Trains from London Waterloo to Basingstoke from €24.78

Need to commute from London to Basingstoke for work? Or planning a day trip to the vibrant Hampshire town for a spot of shopping? South Western Railway offers frequent direct trains from London Waterloo to Basingstoke. But how long is the journey, and what can you expect along the way? Find all the information you need about the Waterloo to Basingstoke train route in our handy guide below.

Setting off from London Waterloo

London Waterloo railway station is a major transport hub, offering services to cities like Southampton, Reading, and Portsmouth. It’s operated by South Western Railway and ranks third among UK stations in terms of passenger numbers and features 24 platforms. As well as joining up with mainline rail services, this busy central London station has good connections with the London Underground, with the following lines serving Waterloo Underground station:

• Bakerloo
• Northern
• Jubilee
• Waterloo & City

There are also bike storage facilities if you’re planning to cycle there. Other station facilities include left luggage, seating areas, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, and water fountains, as well as free public Wi-Fi. You’ll also find an excellent array of shops and eateries to choose from, including:

• Boots
• M&S Simply Food
• Starbucks
• Pret
• Hotel Chocolat
• Lush

The ticket office opening hours are as follows:

• Monday to Saturday open from 05:30:00 until 23:15:00
• Sunday open from 06:30:00 until 22:30:00

What to expect on your journey to Basingstoke

The route from London Waterloo to Basingstoke is operated by South Western Railway, offering a direct service, with up to six trains an hour at peak times. You can check out the Waterloo to Basingstoke train timetable online. Covering approximately 46 miles (74 km), the journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, though it can be as quick as 40m when choosing a route with just one stop. This means that Basingstoke is easily commutable to London. On longer journeys, you'll travel through popular stops such as Clapham Junction, Woking, and Farnborough Main.

Many South Western Railway services feature quiet zones, ideal for a more peaceful trip. Free Wi-Fi is also available on many, although not all, South Western trains. Be sure to check our journey planner for detailed information, including stops, on your preferred journey.

First Class upgrades are generally available on services from London Waterloo to Basingstoke. In First Class, you’ll find wider seats with extra legroom, large tables, and at-seat wireless charging. Find out more about South Western Railway First Class here.

If you’re travelling at the weekend or on public holidays, you can upgrade to First Class at a special price, starting from just £5, depending on how far you’re travelling. You can look for this option when booking online or via the app, or just ask the guard onboard. All upgrades are subject to availability. It’s worth noting that there are no on-board catering facilities on any South Western trains, so make sure to stock up on any snacks or drinks at Waterloo before you start your journey.

Waterloo to Basingstoke train price

You can buy train tickets from London to Basingstoke from as low as €24.78 on Trip.com, with average prices for this route around €38.90. To ensure you get the most affordable fares, why not explore alternatives like split tickets? The cost of travelling from London to Basingstoke by train is generally less if you travel in advance, travel during off-peak times, or make use of available discounts, such as a Railcard, if relevant to you.

Arriving at Basingstoke

Arriving at Basingstoke train station, you’ll find all the facilities you need before your onward journey, including an ATM, toilets and baby changing facilities, seating areas, shops, public telephones, and a station buffet. Basingstoke train station has a total of five platforms.

Basingstoke is a vibrant town with excellent shopping and entertainment options. Just a short walk away, Festival Place shopping centre offers a range of stores, restaurants, and a cinema. The nearby Milestones Museum, accessible via local buses, provides a fascinating glimpse into Hampshire’s history, and the station’s strong transport links make exploring the town simple and convenient. The majority of local bus services in the town and the surrounding areas are operated by Stagecoach. The Stagecoach bus network links to places such as Alton, Andover, Tadley, and Whitchurch. The town is also easily accessible on foot or by bike, with pedestrian areas and off-road cycling routes available. Or there’s a taxi rank located directly outside the station if you’d prefer to take a black cab.

For more ideas on what to do during your time in the bustling Hampshire town, take a look at our Basingstoke travel guide. Thinking of extending your trip and staying in Basingstoke overnight? You can check out our Basingstoke hotels list for a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.