Getting around the city

Make travel a breeze

Navigating the city is an essential skill that will not only help you commute to campus but will also enable you to explore Southampton's vibrant surroundings. From public transportation to convenient independent travel, this is your guide to getting around the city with ease.

Embrace public transportation

Unilink (bus): The city's bus network provides connections to all of our campuses, the city centre, train stations, airport and more! It's a reliable and cost-effective option for getting around so, familiarise yourself with the routes, schedules, and bus stops near you to make your daily commute a breeze. 

National Express (coach): Travelling further afield? Then it's worth looking into travel by coach as it can be one of the cheapest ways to get around the UK. National Express runs services from Burgess Road all the way to London (and its airports) as well as Winchester.

Train: Take advantage of Southampton Central or Southampton Airport Parkway for faster and more efficient travel. It's well connected, but we'd recommend booking in advance for cheaper tickets and investing in a railcard if you plan on using the train frequently.

Ferry: Since we're right by the sea, you can easily hop on a ferry to get to the Isle of Wight. You can usually get a connecting bus to get from the port to the centre. Check out Red Funnel for a day trip to the Isle of Wight.

Pedal power with bicycles

Southampton is perfect for cycling around, with a huge network of on-road and off- road cycling routes. We provide plenty of secure bike sheds around campus as well. If you would like access to the secure cycle stores, please email your name and student/staff ID number to uni-cycle@soton.ac.uk. Access will be added to your ID card remotely. Please allow 48 hours for your card to be updated. For information on travel by bike, check out this handy cycling guide or plan your route using My Journey.

Explore on foot

If you live near the University or have destinations within walking distance, opt to walk. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also allows you to appreciate the city's architecture, discover hidden gems, and improve your overall well-being. Walking between campuses is often the quickest way to travel!

Ubers or Taxis

Ubers or taxis are a convenient way to travel around Southampton, but we  recommend trying the options above first, as using an Uber regularly can be expensive. Other taxi companies operating in Southampton include Radio Taxis, West Quay Cars, and many others. 

Parking

If you own a car, you will need a parking permit to be able to park at any of our Halls of Residence or on our academic campuses. Parking permits are only issued for students who meet certain criteria. To find out more please look at our student parking permits page. 

Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

Download the city map or use navigation apps (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) to familiarise yourself with routes, public transportation schedules, and any potential changes or disruptions.

As you can see, getting around is easy! Walk and cycle when you can and you'll save tons of money.

Halls Life Quality Check ✔ Updated August 2026 — Reviewed by TMW