London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) bus with National Express

Fri, Sep 18
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

$28

Average ticket price on Sep 18

$42

Fastest journey on Sep 18

4 h 55 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

5 h 3 m

Buses on Sep 18

6

Distance

159 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) 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 Central (SOU) will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.

Fast buses

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 6 buses from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU), including 6 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 159 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .

On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 5 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • National Express
    9:05 PM4h55
    London Stansted Airport
    2:00 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $281One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    8:35 PM4h55
    London Stansted Airport
    1:30 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    10:40 AM6h25
    London Stansted Airport
    5:05 PMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $361One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    10:05 PM4h55
    London Stansted Airport
    3:00 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $481One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    7:35 PM4h55
    London Stansted Airport
    12:30 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $511One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $62 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $62, while a train costs an average of $65.

Distance: 98 miles (159 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$62

Average price

Cheapest

$65

Average price

$43

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 20m

Average total duration

3h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 29m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

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 Central (SOU) is a bus with an average price of $62 (€50).

This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU):

A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) costing on average $65 (€53).

The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 34m.

Other travel options to Southampton Central (SOU) take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 50m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Southampton Central (SOU) 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 Central (SOU) among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $62 (€50) compared to roughly $43 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.13 (€-14.84). The journey takes 3h 50m versus 2h 29m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45AM
Arrival Time
09:10AM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:40AM
Arrival Time
11:20AM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
4h00
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
03:20PM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:15AM
Arrival Time
02:20PM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
06:20PM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:55PM
Arrival Time
07:40PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15PM
Arrival Time
08:50PM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15PM
Arrival Time
10:20PM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:55PM
Arrival Time
12:00AM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:35PM
Arrival Time
12:30AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
01:00AM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:35PM
Arrival Time
01:30AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05PM
Arrival Time
02:00AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05PM
Arrival Time
03:00AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35PM
Arrival Time
03:10AM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:50PM
Arrival Time
09:10AM
Duration
9h20
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$40

Live departures

London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX727 · NX0322:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h15
8:10 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX0323:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h45
9:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX728 · NX0325:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h05
10:20 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX728 · NX0327:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
4h10
11:35 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX0327:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h05
1:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX03210:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
4h55
3:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX03211:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
9h40
9:30 AM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
Friday, September 18
National Express9:45 AM London Stansted Airport
5h35
3:20 PM Southampton Central (SOU)0 transfersDirect
National Express10:40 AM London Stansted Airport
6h25
5:05 PM Southampton Central (SOU)0 transfersDirect

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 Central (SOU) 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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU).

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 Central (SOU).

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 Central (SOU).

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 18:55, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (159 km) distance in 3h 15m.

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 $23 (€19)
Distance
98 miles (159 km)
Average bus duration
3h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$27 (€22)
Buses per day
11
Fastest bus
3h 15m
First bus
6:55 PM
Last bus
10:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
1 day
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 $23 (€19)

Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU)You can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) with National Express for as low as $23 (€19). 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 National Express Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
$27 (€22)
National Express frequency
12 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.
Learn more about National Express

FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU)

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) 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 Central (SOU), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) can start from as little as $27 (€22) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) is $62 (€50) ; 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 Central (SOU) is 3h 15m 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 Central (SOU) leaves at 6:55 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) leaves at 9:05 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) 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 Central (SOU), you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Southampton Central (SOU). You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London Stansted Airport and Southampton Central (SOU) and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Southampton Central (SOU) from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Southampton Central (SOU) including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU):
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) 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 Central (SOU).
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU):
  • 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 Central (SOU):
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU).
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London Stansted Airport nor Southampton Central (SOU) 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 Central (SOU) 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.
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 Central (SOU)

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for buses from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Stansted Airport
Trains from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU)
Tickets and more information for coaches to London Stansted Airport

Most popular buses to and from Southampton Central (SOU) and London Stansted Airport

Bus London Stansted Airport - London
Bus London Stansted Airport - Birmingham
Bus London Stansted Airport - Manchester
Bus London Stansted Airport - Dublin
Bus London Stansted Airport - Edinburgh
Bus London Stansted Airport - Newcastle
Bus London Stansted Airport - Nottingham
Bus London Stansted Airport - Leeds
Bus London Stansted Airport - Leicester
Bus London Stansted Airport - London Heathrow Airport
Bus London Stansted Airport - Coventry
Bus London Stansted Airport - Sheffield
Bus London Stansted Airport - Glasgow
Bus London Stansted Airport - London Gatwick Airport
Bus London Stansted Airport - Derby
Bus London Stansted Airport - Bristol
Bus London Stansted Airport - Cambridge
Bus London Stansted Airport - London Victoria (VIC)
Bus London Stansted Airport - Canterbury
Bus London Stansted Airport - Brighton
Bus London Stansted Airport - York
Bus London Stansted Airport - Bournemouth
Bus London Heathrow Airport - Southampton Central (SOU)
Bus London Gatwick Airport - Southampton Central (SOU)
Bus London Victoria (VIC) - Southampton Central (SOU)
Bus Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (HXX) - Southampton Central (SOU)
HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomLondon Stansted Airport to Southampton Central (SOU) bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone