travel to southampton

• Business Visitors
• Getting Here

Southampton is a city with exceptional connectivity, regionally, nationally and internationally with an international airport, one of Europe's largest cruise port, two ferry ports and national rail and coach links. Add to this the fact that Southampton is located at the convergence of two major motorways, and it is easy to see why our city is one of the easiest to reach. If you are arriving or leaving Southampton on a cruise, please refer to our cruise pages for more information.

Southampton Central rail station is served by direct trains to and from many cities across the country including:

South Western Railway services to: London Waterloo (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes), Bournemouth (approximately 30 minutes) and Winchester (approximately 17 minutes).

Southern Railway services to: Brighton (approximately 1 hour 55 minutes), London Victoria (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes) and London Gatwick Airport (approximately 1 hour 55 minutes)

Great Western Railway services to: Bristol (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes), Portsmouth (approximately 50 minutes), Brighton (approximately 1 hour 50 minutes) and Salisbury (approximately 30 minutes).

Cross Country Train services to: Birmingham (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes), Oxford (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes) and Manchester (approximately 4 hours 7 minutes).

The local rail network services many suburbs and towns on the periphery of the city including Eastleigh, Romsey, Woolston and Redbridge as well as to Southampton Airport. It is also possible to connect to destinations in the New Forest National Park too at Ashurst and Brockenhurst.

For timetables, train fares and tickets for any UK train services visit National Rail Enquiries . See the map at the top of this page for approximate journey times.

Southampton International Airport is the leading 'fast track' airport in central-southern England.

The airport is located on the northeast side of the city, near to Eastleigh and has easy access from the M27 and M3 motorways. It takes just 6 minutes by train and around 20 minutes by bus to reach the city centre from the airport.

Southampton International Airport serves many UK and European destinations and has flights to and from destinations including The Channel Islands, France, Scotland, Ireland, Spain and Italy.

The following airlines currently fly in and out of Southampton International Airport:

• Blue Islands
• British Airways
• Eastern Airways

Although a small airport, Southampton International Airport has all the amenities you will need including places to eat and drink, a duty-free shop, WH Smith, cash machines and a bureau de change as well as WiFi access. Outside the terminal, you will find three airport car parks - Priority Parking, Short Stay Parking and Long Stay Parking. All options can be pre-booked and all give easy access to the terminal.

Southampton International Airport is served by Southampton Airport Parkway railway station, a stopping point for trains to and from London Waterloo (journey time approximately 1 hour 10 minutes) and Southampton Central Station (just a 10 minute journey). There is also a taxi rank at the airport and a bus stop from which you can catch the Unilink buses into the centre. Car hire is available from across the road of the airport terminal.

Further afield, the following airports can also be used to travel to Southampton:

• London Heathrow Airport is approximately 60 miles to Southampton
• Bournemouth International Airport is approximately 28 miles to Southampton
• London Gatwick is approximately 80 miles to Southampton

Southampton is the cruise industry capital of Europe, home to luxury liners such as the majestic Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Cunard cruises set off on many of their luxury world voyages from Southampton's port. For more information on cruising to or from Southampton, please see our cruise pages .

There are two Red Funnel ferry services to and from the Isle of Wight departing from Town Quay; a high speed service for foot passengers (23-25 minutes) and a ferry for vehicles, cyclists and foot passengers (55-60 minutes). The foot passenger service heads to West Cowes, and the vehicle ferry to East Cowes. Passengers are advised to book ferries in advance, particularly if travelling by car or over the school holidays and for major events such as the Isle of Wight Festival.

A half hourly ferry service to Hythe (for access into the New Forest National Park) also leaves from Town Quay. This service is for foot passengers and cyclists.

Cross-channel ferry services including Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries operate from the nearby port of Portsmouth, offering fast and regular crossings to and from France and the Channel Islands.

The main National Express coach station for the area is located on Harbour Parade.

National Express coaches also pick up/drop off at the University of Southampton and St Mary’s Stadium .

Coaches travel to and from various destinations all over the country including many major airports such as London Heathrow and the popular destination of London. Coaches to London Victoria Coach Station take approximately 2-3 hours depending on the time of day of travel.

Southampton has excellent road links, with access from both the M3 and M27 motorways.

The Southampton City Council parking map shows council owned and managed car parks as well as on-street car parking places around the city. The interactive map also shows the car parks’ postcodes, charges and opening hours.

Group Travel

For information on coach parking and group travel, please see our group travel page ., related entries, getting around.

Travel around the city with a breeze by foot, car, e-bikes and buses

• Inspiration

Cruise passenger information

You may also like, steamship shieldhall cruise to see the..., steamship shieldhall cruise to see the solent forts, steamship shieldhall d-day 80th themed cruise..., steamship shieldhall d-day 80th themed cruise to portsmouth harbour, steamship shieldhall steam to the solent..., steamship shieldhall steam to the solent and see cruise ships depart.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on all things Southampton !

Submitting your information...

Thank you! You will receive an email to confirm your subscription.

• What's On
• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• About Visit Southampton
• Add your event
• Add your offer
• Add your business
• Information for Event Organisers
• Filming In Southampton
• Invest in Southampton
• Help & Advice
• Press & Media
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Cookie Policy
• Accessibility

© Visit Southampton 2021

Brought to you by

In partnership with

• Stansted Airport
• Luton Airport
• Heathrow Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Dublin Airport
• London to Stansted
• London to Luton
• Heathrow to Gatwick
• London to Gatwick
• Luton to London
• London Stratford to Stansted
• Manchester Airport
• Bristol Airport
• Birmingham Airport
• Bristol to London
• London to Bristol
• London to Leicester
• Leicester to London
• London to Manchester
• London to Nottingham
• Bournemouth to London
• Glastonbury 2024
• Grand National
• Taylor Swift Eras Tour
• Boomtown Fair
• FA Cup Semi Finals
• Lost Village 2024
• Foo Fighters in Cardiff
• Download Festival
• England V Sweden
• Red Roses v Ireland
• Women's FA Cup Final
• Vehicle types for hire
• Coach hire for school trips
• Coach hire for events & occasions
• Coach hire for business trips
• Coach hire for sporting events
• Coach hire for airport transfers
• Cheap coach tickets
• Buy a Coachcard
• Using a voucher code
• Student offers
• Group offers
• How to book special offers
• Young Person Coachcard
• Senior Coachcard
• Disabled Coachcard
• Travelling with us
• Our coaches
• Sustainability
• Carbon offsetting
• Customer experience
• Onboard safety
• Accessibility
• Exploring on a budget: Free things to do and see
• Affordable things to do by the beach this summer
• 6 things to do in Leeds in a day
• Live service updates
• Track your coach
• Explore our route map
• View our timetables
• Ukrainian free travel
• Refunds & amends
• Frequently asked questions
• Luggage & lost property
• Safety & security
• Coronavirus safety measures
• About our tickets
• Flexible travel
• Change & go
• Seat reservation
• Ticket & trip insurance
• London Victoria
• London Golders Green
• All Stations
• Manage my booking
• Destinations
• Why we're No. 1

All Airport Transfers

All Destinations

All Coach Hire Options

• Read our blog

All Help & Advice

Coach travel to Southampton

Frequent, daily services straight to the heart of southampton.

Choose Your Journey

• Use my current location
• Use our Route Map

Outbound date

Select time, outward journey, return date.

Select a return within 3 months of your outward travel.

Return Journey

Children under 14 years of age are not permitted to travel without being accompanied throughout the journey by a responsible person aged 16 years or over. Children aged 14 - 15 years old may travel unaccompanied, as from 5am, arriving at their booked destination no later than 10pm. Unaccompanied children will be asked for proof of age or a signed letter of permission from their parent/guardian. (sms or chat based messages are not permissible)

One infant aged 0-2 travels free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Additional infants aged 0-2 must be paid for. If you are travelling with more than 1 infant aged 0-2, please book the additional infant as 'Children (3-15).

Do you have a Coachcard?

• Southampton

Getting cheap tickets to Southampton

With a range of fare types on our coaches, affordable travel to Southampton will help you enjoy more spending money for your trip. If you’re able to be flexible with journey times and take advantage of Coachcards, you could enjoy extra discounts, even if you’re only booking up to three days in advance.

Popular routes

• London to Southampton

Things to do in Southampton

Famously, Southampton is the port the Titanic sailed out from, and you’ll find a range of maritime-themed things to do during your stay. And it’s not just all about ships and the sea – inhabited since the Stone Age, the city has plenty to do.

Where to eat

Hoxton Bakehouse

You’ll find the Hoxton Bakehouse close to Southampton Docks, serving up warm loaves of hand-leavened bread and other delicious pastries. They also offer classes on how to make your own sourdough from scratch.

It’s A Pizza Thing

Pizza is one of the world’s favourite foods – and Southampton’s It’s A Pizza Thing demonstrates exactly why. This mobile food truck is a big favourite with locals and offers hand stretched artisan pizzas, all cooked inside their wood fired oven. Check their Facebook page to see where the food truck will be set up next.

If you’re still after some lovely Italian food but don’t fancy a pizza, Ennio’s is where you’ll want to head to. With boutique hotel rooms above the restaurant, it’s known in Southampton as a place to go out for a special meal. They do also offer a more affordable lunchtime menu.

Where to drink

Whether you’re looking to sink a pint…

Southampton’s publicans are barkeeps are partial to stocking the odd pint of craft ale. Situated inside a former bank, the aptly named Overdraft Craft Ale Bar offers a wide range of rotating brews on tap, many of which are also vegan. BrewDog also has a branch in Southampton, well worth a visit. If chains aren’t your thing, pay a visit to local brewery Tap It for a range of different IPAs at their taproom.

…or sip on a cocktail instead

In 2012 it was announced that Stephen Fry and Ian McKellen would pay the licensing fees for The Hobbit pub to stay open in Southampton without needing a name change after being open for over 20 years. So pop in for a Gimli (not a gimlet – each of the drinks are named after Tolkein characters) and admire the themed décor. If you don’t need a theme to be able to enjoy a tipple, book a slot at the Bring & Mix cocktail bar – bring your own bottles and their expert mixologists will create bespoke drinks just for you.

Going ‘out out’

As well as being the birthplace of none other than Craig David, Southampton has some great nightlife. Check out student favourite, the Orange Rooms for a big night on the town.

Where to shop

Oxford Street

London isn’t the only British city with a busy shopping district on Oxford Street. Southampton has its own too, and it is home to a diverse array of boutiques and bars. The city centre is also home to many gift shops with a nautical theme, as well as independent retailers selling unique items.

Beatnik Emporium

If vintage is what floats your boat, you’ll enjoy picking out retro fashion finds at Beatnik Emporium (to buy or, if you’re planning a return trip, rent). The store also celebrates events such as World Record Store Day, and partners with local 70s-styled nightclub Orange Rooms.

Robin’s Nest

Another emporium in the city, this warehouse store stocks a vast treasure trove of furniture, fabrics and other bric-a-brac. Robin’s Nest also has a coffee shop serving up great food.

Top tourist attractions

Tudor House

Southampton’s first museum was founded in 1912 and covers over 800 years of history. Located in the Old Town, renovations to Tudor House were finished in 2011 to include new displays and facilities. The Grade I listed building remains one of the best examples of Norman architecture in England and also has a traditional knot garden.

SeaCity Museum

Visit the city centre’s SeaCity Museum to explore the story of the people of the city, their fascinating history and connections with the Titanic. Suitable for all the family, the interactive museum lets you explore Southampton’s proud, sea-faring history.

Mayflower Theatre

Visit this Grade II listed theatre for a range of different performances year-round including shows on tour from London’s West End.

Things to do for kids

Solent Sky Museum

This museum documents the history of aviation, with a focus on the local Supermarine aircraft company, which designed and manufactured the Spitfire fighter plane.

Itchen Valley Country Park

Itchen Valley Country Park is an idyllic 400-acre plot in the heart of the city. Filled with water meadows, spectacular flowers and walking trails, the Park is home to a treasure trove of wildlife, and thanks to an excellent café, is a great way to spend the day while taking in beautiful, scenic, county-wide views.

Southampton in one day

One reason Southampton is such a popular student city could be because of its relatively small size. There’s still a ton of stuff to do, and with so many attractions dotted around, city centre walks are a great way to take in everything on offer. Starting throughout the day from the city centre’s high street, experienced guides will introduce you to the city’s many sights and secrets, so keep your camera nearby.

Learn more about the Titanic

Make Southampton’s maritime history the focus of your day, with the Titantic trail walk. The Titanic sailed from Southampton on April 10, 1912. More than 500 Southampton families lost a member when the ship sank. Visit the SeaCity Museum for their Titanic Story exhibition, and if you have time after, the Southampton Art Gallery (with free entry) is also just around the corner.

Walk the walls

The Bargate and town walls still remain around the Old Town, constructed back in Norman times. Well-preserved, the wall is the third longest stretch of medieval town walling in Britain. And if you’re peckish for food, pop into local Boulangerie Victor Hugo for fresh-baked croissants.

Hidden gems

Burlsedon Brickworks

The last steam-powered brickworks in the UK is open to the public to learn about the history of industrial Britain. The Victorian-built brickworks only stopped production in 1974.

Bedford Place

An alternative to the city centre, Bedford Place is filled with independent shops and restaurants.

The area’s old-fashioned aesthetic is kept intact as much as possible, and you’ll be able to find fashion and food alongside other staples such as a pharmacy.

Travelling in a large group?

Request your bespoke quote today and see how hiring a coach could be the better option for you.

Suitable for any occasion, big or small, and with access to over 10,000 vehicles, there's never been a better time to hire.

Hire a coach

No booking fees

Sign up or log in to My Account today and save on our usual £1.50 booking fee, as well as enjoying a host of other great benefits.

Coach Tracker

Search for your service and track your coach in real-time with Coach Tracker...

Our Route Map automatically updates as more stops and services are added...

Back to top

Email Sign Up

Subscribe for updates & special offers!

Download Our App!

Book tickets & track your coach anytime, anywhere.

• Career opportunities
• Conditions of carriage
• Cookie policy
• Corporate governance statement
• Gender pay report
• Luggage policy
• Open Return tickets
• Our commitment to the environment
• Passenger rights
• Privacy Centre
• Rail disruption
• Service updates
• Slavery & human trafficking statement
• Student travel
• Terms & conditions
• Youth promise

Call or get in touch online We are here to help

Track your coach in real time

National Express West Midlands

Part of Mobico Group

© Copyright National Express Ltd 2024

Open Return Information

Book your return

Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181.

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

Wheelchair accessibility

Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please visit our Accessibility page.

Assisted Travel Helpline

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

03717 81 81 81 - ( option 3)  (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week). Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

For more information please visit our Disabled travellers page.

Passengers & Wheelchair accessibility

Passenger descriptions.

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

Disabled Children

Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

Booster Seats

Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

You can find a list of accessible coach stops on our Accessibility page .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

Adult (26 - 59)

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

Child 0 - 12 inclusive

Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

Young persons (13 - 25)

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Senior (60 and over)

Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

Please select your passenger type first and then add your coachcards.

We have three different Coachcards available, each offering savings of 1/3 on all of our Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares all year round.

Prices shown include your coachcard discount, your coachcard number will be required during the booking process.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

Loading service updates...

• Live train times
• Assisted travel
• Delay Repay
• Buy tickets

Service updates

Travel updates Latest travel information and updates

Industrial action Information about upcoming train strikes and industrial action

Timetables Find Southern timetables by station and download train times

Planned engineering work Details of planned engineering work on our network

Live map Real-time service status and route display

Alternative route maps Alternative train, bus and tube maps

Onboard travel

Bikes & Scooters Storage of bikes and scooters on board

Baby on board Priority seating for new and expectant parents

Luggage Guidelines and support for carrying luggage on board

Travelling with pets Policies for travelling with pets

Find a quieter train Want to have the best chance of getting a seat?

Wi-Fi on board Keeping you connected

Station information

Car parking Parking availability and information across our stations

All stations (A-Z) Facilities, addresses, maps and more, for all stations

Getting to the station Find out about taxis, buses and how to get to the station

Tickets & Payment methods

Off-Peak Reduced fares during off-peak hours

Super Off-Peak weekdays Reduced fares during off-peak weekdays

Anytime Tickets valid for travel at any time

Child tickets Child fares and discounts for young people

First Class Guarantee a seat and power socket

Season tickets Discounted long-term tickets for regular commuters

Flexi Season Flexible season ticket options for part-time commuters

Advance tickets Discounted tickets booked ahead of travel

Transport for London Off-Peak Fridays trial Off-peak fares on Fridays for a limited time

Ways to pay eTickets, Smartcard and Oyster card payment methods

Discounts & Offers

Unizone Discounted ticket for students in Brighton and Worthing

Railcards Save up to 1/3 off tickets with railcards

DaySave Cost-effective day pass for unlimited off-peak travel

GroupSave Off-peak saving sfor 3-9 adults travelling together

PlusBus Combined train, bus and tram tickets

2FOR1 offers 2-for-1 entry at attractions in London, Brighton and more

Kids for £2 Cheaper child fares starting from just £2

Accessibility

Book assistance Our online form for booking assistance for your journey

Assisted travel Assistance for those with access needs

Priority seat card A badge for those who require priority seating

Support whilst you're travelling Information and guidance on accessing our trains

Wheelchairs & Mobility scooters Guidelines for wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Help & Support

Contact us Need help? Find out how to get in touch

Delay Repay Compensation for unexpected delays and cancellations

Refunds & Amendments How to refund and change your ticket

Money Back Guarantee Plans can change, and it's fine to change your mind

Penalty fares Information on penalty fares and prosecutions

Failed to carry Submit proof of your ticket or railcard

Lost property Lost property services, collection and enquires

First Class claim form First class claim form for reimbursement

Trains to Southampton

Southampton’s historic old town and world-class museums and theatres make for a wonderful day or weekend break. here are some ideas for your trip…, southampton.

The ancient maritime city of Southampton with its historic Old Town, world-class museums, theatres and contemporary boutiques makes for a wonderful day or weekend break.

Fast becoming a popular leisure and cultural destination, Southampton offers visitors the chance to explore superb heritage attractions, sample a diverse nightlife or simply enjoy a coffee and slice of cake in any one of its cosmopolitan cafes.

Like any city, avoid the stress of navigating complicated one-way systems while finding somewhere to park by travelling by train. Southampton Central station is conveniently located near the city’s port, major retail district and Old Town – making our trains perfect for Southampton days out.

Buy your ticket now

Getting to Southampton

Southampton is the ideal city for a day trip or long weekend break. With so many things to do in Southampton you’ll want to arrive feeling refreshed and ready to explore, and that’s where we come in. With regular services running to Southampton Central from major UK cities including London, Birmingham and Newcastle you can choose when to come and go at your leisure.

There are plenty of ways to make getting to Southampton even cheaper when you travel with us. Railcard holders can save up to 1/3 on each ticket- we have a variety of Railcards available as well as the traditional student and senior cards, with similar savings to be had on our Off-Peak tickets . If you’re travelling with a group of 3-9 friends for a night out in the city, take a look at our GroupSave ticket.

Things to do in Southampton

For centuries Southampton has played an important role in Britain’s maritime prowess and there are plenty of things to do in Southampton that encompass the high seas. Visitors can discover the interactive SeaCity Museum , which tells the story of the people of Southampton as well as their connections with the sea, and of course the fateful liner RMS Titanic.

Visitors can carry on delving into the city’s history with a stroll around the twelfth-century medieval stone walls. Lose yourself by wandering along the centuries-old walkways, turrets and arches and get swept back in time down the streets of the Old Town.

For those who want to soak up a bit more history, the Tudor House & Garden museum offers guided tours of the 800-year-old building - and even ghost tours if you’re feeling brave!

If you enjoy West End shows, but don’t want to venture to the capital, Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre plays host to some major productions, as well as attracting music and comedy acts. If you have tickets for the Mayflower why not make a day of it by taking the train and staying in one of the boutique hotels.

Avid shoppers will love the Westquay centre situated in the heart of the city. Home to high street favourites, it’s fast becoming one of the country’s most popular shopping destinations.

If you need inspiration for things to do in Southampton when the British weather is less than favourable there are plenty of indoor activities on offer too. Head to 1st Base - a baseball entertainment centre with the UK’s first baseball simulator or enjoy a good old fashioned afternoon at Hollywood Bowl . The Southampton City Art Gallery offers a diverse collection of fine art from the Renaissance period through to the present day; they also host a range of creative workshops and activities to suit all ages too.

With so many things to do, Southampton days out are fun for all ages. And with Southern, getting to Southampton is simple, affordable and family-friendly.

Southampton parks you'll want to explore

These luscious green spaces make for a great family day out all year round. Take your dogs for a walk, enjoy a picnic with friends or let your child run wild in the playgrounds.

Southampton: Gateway to the New Forest

If you’re looking for a coastal getaway, far from the hustle and bustle, heading to the New Forest via Southampton could make for a wonderful adventure.

A handy guide to the best bars in Southampton

Southampton is a wonderful city to visit with so many different things to do. Once you’re done exploring the port city on England’s south coast, however, you may want to take a load off and enjoy a nice drink – or two – with your friends before going home.

5 of the best restaurants in Southampton

Whether it’s affordable pizza you’re after or an upmarket brasserie affair, Southampton’s restaurants suit every taste. Here are five suggestions that make up some of the top restaurants in Southampton and the surrounding area.

• Go to slide 1
• Go to slide 2
• Go to slide 3
• Go to slide 4

Get great deals when you plan ahead

We've got loads of offers that save you money when you book in advance.

We have special deals for children under 15 as well as groups of three to nine adults travelling together.

See all our deals

Kids for £2

Up to four kids can travel for £2 each on our trains, and if they're under 5 they can travel for free

Find out more

Off-Peak tickets

Get value and flexibility by travelling when it’s less busy – save even more with Super Off-Peak tickets at weekends.

Find out more about Off-Peak tickets

Stay up-to-date

Subscribe to email updates. Get travel inspiration, journey updates and exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox.

We will not pass on your personal information to any organisation outside of Southern.

Should we no longer operate the Southern franchise, please be aware that we will pass your details to the Successor franchise or Secretary of State for Transport to allow you to continue receiving service and/or marketing emails if you have consented to them.

Subscription confirmed

Thank you for subscribing to receive relevant updates from Southern.

Subscription Failed

Something went wrong with your submission, please try again later.

Find cheap flights to Southampton from $260

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to southampton departing on 4/27. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to southampton.

Save 20% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Cheap flight deals to Southampton

Flights to southampton - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to southampton to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest day to fly to southampton, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to southampton is saturday where tickets can be as cheap as $1,119. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is monday, where prices are $1,230 on average., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to southampton, the cheapest time of day to fly to southampton is generally in the morning, when flights cost $857 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to southampton is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $992., how long is the flight to southampton, the duration of your flight to southampton depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to southampton on kayak are from boston , which takes 6h 20m, new york , which takes 6h 45m, miami , which takes 8h 45m, and san francisco , which takes 10h 19m., how many long-haul flights are there to southampton each week, there are not any long-haul (6-12 hour flight duration) or medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) flights to southampton. instead, there are 233 short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration), with the most arriving from edinburgh., good to know, when to book flights to southampton, faqs - booking southampton flights, how far is southampton from central southampton.

