If you want to get with as little hassle as possible then getting the train is the best option.

If not just have a look at the remainder of the Southampton forum as many of the questions on it are about travelling between London & Southampton

Thanks for your response. I guess I worry that we don't know the stops. I also have my 72 year old mother travelling with me. I wonder how I will look after all the luggage and my mother as well. I also have been told that sometimes you have to walk quite away to get to the train itself? Some have told me that you sometimes have to go up stairs to different levels. Just don't know how easy that would be. I have never been to England, so I have no idea what to expect. Holly

Train is normally best option as avoids traffic congestion. Journey time is normally just over 1-1/4hrs. The starting station for the trip, London Waterloo, is a terminus thus all platforms on the main part of the station are on the same level thus there are no steps involved. Trains normally stop just short of the main concourse therefore it's only a few metres' walk to rear of trains.

I'm not sure of layout of Southampton station as it's some years since I was there. Stops in UK are normally announced a few minutes in advance which avoids the problem of 'missing the stop'.

I work in Southampton. The train is definitely the best way to get here from London. If you are travelling off-peak ( after 9:00 am ) the fare isn't too bad. The coach takes hours and would probably be uncomfortable for your mother.

You can exit from the London platform at the station straight onto a taxi rank with no stairs. Suggest a 5/10 minute taxi ride would not be too expensive. No real public transport alternative. As the previous comment said, the stations are announced so you shouldn't have a problem. Make sure you get off at Southampton Central.

Have a great cruise.

BC

RoHoHo, what transportation did you end up taking. My husband and I and 17 yr. old granddaughter are going on cruise in October but staying three days in London prior to cruise. Let me know how it went and approximate cost. The information will be greatly appreciated.

The only stops will be

Clapham Junction (still in London)

Optionally Woking

Optionally Basingstoke

Winchester

Southampton Airport Parkway

Southampton Central

(unless you fall asleep on the train and wake up in a train sehd in Weymouth of course)

It only takes 5 minutes to get from the airport to central. So when the train stops at the airport, you know your stop is next.

Really you can't go wrong, and the train is much much better than the bus for a 72 year old. There is usually a lot more space (unless you travel in rush hour for twice the price. Then expect to stand till Winchester. I strongly advise not to travel 5.50-7.35pm out of Waterloo for this reason),you can walk about, they serve food and drink(on a little trolley - it comes to you).

There are no double decker trains or anything like that in the UK. Only a single step from the platform into the carriage. At Southampton station there are two sides with a bridge connecting them but

a)you don't need to cross the bridge because whichever side of the station you exit there are taxis waiting

b)there is a lift up the bridge anyway.