Southampton to Luton train with South Western Railway

Thu 17 Sept
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South Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
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West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Luton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£25

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£51

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

2 h 40 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

2 h 41 m

Trains on 17 Sept

16

Distance

128 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.

Fast trains

To travel from Southampton to Luton you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • South Western RailwayL80207+London OvergroundG07260+ThameslinkW45536
    12:002h57
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    14:57Luton station (LUT)
    £251One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL78764+ThameslinkW45553+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
    9:002h57
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    11:57Luton station (LUT)
    £301One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL80227+London OvergroundG07285+ThameslinkW45415
    14:002h57
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    16:57Luton station (LUT)
    £331One-way
    2 changes
  • South Western RailwayL80227 · L82607+ThameslinkW32975+TubeTube from Vauxhall to London St Pancras International
    14:002h40
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    16:40Luton station (LUT)
    £331One-way
    3 changes
  • South Western RailwayL80237 · L82639+TubeTube from Vauxhall to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW32963
    15:002h40
    Southampton Central (SOU)
    17:40Luton station (LUT)
    £331One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Southampton to Luton

Omio 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

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Driving

£32

Average Price

£20

Average Price

Cheapest

£26

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 32m

Average total duration

3h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 57m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus 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.

The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Luton is a coach with an average price of £20.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 17m.

Other travel options to Luton take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 2m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Luton including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £32 compared to roughly £26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-5.91. The journey takes 2h 17m versus 1h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Southampton to Luton train times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Luton trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western RailwayL80471+ThameslinkC02767+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International4:52 Southampton Central (SOU)
3h20
8:12 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
CrossCountryG00847+Elizabeth lineC37533+ThameslinkC027675:15 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
8:12 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
South Western RailwayL78743+ThameslinkW45606+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International5:55 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h54
8:49 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
South Western RailwayL78743 · L80591+ThameslinkC18649+London OvergroundP025285:55 Southampton Central (SOU)
3h25
9:20 Luton station (LUT)3 changes
South Western RailwayL78743+SouthernG88357+East Midlands RailwayC41863+TubeTube from London Victoria to London St Pancras International5:55 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h46
8:41 Luton station (LUT)3 changes
South Western RailwayL78756+ThameslinkW45535+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International8:00 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
10:57 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
South Western RailwayL78760+ThameslinkW45375+London OvergroundG072218:30 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
11:27 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
South Western RailwayL78764+ThameslinkW45553+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International9:00 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
11:57 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
South Western RailwayL80207+ThameslinkW45536+London OvergroundG0726012:00 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
14:57 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
CrossCountryG00879+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW32957+Great Western RailwayG1504713:15 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h55
16:10 Luton station (LUT)3 changes
South Western RailwayL80227+East Midlands RailwayC41912+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International14:00 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h42
16:42 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
South Western RailwayL80227+ThameslinkW45415+London OvergroundG0728514:00 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h57
16:57 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
South Western RailwayL80227 · L82607+ThameslinkW32975+TubeTube from Vauxhall to London St Pancras International14:00 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h40
16:40 Luton station (LUT)3 changes
CrossCountryG00887+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45415+Great Western RailwayW3449814:15 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h42
16:57 Luton station (LUT)3 changes
South Western RailwayL80097+East Midlands RailwayC41916+TubeTube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International14:30 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h42
17:12 Luton station (LUT)2 changes
South Western RailwayL80237 · L82639+ThameslinkW32963+TubeTube from Vauxhall to London St Pancras International15:00 Southampton Central (SOU)
2h40
17:40 Luton station (LUT)3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Luton by coach or train

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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Southampton to Luton trains with Omio?

South Western Railway operates all trains 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 South Western Railway?

  • 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 South Western Railway 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?

  • 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Southampton to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Southampton to Luton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 128 km distance in 2h 40m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12
Distance
128 km
Average train duration
2h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 40m
First train
0:06
Last train
23:36
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sun
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12

Train companies: South Western Railway from Southampton to Luton trainsSouth Western Railway trains will get you between Southampton and Luton from £12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£17
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs: Southampton to Luton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to Luton by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Southampton to Luton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £32.
The train journey from Southampton to Luton covers a distance of 128 km and takes approximately 2h 40m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Southampton to Luton is 128 km.
The first train from Southampton to Luton leaves at 0:06.
The last train from Southampton to Luton departs at 23:36.
Trains from Southampton to Luton run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Luton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southampton to Luton.
To get from Southampton to Luton, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Luton.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Luton is Southampton Central (SOU), and it arrives at London Luton Airport (LUA).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Luton is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Southampton to Luton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Southampton to Luton offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with highlights including the rolling landscapes of the South Downs and glimpses of the River Thames as the train approaches London, providing a moderately scenic experience.
A day trip from Southampton to Luton is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 40m. However, there are 7 trains available per day for this route.
In Luton, visitors can explore The Mall Luton for shopping and dining, visit Woodside Animal Farm for a family-friendly day out, and enjoy the variety of goods at Luton Indoor Market. Outdoor enthusiasts can relax at Stockwood Park, while entertainment seekers can head to The Galaxy for cinema and bowling. For cultural experiences, visit Stockwood Discovery Centre for local history, Wardown House Museum and Gallery for art and history, and The Hat Factory Arts Centre for performances and exhibitions. Historical and scenic sights include Luton Hoo Estate and Whipsnade Zoo.
Two to three days in Luton is sufficient to explore its key attractions, such as the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House Museum, and the surrounding countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Luton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Luton

Most Southampton to Luton trains use the Southampton Central to London Luton Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Luton. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Luton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Southampton
Arrival train stations in Luton

Which Southampton station do trains to Luton leave from?

Trains from Southampton to Luton leave from Southampton Central. The station is 1 km from Southampton city centre at Southampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre

BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min

Southampton Central train station facilities and services

Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Southampton Airport ParkwaySouthampton Airport Parkway station, Wide Lane, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2HW+44 345 600 0650WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre

Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSalisbury - Romsey, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Bournemouth - Winchester, Poole - London Waterloo, Southampton Central - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Woking, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Poole - Winchester, Southampton Central - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Romsey - Romsey, Southampton Central - Woking, Salisbury - Salisbury, Salisbury - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Romsey · 10m · £3 · every ~8 min
BusU1a, U1e · 34m · £2 · every ~21 min
U1a, U1e · 40m · £2 · every ~37 min

Southampton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services

Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

WoolstonWoolston station, Garton Road, Woolston, Hampshire, SO19 2DJWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Woolston from Southampton city centre

Woolston is 1 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSouthampton Central - London Waterloo, Southampton Central - Portsmouth & Southsea, Southampton Central - Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton Central - Woking · 9m · £3 · every ~2 min
Bus17, 10, 15, 13, N17 · 5m · £2 · every ~51 min
7 · 7m · £2 · every ~9 min
17, 13, 19, 15, 19a, 7, 10, N17 · 10m · £2 · every ~82 min

Woolston train station facilities and services

Woolston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Woolston.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Woolston.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Woolston.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Woolston: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Woolston: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Woolston: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Level access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Southampton). Steps to Platform 2 (for trains towards Portsmouth). Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Southampton to Luton

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