Private car transfer from Southampton to London

On this route, the English rural side is at its best, and it shows off the far-reaching fields, patches of woodland, and occasional glimpses of the South Downs National Park in the distance. This 85-mile (137 km) journey will only last around two hours to drive, but you’ll remember the good time you’ve had longer than that.

But a city that’s home to almost 9 million people never has one character. Apart from the monarchical London, there is also the artistic one. The backbones of this London are well-established museums and galleries like the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the particularly famous Tate Modern that replaced the former Bankside Power Station.

London's art is not kept only under museum roofs; you’ll see countless murals and sculptures decorating the streets of the city. For example, a most interesting one is the London Noses, which are seven sculpted noses of Rick Buckley’s creation, standing as a form of protest against CCTV surveillance. Finding all seven is said to bring infinite wealth, so there is your treasure hunt!

And then there is the modern London; the Shard, which stands out as the tallest building in the UK, and the London Eye on the South Bank of the Thames are like its representative structures, but what makes up this London’s essence is the diverse neighborhoods and the mix of cultures.

While Covent Garden will lift you up with its street performers, Soho, and its pubs and clubs are guaranteed to lighten up your nights. The cultural diversity depicts each and every corner of the city but is best felt and explored in Camden’s music scene, Chinatown’s Asian cuisine, and Brick Lane’s Bangladeshi vintage markets.

So once you are in London, make sure you taste all the characters it possesses, which might take a bit of time.

Pack smart, prepare an essentials bag

When packing for your trip, create a small day essentials bag separate from your main luggage. Grab items like a refillable water bottle, portable phone charger, light snacks, a travel-sized umbrella, and headphones. This way, you can just pick this bag with you when stopping by places to explore on the way or even get around more easily in London without carrying heavy bags or constantly returning to your accommodation

Dive into food at Borough Market

Once you arrive in London, head straight to Borough Market near London Bridge. This popular food market is a paradise for foodies, with a wide selection of gourmet treats, street food, and fresh produce. Try something new like raclette, freshly shucked oysters, or exotic pastries.

But make sure you are comfortable with driving on the left on the road and the right side of the car, and keep in mind that parking in central London can be super expensive and very limited. So you might need to use park-and-ride facilities or park at a suburban station and take public transportation into the city.

Southampton to London by bus

There are direct coaches operating between Southampton to London provided by National Express. You can catch a coach once every hour, and the trip takes around two hours and 15 minutes. They leave from Southampton Coach Station and arrive at London Victoria Coach Station.

Tickets are available online and are best bought in advance for the best prices. However, traveling by bus does not allow you to explore the stops along the route. Bus tickets start around $9 (€8).

Southampton to London by train

Taking a train from Southampton will take you to London without transfers. It would take you around one hour and 20 minutes of train ride and although the fares are higher compared to taking a bus, the fact that it lasts way shorter makes up for that.

There are also other train connections with transfers, mostly from Reading. But just like the bus option, trains also cannot offer stops for fun or even refreshments. Expect tickets around $58 (€62).

Southampton to London by private car service

If seeing more of southern England while you are already passing and making the most of your trip to London in ultimate comfort and convenience are more important aspects for you, then you need no second thoughts to book your car ride with Daytrip.

Your local Daytrip driver will inform you about your surroundings and the places you choose to discover on your trip. Not having to worry about driving, parking, fuel costs, and timetables of public transportation will surely give lots of space to actually enjoy the journey. Secure a seat for just $92 (€86).

Visit God's Own Junkyard

Plan a visit to the wonderland of neon signs and art in Walthamstow. God’s Own Junkyard is a spirited gallery filled with neon artwork, vintage signs, and movie props. It's a visual feast and a fantastic place for photography. For a quirky place to relax with a coffee amid the neon glow, have a resting stop at the on-site café, Rolling Scones.

Take a kayak tour on the Thames

Experience London from a new perspective by kayaking on the River Thames. There are several different companies that offer guided trips that let you paddle past London’s most famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. These tours often include historical commentary, so it is both kind of adventurous and informative.

Attend a Secret Cinema event

Have a taste of immersive, themed cinema experiences at Secret Cinema, where classic and contemporary films are brought to life. Movie geeks are encouraged to dress up and participate in interactive themes, which makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the movie itself. Locations and themes are kept secret until just before the event, so there is the element of mystery and excitement, too.