Southampton Central (SOU) (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel to train station Southampton Central from the city center

Southampton Central is the largest train station in Southampton, an English seaside city. Situated at Blechynden Terrace, the station is over a century old, having been in operations since 1895 when it was opened in the place of West End train station. ​ Today, this five platform train transportation hub is served by four major train companies, namely: South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, and Southern. South Western Railway manages the station and also operates more services than the other three. Besides serving the city center, Southampton Central is the chief commuter station for travelers from as far as Swanwick Centre, and Winchester and registers over six million passengers annually. From the station, one can depart to several stations, including London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbor, Bournemouth, Manchester Piccadilly, and Oxford. Southampton Central isn't the only station in Hampshire, southern England. It is a fairly basic station with just a ticket office, snacks and drink shops, and restrooms. However, with the current £200 million renovations spearheaded by the Future Southampton program, this station will be bigger and better with more facilities. 

The best way to get to Southampton Central train station from the city center

Southampton Central is a 0.6 mile (877 meters), four-minute drive from WestQuay Shopping Center. To access the station from the city center, one should head north on Portland Terrace toward Portland Street before turning left onto Western Esplanade. From the city center, QuayConnect shuttle service buses heading for the station leave every five minutes. It is the best way of getting to the train station Southampton Central from the city center. Commuters from Market Street, Winchester, Swanwick Centre, Sainsbury don't have to come to WestQuay Shopping Center, because QuayConnect covers the whole region. Commuters have three other alternatives. They may catch a taxi at Southampton Common which takes about three minutes to arrive at the station. Commuters may alternatively walk, although it would take about half an hour. Bluestar shuttle services and Unilink's U1 depart from the south end of the station, taking commuters to the city center. U1 covers the whole of the National Oceanography Centre through Southampton Airport via Highfield Campus. 

How far is it from Southampton city center from the train station?

The distance between the train station Southampton Central and the city center is about 0.5 miles (0.69 kilometers). However, a bus ride often takes a bit longer, covering an estimated 0.55 miles ( 0.88 kilometers) journey in a little over four minutes. The route taken by the regular circular single-decker QuayConnect buses is longer, unlike taking a walk. However, departing from Premier Inn at the city center via the New Road on a private car or a taxi, a traveler can cover the entire 1.1 mile (1.8 kilometers) in about eight minutes. If one decides to walk, however, the most suitable route from Southampton Central into the city center or vice versa would be via Western Esplanade and New Road. It will be a 0.7 mile (1.1 kilometers), 15-minute trek.

How accessible is Southampton central train station for those with limited mobility?

Southampton Central is a five platform station, with each of them divided into sections to eliminate confusion among commuters. It is also much closer to the nearby modern National Express coach station, unlike other English stations. Still, the entire Southampton Central is friendly to wheelchair users, with a special and accessible booking office counter, wheelchairs on standby, and a ramp for easy access to the train. Furthermore, this station has trained personnel, Impaired Access Staff, always on standby to specifically attend to the physically challenged travelers. It also has help points within the station and a special access ticket gate. Notably, South Western Railway is working hard to upgrade the station and ensure it provides a comfortable, worry-free experience to those with limited mobility. The station hasn't implemented an e-ticketing system yet, so commuters have to buy from the machine right at the entrance to the train station Southampton Central.

Local tips: the train station points of interest

Southampton is a historic city with lots of amazing sights. The city is home to many large cruise and cargo ships. If an individual has a few hours before departing, they may decide to head down to Bargate for a glimpse of the famous 14th-century medieval walls or head south for Beaulieu, the single largest automobile museum. Before going on escapades, one should be sure to buy their ticket before the train station Southampton Central offices close. From Monday through to Friday, the offices open at 5:40 a.m., on Saturdays at 6:00 a.m., and on Sundays at 6:30 a.m. Every day, they close at 8:45 pm.