Havant

How to Get to Havant

Havant is a well-connected town on the Hampshire/Sussex border. As it is outside the London transport network, you do not need a London Travelcard or zone-based ticket. Simply purchase a point-to-point ticket to "Havant" from your origin station.

From Airport

While Southampton (SOU) is the closest airport, most international visitors arrive at London Gatwick (LGW) or London Heathrow (LHR).

• From London Gatwick (LGW): Take the direct Southern train service.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
  • Price: Typically €10–€65 depending on how far in advance you book.
• From London Heathrow (LHR): There is no direct train. Take the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then transfer to the London Underground to London Waterloo. From Waterloo, take the direct South Western Railway service to Havant.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 2.5–3 hours.
  • Price: €45–€120 total.

Pro-Tip: Tickets can be purchased at station machines (choose the "English" option; all accept major credit/debit cards). For the best prices, book your train tickets 2–8 weeks in advance via the National Rail website or app.

From City Center (Portsmouth)

If you are starting from Portsmouth city center, you have two simple options:

• Train: Take a South Western Railway or Southern train from Portsmouth & Southsea station.
  • Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
  • Journey Time: 8–12 minutes.
• Bus: Take the 700 Coastliner bus from Portsmouth City Shops.
  • Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes.
  • Journey Time: 27–30 minutes.

By Taxi

Taxis are available outside the main entrance of Havant station. A ride from Portsmouth city center takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately €25–€35.

Platform Guide & Layout

Havant is a straightforward, through-style railway station with a simple layout that is easy to navigate once you understand its basic structure. Contrary to larger hubs, the station features only two main platforms, numbered 1 and 2, which serve all regional and intercity routes connecting the Hampshire and Sussex border area. Think of it as a clear, side-by-side arrangement where the tracks run directly between the two platforms.

Because Havant acts as a vital junction for the Portsmouth Direct Line and the West Coastway Line, both platforms are bi-directional. This means that a train heading toward London or Brighton might arrive at either Platform 1 or Platform 2 depending on the schedule and operational needs. Always check the departure information screens located in the main entrance and on both platforms to confirm which platform your specific train will use.

For first-time visitors, the main point of confusion is often the accessibility difference between the two sides. Platform 2, which typically serves trains heading toward Portsmouth and Southampton, offers level access directly from the main station entrance. In contrast, reaching Platform 1, which generally serves trains heading toward London and Brighton, requires using a footbridge. While this footbridge is equipped with lifts, there is also a ramped entrance (with a 1:10 gradient) available for Platform 1. If you are traveling with heavy luggage or require step-free access, please allow an extra five minutes to navigate the footbridge or the ramp system.

Because the station is compact, you do not need to worry about long walks between distant platforms. The entire station can be traversed in under two minutes, even at a leisurely pace. If you find yourself on the wrong platform, simply use the footbridge to cross over; the signage is clear and directs you to the correct side. If you need assistance, help points are conveniently located on both platforms, and station staff are available during operating hours to provide guidance. By keeping a close eye on the departure boards and allowing a moment to locate the lifts, your transition through Havant will be smooth and stress-free.

Havant station can be a bit confusing for a first-time visitor, but with a few insider tips, you’ll navigate it like a pro. I wish someone had told me these things before my first trip!

Before You Arrive

• Download the National Rail Enquiries app: Don’t rely on general maps. This app provides real-time train updates, platform changes, and, crucially, information on whether your station is currently experiencing disruptions.
• Book tickets online: Avoid queuing at the station. Use the official National Rail website or a reputable app like Trainline to buy tickets in advance. You can often save money by booking "Advance" tickets rather than buying them at the machine on the day.
• Don't overpack: Havant is a junction station, and you will likely need to navigate between platforms. If you have heavy luggage, you must be able to lift it yourself, as there are no porters available to help you.

At the Station

• Check the platforms carefully: Access to Platform 1 (toward London/Brighton) is via a 12m long ramp, while Platform 2 (toward Portsmouth/Southampton) has level access from the main entrance. There is a footbridge with lifts to move between them, but always check if the lifts are working on the station’s live departure board before heading up.
• Facilities note: Be aware that the toilets at Havant station are currently out of use until further notice. Plan your bathroom breaks before you arrive at the station.
• Food and drink: There are no shops inside the station itself. If you need snacks or water, grab them in the town centre (the Meridian Shopping Centre is nearby) before heading to the platform.
• Assistance: If you have mobility challenges, don't worry—staff are available to help you board or alight from trains. It is best to book this "Passenger Assist" service at least 24 hours in advance, though staff will always do their best to assist if you haven't.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming platforms are fixed: Never assume your train will depart from the same platform you arrived at. Platforms can change at the last minute due to delays. Check the digital departure screens 20–30 minutes before your train is due, not an hour or more in advance.
• Ignoring the ticket gate: Havant has ticket gates. Keep your ticket handy—you will need to scan it to both enter and exit the station. If you bought a digital ticket, ensure your phone screen is bright and the barcode is clear for the scanner.

Through station serving Havant, United Kingdom. Originally opened in 1847, the current station structure dates to 1938. It serves as a vital junction between the Portsmouth Direct Line and the West Coastway Line, providing essential regional and local connections to destinations including London Waterloo, London Victoria, Portsmouth, and Southampton.

For first-time international travelers, Havant is not a massive or overwhelming hub. It features a straightforward layout with two primary platforms, making it relatively simple to navigate. You will find the station well-signposted with clear English displays for departures and arrivals. While the station is not particularly complex, it is a functional site, so allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the local ticketing systems or need to locate specific platform access points.

A key detail for travelers is that platform allocations can occasionally change, sometimes appearing on departure screens 30 to 60 minutes before a train’s scheduled departure. Always check the digital displays upon arrival at the station to confirm your platform. For accessibility, the station is equipped with a footbridge featuring lifts, and there is level access to the main entrance and Platform 2.