You’ll need to travel 3 miles to reach the Southampton city center from Southampton.

What is the name of Southampton’s airport?

There is only 1 airport in Southampton, called Southampton (SOU). It can also be referred to as Eastleigh or Southampton.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Southampton?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Southampton.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Southampton?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Southampton is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Southampton?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Southampton with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Southampton?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Southampton up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Southampton?

Of the 3 airlines that fly to Southampton, Loganair offers the most flights, with around 99 per week, followed by Aer Lingus with 13 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Southampton

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Southampton flight deals.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Southampton Eastleigh?

Find which airlines fly direct to Eastleigh, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Southampton Eastleigh

AccesRail, Aer Lingus, Aurigny Air, +10 more

AccesRail, Aer Lingus, +11 more

AccesRail, Aer Lingus, Aurigny Air, +9 more

AccesRail, Aer Lingus, +10 more

Nonstop returns

Southampton Eastleigh to United States

Top 4 airlines flying to southampton.

On 2 different flights the wifi was horrible and there was no drink or snack service.

Wifi wasn’t working well so we couldn't view any media.

Flight was late. Club was full. Experience is exactly what I expected.

Carly the flight attendant was extremely helpful and very accommodating to passengers on the flight from what I noticed. Couldn't be more satisfied with the service and assistance from Delta's flight attendant, Thanks again Carly!!

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

I didn’t like that I could not select my seat and was assigned a seat when I checked in at LAX

Delta did an awful job w logistics at DTW. Missed connection. We were there an hour early. SUCKED

Inflight entertainment stopped working as we taxi to runway and never worked again until landing and taxi to gate. Grrrr

Had to run to make it only to have the flight delayed to wait for all the late connectors Second drink service skipped up

Boarding was a sh!t show. JFK BOARDING was awful. The agent called three sections at a time Clogging the area then yelling at people to not block the walk way. How are you going to call delta one , premium select and comfort plus at once and the yell at highest paying passengers. Need to do a lot better and the flight attendants in the galley need to understand that their voices travel. They were talking about others and everyone in the cabin heard them

no issues at all... Kudos to the food. This time was really really good

Overall a good experience. We were disappointed when we had to check our carry on due to the plane being full. KLM hadn’t notified us and we had valuable items in the carry on but they still made us check it. Some of the food was great and some was mediocre. Crew is really kind and funny.

It was nice to be on a legacy airline, people try at least.

I travel frequently. The flight was late again... KLM should really try and be on time

The flight itself it was great nice food the crew were very nice and helpful, Checking in from Birmingham wasn't great long queues for bag dropped, And I had my hand luggage case taken away from me even though I requested to have it with me as I had breakables items. I was told I can not because of the length of the flight with no explanation at all no options was given for me to take my fragile items out of my case it was taken away with hold buggage I find the staff member who was checking me in very unpleasant !! Can we please be advise if the rules have changed about the the carry on hand luggage it will be easier to be advise on booking your tickect if we not allowed to take the hand luggage with me. Overall I had a good flight .

The plane was clean and the staff was friendly. Food and drinks as expected on international flights. The entertainment system was old style, with a pullout controller, and selections not as extensive as on other flights.

I requested wheel chair assistance , it was confirmed via email that inwoood get it but I didn’t get it . The last leg of my trip to Nigeria was the worst.

Amazing KLM service and brilliant economy comfort seats. Well worth the extra.

The boarding was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. The fault lays on Ohare Airport and not so much the airline. The waiting area by the gate was the size to accommodate a regional flight for 20-30 people and right next to a busy walkway. When you cramped nearly 300 passengers into that space is was unbearable.

The seats are too cramped in that plane. If you’re above 1,80m consider alternatives or first class I guess… There were no emergency exits to seat somewhere with more legroom

Very good need to offer better choice of food for business

Great travel. Wonderful experience. Hope to do it again in the near future. God willing

Aer Lingus doesn't have plug ins for devices at each seat. They also did not give me a dairy free meal as requested and confirmed by staff. It was as if I had not requested anything. Otherwise, they were great!

The transatlantic flight was wonderful. The regional reminded me of jet blue. Crazy and packed. Not enough overhead space and tough on elderly.

All OK. Food, best bring your own. Even a BigMac will be better.

Always find Aer Lingus reliable and good value for money. Food on this flight was pretty basic and the headphone Jack at my seat only worked for one ear. Little disappointed in movie selection, limited on recent releases. Staff are okay - but I always buy a cheap ticket so not like I expect first class opulence anyway!!!

Great hospitality and service! Seats are better cushioned then some

The vegan meal was pretty horrible tasting and the staff did not bring me breakfast and no coffee and asked. the connecting flight from dublin to bristol was much delayed.

Pretty darn good. Food was typical airline food. Not anyone’s favorite.

As four hour wait with no explanation as to why the delay Very unacceptable

Fare was much lower with a layover in London as I was able avoid numerous landing fees that would have been added to the ticket price had I booked a direct flight to Amsterdam.

We have business class seats from Los Angeles to London. The crew is friendly and provided great service. The flight was very comfortable and very smooth. Will use this airlines again in the future.

The flight was delayed numerous times with inconsistent updates and very ambiguous information. When it was finally cancelled the logistics of handing out vouchers and rebooking was extremely chaotic. Meal vouchers were completely inadequate for the airport restaurants, and not even accepted at some. All-in-all, it was a very disappointing experience.

Terrible. The flight from Islamabad to London took 3 hours more then previously planned, I missed my connection to Chicago, and instead had to go New York, spend an extra day before arriving at my final destination. The return leg of the journey was similar. The connection time in Qatar was shrinked to less then an hour unannounced, I had to scramble to barely make it to my flight to Islamabad. Terrible experience, never using British airways again.

The crew on this flight were attentive, efficient and friendly. It really made for an enjoyable flight.

They canceled my flight , they put me on a different flight that was delayed and the connection was lost . They lost my luggage. And now I’m stuck with any of my belongings.

British Airways canceled our plane and gave us a new flight scheduled to leave in only three hours, so we had to drop everything and rush to the airport. The new itinerary only left us a one hour layover in Madrid, which was too short because the plane landed late and so we missed our connecting flight. We were then booked onto a flight scheduled to take off 8 hours later, and were not given any compensation or remedial measures.

Seat layout, flight/club attendant service, food variety and quality could have been better. Business class Standard is visibly low compared with 6 other airlines that we have traveled for the past two years.

Despite many attempts to work out a change, neither British Airways nor Kayak nor Chatdeal would allow us to cancel or change this flight so we lost all of the payments when we were not able to fly. Absolutely terrible customer service. We will never use either of the services again.

It said that there was wifi. During the flight there was no wifi and while waiting at the gate the phone services already got cut off so I wasn’t able to say I am taxiing from the gate to my husband. This left me with an uncomfortable feeling. So I was waiting on the WiFi connection during flight and that never happened.

Book Cheap Southampton Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, recent domestic flight deals, last minute flights to southampton, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to southampton, destination:.

Southampton (SOU) United Kingdom

Return flight deals:

Southampton - United States

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 
• United Kingdom  » 
• England  » 
• Southampton

Southampton Travel Essentials

Useful information to help you start your trip to southampton.

Our Southampton Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Hampshire, England. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from Southampton International Airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need?

We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips. You’ll also learn about the most popular landmarks in Southampton such as the Bargate, Tudor House & Garden, and the SeaCity Museum. It’s all compiled in this Southampton Travel Essentials. After going through this short and easy-to-read guide, you’ll be a little more prepared to start your trip to Southampton.

When is the best time to travel to Southampton?

