Changes to step-free access at Southampton Central until late-August 2026.
The three lifts at Southampton Central station are currently being refurbished to improve their long-term reliability.
The refurbishments are being carried out in phases, with each lift being worked on at different times.
While work is taking place, step-free access will not be available to or from certain platforms.
The work is expected to be completed in late-August.
How will this affect my journey?
If you need lift access to, from or between the affected platforms and cannot use the stairs, you will still be able to use Southampton Central station. However, during the various phases of the work, you may need change and travel via alternative train services that use different platforms at Southampton Central.
From Wednesday 20 May until early-July
The lift serving platforms 2 and 3 at Southampton Central station is not available during this period. Southern trains to or from Brighton use these platforms.
Therefore, during this phase of the works, there is no step-free access for Southern services at Southampton Central.
If you are travelling TO Southampton Central on a Southern service, and require step-free access, you should alight at Fareham and change on to an alternative GWR service (to Cardiff Central) to continue your journey to Southampton Central. These GWR services call at platform 4 at Southampton Central, where a lift is available.
If you are travelling FROM Southampton Central and need to get a Southern service towards Brighton, you are advised to travel on an alternative GWR service from Platform 1 (heading towards Portsmouth Harbour) to Fareham. Change at Fareham for a Southern service to continue your journey towards Brighton.
Your Southern ticket will be valid on alternative GWR services between Fareham and Southampton Central.
You can check alternative train and connection times using the National Rail Enquiries website.
Please speak to staff who can help you plan your journey and arrange any assistance that may be required.
From Thursday 2 July to late-August
During this phase of works, there will be no step-free interchange to or from platform 4 at Southampton Central. This will affect customers who are using SWR services towards Salisbury and Weymouth, CrossCountry services towards Bournemouth or GWR services towards Cardiff Central.
A free taxi service will be available to transfer customers to platform 1 to enter and exit the station, and for lift access to platforms 2 and 3.
Southern trains do not regularly use platform 4. Therefore, during this phase of work, step-free access for Southern services at Southampton Central will not be affected.
There is more information on the different phases and impacts of the refurbishment project on the SWR website here.
Further help and support
For help in planning your journey, please speak to a member of staff or contact our Assisted Travel team:
Phone: 0800 138 1016
Text phone: 0800 138 1018