Is Southampton worth visiting?

Yes, it is a major port city with a rich history.

How far is the station from the city center?

It is a 10-minute walk from the station to the city center.

Are there direct trains?

No, you will need to change at London.

Is parking expensive?

Council car parks are reasonably priced.

Can I use contactless?

Yes, you can use contactless for most local bus services.

Westgate-on-Sea

Southampton

Train Driving

Westgate-on-Sea to Southampton

Updated: 28 May 2026

Southampton is a major port city in Hampshire. Traveling from Westgate-on-Sea takes approximately 4 hours by train, with a change required at London St Pancras and London Waterloo. By road, the journey covers about 200 kilometers via the M2, M25, and M3. Southampton is a popular destination for those visiting the port and the city center. This route is well-traveled by tourists and cruise passengers.

Total Distance: 200 km driving distance, 170 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving, taking about 3.5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Train, using off-peak tickets booked in advance.

Compare Westgate-on-Sea to Southampton Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours	3 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	60-100 GBP	45-70 GBP fuel
Operator	Southeastern/South Western Railway	N/A
Route	Westgate-on-Sea to London, then to Southampton.	A299 to M2, M25, and M3 to Southampton.
Tip	Southampton Central station is a short walk from the city center.	Parking in Southampton city center is available in several car parks.

Travel Tips

Train Apps
Use the Trainline app for real-time updates on your journey.
Off-Peak
Travel after 09:30 to save money on your train fare.
Parking
Use the Westquay car park for easy access to the city center.
Walking
The city center is best explored on foot.
Ticket Validity
Ensure your ticket is valid for the entire route to avoid fines.