Heathrow to Southampton: getting to Southampton cruise terminals after midnight

National Express lists fares from 17.40 pounds one way, with a fastest journey of 1 hour 25 minutes from Terminal 5. Route 032 runs up to 14 times a day, with a first departure from Heathrow Central Bus Station at 01:10 and a last at 23:50. The coach stops at Heathrow Terminal 5, Winchester Park and Ride East and the University of Southampton before the coach station. From there taxis wait outside, and the terminals are 1.5 to 2 miles from the rail station, a 5 to 10 minute taxi. Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes door to door. Luggage is one large suitcase and one hand bag, which is tight for a cruise.

The RA2 coach runs from Heathrow to Woking station in about 50 minutes from Terminal 3, with a first departure at 03:50 and a last at 00:18 on weekdays. From Woking, South Western Railway trains run direct to Southampton Central in roughly 50 to 65 minutes. RailAir's online fare for Woking was 11 pounds in the notice we found, and the train adds around 16 pounds, so we show 27.50 pounds as an estimate. We could not confirm the train fare on an official page, and Advance tickets can start much lower. Add a 5 to 10 minute taxi from Southampton Central to your terminal. Check the last train from Woking on the day, because the final trains thin out in the late evening.

Take the Elizabeth line to Tottenham Court Road, the Northern line to Waterloo, then a South Western Railway train to Southampton Central. The TfL fare to Waterloo is 15.50 pounds, and a Southampton to Waterloo Anytime Day Single was 57 pounds on the day we checked, so 72.50 pounds in total, with Advance fares much cheaper. TfL's planner shows 136 to 141 minutes to Southampton Central. First weekday departure from Heathrow is around 05:36 and the last without a replacement bus section about 21:06. You change twice with cases and take a Tube escalator, so it suits light packers only. Add a taxi to the terminal.

For about 100 km, expect roughly 190 to 260 pounds, which is our estimate and not a published tariff. Agree a price before you leave, as not every driver will take a job this long. A fixed-price listing for the same route shows 180 pounds for a saloon, which is usually the better deal. Allow about 1 hour 45 minutes without traffic. The driver can drop you at your terminal door.

A standard saloon starts at about 180 pounds on the listing we checked, with executive cars from about 229 pounds. The listing counts four passengers with two suitcases, so for three people with cruise cases ask for a larger vehicle. The price is fixed, and the driver tracks your flight. Book at least a day ahead and give your terminal name, since Southampton has five.