# Southampton Airport (SOU) > Southampton, GB · 6.5 km (4.0 mi) north-northeast of central Southampton Web: https://airport.flights/airport/sou JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/sou.json ## Facts - **IATA**: SOU - **ICAO**: EGHI - **Timezone**: Europe/London - **Runways**: 1 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: .69M/yr - **Official site**: https://www.southamptonairport.com/ ## Overview ## Welcome Southampton Airport (SOU) stands as an anomaly – compact in size, yet efficient in operation. Nestled 6.5 km north-northeast of central Southampton, it feels more like a regional rail station with a runway. With security and gates just steps from the single platform at Southampton Airport Parkway, regulars report being airborne within 30–40 minutes of leaving central London, making it a uniquely streamlined travel hub. ## At a glance Handling around 690,000 passengers annually, Southampton Airport (SOU) is a focus for carriers like Aurigny, Blue Islands, and British Airways. It operates from a single terminal (T1) and one runway, emphasizing its intimate and efficient design. The airport’s proximity to the city and its well-connected transport links offer quick transit times, ideal for business travelers and holidaymakers alike. ## Terminals & layout The sole terminal at Southampton Airport, Terminal 1, welcomes you with its straightforward layout. Within T1, dining options such as The Olive Tree, Globe Bar & Kitchen, and Costa Coffee offer a range of refreshments, while shopping is catered to by World Duty Free and WHSmith. Despite its small size, the airport provides a full gamut of essential services. ## Getting to and from the city Connecting to and from Southampton city is a breeze. By train, travelers can reach Southampton Central in just 7-69 minutes for as little as £3 one-way, or opt for a trip to London Waterloo from about £20-30. Buses are another option, with typical fares ranging from £2-3, taking roughly 20-30 minutes based on traffic. Alternatively, taxis and private hires offer services into the city at approximately £15-25, depending on time and traffic. For those heading to the cruise terminal, pre-booked cars are available starting from £25. ## Traveller essentials The airport is well-equipped to handle all traveler needs. Short and long stay parking options are available, with potential savings through third-party websites. Those requiring assistance for reduced mobility are advised to pre-book to ensure smooth movement through the airport. The compact layout means everything is within easy reach, streamlining the overall travel experience. ## Dining & shopping highlights Though limited, dining at Southampton Airport offers quality over quantity. Grab a hearty English breakfast at the Globe Bar & Kitchen before security, or experience quieter surroundings at The Olive Tree upstairs post-security, accessed via a quirky staircase. Coffee aficionados will find solace in the availability of both Costa and Starbucks. Duty-free shopping offers a chance to snag deals on spirits and perfumes, with WHSmith covering travel essentials. ## Lounges The Spitfire Lounge, located after security, is a stand-out feature for such a small airport. At approximately £32 for adults, it offers an all-inclusive meal and drinks menu, coupled with a serene environment. It's a worthwhile consideration for those experiencing busy mornings at Southampton Airport. ## Insider tips - **Time:** Arrive just 45-60 minutes before departure; queues are short, and it's normal for off-peak hours at SOU. - **Insider:** For a quieter bar vibe, find The Olive Tree through World Duty Free; it's upstairs with more seating. - **Local:** The Globe Bar & Kitchen is your go-to for a classic English breakfast landside before security. - **Avoid:** The Olive Tree's prices can feel steep for pub-style snacks. Opt for WHSmith if on a budget. - **Quiet:** The Olive Tree often has more family seating clusters than the crowded main lounge downstairs, especially in peak times. - **Money:** Check APH or Holiday Extras for off-site parking deals that beat on-the-day airport rates. - **Local:** Plane spotting is a delight at the landside Costa with great runway views while enjoying your coffee. ## Terminals (1) - **Southampton Airport Terminal** — Aurigny, Blue Islands, British Airways, Eastern Airways A compact terminal with essential amenities. ## Dining (4) - **Costa Coffee** — T1 · $ - **Globe Bar & Kitchen** — T1 · $$ - **Starbucks** — $ - **The Olive Tree** — T1 · $$ ## Lounges (1) - **The Spitfire Lounge** — Main Terminal, airside pay-per-use ## Shops (2) - **WHSmith** - **World Duty Free** — T1 ## Parking (5) - **Long Stay Car Park** — Official long stay - **Meet and Greet Parking** — Official valet - **Off-site Airport Parking** — Independent shuttle - **Priority Parking** — Official premium - **Short Stay Car Park** — Official short stay ## Ground transport (8) - **Cycle Parking** — Bicycle · /u003Cnull/u003E · /u003Cnull/u003E · /u003Cnull/u003E - **Hotel Shuttle Buses** — Bus · /u003Cnull/u003E · /u003Cnull/u003E · /u003Cnull/u003E - **Local Bus Services** — Bus · Depending on route and traffic, bus journeys between the airport area and Southampton city centre commonly take around 20-30 minutes.