Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit weather-wise are late spring to early autumn, with peak tourist season falling on the month of August. To avoid the crowds, plan your trip for June or July.

Passport & Visa

Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel. However, travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It is essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and ensure a smooth journey. Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

• Web:

  www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Airport

Southampton has its own international airport, serving approximately 50 destinations courtesy of around 12 airlines. It has the closest plane-to-train link of any European airport with frequent services to the city centre (8 minute journey time). Booking in advance can save you up to 43%. You can book your ticket online. www.thetrainline.com There are multiple bus services that operate between the city centre and the airport. The journey time from the city centre and the airport is approximately 30 - 40 minutes. The Uni-Link bus service operates between the airport, Southampton city centre and waterfront. www.unilinkbus.co.uk Velvet Bus runs to Hedge End and Eastleigh (stop located outside train station). The First Group run hourly buses between the airport and city centre. www.firstgroup.com Wheelers Connect line operates on weekdays, and runs between Airport Parkway, Eastleigh Bus Station, Boyatt Wood, Chestnut Avenue, RSH Hospital and the city centre of Southampton. Southampton Airport is easily accessible by car from the M27 and the M3, which is connected to the M25, so to the whole country. There are over 200 taxi companies serving Southampton airport and the surrounding areas, many of which specialise in airport taxis and can offer great rates.

• Web:

  www.southamptonairport.com

• Address:

  Southampton International Airport, Southampton

• Phone:

  +44 844 481 7777

Taxi

There are several taxi companies serving Southampton and the surrounding areas. Star Taxis - Southampton +44 744 332 2004 www.startaxiuk.co.uk Radio Taxis House +44 23 80 666 666 www.radiotaxis-southampton.ltd.uk Nick Rumsey Taxi Service +44 7870 198968 This small taxi company service clients throughout Southampton. Specialising in long distance travel, wheelchair accessible and six seats vehicle is available.

Buses

Southampton has a wealth of public transport links to help you get around the city and further afield. However, keep in mind that transport tickets purchased for use of a particular line cannot be used on others. Most buses stop at the central train station. Regular inter-urban services link to and from Southampton operated by: First Group www.firstgroup.com Bluestar www.bluestarbus.co.uk Velvet www.velvetbus.co.uk Wilts & Dorset buses www.morebus.co.uk Uni-Link www.unilinkbus.co.uk

Electricity

230/240V AC, 50Hz. Plugs have three square pins.