Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 10 Sept
£15
Average ticket price on 10 Sept
£29
Fastest journey on 10 Sept
3 h
Average journey duration on 10 Sept
3 h 16 m
Buses on 10 Sept
23
Distance
128 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Luton will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.
To travel from Southampton to Luton you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX032 · NX230
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 47m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, while a train costs an average of £32.
Distance: 128 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£20 Average Price Cheapest | £32 Average Price | £26 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 32m Average total duration 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Luton:
A coach is £12 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Luton costing on average £32.
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 2m.
Tickets start at around £20 compared to roughly £26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £6. The journey takes 3h 2m versus 1h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Luton coaches for today, Wednesday 9 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX032 · NX230 | 16:30 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h25 | 20:55 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:45 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h20 | 20:05 Luton | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:05 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 3h00 | 20:05 Luton | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX230 | 18:30 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h00 | 22:30 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX230 | 20:30 Southampton, Coach Station | 3h20 | 23:50 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX032 · NXA1 | 2:05 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h45 | 6:50 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:05 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h00 | 8:05 Luton | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX231 | 4:15 Southampton, Coach Station | 3h55 | 8:10 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:20 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 3h45 | 8:05 Luton | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX230 | 5:35 Southampton, Coach Station | 3h50 | 9:25 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:05 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h30 | 10:35 Luton | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:25 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 4h10 | 10:35 Luton | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX230 | 7:00 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h45 | 11:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX230 | 8:45 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h35 | 13:20 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX160 · NX737 | 8:55 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h50 | 13:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX230 | 10:05 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h40 | 14:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h30 | 14:15 Luton | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 3h10 | 14:15 Luton | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX230 | 12:15 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h05 | 16:20 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX240 | 13:30 Southampton, Coach Station | 4h15 | 17:45 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:45 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h15 | 19:00 Luton | 1 change | |
NX032 · NX230 | 15:00 Southampton, Coach Station | 3h50 | 18:50 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:05 Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 3h55 | 19:00 Luton | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Southampton to Luton run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 128 km distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 128 km |
Average bus duration 3h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 2:05 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.
Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.
Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.
Large landscaped park with formal gardens, lake, museum and open space, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Luton.
Parkland site with gardens, heritage displays and family-friendly walking routes around the Discovery Centre and museum grounds.
Nature reserve and chalk downland area with trails and wide views, popular for walking and a quieter escape above the town.
A Bedfordshire classic: suet pastry pudding filled with chopped beef, onions and stock. Long linked to local home cooking across Bedfordshire, including Luton.
A traditional Bedfordshire dish of baked onions stuffed with seasoned sage and breadcrumbs. It reflects thrifty local cooking from the surrounding county.
A rich suet pastry pie with bacon, onions and potatoes. It is an old Bedfordshire comfort food once popular with labourers and farming families.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting close to the town centre.
Well-known South Indian venue specialising in dosas, curries and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Established steakhouse and grill known for steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a smart but approachable setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Luton Dunstable Road (Challney) -> Luton Interchange
Travelling from Southampton to Luton is a popular journey and National Express provides services on this route. Southampton's Coach Station is on Harbour Parade, where buses depart to Luton at very regular intervals. The first bus leaves Southampton around 3:30 a.m. getting into Luton around four and a half hours later. The fastest buses from Southampton to Luton take just over four hours, but travel times can extend to just over five hours depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. The last bus of the day leaves Southampton at roughly 8:30 p.m. On average, buses run every hour between the first and last departure times and the service operates seven days a week.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Luton by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southampton to Luton buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Luton, Station Interchange. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Luton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). ATMs are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).
Available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Bus stop is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Luton, Station Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and fast food options nearby.
WiFi is available at nearby facilities. ATMs are aTM available within short walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Station Interchange.
Available at Luton, Station Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Station Interchange: Ramps and accessible routes available for wheelchairs.
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) is 3 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). ATMs are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Limited accessibility.
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