Private car transfer
from London to Southampton

As you leave the chaos of London, the English countryside is a welcome contrast. Before you hurry to the pier in Southampton, take the time to see southern England’s rolling hills and quaint farmhouses.

For fans of English literature, Jane Austen's House Museum sheds light on the life of the Pride and Prejudice author. This house in the small village of Chawton is where Jane Austen spent the last 8 years of her life writing most of her books. Pick up a copy of your favorite for some poolside reading later.

The party doesn’t have to start on the boat! Visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and see the gin-making process up close. This distillery is not only a proud part of British history, but it also incorporates modern architectural elements into the original 18th-century mill where it all started. With someone else behind the wheel, you’ll be free to enjoy a drink or two after your tour before getting back on the road.

When you arrive in Southampton, you’ll be relieved to have someone else navigating the roads, especially when the summer cruises start! Your driver will take you right to your Southampton address so the next leg of your vacation can begin. Von voyage!

Southampton throughout history

The estuary Southampton sits on has been inhabited since the Stone Age due to its fertile soil and access to the ocean, according to archeological finds. The first written records of human settlements in Southampton date back to the Roman era, with the establishment of Clausentum in the first century AD. This site, now in modern-day Bitterne Manor, was a significant trading post and defensive stronghold on the River Itchen.

Southampton changed hands through Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman conquests over the centuries due to its strategic location as a port town. While being the center of maritime trade and transportation has its economic and cultural advantages, it did come at a cost. In 1348, ships carrying the bubonic plague brought the Black Death to England, most likely through Southampton or Weymouth.

International trade continued through Southampton’s ports, which attracted all kinds of travelers. In 1620, the Mayflower and the Speedwell set sail from Southampton, carrying Pilgrims who would establish one of the first English settlements in North America.

The Industrial Revolution in Southampton

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes in the 19th century. The arrival of the railway and the development of docks made Southampton an even larger industrial port, and it became known for its shipbuilding and maritime industries. Perhaps its best-known ship is the ill-fated RMS Titanic, which departed for New York City in 1912.

Southampton today

During World War II, the city was heavily bombed, which resulted in extensive damage. Most of the city had to be rebuilt, and this transformed Southampton into a more modern-looking city than some of its neighbors. Despite the damage, you can still find original structures, including some as far back as Medieval times.

Today, Southampton is best known for its shopping and cruise culture. With over 2.6 million visitors and 450 cruise ships docking on its shores each year, it has adapted its ports to the high demand for cruise infrastructure.

Get to Southampton one day early

Don’t let a flight delay, bad weather, or a traffic accident prevent you from boarding your ship! Cruise ships have strict departure times, and if you miss it then you are out of luck. If your cruise departs from Southampton, arrive one day early to the city. This will alleviate any stress about traveling the distance from London to Southampton on the same day as your cruise.

Another good reason to follow this tip is that there is plenty to see and do during your stay in Southampton!

Book any must-sees ahead of time

If you’ll only have a short time in southern England, you don’t want to find out that the excursion you wanted to do is closed or sold out. Museums are typically closed on Mondays and federal holidays, so double-check the opening hours before you plan your trip. For sightseeing stops like the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, book your tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Learn the cruise ship lingo

Cruise ships are a whole new world, and with that comes new terminology to learn. Don’t get caught out of the loop! Here are some basics to start your trip:

• Home port: The port that the cruise ship embarks and disembarks (for your trip, this will be Southampton)
• Port of call: Stops the cruise ship makes along the way
• Bow: The front of the ship
• Stern: The back of the ship
• Galley: The ship’s kitchen

London to Southampton via private driver

Unlike a cruise shuttle bus with specific departure points, Daytrip will pick you up right from your London hotel or airport. This flexibility allows you to focus on the fun aspects of your trip without worrying about logistics and deadlines.

While you’re traveling to Southampton, you’ll have the flexibility and control of renting a car without the hassle of returning it (or learning how to drive on the left side of the road!) Daytrip’s private drivers are local professionals, so they know this route very well.

You’ll have the chance to see more of England beyond its capital and lean into the cultural experience of traveling to another country. Choose sightseeing stops that fit into your schedule and interests, and let Daytrip worry about the transportation details.

Once you arrive in Southampton, you’ll be glad a shuttle bus didn’t take you to a general drop-off point like the bus station. Enjoy door-to-door service as you’re chauffeured straight to your hotel or the pier of your cruise ship. Secure your seat in a comfy sedan with two other guests for $70 (£55).

