- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Southampton's flagship museum tells the city's story from Roman origins to Titanic and aviation, with strong local collections and family displays.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Southampton
Showing times and prices for Jul 16
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
3 h 57 m
Buses per day
21
Distance
159 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Southampton will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Southampton without transferring at least once.
NXA8 · NX03211:50 PM9h20Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station9:10 AMSouthampton, University$271One-way1 transfer- NXA8 · NX03211:50 PM9h40Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station9:30 AMSouthampton, Coach Station$271One-way1 transfer
- NXA8 · NX0327:55 PM5h05Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1:00 AMSouthampton, Coach Station$271One-way1 transfer
- NXA8 · NX0323:15 PM5h45Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station9:00 PMSouthampton, Coach Station$301One-way1 transfer
- NXA8 · NX0323:15 PM5h25Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station8:40 PMSouthampton, University$301One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · NX03210:15 AM3h45Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station2:00 PMSouthampton, University$681One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · NX0329:00 AM3h50Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station12:50 PMSouthampton, Coach Station$601One-way1 transfer
- NX728 · NX0327:25 PM3h55Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station11:20 PMSouthampton, University$601One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · NX03210:15 AM4h05Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station2:20 PMSouthampton, Coach Station$681One-way1 transfer
- NX728 · NX0327:25 PM4h10Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station11:35 PMSouthampton, Coach Station$601One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for London Stansted Airport to Southampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $17, and a bus costs an average of $28.
Distance: 98 miles (159 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Southampton is a train with an average price of $41 (€34).
This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Southampton:
A train is $0.61 (€0.50) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton costing on average $42 (€34).
The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Southampton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 38m.
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Southampton including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Southampton among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
London Stansted Airport to Southampton Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Live departures
London Stansted Airport to Southampton bus times
The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Southampton buses for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX728 · NX032 | 5:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h05 | 10:20 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX728 · NX032 | 7:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h55 | 11:20 PM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
| NX728 · NX032 | 7:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h10 | 11:35 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX032 | 7:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h05 | 1:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX032 | 10:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h55 | 3:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX032 | 10:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h40 | 2:45 AM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX032 | 11:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 9h40 | 9:30 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX032 | 11:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 9h20 | 9:10 AM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
| NX727 · NX032 | 4:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h45 | 9:30 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 4:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h25 | 9:10 AM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 6:40 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h40 | 11:20 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 6:40 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h20 | 11:00 AM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 9:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h50 | 12:50 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 10:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h45 | 2:00 PM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 10:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h05 | 2:20 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 1:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h15 | 5:30 PM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 1:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h35 | 5:50 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 2:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 4h55 | 7:50 PM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · NX032 | 2:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h15 | 8:10 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX032 | 3:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h45 | 9:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NX032 | 3:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h25 | 8:40 PM Southampton, University | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport to Southampton by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Southampton buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from London Stansted Airport to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Southampton.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted Airport to Southampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from London Stansted Airport to Southampton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London Stansted Airport to Southampton run on average 23 times per day, taking around 4h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 09:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (159 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $17 (€14)
Distance 98 miles (159 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 23 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 9:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $17 (€14)
Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to SouthamptonYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Southampton with National Express for as low as $17 (€14). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€23)
National Express frequency
22 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Southampton
Things to do in Southampton
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
- Must visit
Tudor House and Garden
Restored Tudor home and remains of a Norman house reveal centuries of domestic and maritime history in Southampton's atmospheric Old Town.
- Recommended
Southampton City Art Gallery
Art gallery with a respected collection spanning old masters to contemporary works, plus changing exhibitions in the Cultural Quarter.
- Must visit
Old Town
Historic quarter enclosed by medieval walls, packed with lanes, pubs, museums, and merchant houses that showcase Southampton's oldest character.
- Must visit
Southampton Common
Large central park popular for walks, events, and city views, linking major cultural venues with green space in the heart of Southampton.
- Recommended
East Park
Leafy Victorian park with formal gardens, memorials, and broad lawns. It is ideal for a break between museums and shopping streets.
- Gluten-free
Solent Oysters
A fresh oyster from nearby Hampshire waters, long linked to the Solent coast and traditionally eaten raw with lemon.
Fish And Chips
White fish coated in beer batter and fried, then served with chips. A classic British seaside meal popular in Southampton pubs and takeaways.
Hampshire Sausages
Hampshire pork sausages, often made with local meat and served with mash. A hearty pub staple across Southampton and the wider county.
Dancing Man Brewery
Well-regarded craft brewery and taproom pouring local beers in a casual industrial space with a strong local following.
The Jetty
Refined modern British dining in a smart, intimate setting. Best known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service.
The Duke Of Wellington
Historic pub in the old town serving cask ales and classic British dishes in a traditional, atmospheric setting.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transport are typical for a mid-sized English city.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4.20 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Bluestar Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Southampton Coach Station -> Southampton Central Station
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Bluestar and Unilink buses. You can also use mobile tickets in the official app.
- Southampton has no tram or metro. Most city travel is by bus, and exact fares can vary by operator and route.
FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport to Southampton by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from London Stansted Airport to Southampton can start from as little as $28 (€23) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Southampton is $42 (€34) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton is 4h 55m to travel the 98 miles (159 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton leaves at 9:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 23 buses a day from London Stansted Airport to Southampton which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Southampton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London Stansted Airport and Southampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Southampton from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Southampton including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Southampton are:
- Tudor House and Garden, a historic museum offering insights into Southampton's past with exhibits and a restored garden
- SeaCity Museum, an interactive museum focusing on Southampton's maritime history and the Titanic
- Southampton City Art Gallery, featuring an extensive collection of art from the Renaissance to contemporary works
- Solent Sky Museum, showcasing aviation history with a focus on the region's contributions to aircraft development
- Mayflower Theatre, a prominent venue hosting a variety of performances including musicals, opera, and ballet.
The best things to do in Southampton include:
- New Forest National Park, a nearby natural reserve ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting
- Hythe Ferry, offering a scenic boat trip across Southampton Water to the charming village of Hythe
- Westquay Shopping Centre, a major retail destination with a wide range of shops and dining options
- Ocean Village Marina, a vibrant waterfront area with restaurants, bars, and leisure activities
- Southampton Common, a large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor events.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Southampton depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Southampton:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Southampton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London Stansted Airport nor Southampton are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Southampton among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Southampton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the city center and near the port. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial tour operators offering poor services at inflated prices. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and official ticket vendors for transportation. Staying vigilant in crowded places and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Southampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Southampton and London Stansted Airport
Most popular bus connections to Southampton
HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to SouthamptonLondon Stansted Airport to Southampton bus
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