What is the best way to get from London to Southampton?

Define "best."

And from what part of London?

And what day of the week are you traveling?

And how many are in your party?

And how old is everyone traveling?

And what time of day?

And why did you abandon your other thread?

And since you DID abandon your other thread -- WHY did you keep the same useless title?

Since you are new you probably don't realize that your tread is lumped in w/ every other one about anywhere in Europe.

(and w/o knowing where in London, how many, what time of day, budget, etc it is nigh on impossible to tell you the "best" way.)

Oh, I get it. Enigma1100 didn't see rex's post about how to see one's posts because s/he didn't know how to see one's posts.

So I guess it's safe to assume that s/he won't see this one, either.

HEY FODOR'S WEB GURUS! Whyncha put "Click here to see your threadsquot; instead of "Welcomequot; on the useless main screen?

It would save you about half your bandwidth.

I couldn't find my other thread. I am leaving on a Friday from the city. I could get to Victoria Station. There are four of us, ages 57-69, but all on the young side.

Trains to Southampton leave from Waterloo station, generally every half hour (www.nationalrail.co.uk).

I'm glad I gave you someone to needle a little. Now I know how to post.

Thanks to all!

Okay, that gives us a little more to go on. Obviously, the "best" way to travel is in the executive lounge of a private jet with vintage champagne on ice, but that may not be an option for you.

Failing that - Southern Trains has a DaySave ticket that will let you ride anywhere in their network for a day - four people for £20. Here's the scoop:

<b>http://go-ahead-ecommerce.com/sndaysave/TicketDetails.do</b>

Notice that weekday commute time is off the program (so Friday before 10AM is out), but maybe you can schedule around that.

Southern trains don't go directly from London to Southampton: there is an hourly Southern train from Victoria via Hove to Southampton, taking around two and a half hours which is about twice the time taken by fast trains from Waterloo to Southampton. It's probably quicker by bus than on the Southern train.

Thank you for all the information. We are traveling with lots of luggage. Would the bus be better?

Just for fun, I looked back at AuntIda's previous posts for one that was the least bit helpful.

You all sound like the people I work with.

Which one will taking me closest to the cruise ship I have to meet?

Thanks again, for all the help.