Southampton Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Southampton Airport has its own railway station right next to the terminal: the train reaches Central Station in just 7-10 minutes, so staying in the centre is convenient even with a dawn flight. Those travelling by car or who prefer to stay near junction 7 of the M27 will find chain hotels 5 minutes from the terminal. The centre, between the medieval walls and Central Station, is the most practical base for trains to London; Ocean Village, on the harbour, is the natural choice for those leaving or arriving on a cruise, with hotels overlooking the marina.

West End, near the M27

Neighbourhood · 5 minutes by car from the terminal, near junction 7 of the M27; the centre is about 20 minutes by car.

Best for: those travelling by car or with a very early flight who prefer to stay 5 minutes from the terminal.

Pros

The closest to the terminal among the areas in this guide
Free parking and breakfast included, handy with a car

Cons

A car is needed: no pedestrian link to the centre or the harbour
Commercial area, no nightlife outside the hotel

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG: 5 minutes by car from the terminal, near junction 7 of the M27 and the Ageas Bowl, with breakfast and parking included.

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Centre and Central Station

City centre · Train from the airport to Central Station in 7-10 minutes, every 10-15 minutes; both hotels are a few steps from the station.

Best for: the best base for those heading to the historic centre, the medieval walls and Central Station for trains to London.

Pros

Steps from the medieval walls and the WestQuay shopping district
Central Station a few minutes away, handy also for London

Cons

Lively area at weekends, especially near the centre's venues
Hotel parking is almost always chargeable

Recommended hotels in this area

THE PIG in the Wall - Southampton: 12 rooms in a Georgian house set into the medieval walls, with a deli bar and home-made breakfast.
Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour: 173 rooms on the waterfront near West Quay, with an indoor pool, spa and views of the medieval walls from the restaurant.

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Ocean Village, the harbour and cruises

Neighbourhood · Taxi from the airport in about 20 minutes; the cruise terminals are a few minutes on foot or by taxi.

Best for: those leaving or arriving on a cruise and who want to stay on the marina rather than in the centre.

Pros

On the marina pier, with views of boats instead of the street
Panoramic sixth-floor terrace and spa with indoor pool

Cons

Further from the train station than the centre
Higher prices on days when large ships depart

Recommended hotels in this area

Harbour Hotel & Spa Southampton: Design hotel on the Ocean Village marina, a few minutes from the cruise terminals, with a panoramic bar on the sixth floor.

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