How to travel from Dover to Southampton, United Kingdom

The distance between Dover and Southampton is around 240km (149 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 30m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Dover to Southampton by train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out SouthamptonDover if you're planning a return trip.

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Train

Take the train to Stratford International and then to Southampton Central.

  • Duration2h 45m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £79($95)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

2 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
2
car
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Drive

Drive to Southampton.

  • Duration2h 30m
  • Distance240km (149 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Dover and Southampton

There are several options for getting from Dover to Southampton by train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around £76 ($90) and will take around 4h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £42 ($50).

The distance between Dover and Southampton is around 240km (149 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 192km (119 miles)

It takes around 2h 45m to get from Dover and Southampton by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 30m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Dover to Southampton is to drive which takes around 2h 30m and will set you back approx £42 ($50).

The cheapest way to travel between Dover and Southampton, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around £76 ($90) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Dover and Southampton. It typically takes around 2h 45m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Dover to Southampton. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Stratford International, Stratford station and Waterloo station. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 45m.

South Eastern Trains Service, South Western Railway and Southern Service run train services between Dover and Southampton. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 45m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Dover and Southampton. We recommend that you drive to Southampton. instead which will take 2h 30m.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Dover to Southampton. We recommend that you take the train to Stratford International and then to Southampton Central. instead which will take 2h 45m.

The closest major airport to Southampton is Southampton Airport (SOU) (SOU) which is approximately 6km (4 miles) from Southampton. Bournemouth Airport (BOH) (BOH) and Gatwick Airport (LGW) (LGW) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Dover and Southampton. The distance is around 240km (149 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Dover to Southampton is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 45m and will usually cost around £79 ($95).

How do I get from Dover to Southampton

Compare travel optionsbetween Dover and Southampton

Transport options from Dover to Southampton
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 2 similar
2h 45m
£79($95)
hourly256km (159 miles)
Train via London Bridge3hrs
£83($100)
hourly249km (155 miles)
Train via London Victoria4h 30m
£76($90)
hourly288km (179 miles)
Drive
2h 30m
£42($50)
on demand240km (149 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Dover and Southampton

Train operators

Airports near Southampton

The following major airports near Southampton offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

SOU
Southampton Airport (SOU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
6km (4 miles) from Southampton
BOH
Bournemouth Airport (BOH)
International Airport
Distance
33km (21 miles) from Southampton
LGW
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
International Airport
Distance
90km (56 miles) from Southampton