Southampton to Luton bus with National Express

Sun 25 Oct
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Luton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 25 Oct

Cheapest price on 25 Oct

£24

Average ticket price on 25 Oct

£26

Fastest journey on 25 Oct

3 h 35 m

Average journey duration on 25 Oct

4 h 18 m

Buses on 25 Oct

4

Distance

128 km

Cheap tickets

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 £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £24.

Fast coaches

On Sun 25 Oct, we found 4 buses from Southampton to Luton, including 4 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 128 km distance in an average of 4 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 35 m .

The slowest buses will take 5 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • FlixBus
    16:053h35
    Southampton
    19:40Luton
    £241One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBus
    15:455h05
    Southampton
    20:50Luton
    £261One-way
    0 changes
  • FlixBus
    3:203h45
    Southampton
    7:05Luton
    £271One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    2:054h45
    Southampton
    6:50Luton
    £281One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to Luton run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £11 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 20m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
128 km
Average bus duration
2h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£11
Buses per day
19
Fastest bus
2h 20m
First bus
2:05
Last bus
23:50
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Frequently asked questions about your Southampton to Luton trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Southampton to Luton.

Cheap coach tickets from Southampton to Luton can start from as little as £11 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Luton is £38; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Southampton to Luton leaves at 2:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Luton leaves at 23:50.
There are 19 coaches a day from Southampton to Luton which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.

Live departures

Southampton to Luton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Luton coaches for today, Saturday 24 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX032 · NX23019:35 Southampton, Coach Station
4h15
23:50 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
National ExpressNX035 · NX23021:25 Southampton, Coach Station
4h05
1:30 Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 change
Sunday 25 October
National Express2:05 Southampton
4h45
6:50 Luton0 changesdirect
FlixBus3:20 Southampton
3h45
7:05 Luton0 changesdirect
FlixBus15:45 Southampton
5h05
20:50 Luton0 changesdirect
FlixBus16:05 Southampton
3h35
19:40 Luton0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Southampton to Luton coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Southampton to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Luton.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Luton.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Luton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Luton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Luton.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Southampton to LutonYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Luton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £11. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£11
FlixBus frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£17
National Express frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Southampton and Luton

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a coach from Southampton to Luton, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Luton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Luton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Luton for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton to Luton depends on the coach companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Southampton to Luton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Luton:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Luton:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Southampton to Luton. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Luton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

Complete guide to Luton

Things to do in Luton

Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.

  • Must visit

Wardown House Museum and Gallery

Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.

  • Recommended

The Hat Factory

Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.

  • Recommended

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Buses from Southampton to Luton

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.

FAQs: Southampton to Luton coach

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.

FAQs
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Luton including taking a coach and train.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Luton

Most Southampton to Luton buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Luton, Station Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). 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.

Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Luton

Which Southampton station do buses to Luton leave from?

Buses from Southampton to Luton leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre

BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min

Southampton, Coach Station 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 and drink

Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

Southampton, UniversityUniversity Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre

Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

BusU2b, U2 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · £2 · every ~37 min

Southampton, University bus station facilities and services

Southampton, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.

Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University)University Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) from Southampton city centre

Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

BusU2b, U2 · 13m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 24m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 28m · £2 · every ~37 min

Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) bus station facilities and services

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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University). ATMs are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University): Bus stop is accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Bus stations for Southampton to Luton

Check bus stations information for Southampton and Luton, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.

When departing from Southampton , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, University, Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) . When arriving in Luton , you can end your route in coach stations like Luton, Station Interchange, Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Southampton, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Luton, Station Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.

More options for your journey from Southampton to Luton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone