Traveling from London to Southampton is a standard route for many, especially those embarking on cruises from the Southampton Cruise Terminal. While multiple transportation options are available, taxi services offer a convenient and personalized experience. This guide delves deep into the various aspects of taxi transfers between London and Southampton, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
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ToggleWhy Choose a Taxi Service?
Opting for a taxi provides several advantages:
- Convenience: Door-to-door service eliminates the need for multiple transfers.
- Comfort: Private vehicles offer a relaxed environment, especially after a long flight or before a cruise.
- Flexibility: Depart at a time that suits you without being tied to public transport schedules.
- Luggage Accommodation: Taxis can handle more luggage compared to trains or buses.
How far is Southampton from London, Heathrow, and Gatwick Airport?
The distance between Central London and Southampton is approximately 80 miles. Under normal traffic conditions, a taxi can complete the journey in about 2 hours.
Since the route passes near Heathrow Airport, a taxi transfer between Heathrow and Southampton typically takes around 90 minutes. For those traveling from Gatwick Airport, which is roughly 90 miles from Southampton, the journey by taxi usually takes around 2 hours.
How much is a taxi from London to Southampton?
The cost of a taxi from London to Southampton varies based on several factors:
- Service Provider: Different companies have varying pricing structures.
- Vehicle Type: Standard sedans are typically less expensive than luxury or larger vehicles.
- Additional Services: Features like meet-and-greet, waiting time, and detours can add to the cost.
On average:
- Standard Saloon Car: Accommodates up to 4 passengers with minimal luggage. Prices start from approximately £139.00.
- Executive Vehicles: For a more luxurious experience, Chauffeur hire Southampton services like JAF Executive Travels offer executive vehicles at around £265.
- Minibuses: Suitable for larger groups, with prices varying based on the number of passengers and amount of luggage.
It’s essential to obtain quotes from multiple providers to ensure competitive pricing. Additionally, always confirm whether the quoted price is fixed or subject to change based on factors like traffic or additional stops.
Private Transfers Between London & Southampton
As shown on the map, the taxi route between London and Southampton passes by several iconic landmarks, with Stonehenge being one of the most popular. We offer direct door-to-door transfers and the option to include a sightseeing stopover along the way, which is ideal for those looking to make the most of their journey. Most cruise ship passengers prefer direct Cruise Port Transfers rather than stopping in Southampton. Cruise disembarkation typically occurs between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, which means weekday travelers will often encounter morning rush hour traffic heading into London — expect some road congestion during this time.
A standard car may not provide sufficient space for groups larger than eight passengers or those carrying more than eight large suitcases. We offer various economical minibusses and charter coach transfer options in such cases, providing excellent value per person.
Reputable Taxi Service Providers
Several companies specialize in transfers between London and Southampton. Here are some notable options:
- Twelve Transfers: Offers services starting from £149.00, catering to groups of up to 8 passengers. They emphasize reliability and comfort.
- MiniCabRide: Offers fixed-price MiniCab & Private Hire transfers with a standard saloon car at approximately £139.00, accommodating 4 passengers with luggage, with on-time pick-up and drop-off, 24/7 support, and a focus on safety.
- JAF Executive Travels: Provides executive vehicles for £265(Mercedes E Class, S Class, V Class, BMWi7 and Range Rover), ensuring a comfortable journey to your destination.
- Blackberry Cars: Known for fixed-price minicabs between Southampton and Central London, with fully inclusive and transparent fares.
When selecting a provider, consider factors such as vehicle quality, driver professionalism, customer reviews, and any additional services offered.
Booking Tips
To ensure a seamless experience:
- Advance Booking: Especially during peak travel seasons or around significant events, booking in advance can secure better rates and availability.
- Clear Communication: Provide precise details about pick-up and drop-off locations, number of passengers, amount of luggage, and any special requirements.
- Confirmation: Always request a booking confirmation with all agreed-upon details.
- Payment Terms: Clarify payment methods accepted and when payment is expected. Some services may require a deposit.
Groups Transfer Of More Than 8 Passengers
If your group includes more than eight passengers or you carry over eight large suitcases, a standard car or van will likely be insufficient for your transfer between London and Southampton.
To meet a wide range of travel needs, we offer an extensive fleet — from 12-seater minibuses to full-size touring coaches with capacities ranging from 50 to 72 seats. Some Minibus & Coach Hire Companies, like Bucks Travel, can also access mid-sized vehicles, ideal for smaller groups with substantial luggage. For cruise passengers, luggage volume often plays a more significant role in vehicle selection than the number of travelers. It’s important to note that UK coaches are typically designed to accommodate European luggage standards, where one large suitcase per person is the norm.
London minibuses With Driver can comfortably seat up to 16 passengers and carry approximately 20 large suitcases. For larger groups, a 50-seater coach—capable of seating a full passenger load—usually offers enough luggage space for around 35 passengers traveling with North American flight allowances. This makes selecting the right vehicle size crucial to comfortably accommodate passengers and their belongings.
Alternative Transportation Options
While Southampton taxis offer convenience, other modes of transport are available:
- Trains: Direct trains from London Waterloo to Southampton Central take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. However, additional time and transport are needed to reach the cruise terminals from the station. First Train typically departs around 4:11 am and last Train departs around 1:05 AM
- Coaches: Services like National Express operate routes from London Victoria Coach Station to Southampton, with journey times around 2 hours 15 minutes. While cost-effective, they may not offer the same level of comfort or direct service as taxis. The first National Express coach from London Victoria Coach Station to Southampton leaves at 6:30 am, and the last coach departs at 11:59 pm
Sightseeing Tour During Your Southampton Transfers
For many travellers, joining or disembarking a cruise in Southampton can involve long waiting periods or downtime. Why not transform your private transfer between London and Southampton into a memorable part of your trip?
Popular stopover destinations include iconic landmarks like Windsor Castle — the royal residence — and the world-famous Stonehenge. Many other fascinating attractions are just a short detour from the main route connecting Southampton Airport and Cruise Port with London and its major airports.
With a private transfer, you have complete flexibility. Whether you’re interested in a brief two-hour visit to Stonehenge or prefer a full-day scenic transfer with time for sightseeing and a leisurely lunch at a traditional countryside pub, the choice is yours. You can choose between a courteous, knowledgeable driver or upgrade to a professional driver-guide for a more enriched experience.
Late Flight Out After Cruise? You can visit Windsor Castle.
Most cruise ships in Southampton complete disembarkation by around 9:00 AM. If you’re heading to Heathrow or Gatwick—London’s main airports—you can typically expect to arrive at the terminal by around 11:00 AM. This timing is ideal for lunchtime or early afternoon flights. However, if your departure is scheduled later in the day, spending hours waiting at the airport isn’t the most enjoyable way to wrap up your holiday.
Instead of passing time in a busy airport terminal, why not turn your Southampton Cruise Port Transfer into a memorable part of your trip? Consider exploring the historic town of Windsor along the way. More than just its famous castle, Windsor offers a vibrant town center filled with shops, restaurants, river cruises, and charming local attractions. You could easily spend a whole day—or even a weekend—soaking in everything this picturesque destination offers.
Final Thought :
Choosing the proper transportation from London to Southampton depends on individual preferences, budget, and schedule. UK Taxis provide a personalized, comfortable, and direct service, making them a preferred choice for many travelers, especially those with significant luggage or tight schedules. By researching providers, understanding costs, and planning, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to your destination.