London to Southampton via bus

National Express operates buses from London’s Earl’s Court Station, London Hammersmith, and London Victoria to the Southampton Coach Station Harbour Parade. The trip takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets can be found as low as $9 (£7), but the average is $32-$44.50 (£25-£35).

Once you’re at the Southampton Coach Station, you can take a taxi to the Southampton Port in 5 minutes. The U1C bus is another option, which stops at the coach station and is a 10-minute ride from the Telephone House stop. It is then another 5 minutes' walk to the docks.

London to Southampton via train

South Western Railway has direct trains from London Waterloo Station to Southampton Central that depart around every 30 minutes during the high season of summer. London Waterloo is Britain’s largest and busiest train station, so you have plenty of options for getting to the station from your hotel or the airport.

Tickets cost between $57-$140 (£45-£110) per passenger depending on how far in advance you book your ticket and which class of seats you choose. Once you arrive at Southampton Central Railway Station, a five-minute taxi ride can take you to Southampton Port. Alternatively, you can take the 17 or 19 bus to the Holyrood Church stop and walk about 10 minutes to your ship.

Learn about Southampton at the SeaCity Museum

At the SeaCity Museum, you can follow centuries of Southampton’s rich maritime history, trading routes, and claims to fame. This includes stories of everyday sailors and merchants and, of course, a detailed exhibit on the RMS Titanic, which set sail from the city's docks in 1912.

Visit the Southampton City Art Gallery

Conveniently next to the SeaCity Museum, the Southampton City Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of art spanning six centuries. Its focus is on contemporary British works and temporary exhibitions. The gallery is free to enter and family-friendly.

Go to new heights at the Solent Sky Museum

Southampton isn’t just about sea navigation! Come to the Solent Sky Museum for the history of aviation in Southampton. This family-friendly museum features a collection of iconic aircraft, including the Supermarine Spitfire.

Attend a show at the Mayflower Theatre

Catch a West End show, musical, or live performance at the UK’s third-largest theater, the Mayflower Theatre, which hosts a variety of top-quality productions throughout the year.

Step back in time at the Tudor House and Garden

The Tudor House and Garden was established in 1912 as Southampton’s first museum. The house dates back to 1491 and showcases over 800 years of Southampton’s history through interactive exhibits. The garden is a model of the medicinal plants and foods that would have been typical of a Tudor garden at the time. Keep in mind that unlike most museums, the Tudor House is open on Mondays but closed on Fridays.

Walk along the Medieval City walls

About a 10-minute walk from the Tudor House are some of the best-preserved medieval city walls in England. These walls include the Bargate gatehouse and a lookout tower.

Stroll in one of Southampton’s many green spaces

This might be your last time on land for many days, so enjoy the many parks and natural spaces Southampton has to offer before your cruise.

Southampton Common

This large public park, located in the north of the city, has expansive green spaces, ponds, and woodlands. It is perfect for a leisurely walk and a picnic.

East Park

East Park is in the center of the city and has a memorial to the Titanic's engineers, rock gardens, fountains, and paths. It is also adjacent to Hogsland, Palmerston, and Watts Parks.

New Forest National Park

Just a short drive from Southampton, this beautiful national park offers stunning landscapes, walking trails, and the chance to see free-roaming ponies and other wildlife.

Summer (July through August)

Summer is the peak tourism season in Southampton. The weather is warm, averaging between 59°F and 72°F (15°C and 22°C). This is the best time to go on a cruise or for outdoor activities, such as visiting the nearby New Forest National Park. However, popular attractions and accommodations can be crowded and more expensive during this time, so booking in advance is recommended.

Early Autumn (September through October)

This season is perfect for exploring the city’s historical sites, such as the medieval city walls and the Tudor House and Garden, without the hustle and bustle of peak season tourists. For boating fans, time your visit with the Southampton Boat Show, which usually takes place in September. This is Britain’s largest boat show and attracts experts and novices alike. Expect temperatures around 65°F (18°C).

Winter (November through April)

While winter in Southampton is colder and wetter, with temperatures between 37°F and 50°F (3°C and 10°C), it can still be a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind the chill. Indoor attractions, like the SeaCity Museum and the Mayflower Theatre, can keep you out of the cold.