• Southampton’s oceanic climate brings sunny summers and cool winters . Average temperatures range between 3°C in winter and 18°C in summer. Southampton is considered one of the sunniest cities in the UK.
• There’s little significant difference in the number of rainy days between the wettest month, January , and the driest month, June . January has an average of 12 rainy days while July has about 7.
• The warmest time of the year is in summer, between mid-June and September . June–August had the highest record temperatures of around 35°C. With an average water temperature of 17°C, August–September is the period when the sea is the warmest in Southampton. Summer is also the peak tourist season.
• For more affordable accommodations rates and less-crowded attractions, while still enjoying decent weather, the best times to visit Southampton are in spring, May–June , and in autumn, September–October .

Southampton basics

• Plug type: G
• Electricity: 220 - 240 V
• Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
• International dialing code: +44 (0)23
• Emergency telephone number: 999

10 Best Things to Do in Southampton

5 Best Nightlife in Southampton

5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Southampton

How to get to my hotel in southampton.

Southampton is well connected with the rest of the world. Home to an international airport, it’s only a 2-hour drive southwest of London via the M3 and M27 expressways. Southampton is also well served by train and motorcoach from the UK’s capital city.

If you’re coming from France or Spain, you can also get to nearby Portsmouth by ferry. It’s one of the prime cross-channel ferry terminals in England.

Landing in London or Southampton?

Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) are the 2 main international airports in London, so chances are you’ll land at one of them if you come from abroad. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airports. Ground transportation options that can take you to Southampton are as follows:

• By taxi cab: it’s certainly the fastest way to get there – in around 2 hours – but it’s not the cheapest. Uber is also available to make the trip.
• By train: you need to get to London Waterloo station to take the train run by South Western Railroad. The whole journey takes around 1.5 hours and costs about half the price of a taxi cab.
• By motorcoach: it’s the cheapest way to reach Bournemouth from London. Expect at least a 2-and-a-half-hour trip.
• Renting and driving a automobile is also a good way to get to Southampton from one of the London airports.

You can also directly fly to Southampton International Airport (SOU) . It’s one of the busiest airports on the southeast coast of England. It’s served by many airports in the UK and a few European airports such as Amsterdam and others, most of them seasonally. The airport is 4 miles northeast of the city centre and the driving time to get there is only 10 minutes. From here, ground transportation options for getting to Southampton are as follows:

• Unilink operates the U1C bus service that links the airport to the city centre 7 days a week. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
• Southampton Airport Parkway Station is located in the airport. You can catch a train here and get to the city centre in less than 10 minutes.  
•  A handful of taxi cab companies are licensed to operate at Southampton Airport. The main pick-up area can be found on the first floor of the multi-storey carpark opposite the terminal. Uber is also available.
• Alamo, Enterprise, Sixt, and other automobile rental agencies can be found in the multi-storey carpark.

Southampton Central railroad station

Southampton Central railroad station is half a mile northeast of the city centre. From South Western Railroad to Southern Railroad, and from Great Western Railroad to Cross Country Train, the station is served by many major lines from many cities in England.

If you want to get to Southampton from London, the departure station is Waterloo. From there, the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Transportation options to get to your hotel from here include taxi cabs, rideshares, and public buses.

Getting to Southampton by bus

Southampton is served by major UK motorcoach companies – National Express and Megabus. It’s the cheapest way to get there from London. Each company has a different bus terminal – Harbor Parade for National Express and the airport for Megabus. Train, taxi cab, rideshare, and public bus are the modes of transportation at hand for the last leg of your travel.

Southampton by ferry via Portsmouth

Portsmouth, 15 miles away, is the closest ferry port to Southampton served from the continent. St Malo, Cherbourg, Caen, and Le Havre in France, as well as Bilbao and Santander in Spain, are the departure ports serving Portsmouth. From Portsmouth, getting to Southampton is fairly easy. The driving time is about 30 minutes, and you can get there by train, bus, taxi cab, or rideshare.

How to get around Southampton?

Travel tips

Covering less than a square mile, Southampton city centre is easily walkable and it’s filled with landmarks and iconic buildings. Among the landmarks are the Bargate, the Medieval Merchant's House, and the Mayflower Pilgrims Memorial, just to name a few. Downtown Southampton is also home to a good range of dining and shopping options, as well as cool bars for enjoying a nightcap.

Cycling is also a fun way of getting around in pleasant weather as the city is compact and flat. For longer distances, public transportation companies including FirstGroup, Blue Star, UniLink, and others run an extensive network of buses that covers the entire county.

How does the bus system work?

First, Bluestar, Unilink, and Xelabus are just a few of the companies that operate public transportation networks in Southampton and across Hampshire. From city to inter-urban to rural services, you can get anywhere by bus in Southampton and around. Single ticket, day pass, and other ticketing options are available. If you plan to travel a lot within the county, purchasing a Solent Go travelcard is a good move as it can be used on buses from all companies all over South Hampshire.

Taking a taxi cab

From Radio Taxi cabs (+44 (0)23 8066 6666) to West Quay Automobiles (+44 (0)23 8099 9999), Cab My Ride (+44 (0)23 8055 5555), and many more, getting a taxi cab in Southampton is easy. Taxi cab lines are found in front of hotels, train and bus stations, as well as near Westquay Shopping Center and the High Street. You can also hail cabs on the street. 

Convenient yet rather expensive, getting around Southampton by taxicab is not your best option if you’re on a budget, although a taxi cab ride may be your only option to get back to your hotel if you’re a night owl. Note that tipping for taxi cabs in the UK is usually around 10% of the fare. Most taxi cab drivers accept credit cards, though sometimes reluctantly.

Uber is the main ride-sharing app used in Southampton. It’s usually up to 15% cheaper than standard taxicabs.

Is it a good idea to rent a automobile in Southampton?

Renting a automobile is a good option if you plan to explore the region and get to landmarks such as Stonehenge, Longford Castle, and Odiham Castle. Check out the Southampton Council website to find a map of the parking spots available throughout the city.

Automobile rental companies are available at the airport and throughout Bournemouth. Foreigners can use their country driving license for up to 12 months in the UK.

Cycling around Southampton

On sunny days, Southampton is a very pleasant city for cycling around. It’s home to traffic-free and off-road trails, as well as safe urban cycling paths. Don’t miss a ride on the SCN1 Western Cycle Freeway, between Totton and Southampton Central Station. If you’re a serious rider, many scenic bike routes stretching between 20 and 40 miles can be found around the city. You can easily find maps of these routes online.

The Hub Cycleworks (+44 (0)23 8022 6969) and Monty's Bike Hub (+44 (0)7411 517900) are just 2 of the bike shops from where you can rent a bicycle in Southampton.

What are the main annual events in Southampton?

Southampton Common People

• A multi-genre music festival held in a large open space of the same name, featuring indie, rock, electronic, and pop. Duran Duran recorded a live album at this 2-day event.
• Where: Southampton Common

Southampton Mela Festival

• A multi-cultural melting pot and the highlight of the summer in Southampton. The festival blends music, dance, and family activities, and features cuisines from all around the world.
• Where: Hoglands Park

Southampton Boat Show

• One of the biggest boat shows in Europe and Southampton’s annual rendezvous of yachties, sailors, and all those passionate about navigation on the water. Check out the latest top-notch superyachts on display.
• Where: Mayflower Park

What are the main landmarks in Southampton?

The Bargate

Built circa 1180, the Bargate was once the main entrance into the old walled city of Southampton. It was separated from the adjoining town hall during the 20 th century and is now a museum of local history.

Tudor House and Garden

A carefully restored site showing the history of home life in Southampton from the 14 th century. It contains an extensive collection of interesting household artifacts, including decorated glass panes.

SeaCity Museum

The SeaCity Museum has 2 permanent exhibitions – one dedicated to the city’s history with the sea, while the other tells the story of the Titanic and the ill-fated liner’s close association with Southampton.

