Travel
By Air
Southampton Airport
Southampton International Airport is just a few minutes from the University’s campuses by bus or taxi. It offers a full range of UK domestic flights, as well as services to mainland Europe and the Channel Islands.
London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow is located east of London and approximately 65 miles from the University of Southampton. The easiest way to reach Southampton is by road, either by car or via National Express, which operates a direct coach service from all Heathrow terminals to Southampton, with an average journey time of around 90 minutes.
London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick, situated about 80 miles south of London, also provides convenient access. A train station in the South Terminal offers services to London and beyond. Travel to Southampton Central Station typically involves one change.
London City Airport
London City Airport is located in east London, approximately 80 miles from Southampton. It offers a range of short-haul UK and European flights. From London City Airport, Southampton can be reached by public transport via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) connecting to the London Underground and mainline train services from London Waterloo, or by road. The total journey time is typically around 2–2.5 hours.
Bournemouth Airport
Bournemouth Airport, located about 24 miles from Southampton, also offers a range of low-cost flights. Trains from Bournemouth Central Station provide convenient connections to Southampton Central Station.
By Rail
Fast trains from London and from Bournemouth/Weymouth stop at Southampton Central and Southampton Airport Parkway. Services from Portsmouth and from Bristol/South Wales call at Southampton Central. Slower trains from London and Bournemouth/Weymouth also stop at Swaythling Station, close to the Highfield Campus.
By Bus or Coach
National Express offers regular coach services from central London, Heathrow, Birmingham, Bournemouth, and locations across the North. Coaches arrive at Southampton Coach Station on Western Esplanade in the city centre. Uni-link buses connect the city centre and both train stations—Southampton Central and Southampton Airport Parkway—with the University’s campuses.
By Car
Southampton is 75 miles (120 km) from London and 21 miles (35 km) from the Channel ports. The M3 and M27 motorways, along with the A34, provide fast, direct access, while the A36 is the main route to the West Country, Bristol, and Wales.
Visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Information
Even if you have travelled to the UK before, all attendees are advised to check whether they require a visa to enter the UK. Please refer to the online form for guidance.
Please also note that, in some cases, a visa may be required when transiting through another country. Review your travel itinerary carefully and consult the appropriate government website for transit visa requirements.
Participants who require a visa should contact the organisers at icdms26@soton.ac.uk to request an invitation letter.
By April 2025, all visitors who do not require a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter or transit through the UK. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years, or until the holder's passport expires – whichever is sooner.
Additional information on ETA requirements is available on the UK Government website.