Below you will find information on how to get to Southampton and also obtain local directions. You can also obtain downloadable maps and sat nav code from the Getting to our campuses page.
Southampton has its own international airport with connecting routes to several European destinations. From Southampton Airport, the University's Avenue Campus is only a short taxi ride away or you can catch the University's Unilink service. Further details about the service are available on the Unilink website.
Heathrow Airport has no direct rail connection to Southampton. You may, however, travel to Central London by train or London Underground (Tube) and from there to Southampton following the directions provided on this page. 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 from London: there is no need to change buses. Further details can be found on the National Express website.
By train:
Gatwick Airport is connected to Southampton by direct train. Trains for Southampton Central Station depart every hour during the day. Train timetables and fares are available online at the National Rail website.
Ticket offices and vending machines are available at the Gatwick train stations.
By train from Central London
Frequent and convenient services are available from London to Southampton. Trains depart from London Waterloo every 30 minutes during the day, and take approximately 75 minutes to reach Southampton. There are two train stations in Southampton, both convenient for 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 than Southampton Central Station. There is a taxi rank outside both railway stations.
Train timetables and fares are available online at the National Rail website.
A more affordable option is to use one of the trains bookable online at Megabus. A few trains are available on this site; however once booked, your tickets cannot be modified or reimbursed.
By train:
When travelling to Southampton via national rail services, please go to either Southampton Airport Parkway or Southampton Central Station. You will be able to obtain a bus or taxi to bring you to Highfield from both stations.
By coach:
Another affordable and convenient option is the coach service provided by National Express. Timetables and reservations are available online at the National Express website.
Coaches depart from Victoria Coach Station and arrive at the University's Highfield Campus and from here it is approximately a 15-minute walk to Avenue Campus. 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 Avenue Campus.
Reaching the University of Southampton's Avenue Campus
From Southampton Airport or Southampton Airport Parkway Station:
The UniLink's bus U1 connects the airport and the station to the Highfield Campus. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes and costs £2. Timetable and additional information are available on the UniLink website. It is then approximately 15-minute walk to Avenue Campus.
Taxis are available at the airport and at the station, or may be booked by phone at 023 8066 6666. A taxi ride to the Avenue costs approximately £8.
From Southampton Central Station or Southampton Coach Station:
The UniLink's bus U2 connects the Central Station to the Highfield Campus by way of the Avenue Campus. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes and costs £2. Timetable and additional information are available on the UniLink website.
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 car ferry port at Portsmouth. 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) and turning into Highfield Road (approximately 2 miles from the M3 junction).
From the M27 (west or east) - leave the M27 at junction 5 (Southampton Airport) and follow the map/signs to University campuses.