Transfer - Southampton Railway to Cruise Terminal

[Stumblefoot]

Our first trip to the UK is less than two weeks away! After spending a week touring, we plan to take a train out of London's Waterloo station to Southampton Central to board the Silver Cloud. To transfer from the railway station to the pier with luggage in tow, what would folks recommend; walk or taxi?

[GreenEyedKat]

You don't say which cruise terminal you are departing from as Southampton has several, but it would certainly be a taxi ride to any of them. It's too far to walk from the train station to any of the cruise terminals. Depending on the terminal, it should cost you about £8-10 for the taxi.

 

Have a great cruise!

[ggibbs]

We dropped my husband at the station last year from Whisper to go to London, before the cab we had ordered took me and the baggage home.

 

I would say taxi without question, especially with luggage. It's at least a mile and inevitably some of it is through the port, which like most ports is not really built for pedestrians. There are sure to be plenty of taxis at the station, and they will be metered. At a guess it will be about £3-£4 - certainly not much more.

 

Gwyneth

[GreenEyedKat]

Just had a look at the ABP schedule for Southampton and it seems like Cloud is berthing at The City Terminal, which is only a mile from the train station - but still not walkable through the dock gate system in my opinion. Southampton is a very big port.

 

Take a taxi - it will make life much easier for you.

[Stumblefoot]

Thank you very much GreenEyedKat and ggibbs! Just the insight and advice I was seeking. A taxi it will be!

[NJ Jim]

Stumblefoot,

 

I had looked into the reverse trip to get us from Southampton to our London hotel, and decided that given the need for taxis at both ends of the train, and luggage considerations, it made sense to hire a car and driver for the trip. The prices were quite varied, but we found one that charges 110 (Great Britain Pounds), payable at the end of the trip. It sounds like you've made your decision, but should you want to explore this alternative, just let me know.

[oregon50]

I've walked this route at least four times. Twice to Queen Mary II and at least twice to and from Shadow. If you are in good health, can easily handle your baggage AND it is not raining, walking is not difficult.

[Conte Di Savoia]

Oh for the good old days when there was the boat train. Fifty years ago we took it from Victoria Station accompanied by fellow passengers. The terminus was shipside on the pier where we boarded the France for our crossing back to New York. It was a night departure and I still remember the excitement of seeing the ship all aglow as the train approached the terminal.

[Herman The Cat]

For transportation to and from Southampton, I'd suggest West Quay Cars/Discover the South. Very reasonable and reliable. We used them last year and they are highly recommended on the CC ports of call board. They are based in Southampton. They will pick up in London, and if you like, they can take you on a scenic tour on your way down to Southampton.

 

As much as you would probably like to walk, given the size of the port, security and traffic, I would advise against it.

[Merriem]

We took a taxi from London. It was reasonable and very convenient . I wouldn't want to hassle with luggage on a train.

[Stumblefoot]

Thanks to NJ Jim, Oregon50, Herman The Cat, and Merriem for the additional context and pros/cons of train vs. private car from London to Southampton!

 

We enjoy riding the rails and look forward to the short jaunt to Southampton. We're staying at the Marriott County Hall while in London and it's just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Waterloo station. The hotel has promised one of their porters will gladly escort us to the train with our luggage. So, it should all be relatively easy enough when we arrive in Southampton Central to grab a cab for the quick ride to the Cloud.

 

And, to Conte Di Savoia, the boat train sounded like a wonderful experience! Thanks for sharing a lovely memory.

[CruisinPashmina]

About 2 years ago, because of a post on this board, we took a car with a wonderful driver from the port into central London. We 100% endorce the West Quay company. It's a class act!

[Nigella]

Stumblefoot, thank you for taking care to note that it is indeed 'Southampton' and NOT 'South Hampton' which is a pet peeve of mine.

 

Wishing you bon voyage, a wonderful cruise and hopefully several opportunities to imbibe some marvellous wines!

[Stumblefoot]

Stumblefoot, thank you for taking care to note that it is indeed 'Southampton' and NOT 'South Hampton' which is a pet peeve of mine.

 

Wishing you bon voyage, a wonderful cruise and hopefully several opportunities to imbibe some marvellous wines!

You bet Nigella! And, thanks for the well wishes. I can hardly wait to get on board and start securing my vino gems for the voyage.

[wripro]

Conte di Savioa,

 

I had the same experience taking the boat train to board the SS France for a not departure in 1973. I still remember the whole experience vividly.