How to Travel from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Terminal (with Tips)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

How to Get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal

Southampton is a major port city in the south of England, and the gateway to the English Channel and the rest of Europe. It’s also home to the world-famous Southampton Cruise Terminal, which is the departure point for many cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and beyond.

If you’re flying into Heathrow Airport and need to get to Southampton Cruise Terminal, there are a few different ways to do it. In this article, we’ll take a look at all of your options, so you can choose the one that’s best for you.

We’ll cover everything from public transportation to taxis and rental cars, and we’ll give you an estimate of how long each option will take. So whether you’re on a tight budget or you just want to get to your cruise ship as quickly as possible, we’ve got you covered.

Method Time Cost
Train 1 hour 45 minutes 40-50
Bus 2 hours 30 minutes 20-30
Car 1 hour 30 minutes 30-40

Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom, and Southampton Cruise Terminal is one of the busiest cruise terminals in the world. If you’re flying into Heathrow and taking a cruise from Southampton, you have a few options for getting between the two destinations. In this guide, we’ll compare the two most popular options: train and bus.

By Train

The train is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Heathrow to Southampton. The journey takes just over two hours, and there are direct trains every 30 minutes.

Train options

There are two train companies that operate direct services between Heathrow and Southampton:

  • South Western Railway: This company operates direct trains from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Southampton Central. The journey takes 2 hours and 10 minutes, and tickets start at 40.
  • First Great Western: This company operates direct trains from Heathrow Terminal 4 to Southampton Airport Parkway. The journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, and tickets start at 45.

Travel time and cost

The journey time from Heathrow to Southampton by train is just over two hours. The exact journey time will depend on the departure and arrival times of your train.

The cost of a train ticket from Heathrow to Southampton starts at 40. The exact cost will depend on the departure and arrival times of your train, as well as the class of travel you choose.

How to get to the train station

The easiest way to get to the train station from Heathrow Airport is by using the Heathrow Express. The Heathrow Express runs between Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, and 5 and London Paddington Station. The journey takes just 15 minutes, and tickets start at 25.

Once you arrive at London Paddington Station, you can take a direct train to Southampton Central or Southampton Airport Parkway. The journey takes 2 hours and 10 minutes from London Paddington to Southampton Central, and 2 hours and 15 minutes from London Paddington to Southampton Airport Parkway.

How to get from the train station to the cruise terminal

Once you arrive at Southampton Central or Southampton Airport Parkway, you can take a taxi or bus to the cruise terminal. The cruise terminal is located about a 15-minute walk from Southampton Central Station, and a 10-minute walk from Southampton Airport Parkway.

By Bus

The bus is a slower but more affordable way to get from Heathrow to Southampton. The journey takes around three hours, and there are direct buses every two hours.

Bus options

There are two bus companies that operate direct services between Heathrow and Southampton:

  • National Express: This company operates direct buses from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Coach Station. The journey takes 3 hours and 10 minutes, and tickets start at 25.
  • Megabus: This company operates direct buses from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Coach Station. The journey takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, and tickets start at 15.

Travel time and cost

The journey time from Heathrow to Southampton by bus is around three hours. The exact journey time will depend on the departure and arrival times of your bus.

The cost of a bus ticket from Heathrow to Southampton starts at 25. The exact cost will depend on the departure and arrival times of your bus, as well as the class of travel you choose.

How to get to the bus stop

The easiest way to get to the bus stop from Heathrow Airport is by using the Heathrow Express. The Heathrow Express runs between Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, and 5 and London Paddington Station. The journey takes just 15 minutes, and tickets start at 25.

Once you arrive at London Paddington Station, you can take a direct bus to Southampton Coach Station. The journey takes 3 hours and 10 minutes from London Paddington to Southampton Coach Station.

How to get from the bus stop to the cruise terminal

Once you arrive at Southampton Coach Station, you can take a taxi or bus to the cruise terminal. The cruise terminal is located about a 15-minute walk from Southampton Coach Station.

