Getting to Southampton by train isn’t always easy, but it can be cheaper than taking a taxi. Plus, it’s pretty quick too.
Located in the city centre, the station has four platforms and basic facilities. It does not offer wifi or tourist information. However, there is a ticket office and ATM’s.
What to Expect
Southampton Central is the main train station for the city and the closest to the cruise terminals. It is also home to the inter-city National Express coach station. The train and coach stations are within 400 yards of each other in the centre of Southampton, so you can walk between them if you prefer.
Direct trains from London operate out of the station. Waterloo trains get to Southampton in about 1 hour 20 minutes, while Victoria trains are roughly an hour longer. Trains are frequent throughout the day and weekend, although not as many services run on Sunday.
South West Trains run the majority of services at the station, including those to London, Bournemouth and Portsmouth. The operator also runs cross country services to locations like Oxford, Birmingham and Manchester.
Local bus companies serve the city, with a PlusBus ticket sold in combination with train tickets offering unlimited travel across all bus routes for an entire day. Alternatively, you can catch a local taxi at the station’s main entrance on Western Esplanade.
There are a few places to grab a bite to eat at the train station, including a cafe on platforms 1 and 4. The main concourse has plenty of seating and there is also a WHSmiths to stock up on essentials. However, the station does not have left luggage, a tourist information point or wifi.
Accessibility
Southampton Central Station is the main train transportation hub in the city of Southampton, England. It has been operating for more than a century. Located at Blechynden Terrace, it opened in 1895 to replace the old West End Station. This five-platform train transportation hub handles more than six million passenger journeys every year.
Compared to other major train stations in the UK, Southampton Central has limited facilities. It only has basic toilets, a snack kiosk and a staffed ticket office. There are also no left luggage, foreign exchange, or wifi services available here. In addition, there are no porters here to help passengers carry heavy luggage from the platform to the taxi rank outside the station.
It is not very difficult to get from Southampton Central to the city center. The walk will take about a half mile (0.6 kilometer) or four minutes. Travelers who prefer to take a bus ride may do so via the QuayConnect shuttle service buses that leave for the station every five minutes.
The station has been undergoing a massive renovation to upgrade its facilities and make it easier for passengers to access the Port, cruise terminals, and the city centre. It is scheduled to be completed in 2023. The PS5.5 million revamp includes an enhanced waiting area with real-time information and a new cruise passenger waiting lounge. It will also feature state-of-the-art new bus facilities and improved car parking and drop off areas.
Convenience
While a train is the cheapest way to get from Southampton Central to the city center, it’s not the most convenient. The train takes about two hours from London and the stations are not close together. You also have to transfer at least once, which can be a hassle when you’re carrying heavy luggage.
Another option is to take a taxi. You can find one outside the station, and it’s cheaper than a ride from a taxi rank. However, the service can be slow depending on traffic. If you’re traveling with children, you might prefer to have a private car. There are many attractions to see in Southampton, including Leisure World and Solent Sky Museum. Tudor House and Gardens are also worth visiting.
The station has a number of food and drink options, including a Starbucks and Costa. There’s also a small Smith’s, a Co-op, and a sandwich shop nearby. The prices are slightly higher than you’d expect, but they’re still much less expensive than the prices at London Waterloo and Victoria.
There are a few ways to get from Southampton Central to the cruise terminals, but which is best will depend on which terminal you’re sailing out of. It’s possible to walk, but it will be about half a mile each way. It’s often faster to take a bus. There are Quayconnect buses that run from the station to Telephone House, and they’re cheap and fast.
Security
Whether you’re a local shopper looking to kill some time or a traveler with a few extra bags to store before your next flight or train, there are plenty of superb activities and attractions to keep you occupied around Southampton Central Station. The main area to visit is the mammoth West Quay shopping mall where you’ll find more than a hundred stores including fashion chains like Hollister and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as numerous restaurants and bars. Bounce left luggage locations are also nearby if you need a place to drop off your purchases while you explore!
Southampton Central Station is the main railway station in the city center and therefore is closest to all four cruise terminals as well as the main hotels. It also has a dedicated taxi rank with cabs available, although there can be a long queue at busy times. If you’re heading out to the cruise terminals and hotels, a local taxi cab is your best option as it will be quicker and cheaper than a shuttle.
Improvements are underway on the south side of the station and will include improved outside passenger shelters with real-time information, a new waiting lounge and lane alterations within Western Esplanade. These improvements will provide an international gateway for passengers and will allow for ease of access to the Port, the cruise terminals and the City Centre.
