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Trip Summary
You can pick from 18 daily train trips between Southampton and Luton. The average train journey from Southampton to Luton takes 3 hours and 37 minutes, but some Southern + Connections train trips are as short as 3 hours and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 79 mi (128 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 19m |
| Lowest price | $58.19 |
| Most frequent service | South Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Southampton to Luton?
2 train services operate from Southampton to Luton. South Western Railway + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 10 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Western Railway + Connections | 10 | 3h 47m | $58.19 |
| Southern + Connections | 8 | 3h 25m | $73.53 |
UK's South Western Railway operates passenger rail services in London, Windsor, Reading, and Southampton. Both standard class and first-class seating are available, with the first-class section clearly marked and physically separated from the rest of the train by internal doorways. These cars offer more space and quiet away from the more crowded areas.
Southern Railway is part of the British rail network serving stations predominantly between central London and the British south coast. Destinations include Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and Worthing. WiFi and accessible restrooms are available on most trains, plus the option to upgrade to a first-class ticket with extra legroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Southampton and Luton is approximately 79 miles, or 128 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 19 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Southampton to Luton. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Southampton at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 18 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Luton to Southampton.
City Information
Southampton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Southampton is a scenic city along England's south coast, known for its history as an important port. No matter the time of year you visit, Southampton has a wealth of activities and attractions.
Your first stop is the SeaCity Museum, where you can discover the city's history and engage with the model of the RMS Titanic. Next, the Solent Sky Museum turns your attention skyward as it details Southampton's aviation history. The Southampton City Art Gallery is a hidden gem to view painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print, and video exhibits. And if you’re on a tour of England’s premier league stadiums, Southampton’s St. Mary’s Stadium is a must.
For a unique dining experience, try the café at the Tudor House and Garden Museum. They serve local food and fantastic coffee in a home that's over 800 years old. Then, as you walk through the nearby Cultural Quarter, keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the city's medieval walls amidst the chic bars and stores.
Southampton Airport does serve international flights, but it's easy to reach Southampton even if you fly into one of London's airports. South Western Railway and Megabus provide train and bus service from London and other cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Luton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Situated on the River Lea, Luton is a vibrant town only 29 miles northwest of London. The city's local history is celebrated and displayed at the Stockwood Discovery Centre. This free attraction offers gardens, a cafe, and a museum, together creating a great place to spend the day exploring.
To add some retail therapy to your vacation, visit The Mall to browse over 100 shops, including both high street retailers and independent shops. The Mall also houses many restaurants and cafes, making it a relaxing place to stop and take a load off with a latte—or an afternoon tea, if you'd like to really embrace local tradition.
Due to its location near London, Luton is a very accessible town. Access via rail, bus, and air is available from its international airport, where frequent services from London and other major cities arrive.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Southampton?
Main departure station: Overline House
There are two stations in Southampton where you can board the train to Luton.
All train stations in Southampton:
Overline House
Woolston
Where is the train station in Luton?
Main arrival station: Luton Railway Station
Luton receives travelers from Southampton at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Luton:
Luton Railway Station
Luton Airport Parkway
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Luton to Southampton?
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