In this guide, we’ve compared the two most popular ways to get from Heathrow to Southampton: train and bus. The train is the faster and more convenient option, but the bus is the more affordable option. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget and your travel preferences.

3. By Car

Driving Directions

The drive from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Terminal is approximately 90 miles and takes about 2 hours. The route takes you along the M4 motorway, which is well-maintained and has clear signage.

To get to the M4 from Heathrow Airport, follow the signs for the M25. Once you are on the M25, take the exit for the M4 and head west. The M4 will take you all the way to Southampton.

Tolls and Parking

There are no tolls on the M4 motorway. However, there is a charge for parking at the Southampton Cruise Terminal. The cost of parking varies depending on the length of your stay.

How to get to the cruise terminal

Once you arrive at the Southampton Cruise Terminal, you will need to follow the signs for the check-in desk. The check-in desk is located in the arrivals hall.

4. By Taxi or Uber

Taxi or Uber options

There are a number of taxi and Uber services available at Heathrow Airport. The cost of a taxi or Uber from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Terminal will vary depending on the time of day and the traffic conditions.

Travel time and cost

The journey from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Terminal by taxi or Uber takes approximately 2 hours. The cost of a taxi or Uber will vary depending on the time of day and the traffic conditions.

How to get to the taxi or Uber stand

The taxi and Uber ranks are located in the arrivals hall at Heathrow Airport. The ranks are clearly marked and easy to find.

How to get from the taxi or Uber stand to the cruise terminal

Once you have booked your taxi or Uber, you will need to follow the signs to the cruise terminal. The cruise terminal is located about a 10-minute walk from the taxi or Uber rank.

The journey from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Terminal is relatively straightforward. You can either travel by car, taxi, or Uber. The best option for you will depend on your budget and time constraints.

Here are some additional tips for your journey:

  • Allow plenty of time for your journey. The traffic can be heavy, especially during peak times.
  • Make sure you have your passport and other travel documents ready.
  • Check the weather forecast before you travel. If it is raining, you may want to consider taking a taxi or Uber.
  • If you are traveling with children, make sure they are comfortable and entertained during the journey.

    How do I get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal by train?

  • Take the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
  • From Paddington Station, take the Great Western Railway train to Southampton Central Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
  • From Southampton Central Station, take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to the Cruise Terminal. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.

How do I get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal by car?

  • Take the M4 motorway to the M25 motorway.
  • Follow the M25 motorway to junction 11a.
  • Take the A316 towards Southampton.
  • Follow the A316 to the A32.
  • Follow the A32 to the Cruise Terminal.

How long does it take to get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal?

  • By train, the journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • By car, the journey takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

What is the best way to get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal?

The best way to get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal depends on your budget and time constraints. If you are looking for the fastest option, then taking the train is the best choice. If you are looking for the most economical option, then taking the car is the best choice.

Are there any other ways to get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal?

Yes, there are a few other ways to get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal. You can also take the bus, the ferry, or the taxi.

What is the cost of getting from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal?

The cost of getting from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal depends on the mode of transportation you choose. The train costs approximately 50, the car costs approximately 50, the bus costs approximately 30, the ferry costs approximately 40, and the taxi costs approximately 100.

What are the best times to travel from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal?

The best times to travel from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal are during the morning and evening. During these times, there are more frequent departures and the journey is less likely to be delayed.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal. We have provided information on the different transportation options available, as well as the pros and cons of each option. We have also provided a detailed step-by-step guide on how to take the train from Heathrow to Southampton.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful in planning your trip to Southampton. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • The train is the fastest and most direct way to get from Heathrow to Southampton.
  • The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • The train costs around 50-70.
  • You can book tickets online or at the train station.
  • The train leaves from Heathrow Terminal 5.
  • You can take the Heathrow Express or the TfL Rail service to Paddington Station.
  • From Paddington Station, you can take the South Western Railway service to Southampton Central Station.

We hope you have a wonderful time in Southampton!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.