Transfers Southampton

We took the National Express bus from London to Southampton Coach station day before our cruise. We took a cab from hotel (they had a "hotline" to Radio Taxis to schedule ride night before.) And then we took the train back up to London city, however, in your instance I'd recommend taking the National Express bus as it will take you to either Terminal 2-3 or Terminal 5 coach station. It's fast, inexpensive and easy. Or, you could chose to use one of the cruise transport packages back up to airport.

We used Umbrella Transfers. Couldn't have been more pleased.

Party of 5
Picked us up in a Mercedes van
Great driver.
They send you a link online with driver and location and a realtime map of him coming to pick us up,
Picked us up at our VRBO doorstep.

Possibly the best transfer/livery experience we had in the 3 weeks there. And more reasonable than a train or other forms of trans for our party.

National Express works great and gives good value.

There are plenty of taxis available when you disembark in Southampton. Take one to the Coach station (less than £10). Then take National Express coach directly to Heathrow. Buy your tickets in advance as it can fill up on cruise disembarkation days. Bags stowed under Coach by driver so almost no luggage handling involved.

To piggy-back on Carol's post- I tried booking a Southhampton to Heathrow bus for Oct 27, 2025. Nothing available until it was too late for my flight or I was spending 8 hrs in the Southhampton bus terminal. Getting TO Southhampton was not an issue.
I ended up using the cruise company transport.

I could have taken the train and then tube or bus or taxi but did not relish the thought of handling a bag or 2 post early disembarkation day. I am too old to fuss about with all that.

If going by train from Southampton to Heathrow you don't go into London and back out again.
You take the train to Woking, then the rail-air bus to Heathrow.

You could also take the Southampton to Reading train then the rail-air bus from Reading to Heathrow.

Appreciate this post! I was just going to ask this! What are your thoughts on transport from London to Southampton on day of the cruise?? We get into London by train the day before and could stay near station. We would like a hotel in London that night to get a flavor of the city that day. I appreciate all your transfer recommendations! I also do realize its not much time! Just a flavor I said. We have used the tube and know how to get around. Do we have to stay near port? Too crazy…risky…To not stay near port?

all2alb - if you stay at a hotel near Waterloo station in London an on the day transfer to Southampton is very easy. Taking a train on the morning is easy - you will be going against the rush hour flow so there will be plenty of room. Then just a quick taxi from Southampton station to your ship.

There are many good hotel choices at all price points near Waterloo. Two perennial favourites are the Marriott County Hall for higher end and the Premier Inn County Hall for a good basic choice. They are in the same building but only one has river views!

Thanks for your info! Glad there are good options!