About Southampton Airport (SOU)

The largest airport on the south coast of England, Southampton Airport operates routes to a number of short-haul domestic and international destinations. Our Southampton International Airport guide provides all of the relevant contact details, along with information on terminal facilities, transport routes and accommodation options nearby.

Information:

An information desk is available in the main concourse of the terminal building. Roving Airport Ambassadors can provide additional information. A touch screen tourist information point is located next to the information desk. Additionally, live flight arrivals information is available on the airport's website.

Website:

Driving directions:

Southampton Airport is located a short distance from Junction 5 of the M27 motorway. The M3 motorway is also less than 1.6km (1 mile) away from the airport, providing fast routes to Basingstoke and London, and via the A33/A34 to Oxford and the Midlands.

From central Southampton, head north along Onslow Road, leading onto Thomas Lewis Way (A335) and then onto Stoneham Way, which leads directly to the airport. The total drive time from central Southampton to the airport is approximately 15 minutes.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus:Uni-link (tel: +44 23 8059 5974; www.unilinkbus.co.uk) bus U1C departs from Southampton Airport to Southampton University, the city centre and the ferry terminal every 15 minutes during the week and every 20 minutes at weekends (journey time: 35-40 minutes; fare: £2). The U1A bus runs in the opposite direction. First Group (tel: +44 333 014 3480; www.firstgroup.com) also operates regular services.

Taxi:A desk for Checker Cars (tel: +44 23 8065 1110; www.checkercars.com) is located on the main concourse, opposite the arrivals hall, and operates 24 hours a day. The 20-minute ride to central Southampton costs around £15. Taxis can be pre-booked online.

Public transport rail:

Rail:Southampton Airport is next to Southampton Airport Parkway Train Station and boasts one of the fastest 'plane to train' connections of any European airport. Trains connect the airport to Southampton city centre in seven minutes. The one-way fare is £3.70.

Several trains depart every hour for London Waterloo, and fast links exist to other destinations, including Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Oxford and Winchester. Tickets and pre-booked tickets are available from automated machines in the arrivals area. For further information on routes, contact National Rail Enquiries (tel: +44 345 748 4950; www.nationalrail.co.uk).

Terminal facilities

Money:

There are a number of ATMs at Southampton Airport. One is located next to the bureau de change desk in the main concourse, while another can be found in the departures area.

Food:

There are cafés and restaurants serving a range of British classics in the public and post-security areas of the airport. Fast-food outlets and coffee shops are also available.

Shopping:

There is one newsagent/bookshop, which also sells snacks and games, before security and a second similar outlet on the other side of the security checkpoint. A range of tax- and duty-free goods are available for passengers leaving the EU from shops in the departures area.

Luggage:

Lost property at the airport is handled by Swissport (tel: +44 844 481 7777), which has a desk in the check-in area of the terminal. This desk also runs a luggage storage facility. Luggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout the terminal building.

Other:

Other facilities at Southampton Airport include baby care and first aid rooms, both of which are located in the main concourse. Plug sockets are also available in the airport for passengers wishing to charge electronic devices. 

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

The Spitfire Room (tel: +44 23 8062 7187) can accommodate up to 20 delegates. Away from the terminal, the Botleigh Grange Hotel (tel: +44 1489 787 700; www.botleighgrange.com), which is 5km (3 miles) from the airport, offers conference facilities for up to 500 delegates, including five separate conference rooms.

Communication Facilities:

Wi-Fi internet access, free of charge for the first four hours, is available throughout Southampton International Airport. There is a post box opposite the terminal building; stamps can be purchased from newsagents in the public area of the terminal building. Public telephones are also available to passengers.

Disabled facilities:

The majority of Southampton Airport is located on one level, allowing access easy for all passengers. Disabled travellers needing to visit any of the airport offices should report to the information desk: there is a dedicated lift taking disabled visitors to this area.

Induction loops are found in various locations around the terminal and telephones are adapted for hearing aids. There are also text pay phones in the main concourse and the departure lounge. Accessible toilets are provided on the main concourse and within the departure lounge.

Reserved parking is available in both car parks; courtesy shuttles to these areas are wheelchair accessible. Help points for disabled passengers are available in the car parks and at Southampton Airport Parkway train station.

Any passengers requiring additional assistance are advised to contact their airline before travelling.

Car parking:

The short-term car park is adjacent to the terminal, which is recommended for stays of up to one day. Long-term parking, charged at a fixed daily rate, is located north of the airport and is connected to the terminal via a free shuttle bus that departs every five to ten minutes (journey time: 5 minutes). Long-term parking can be booked in advance (parking.southamptonairport.com). Dedicated spaces exist in the short-term car park for motorbikes and bicycles.

Car rental:

Car hire companies located at Southampton Airport include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and National. Desks are located in the Car Rental Reception Centre, next to the terminal building and the short-stay car park.