Southampton from one of the London airports or from central London. The following information should help you reach Southampton easily.

From Central London

By train:
Frequent and convenient trains connect London to Southampton. Trains depart from London Waterloo every 30 minutes during the day, and take approximately 75 minutes to Southampton.  There are two train stations in Southampton, both rather convenient to the University. Coming from London, the first station is Southampton Airport Parkway, located directly opposite Southampton Airport. This station is slightly closer to the University. There is a taxi rank outside the station.

Train timetables and fares are available online at www.nationalrail.co.uk/

There is no need to book your train ticket beforehand unless you wish to. Ticket offices and vending machines are available at Waterloo Station.

A more affordable option is to use one of the trains bookable online at www.megabus.com/uk/

Only a few trains are available on this site, and once booked your tickets cannot be modified or reimbursed.

By coach:
A more affordable and rather convenient option to reach the University of Southampton from London is the coach service provided by National Express. Timetables and reservations are available online at www.nationalexpress.com/

Coaches depart from Victoria Coach Station and arrive at the university, close to the conference venue. To obtain information and book tickets on those coaches, please make sure to enter ‘Southampton University’ in the ‘To’ field on the National Express website. There are also coaches that come to the centre of Southampton but only stop at Southampton Coach Station. These are less convenient, as you will then need to take a bus or taxi to the Highfield Campus.

From London Heathrow Airport

By train:
Heathrow Airport has no direct rail connection to Southampton. You may, however, travel to central London by train or tube and from there to Southampton following the directions provided above. Transfer information for central London is easily accessible at Heathrow.

By coach:
There is a regular National Express coach service from the central bus station at Heathrow airport, which is located close to Terminals 1, 2 and 3, direct to Southampton. Some coaches stop at the University of Southampton’s Highfield campus; otherwise you can take a bus or taxi from Southampton Coach Station. The journey takes approximately 75-90 minutes. This service is convenient as there is no need to change buses while carrying heavy luggage. Further details can be found on the National Express website: www.nationalexpress.com/

From London Gatwick Airport

By train:
Gatwick Airport is connected to Southampton via direct train. Trains for Southampton Central Stations depart every hour during the day. Train timetables and fares are available online at www.nationalrail.co.uk/

There is no need to book your train ticket beforehand unless you wish to. Ticket offices and vending machines are available at the Gatwick train stations.

Local directions

If you plan to arrive before on or before Thursday 25 July, it might be best to go to your accommodation first. Conference registration opens on Thursday 25 July [time tbc]. If you have booked university accommodation or a room at the Highfield House Hotel, please follow the directions below.

Reaching the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus

From Southampton Airport or Southampton Airport Parkway Station:
The UniLink’s bus U1C connects the airport and the station to the Highfield Campus. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes and costs £1.50. Timetable and additional information are available on the UniLink website: www.unilinkbus.co.uk

Taxis are available at the airport and at the station, or may be booked by phone at 023 8066 6666. A taxi ride to Highfield costs approximately £8.

From Southampton Central Station or Southampton Coach Station:
The UniLink’s bus U1A connects the airport and the station to the Highfield Campus. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes and costs £1.50. Timetable and additional information are available on the UniLink website: www.unilinkbus.co.uk

Taxis are available at the train and coach stations, or may be booked by phone at 023 8066 6666. A taxi ride to Highfield costs approximately £8.

By car:

Southampton is just 75 miles (120km) from London and 21 miles (35km) from the Channel ports. The M3, M27 and A34 provide fast, direct access while the A36 is the main route to the West Country, Bristol and Wales.

From the M3 - exit at junction 14, following signs for Southampton (A33). Follow the A33 into Bassett Avenue and follow the map/signs to University campuses.

From the M27 (west or east) - leave the M27 at junction 5 (Southampton Airport) and follow the map/signs to University campuses.

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