How long is the drive?

Approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Is Southampton a good place to visit?

Yes, it has a rich maritime history and great shopping.

Yes, but check with the train operator for space availability.

What is the best route?

The M6, M40, and M3 are the primary routes.

Kendal

Southampton

Train Driving

Kendal to Southampton

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Kendal to Southampton is a long-distance trip of approximately 300 miles. By train, you will typically travel from Oxenholme to London Euston, then transfer to London Waterloo for a service to Southampton Central. By road, the route involves traveling south on the M6, then across to the M40 and M3 motorways. This journey takes you from the northern fells to the southern coast of England.

Total Distance: Driving distance 300 miles (483 km); straight-line distance 260 miles (418 km).

Fastest Way

Driving, depending on traffic in London and on the M3.

Cheapest Way

Train, if booked well in advance as an Advance ticket.

Compare Kendal to Southampton Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours 30 mins	5 hours 15 mins
Avg Price	90-200 GBP	70-120 GBP fuel
Operator	Avanti West Coast and SWR	N/A
Route	Oxenholme to London Euston to London Waterloo to Southampton	M6 to M40 to M3
Tip	Allow at least 60 minutes for the transfer between London stations.	This is a long drive; plan for regular breaks at motorway service stations.

Travel Tips

London Transfer
Use the London Underground or a taxi to transfer between Euston and Waterloo.
Booking
Book train tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.
Driving
The M3 can be busy; check traffic before you leave.
Food
Bring food for the long train journey.
Parking
Southampton has several parking options near the cruise terminals.