Southampton International Boat Show 2008
Getting There
Whether by car, air, coach, rail or taxi, Reedsonline.com has the most exclusive and comprehensive guide on getting you there, plus a few handy tips on where to park. FREE! Downloadable road map inside
An enlarged map can be download at the bottom of this page
By Car
Wherever you're traveling from in the UK, the main task is to reach the M27. This is the north circular ring road if you like, which surrounds the greater Southampton area. On the various approach roads to the M27, there will be AA/RAC signs guiding you to the boat show. PLEASE TAKE NOTE THERE ARE NO PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES TO THE SHOW THIS YEAR. The organisers have offered no reasons for this, however with the loss of such a facility they concede that using public transport is highly recommended.
If you have no option, but to come by car, then you'll have to venture into central Southampton to park. If approaching from the east, then exit the M27 at junction 8 and either take the A3024 or A3025 into the city centre. The A3025 is the better and quicker route, but there is a 50p (60p peak times) toll over the Itchen bridge. Coming from the north and west, then follow the above as though for the park'n'ride, but continue on to reach the A33 and follow the signs for West Quay. Our downloadable city guide maps found on both the 'Where to Stay' and 'Where to Eat' pages, locates all the public car parks and spaces available. Please note, that some areas are reserved for exhibitors parking only. In particular, levels 12 to 15 of the West Quay multi-storey car park. There's a new 700 capacity multi-story car park located at the end of Neptune Way in Ocean Village and is run by MDL Marinas. It costs £8 to park all day and it's about a 15 minute walk to the east gate entrance of the show (for ticket holders only) or a 30 minute walk to the main ticket entrance of the show. Parking elsewhere for over 8 hours is £12 at Marlands, £10 at West Quay, £6 at Bargate and other Southampton City Council spaces. Wherever you park, remember to have plenty of £1 coins to feed the machines.
By Air
The nearest airport is Southampton International Airport which also has its own rail station. Intercity and commuter trains calling at Southampton City Central, regularly pass through this station approximately every 15 minutes.
By Coach
National Express has a coach station almost next to the show arena entrance. For your nearest agent call 08705 808080, or visit www.nationalexpress.com
By Train
Southampton City Central is served by Southwest Trains, Virgin, and Wessex Trains. For national rail enquiries, train times and fares call 0845 484950/6000650. Alternatively, visit www.swtrains.co.uk. and on their home page you will see their ‘Tickets and train times' menu panel. Enter your preferential date and time of travel, along with your nearest rail station and the destination of Southampton, and within a few seconds a table of times and routes will appear. Details of the route are available from the table, including a breakdown of any changes that may be required. Below the table, you can scan through the pricing of the train fares, which can be followed up with a secure on-line purchase of tickets. The return journey can be planned in a similar manner. There are ‘City Clipper' shuttle buses to and from the station for the boat show running approx. every 30 minutes. These buses can be picked up at the platform 4 exit of the rail station and at the Western Esplanade entrance of the show arena. Tickets are £1 single, £2 day rover, or £10 eight day rover.
www.cityclipper.co.uk
Should you wish to walk, it will take about 20 mins along the route highlighted on our city guide map. Give yourself 25 mins to walk back to the station at the end of the day- your feet will be considerably more tired!
By Taxi
A-2-B 02380 230863
B&S Cars 02380 789898
B&S Taxis 02380 366668
Bitterne Cab 02380 449756
Radio Taxis 02380 666666
Shirley Cabs 02380 392392
Smith 02380 866766
West Enders 02380 477000
Streamline 02380 223355