The Titanic Trail

You can explore much of Southampton by following the Titanic Trail, which connects memorial monuments to period buildings like the local office of the White Star Line and the preferred pub of the doomed crew.

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Related stories.

10 Best Family Things to Do in Southampton

10 Romantic Ideas for a Honeymoon in Southampton

10 Best Things to Do in Winchester

10 Best Places to Go Shopping on the Isle of Wight

10 Best Shopping Experiences in Portsmouth

Keep exploring.

• Bedfordshire
• Bishop's Stortford
• Borehamwood
• Bournemouth
• Buckinghamshire
• Bury St Edmunds
• Cambridgeshire
• Channel Islands
• Cirencester
• East Midlands
• East Sussex
• English Riviera
• Gloucestershire
• Great Yarmouth
• Herefordshire
• Hertfordshire
• Isle of Man
• Isle of Wight
• Lake District National Park
• Lincolnshire
• Milton Keynes
• New Forest National Park
• Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• North West England
• Northampton
• Northumberland
• Nottinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Peak District National Park
• Peterborough
• Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Scarborough
• South Coast
• Southampton
• Southend-on-Sea
• Staffordshire
• Stoke-on-Trent
• West Midlands
• West Sussex
• United Kingdom
• Eryri National Park
• Isle of Skye
• North Wales
• Scottish Borders
• Scottish Islands
• Northern Ireland
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Mexico and central america, middle east, north america, south america, top destinations.

• Hotels in Las Vegas
• Hotels in New York
• Hotels in Chicago
• Hotels in Orlando
• Hotels in New Orleans
• Hotels in San Diego
• Hotels in Nashville
• Hotels in San Francisco
• Hotels in Los Angeles
• Hotels in Miami
• Hotels in Paris
• Hotels in Denver
• Hotels in Washington
• Hotels in Austin
• Hotels in Atlanta
• Hotels in San Antonio
• Hotels in Boston
• Hotels in Atlantic City
• Hotels in Key West
• Hotels in London
• Hotels in Virginia Beach
• Hotels in Seattle
• Hotels in Anaheim
• Hotels in Dallas

Top Countries & Regions

• Hotels in Aruba
• Hotels in Turks and Caicos
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Bermuda
• Hotels in Malta
• Hotels in Jersey Shore
• Hotels in Maui
• Hotels in Puerto Rico Island
• Hotels in Kauai
• Hotels in Oahu
• Hotels in Cape Cod

Support & FAQs

Website feedback.

• Review a property

For Suppliers, Affiliates, and the Media

• Affiliate with us
• Expedia Partner Solutions
• Promote with us
• Travel agents

User terms & Privacy

• Terms & Conditions
• Do not sell my personal information
• About our ads
• Legal Information

List your property

• Hotels near me
• Travel Guides
• Vacation Rentals

* Some hotels require you to cancel more than 24 hours before check-in. Details on site.

© 2024 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved.

Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Local time Southampton

Introducing Southampton

About southampton.

• Weather / Best time to visit
• Images of Southampton

While you’re there

• Getting around
• Attractions, tours and tickets
• Things to see
• Things to do
• Restaurants

Plan your trip

• Travel to Southampton

United Kingdom Information

• About United Kingdom
• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free
• Food & drink

Book your flights

• Southampton Airport

Southampton Travel Guide

Inseparable from its long maritime heritage, the south coast city of Southampton is a buoyant, underrated place to explore.

A large portion of its 4 million-plus annual visitors pass straight through to the port – the destination is self-billed as “the cruise capital of Europe” and hundreds of ships still depart here each year. Most famously, it’s also where the Titanic began its ill-fated voyage more than 100 years ago.

For those making the effort to spend time in Southampton itself, however, there are clear rewards. The timber-framed Tudor House & Garden is the city’s most significant historical construction, which sits in an Old Town that still rests partly behind hefty ancient stone walls. The Old Town has more than 90 listed buildings, from old wine vaults to medieval churches.

On a more contemporary note, the city’s residents have plenty to busy themselves with. The Southampton City Art Gallery is one of the best of its kind in the south, covering six centuries of European art, while the Grade II listed Mayflower Theatre puts on regular high-profile shows. Tying in with Southampton’s nautical legacy, the recently opened SeaCity Museum recounts the tale of the city and its seafaring connections and it includes a special section on the Titanic.

As well as boasting modern retail developments such as the shiny West Quay mall, Southampton also prides itself on its green space. There are several parks within the city, but you don’t have to travel far to reach either the Isle of Wight (20 minutes by ferry) or the bounties of the New Forest.

Visitors can also take to the water on the SS Shieldhall, the largest working steam ship in Britain. The vessel, active from the 1870s onwards, has a number of scheduled sailings and also offers seamanship training courses.

So whether you’re docking or departing, Southampton is a ship-shape city that will keep you busy for a day at least.

Book Accommodation

Featured hotels, novotel southampton.

This hotel has a central location near the main railway station and West Quay shopping centre. It has 121 rooms, including four for disabled guests, and there is a swimming pool with exercise area and a sauna. Wi-Fi access is available. The hotel has a bar and restaurant.

Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel

This large chain hotel has clearly spent a lot of time agonising over the finer details, including individually designed headboards created by artists in each of the 65 rooms. The buildings date from 1790 and 1890, and Jane Austen attended a ball in the hotel's Assembly rooms on her 18th birthday. A hotel with genuine character.

Premier Inn Southampton City Centre

A neat, clean and comfortable budget option well placed for exploring the city. It might not be the most exciting place to stay in Southampton, but if your priorities are location and price then this central Premier Inn can't be beaten.

Book early to get the best prices at this city centre hotel, which overlooks East Park and is within walking distance of the main rail station. With 270 rooms, Jury Inn is the largest hotel in the city. Plus points include flatscreen TVs and supremely comfortable beds in all rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Grand Harbour Hotel

Bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Louvre, this iconic hotel stands out both for its architectural style and for its facilities. Many of the 173 rooms have sea views, there are suites with Jacuzzi baths and double balconies for luxury lovers, and the in-house fitness centre has a state-of-the-art gym and a pool as well as several therapy rooms.

Careys Manor Hotel

It's a 16km (10-mile) drive from central Southampton, but if you're keen to completely indulge then Careys Manor is worth the journey. With a multi-award-winning spa, three fine dining restaurants and luxurious rooms as well as manicured gardens and famous breakfasts, this is a fabulously decadent option.

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

• Uni Reviews
• Student Guide
• Student stories
• UK Survival Service

This city guide to Southampton was published by Great British Mag on 5 June 2020.

The historic port city of Southampton has many reasons for its fame, including being the home of Jane Austen, the place where the WWI fighter plane, the Spitfire, was designed and where in 1912 the Titanic cast off from the city’s dock on its ill-fated maiden voyage to New York.

The city is still an active port that handles more than 1.7 million passengers a year and is fondly known as the “Cruise capital of the UK”.

Did you know?

• Southampton has one of the oldest city walls, going back to 1914, erected to protect it against attack.
• Jane Austen lived in Southampton between 1806 and 1809. The Austen family’s house was in Upper Bugle Street a site now occupied by a pub.
• Southampton was named “fittest city in the UK” in 2006 by Men’s Fitness magazine. The results were based on incidence of heart disease, gym membership and the amount of junk food and alcohol consumed.
• Craig David, one of the UK’s best-known singers and producers, was born and raised in Southampton. One of his songs, Johnny, was inspired by his memories of being bullied at school. Another famous musician who grew up in the city is Coldplay’s drummer Will Champion. With a personal fortune estimated at £52 million he hasn’t done badly for himself.
• Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, is an honorary professor at the University of Southampton.
• The British dinner time favourite, the fish finger, was taste-tested in Southampton!

Where to visit

The SeaCity Museum is the place to go to find out about the relationship between Southampton and the doomed-liner Titanic. The ties between the port and the giant ship were so tight that more than 5,000 Southampton households lost at least one family member when it sank in 1912. The exhibits at SeaCity give visitors a sense of what the city was like at the time and there’s a model of the liner itself showing its incredibly intricate design.

