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Southampton (SOU) Airport Guide

Airport Name

Southampton International Airport

Airport Location

The airport is located 6.5km (4 miles) northeast of Southampton.

Terminals

1

IATA Code

SOU

Telephone

+44 (0)870 040 0009

Airport Overview

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Home to the first test flight of the Spitfire, Southampton International Airport is located 6.5km (4 miles) northeast of Southampton in the Borough of Eastleigh. In 2008 the airport won the Airports Council International Airport People Award for its dedication to customer service and satisfaction, and in 2010, it served just over 1.7 million passengers.

Comprising one terminal building for both international and domestic flights, with adjacent short- and long-term parking lots, the airport’s runway is said to be built over the remains of a Roman villa.

Although small and lacking in shops and restaurants, Southampton International is generally efficient in terms of checking in, security and boarding. Moreover, its close proximity to a number of transport options makes it a breeze getting in and around the city of Southampton.

In general, Southampton International is a quick in-and-out airport. It’s small size makes it easy to navigate and its warm and friendly staff make it a pleasure to visit.

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Terminal Transfer

<div class="rxbodyfield">Both international and domestic flights are served by one terminal building; all gates are within close walking distance of one another.</div>

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Getting into Town

Train: With just a 50-metre, or 60-second, walk between station and terminal, Southampton boasts one of the fastest plane-to-train connections in Europe. Journey time to central Southampton is eight minutes and the fare is £3.10.

Bus: The U1C bus service runs between the airport, Southampton University, the city centre and the ferry terminal. Buses depart every 15 minutes during weekdays and every 20 minutes at weekends. Fare is £2.

Taxi: Taxis may be ordered at the desk near the exit in the main concourse, after which you will be collected from the curb side outside the terminal building. Fare to the city centre is £15-16; pre-booked taxis charge £10-11.

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Car Parking

Short-term parking is recommended for stays of less 24 hours and is located adjacent the terminal building. The first 10 minutes are free, after which you’ll pay £2.70 for 30 minutes, £3.80 for one hour, £6.40 for two hours, £7.50 for three hours, £8.70 for four hours, £14 for six hours, £17.80 for six to nine hours, £20 for nine to 12 hours, £21.60 for 12-18 hours and £23.70 for 24 hours. Long-term parking is located further from the terminal; fees are charged at £10.50 per day (minimum stay three days). Transfer to and from the terminal via a shuttle service takes five minutes.

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Information Desks

Information desks are situated in both domestic and international baggage claims areas.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: A bureau de change is located on the main concourse before security, open for all international flights. There is an ATM located on the main concourse (before security) and one on the second floor of the Departures Lounge (after security). There is a post box immediately outside the short-term car park adjacent to the terminal; and telephones throughout the terminal.

Eating and drinking: Restaurants and bars are situated throughout the terminal building.

Shopping: There is a newsagent/book store before security, which also sells snacks and games. A range of tax- and duty-free goods are also available after passport control, open for all flights.

Luggage: For items lost whilst at the airport, go to the information desk in the terminal building. If an item is discovered lost once travellers have left the airport, there is a lost property information line (tel: (0)23 8062 0021). Trolleys are available free of charge throughout the terminal building.

Other facilities: These include a baby care room situated on the main concourse, a first aid room situated by the Arrivals exit on the main concourse.

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Car Rentals

Car rental companies at Southampton International Airport include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, National, Alamo and Enterprise.

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