Travel Information

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 (10 mins) 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.

From Central London

By train:

**Please be advised that major renovation works are taking place at Waterloo station during August! This may affect your journey. Read more information here.**

Frequent and convenient trains connect London to Southampton. Trains depart from London Waterloo every 30 minutes or less during the day, and take approximately 75 minutes to Southampton.

There are two train stations in Southampton, both 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’s Highfield campus and connected to it by bus (see below).

Train timetables and fares are available online at www.nationalrail.co.uk/. There is no need to book your train ticket beforehand. 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:
You can also reach Southampton University from London by coach. This service is provided by National Express. Timetables and reservations are available online at www.nationalexpress.com/

Coaches depart from Victoria Coach Station and arrive at Southampton University, Highfield Campus. To obtain information and book tickets on those coaches, ensure that you enter ‘Southampton University’ in the ‘To’ field on the National Express website. There are also coaches that come to 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. If you arrive at Heathrow, you should travel to central London by train or Underground (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. 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 Station 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. Ticket offices and vending machines are available at the Gatwick train station.

Reaching the University of Southampton’s Highfield 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 single and £3.50 for a day pass. 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 £10.

By car, follow the Google map directions: MAP

From Southampton Central Station or Southampton Coach Station:

The UniLink’s bus U1 connects the airport and the station to the Highfield Campus. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes and costs £2 for a single and £3.50 for a day pass. 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 £10.

By car

  • Postcode for satnav: SO17 1BJ
  • Visitor parking: There is a Pay and Display car park for visitors, accessed from University Road. Please note that it can fill up very quickly during the morning.
  • From the M3: Exit at junction 14 (Southampton A33)
  • From the M27: Exit at junction 5 (Southampton Airport)

Highfield Campus Map