If you’ve seen the movie Dunkirk, you’ll know just how much the British revere the Spitfire. You can get up close to one of these iconic aircraft at the Solent Sky Museum, an institution that also tells the story of Spitfire designer R.J Mitchell. There are more than 20 aircraft on display including a Short Sandringham, one of the giant flying boats that used to transport passengers from Southampton to every corner of the world.

If you love football – and the Premier League in particular – you’ll want to take a tour of Southampton FC’s stadium .

Billed as Southampton’s most important historic building, the Tudor House offers a glimpse of more than 800 years of history. The black-and-white timber-framed building was built in the late 15th century and it’s packed with artefacts, ranging from a prayer book from 1480 to a Penny Farthing bicycle and a sedan chair used to transport wealthy people around town.

What and where to eat

You can’t tell people that you have been to Southampton without trying It’s a Pizza Thing . The pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven in a truck parked outside of the South Western Arms pub. Our tip: buy a pizza (or a chocolate calzone) and take it into the pub to enjoy with a pint of local beer.

Most students run on coffee and there is no shortage of good cafes in Southampton. One favourite is The Art House , an organic café at 178 Above Bar Street that doubles as a music venue and an art gallery. It’s a non-profit organisation staffed mainly by volunteers and offers a friendly vibe as well as some seriously good coffee.

Those with a sweet tooth need to visit Sprinkles Gelato , which has two outlets in Southampton. Sprinkles has been serving the city’s best ice cream and handmade desserts since 2012. And guess what? There’s a 10 per cent discount for students who produce a student card.

Things to do

Southampton’s connection with the sea runs deep and there are plenty of ways to get in on the action. If you want to try your hand at sailing the Royal Yachting Association runs introductory sailing and windsurfing courses at the Southampton Water Activities Centre .  If you wish to get a taste for it, you can visit the Southampton Boat Show and day-dream about the boat you’ll buy once you’re rich. Someday, someday!

A hard day’s sailing should be topped off with a nice cold beer. Southampton’s big student population means there are plenty of great student pubs ranging from The Hobbit – whose giant beer garden is decorated with Lord of the Rings graffiti – and The Talking Heads , a pub and intimate music venue.

Want to keep the party going? Orange Rooms is one of the South Coast’s busiest clubs and it has played host to an array of quality DJ’s and live acts, including Ellie Goulding, in its, well, orange rooms! With different events going on every night, head down there and dance the night away.

Where to shop

West Quay is a multi-storey mall that is home to more than 100 shops as well as cafes, restaurants and bars. The up-market British department store John Lewis has a big outlet there. And you’ll also find an Apple Store as well as Brit fashion favourites, such as Jack Wills.

If you want something quirkier check out Beatnik Emporium at 202 Above Bar Street. It’s rammed with racks of vintage and retro clothing and the prices are reasonable. Musicians should visit The Guitar Store on Commercial Road. It has a vast range of guitars, amplifiers and effects pedals and a repair service for damaged instruments.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

10 best theme parks in the uk, what is a schengen visa and how do i apply for one, 7 best street art cities in the uk, privacy overview, best harry potter film locations in the uk, 10 places to visit virtually.

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

$467 cheap flights to southampton.

Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save!

Add a place to stay

Direct flights only

Featured airlines

How much is the cheapest flight to Southampton?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $467 for one-way flights and $666 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Find Your Flights to Southampton SOU

Cheap flights to Southampton ( SOU)

Get started finding a cheap flight to Southampton on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Southampton.

Roundtrip prices range from $666 - $731, and one-ways to Southampton start as low as $467.

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Southampton ( SOU)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Southampton. There are 10 airlines flying into SOU: Virgin Atlantic, United, British Airways, Aer Lingus. 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Southampton (SOU) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to SOU in February and in May for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• What you pack in your cabin baggage can make the difference between a comfortable flight, and a not-so-great one. Start with the must-haves, such as a valid ID (like your passport) and your travel documents. Once they’re packed, put in any medications you might need. Next? Consider your comfort factor. Earplugs, a quality neck pillow and a good book will help the hours fly by while you’re in the air.
• There’s also a list of prohibited items for your hand luggage which can differ between carriers. Generally, avoid bringing anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like razor blades, utility knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects considered weapons, such as batons and swords, are also banned from the cabin.
• Whether traveling short or long-haul, layering up is key to a comfy flight. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics that will keep you cool and pack a sweater for any changes in cabin temperatures. Keep your feet happy in a pair of closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
• Consider wearing compression tights or socks to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This blood clotting condition can be caused by extended periods of sitting, especially on long-haul journeys. Doing leg and foot stretches in your seat or wandering around the cabin are great ways to improve your circulation.

Get up to 100% off your flight to Southampton when booking a Flight + Hotel

Trending flights to southampton.

• Top Flights Destinations

From Other Airports to Southampton

Flights to cities near southampton, top southampton hotels, more popular airlines.

• Expedia's Latest Trends

Top Flight Destinations

• Flights to London
• Flights to Edinburgh
• Flights to Manchester
• Flights to Glasgow
• Flights to Birmingham
• Flights to Liverpool
• Flights to Belfast
• Flights to Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• Flights to Bristol
• Flights to Oxford
• Flights to Leeds
• Flights to Brighton
• Flights to Aberdeen
• Flights to Inverness
• Flights to Cardiff
• Flights to St. Andrews
• Flights to Isle of Skye
• Flights to Nottingham
• Flights to Cambridge
• Flights to York

Top Flight Destinations In the World

• Flights to United States of America
• Flights to Japan
• Flights to Philippines
• Flights to Costa Rica
• Flights to Italy
• Flights to India
• Flights to Thailand
• Flights to Mexico
• Flights to Greece
• Flights to Dominican Republic
• Flights to Bahamas
• Flights to South Korea
• Flights to Ireland
• Flights to Australia
• Flights to Spain
• Flights to Vietnam
• Flights to New Zealand
• Flights to China
• Flights to Germany
• Flights to Canada
• Chicago to Southampton (ORD - SOU)
• Newark to Southampton (EWR - SOU)
• Los Angeles to Southampton (LAX - SOU)
• Tampa to Southampton (TPA - SOU)
• Miami to Southampton (MIA - SOU)
• Detroit to Southampton (DTW - SOU)
• Amsterdam to Southampton (AMS - SOU)
• Boston to Southampton (BOS - SOU)
• Minneapolis to Southampton (MSP - SOU)
• Salt Lake City to Southampton (SLC - SOU)
• Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour
• Leonardo Hotel Southampton - Formerly Jurys Inn
• Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7, an IHG Hotel
• Novotel Southampton
• Darwin Airline SA Lugano
• Evergreen International
• Ghadames Air Transport
• Aircompany Kokshetau
• Royal Airways Limited
• Vietnam Air Service Co.
• West Caribbean Costa Rica
• Olympus Airways
• Bulgarian Air Charter
• Branson Air Express
• Deutsche Bahn

P&O Cruises 2026 Summer Collection – On Sale Soon!! More details here >>

02380 658 386

Sail from UK Sail from UK

Getting To Southampton

Information and various ways of travelling to Southampton, including Train, Coach, Car and Plane details, plus links to book online.

You can get to Southampton via a number of different ways, all listed below. We have included some handy links to various websites where you are able to book your travel to Southampton online.

You can book cheap train fares to Southampton online at www.thetrainline.com

You can get a taxi from right outside Southampton Central Train Station direct to the port, its only about 1 mile and will not cost you very much at all.

Due to the collapse of Flybe there are currently fewer services available from airports around the UK. If you are travelling from Scotland or Newcastle, routes are available from Loganair .

Southampton Airport is only about 5 miles from the port, there is a train station at the airport called Southampton Airport Parkway Station which operates a regular service to Southampton Central Station and it would cost aproximately £3.50 per person. You can get a taxi from the airport, which will cost you aproximately £18.

You can book a coach to Southampton from a number of destinations all over the UK online at www.nationalexpress.com

See the below map of Southampton, click the directions button to enter your home address and Google will give you detailed direction on how to get to Southampton by car. You can book car parking at the port online at www.abparking.co.uk

Sign up to our newsletter

Share this page:

Back to Top

Enquire Now

The Best Time to Visit Southampton, the United Kingdom for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Southampton for ideal weather are

May 28th to September 30th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Southampton Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Southampton Travel Info

Weather in southampton.

Average temperatures in Southampton vary somewhat. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 26th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Southampton, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally late July where highs are regularly around 72.6°F (22.6°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 53.9°F (12.2°C) at night.

Southampton Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Southampton temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Southampton Perceived Temperature (F)

Southampton perceived temperature (c), average southampton temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Southampton are September, April, and then March. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early April. For example, on the week of April 2nd there is 1 day of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early to mid January with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of January 8th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Southampton.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Southampton (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Southampton has some extremely humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is April (62.8% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (82.7%).

Wind in Southampton is usually moderate . The windiest month is January, followed by December and February. January’s average wind speed of around 9 knots (10.4 MPH or 16.7 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late December where average top sustained speeds reach 16.3 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Southampton.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to southampton.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings for the United Kingdom; exercise a high degree of caution. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Nov 27, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Southampton, the United Kingdom is August, followed by July and June. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Southampton in December. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall southampton travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 65.8°F (18.8°C) and 48.9°F (9.4°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 5 to 6 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see moderate precipitation with 6 to 7 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Southampton, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 68.3°F (20.2°C) and 47.5°F (8.6°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 5 to 10 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is too cold this time of year in Southampton to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 48.9°F (9.4°C) and 43.9°F (6.6°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 8 to 10 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › the United Kingdom › Southampton, the United Kingdom

Similar Destinations

• Eastleigh, the United Kingdom
• Brockenhurst, the United Kingdom
• Romsey, the United Kingdom
• Cowes, the United Kingdom
• Winchester, the United Kingdom
• New Forest, the United Kingdom
• Yarmouth, the United Kingdom
• Lyndhurst, the United Kingdom
• Lymington, the United Kingdom
• Fareham, the United Kingdom

Popular Destinations

• Alanya, Turkey
• Krakow, Poland
• Marseille, France

The 25 best areas to stay in Southampton

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

1 Harbour Hotel Southampton

2 The Pig - in the wall

3 Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour

4 the pilgrim inn marchwood, 5 seacity museum.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

6 Ennio's

7 solent sky, 8 the white star tavern, southampton, 9 southampton common, 10 utilita bowl, 11 mayflower park, 12 southampton city art gallery, 14 holyrood church, 15 houndwell park.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

16 Novotel Southampton

17 travelodge southampton central, 18 mercure southampton centre dolphin hotel, 19 netley abbey, 21 hunters lodge, guest house, 22 argyle lodge southampton, 23 southampton serviced apartments, 24 town or country, 25 oceana boulevard, top searches in southampton, popular road trips from southampton, what's the weather like in southampton.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Southampton for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Southampton in January
• Weather in Southampton in February
• Weather in Southampton in March
• Weather in Southampton in April
• Weather in Southampton in May
• Weather in Southampton in June
• Weather in Southampton in July
• Weather in Southampton in August
• Weather in Southampton in September
• Weather in Southampton in October
• Weather in Southampton in November
• Weather in Southampton in December

All road trips from Southampton

• Southampton to London drive
• Southampton to Paris drive
• Southampton to Amsterdam drive
• Southampton to Dublin drive
• Southampton to Barcelona drive
• Southampton to Rome drive
• Southampton to Edinburgh drive
• Southampton to Berlin drive
• Southampton to Bath drive
• Southampton to Brussels drive
• Southampton to Birmingham drive
• Southampton to Prague drive
• Southampton to York drive
• Southampton to Madrid drive
• Southampton to Liverpool drive
• Southampton to Cardiff drive
• Southampton to Bruges drive
• Southampton to Florence drive
• Southampton to Milan drive
• Southampton to Blackpool drive
• Southampton to Vienna drive
• Southampton to Oxford drive
• Southampton to Budapest drive
• Southampton to Venice drive
• Southampton to Lisbon drive
• Southampton to Manchester drive
• Southampton to Copenhagen drive
• Southampton to Munich drive
• Southampton to Weymouth drive

Explore nearby places

• Southampton
• Bishop's Waltham
• Otterbourne

All related maps of Southampton

• Map of Southampton
• Map of Netley
• Map of Bursledon
• Map of West End
• Map of Hedge End
• Map of Hythe
• Map of Swanwick
• Map of Hamble
• Map of Marchwood
• Map of Warsash
• Map of Botley
• Map of Eastleigh
• Map of Whiteley
• Map of Durley
• Map of Totton
• Map of Nursling
• Map of Calshot
• Map of Shedfield
• Map of Ashurst
• Map of Exbury
• Map of Beaulieu
• Map of Titchfield
• Map of Wickham
• Map of Bishop's Waltham
• Map of Otterbourne
• Map of Lepe
• Map of Fareham
• Map of Ampfield
• Map of Romsey
• Map of Hursley
• Map of Twyford

Southampton throughout the year

• Southampton in January
• Southampton in February
• Southampton in March
• Southampton in April
• Southampton in May
• Southampton in June
• Southampton in July
• Southampton in August
• Southampton in September
• Southampton in October
• Southampton in November
• Southampton in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Southampton?

Get inspired for your trip to Southampton with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Southampton Itinerary
• 2-Day Southampton Itinerary
• 3-Day Southampton Itinerary
• 4-Day Southampton Itinerary
• 5-Day Southampton Itinerary

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Fareham
• Top things to do and attractions in Romsey
• Top things to do and attractions in Beaulieu

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Fareham
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Eastleigh
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Romsey
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Hamble

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Norwegian Star: NCL speaks out after huge cruise liner's Portsmouth visit cancelled and changed to Southampton

The operators of an enormous cruise liner have released a statement after her visit to Portsmouth was cancelled and changed to Southampton.

Norwegian Star would have been the largest ship ever to enter Portsmouth International Port , according to port officials, if it entered the harbour. She was due to drop off hundreds of tourists in the city on May 8, but her much-anticipated visit will no longer take place .

Many residents have booked tickets for a luxurious cruise across the Mediterranean due to the convenience of embarking close-by. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) have now spoken out about the decision.

A spokeswoman said: “We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most sought-after destinations around the world. While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, at times modifications are made to optimize the itinerary or to accommodate certain circumstances.

“As such, Norwegian Star’s turnaround port on May 8 and May 18, 2024 was changed from Portsmouth to Southampton, England to enhance the overall guest experience during the embarkation and disembarkation process. While there are no immediate arrangements for other port calls or turnarounds planned in Portsmouth, we remain in contact with the local authorities to identify opportunities for the future. Portsmouth remains a charming and historical city in the south of England, and we look forward to exploring further opportunities for our guests to discover there.”

Portsmouth International Port previously said Norwegian Star, which is 294m long and has 91,740 gross tonnage, would be slightly larger than the current record holder Mein Schiff 3, which is 293m in leigh and weighs 99,536 gross tonnage. The TUI vessel made her appearance in May 2023 .

Port officials have been expanding the small to medium-size cruise offerings to attract more holidaymakers to the city and boost the local economy with Norwegian Star’s cancellation being a bitter blow. Andrew Williamson, head of cruise and ferry at the port, previously said they were “disappointed” by the decision, but added that changes to shipping schedules are common. He added that other exciting calls are planned for this year, with new brands including Ambassador and CFC vessels making visits to the city.