Thread: What is the best way to get to Southampton from London?

I'm thinking of taking a cruise out of Southampton next year. If I fly into Heathrow, what would be your recommendation for getting to Southampton. I understand that its 2-3 hours away. Is this correct?

So if the ship leaves in the afternoon, should I leave London first thing in the morning?

Around how much could I expect it to cost to transport myself to Southampton?

Also, a question in reverse, when you get off the ship at Southampton, what time is the earliest that you would recommend booking a flight out of Heathrow back to the States without having to worry about not making the flight?

Thanks for the advice!

Unfortunately Alisa, we had RCCL transfers to get us from London to Dover, so I won't be able to help you here....I do know that some people will pick up transfers by getting themselves to the Victoria Station via cab or Tube (but with luggage, that seems excessive) and then catch the transfer from Victoria Station to whatever port you need to get to...I'd do some research that way!

Jodi, can I buy RCI transfer to get from London to the pier without buying RCI fare and using an RCI hotel?

How long was your trip? Was it a bus ride of a couple of hours?

I'm confused, you left out of Dover rather than Southampton? Or are they like neighboring cities the way San Pedro/Long Beach are?

What about your return flight? Was it same day as the cruise ended? What time was your flight?

Originally Posted by jstducky

Jodi, can I buy RCI transfer to get from London to the pier without buying RCI fare and using an RCI hotel?

I don't know for sure, but I have heard of people doing just that for an additional fee. You probably want to contact RCI to find out for sure.

Originally Posted by jstducky

How long was your trip? Was it a bus ride of a couple of hours?

Yes, it was just about 2 hours from the hotel (just a few blocks from Victoria Station) to the pier.

Originally Posted by jstducky

I'm confused, you left out of Dover rather than Southampton? Or are they like neighboring cities the way San Pedro/Long Beach are?

There are ports at Dover and Southhampton...our ship happen to leave from Dover last Summer.

Originally Posted by jstducky

What about your return flight? Was it same day as the cruise ended? What time was your flight?

Our return flight was the same day. We took the transfer back to the airport (Heathrow). Our flight was about 4:00 pm that day. So upon getting off the ship, getting onto the bus. Going back to the airport and needing to check in 3 hours before the flight, we only had to wait for about 1-1/2 hours once we checked in & went through security.

Hope that helps!!!

thanks Jodi, that really does help!

thanks as always!

Glad to help!!!