We hope you will find the below information useful in planning your arrival at the University of Southampton. The below instructions are for reaching the University’s Highfield Campus. There are regular bus services from the campus to Glen Eyre Halls of Residence and the city centre, for those who are staying either with us or in local hotels. Please see http://www.unilinkbus.co.uk/.
Arriving by car
Driving on M3:
- At Junction 13 take right-hand lanes to continue forward onto the M3 (signs for Southampton A33)
- Leave the M3 at junction 14, then merge onto the A33
- At Chilworth Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A33
- Follow the A33 (Bassett Ave.) take 1st exit on next roundabout – continue along A33, keep in left hand lane
- At major intersection, turn left at traffic lights onto A35 (Burgess Road)
- Continue through two set of lights past Shell garage on left hand side
- Keep in right hand lane – at third set of traffic lights turn right into University Road
From the M27:
- Leave the M27 at junction 5
- If coming from the east, take the 1st exit off the roundabout; if coming from the west, take the 4th exit (onto A335)
- Follow the A335 dual carriageway through 2 sets of traffic lights
- At the 3rd set, turn right onto A35 (Burgess Road) – McDonald’s will be on your left
- Continue through one sets of traffic lights
- Keep to left hand lane and turn left at the traffic lights onto University Road
Arriving by train
Please note that weekend train travel can be subject to disruption from maintenance works. We strongly advise you check before you travel and adjust your plans accordingly.
Southampton has two main train stations:
- Southampton Central, located in the city centre
- Southampton Airport Parkway, located outside of the city next to the airport and Parkway Train Station
Direct connections from London to Southampton nearly all run from London Waterloo station.
Train times can be found at:
- nationalrail.co.uk / telephone: 08457 48 49 50
- thetrainline.com / telephone: 0871 244 1545
These stations are approximately 2½ -3 miles from the University of Southampton, so you will need to use public transport to get to the campus.
The University Uni-link bus service runs from both train station to the main Highfield Campus. Timetables and locations can be found here: www.unilinkbus.co.uk.
Local taxis also operate outside the train stations. Travel time is approximately 10-15 minutes to the University of Southampton and will cost approximately £7-£10
You don’t usually need to pre-book taxis but if you want to, the following numbers may be useful:
- Elite Cars – 02380 404884
- Radio Taxis – 023 8066 6666
- Streamline Taxis – 023 8022 33 55
- West Quay Cars – 023 8022 3450
Arriving by air
Southampton airport
Southampton Airport Information can be found at www.southamptonairport.com
Southampton Airport taxis are operated by Checker Cars and provide a 24-hour service and have an office opposite the arrivals hall. Some cars have swivel seats for easier access and there is a minibus suitable for wheelchair users. Should you require either of the above options, please pre-book your journey by calling +44 (0)2380 62 7100 or email [email protected]
To take a taxi from the airport, please go to the taxi desk in the main concourse, near the exit. Your car will then pick you up outside the terminal building.
The fare to your destination is fixed in advance, and you can pay either at the time of booking (credit and debit cards accepted) or at the end of your journey (cash only).
The Uni-link U1C bus operates to the University, city centre and eastern docks. It runs every 15 minutes during the week and every 20 minutes at weekends and on public holidays. For details, visit the website www.unilinkbus.co.uk or call +44 (0)2380 595 974.
Heathrow airport
It is possible to take a coach from any Heathrow terminal direct to the University of Southampton. Please see www.nationalexpress.com for further information.
It is also possible to take the underground to central London from Heathrow, and then take a direct train from London Waterloo to Southampton.
- Heathrow underground information: http://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/underground
- For all other train services information: nationalrail.co.uk
Alternatively, it is possible to use ‘RailAir’, a bus service that connects Heathrow to Reading train station, where a direct service can be taken to Southampton: http://www.railair.com/
Gatwick airport
There is an hourly direct service from Gatwick to Southampton Central Monday-Saturday. Trains on a Sunday will require a change. Again, please see www.nationalrail.co.uk for information.
It is also possible to take a coach from Gatwick direct to Central Southampton coach station. Please see www.nationalexpress.com for further information.
If you wish to take a taxi from Heathrow or Gatwick Airport direct to the University, we would recommend the private hire company English Rose, who will collect you from the airport and take you straight to your destination. They will charge £85 plus £8 parking from one terminal at Heathrow to one address in Southampton, or £87 plus £8 parking from one terminal at Gatwick to one address in Southampton. Card transactions cost £3.
http://www.englishrosecollection.co.uk/
Please mention Lattice when booking.
Stansted, Luton, and London City airports
If arriving at any of these airports, we would advise taking a train to central London and connecting to Southampton via London Waterloo.