[https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/services][https://www.unilinkbus.co.uk/services] · Typical single fares on local operators Bluestar and Unilink run around £2-3 for short hops between the airport area and Southampton city centre.[https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/fares-tickets][https://www.unilinkbus.co.uk/fares-tickets] · Daytime frequencies on key routes serving the airport corridor are typically every 10-20 minutes, dropping to every 30 minutes or worse in late evenings.[https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/services][https://www.unilinkbus.co.uk/services] - **Private Hire/Minicab Pick-up** — Car · Driving time by private hire from the airport to the main Southampton cruise terminals is usually about 20-30 minutes in normal traffic.[https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Southampton+Airport/Port+of+Southampton/] · Cruise and travel forum reports put typical pre‑booked car prices from Southampton Airport to the cruise terminals roughly in the £25-40 range depending on vehicle size and operator.[https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186299-i695-k12349517-Southampton_airport_to_cruise_terminal-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html][https://www.reddit.com/r/Cruise/comments/p0p0oz/southampton_airport_to_cruise_terminal_best_way/] · No fixed frequency—service is on a pre‑booked basis; most firms advertise 24/7 coverage with advance reservation.[https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186299-i695-k12349517-Southampton_airport_to_cruise_terminal-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html] - **Regional Coach Services** — Bus/Coach · Example regional coach journeys from Southampton to major cities on National Express (e.g., London, Bristol) typically take 2-3 hours depending on route and stops.[https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/destinations/southampton] · Advance fares on National Express and Megabus to/from Southampton (city) can run in the £5-15 range on typical regional routes, varying by distance and booking timing.[https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/destinations/southampton][https://uk.megabus.com/route-guide/southampton] · Coach services from Southampton city generally operate a few departures per day on most routes rather than turn‑up‑and‑go frequencies.[https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/destinations/southampton][https://uk.megabus.com/route-guide/southampton] - **Rideshare Pick-up Zone** — Car · /u003Cnull/u003E · /u003Cnull/u003E · /u003Cnull/u003E - **Taxi Rank** — Taxi · Typical driving time from the airport to Southampton city centre is about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.[https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Southampton+Airport/Southampton+Central+Station/] · Indicative local council tariffs suggest starting fares around £3-4 plus per‑mile charges; total from the airport to Southampton city centre often lands roughly in the £15-25 range depending on time and traffic.[https://www.southampton.gov.uk/licensing/taxi/private-hire-fees/][https://www.reddit.com/r/southampton/comments/10xsy1s/best_way_to_get_from_southampton_airport_to_city/] · Taxis are usually available continuously whenever flights are operating; no fixed timetable is published, but local guidance indicates a staffed rank throughout the main flight day.[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Southampton+Airport/reviews/] - **Southampton Airport Parkway** — Train · 7-69 min · £3-4 one‑way to Southampton Central; from about £20-30 advance to London Waterloo depending on time and purchase conditions.[https://www.southwesternrailway.com/train-times/southampton-airport-parkway-to-southampton-central][https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/southampton-airport-parkway-to-london-waterloo] · Typically 3-4 trains per hour to Southampton Central and 2-3 per hour towards London on weekdays, with reduced service in late evenings and on Sundays.[https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/timetables][https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/sou/] ## Insider tips - _Time_: Arrive just 45-60 minutes before departure; queues are short, and it's normal for off-peak hours at SOU. - _Insider_: For a quieter bar vibe, find The Olive Tree through World Duty Free; it's upstairs with more seating. - _Local_: The Globe Bar & Kitchen is your go-to for a classic English breakfast landside before security. - _Avoid_: The Olive Tree's prices can feel steep for pub-style snacks. Opt for WHSmith if on a budget. - _Quiet_: The Olive Tree often has more family seating clusters than the crowded main lounge downstairs, especially in peak times. - _Money_: Check APH or Holiday Extras for off-site parking deals that beat on-the-day airport rates. - _Local_: Plane spotting is a delight at the landside Costa with great runway views while enjoying your coffee.