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

Thu, May 07
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport

Showing times and prices for May 07

Cheapest price

$18

Average price

$38

Fastest journey

3 h

Average duration

3 h 48 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

91 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.

Fast buses

Of the 5 buses that leave Southampton Central (SOU) for London Gatwick Airport on Thu, May 07, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 07 the direct buses cover the 91 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .

On Thu, May 07 the slowest buses will take 4 h 40 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.

  • FlixBus
    7:15 AM4h05
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    11:20 AMLondon Gatwick Airport
    $181One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    5:00 PM4h40
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    9:40 PMLondon Gatwick Airport
    $241One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    6:35 PM3h00
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    9:35 PMLondon Gatwick Airport
    $391One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    2:05 AM3h30
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    5:35 AMLondon Gatwick Airport
    $531One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    3:00 PM3h45
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    6:45 PMLondon Gatwick Airport
    $561One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and ferry for Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $8, and a bus costs an average of $17.

Distance: 56 miles (91 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Ferry
Driving

$40

Average price

$25

Average price

Cheapest

$28

Average price

$28

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 37m

Average total duration

3h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 40m

Average total duration

2h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

42m

Onboard

+

1h 0m

Additional time*

1h 40m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport is a train with an average price of $25 (€20).

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

A train is $3 (€3) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport costing on average $28 (€23).

A train is $15 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport costing on average $40 (€32).

The fastest way to travel from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport is by ferry with an average journey time of 42m.

Other travel options to London Gatwick Airport take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 10m.

Bus takes on average 3h 7m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Southampton Central (SOU) and London Gatwick Airport including taking a train, bus, and ferry.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport 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.

Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:05AM
Arrival Time
05:35AM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$58
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:05AM
Arrival Time
07:35AM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15AM
Arrival Time
07:00AM
Duration
2h45
Departure days
Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
08:20AM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
08:45AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
09:25AM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
09:50AM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
11:05AM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05AM
Arrival Time
01:05PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
01:45PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
01:50PM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
03:10PM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
04:35PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
05:25PM
Duration
3h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
06:05PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
06:15PM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:00PM
Arrival Time
06:20PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45PM
Arrival Time
07:00PM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
08:10PM
Duration
3h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
07:50PM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$58
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
09:30PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30PM
Arrival Time
11:45PM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:40PM
Arrival Time
05:25AM
Duration
8h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:55PM
Arrival Time
05:35AM
Duration
8h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$94

Live departures

Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport buses for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express2:05 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
3h30
5:35 AM London Gatwick Airport0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus7:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h05
11:20 AM London Gatwick Airport0 transfersDirect
national_express3:00 PM Southampton Central (SOU)
3h45
6:45 PM London Gatwick Airport0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus5:00 PM Southampton Central (SOU)
4h40
9:40 PM London Gatwick Airport0 transfersDirect
national_express6:35 PM Southampton Central (SOU)
3h00
9:35 PM London Gatwick Airport0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport by train, bus, or ferry

Compare train, bus, and ferry 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.

Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13
Thu
May 14
Fri
May 15
Sat
May 16
Sun
May 17
Mon
May 18
Tue
May 19
Wed
May 20

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

National Express as well as Unilink offer buses services from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Unilink to find the best option for your trip from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport.
  • 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 train, bus and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and ferry to find the ideal travel option from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport.

Journey information

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

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport run on average 33 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by train.

There are 10 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:50, the last at 20:55. The fastest bus covers the 56 miles (91 km) distance in 2h 40m.

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 $8 (€6)
Distance
56 miles (91 km)
Average bus duration
3h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
$17 (€14)
Buses per day
33
Direct buses
10
Fastest bus
2h 40m
First bus
1:50 AM
Last bus
8:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Sun
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 $8 (€6)

Bus providers: National Express, Unilink from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick AirportYou can travel by bus between Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport with National Express, Unilink for as low as $8 (€6). 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
2h 40m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€30)
National Express frequency
14 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.

Unilink

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
$48 (€38)
Unilink frequency
2 a day

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

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport can start from as little as $17 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport is $40 (€32) ; 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 Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport is 2h 40m to travel the 56 miles (91 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 Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport leaves at 1:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport leaves at 8:55 PM.
Yes, there are 10 direct buses a day from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport, you can count on National Express, Unilink for the best way to get you to London Gatwick Airport. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Southampton Central (SOU) and London Gatwick Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to London Gatwick Airport from Southampton Central (SOU) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Southampton Central (SOU) and London Gatwick Airport including taking a train, bus, and ferry.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport 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 Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport:
  • 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 Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Southampton Central (SOU) nor London Gatwick Airport 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 Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport 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 Southampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport

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

HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to London Gatwick AirportSouthampton Central (SOU) to London Gatwick Airport bus

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