How to get from Heathrow to Southampton?

[sinophile888]

Our flight to LHR is due in at 13:15 and we want to go straight to Southampton for a cruise leaving the next day. We would prefer to travel direct and by rail, but I am having trouble finding a good option.

So far, I have come up with train from Heathrow to Waterloo, then a train to Southampton.

Is this our best option?

PS I apologise if this question is in the wrong place. Mods please move if appropriate.

 

[Conrad_S]

I love trains but for those short journeys from Heathrow away from London we use the national express coaches. Cheap as compared to the train, quicker and pretty flexible ticketing. I think last time there was a 5 pound fee to change to any bus within 24 hours of the original booking. It's a bus but never been crowded on one we've been on so not uncomfortable. There might well be dedicated transfer services to Southampton but outside my experience.

 

[alieninperth]

using www.thetrainline.com I could see a single from LHR to SOU for GBP 69.40, for two. I used Wed 29th June as the departure date. The ticket was for a bus to Reading and then the train down to Southampton. National express coach was GBP 43.20 for two with no changes. Journey times were similar.

Other options might be one way car hire from about GBP 100 or the cruise bus connections https://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/southampton_cruise_shuttles.htm. they are a bit more expensive though. One that I think is worth considering is an airport transfer service from GBP 90 to GBP 120 depending on the vehicle. Door to door and they do a meet and greet. Could be worth while for less hassle.

 

[Comoman]

I work sometimes in Southampton and have done all of the following in order of preference:

- Minicab transfer from GBP80 - I use www.minicabit.com
- National Express coach - takes around 1.40 hours.
- Get to Waterloo (Heathrow Express then taxi) then train. Train very regular and take about 90 mins from memory. Not much fun with luggage though.....

 

[SFSC]

I would just use rail air to Reading, £17 per adult and then just buy a single to Southampton Central from one of the ticket machines at Reading (51 minutes journey, the next train is showing on National Rail as £14 pp).

We used rail air ( Welcome to RailAir.com ) last week and found it much easier than catching the public bus to West Drayton and dragging our luggage up the stairs there like we used to when we were younger and fitter.

 

[Colster]

Rome2rio is a good go to site for how to get from anywhere to anywhere else.
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/London-Heathrow-Airport-LHR/Southampton

 

[rmckay01]

Another vote for National Express bus - direct (so no need to change, like with the train) right from the airport, drops you in the centre of Southampton (not that it's that big tho - you could walk to the cruise terminal from the bus station) and free WiFi. I lived in Southampton for a year and I found the bus was the easiest & cheapest option. Never saw the bus more than half full either.

 

[scubabe]

Agree with above posters - National Express is the way to go, it's direct so no hassles with luggage etc.
If you prefer the train, take Heathrow Express to Paddington, then a fast train from Paddington to Reading, then connect to the Southampton line at Reading.
But I'd take the coach if I were in your shoes.