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Southampton to London Heathrow

I see that this topic has come up before, but most of the responses are at least a few years old, so here it is again:

We arrive at the Southampton cruise terminal on Sunday June 18, and would like to take public transportation to a London Heathrow hotel, where we spend the night before our return to the U.S . A side trip to the highlights (Stonehenge, Windsor) is also OK, since we have the whole day. We have seen these sights before so it isn't critical that we visit again -- but sightseeing is probably better than sitting in an airport hotel all day!
Is public transportation easy, or are the private bus and shuttle services more convenient and worth the extra cost?
Thanks!

Posted by
5555 posts

If you want to cram in both sights in one day and without renting a car then take the train from Southampton to Salisbury and pick up a Stonehenge tour. Once back in Salisbury take the train to Slough and then change to go Windsor and Eton Central for Windsor Castle. Once you're done there take a taxi and stay at the Marriott Windsor/Heathrow.

Posted by
8293 posts

Well, I don't know, it all sounds like too much to-ing and fro-ing while encumbered with luggage. Are you really determined to see Stonehenge or does it just seem a good idea because it is on the way from Southampton? Maybe you could leave Windsor and Stonehenge for another time, get yourselves to London for the rest of the day and go to Heathriw for the flight home in the morning. You would have the better part of the day and an evening in London to sightsee.

Posted by
33 posts

We have seen Windsor and Stonehenge before; I'm primarily interested in how to get from Southampton to Heathrow. Sounds like the National Express bus may be the best way to go.

Posted by
8293 posts

Aha, that changes everything. The Nat.Express is the answer then. A private transfer will cost about 110 GBP just for your information, directly from the dock. For the coach, you will need to take a cab to the bus depot from the ship.

Posted by
33 posts

Is an advance reservation on the National Express bus required? Or can you just show up and get on the bus? Thanks.

Posted by
4684 posts

It's best to book in advance for the coach - there are discounts on the ticket price, and while it's not all that common coaches do sometimes sell out in advance.

Posted by
3898 posts

Once you are settled into your Heathrow hotel with luggage dropped there, it would be easy to take Heathrow Express or Connect (or the tube) into London for an afternoon and evening of sightseeing.

Or you could take a short bus ride from Heathrow Bus Station to Windsor (about 6 pounds each) and walk around, have an early dinner, and taxi (not cheap, but convenient) or bus back to Heathrow and your hotel.