Getting to NOC

There are a number of ways to reach the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.

Local public transport and cycle maps are available in the NOC Southampton reception area and are downloadable from here: https://visitsouthampton.co.uk/your-visit/getting-around

On Foot

NOC is easily accessible via lit pedestrian walkways from Dock Gate 4 and Dock Gate 5. It is approximately a 5-minute walk from both dock gates. Please take care when crossing roads in the dock area due to large moving vehicles.

Cycling

NOC is well connected to the Southampton City Cycle Network. A dual-use cycle way is available from Dock Gate 4. Covered cycle parking is available next to the main reception. Shower and changing room facilities are also available onsite. Please note that ABP request all cyclists use bike lights and wear high visibility jackets when cycling through the dock area after dusk.

By Bus

UniLink Bus Service: The U1C to Dock Gate 4 starts at Southampton City Airport and travels directly to NOCS. The U1A to Southampton City Airport starts at NOCS, for Southampton Central Station alight at Asda. Timetables are available via the Unilink Bus website.

Current fares: £2 adult single, £4 dayrider (unlimited travel all day on all UniLink Services). All bus tickets are available to buy using cash or contactless, or on the app.

Timetables can be found on the Uni-link Bus website.

Quayconnect: A bus service that runs from Southampton Central railway station via Asda and West Quay to Town Quay (alight at the first stop on Town Quay), it is approximately a 15-minute walk to NOC from Town Quay. Please view the following walking directions for more information.

More information on this service can be found on the Bluestar website.

By National Express

National Express coaches call at Southampton Central bus station, which is a 5-minute walk to the Southampton Central railway station from where local buses can be taken to NOC.

Timetables can be found on the National Express website.

By Rail

Southampton Central is the nearest station to NOC, located approximately 20 minutes away on foot.

Alternatively, bus services U1C and U1A from the station will take you to NOC. Southampton Central is well connected to the UK’s national rail network, with frequent fast services from London, Bournemouth, and Portsmouth, amongst other major towns and cities.

Timetables can be found on the National Rail website.

By Car

On-site parking is available for visitors. Disabled parking bays are located close to the main reception.

For sat-nav systems, use the postcode SO14 3ZH.