How to get to the start of the SDW
Getting to the start or finish of the South Downs Way was quite easy compared to some National Trails as Winchester and Eastbourne both have railway stations with direct trains to London and other major towns and cities. The information below was correct in April 2017 but timetables and routes may have changed when you read this so please check with the major travel companies.
Getting to Winchester by train
Coming from the North you can get direct trains from Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or Newcastle to Winchester but there are more trains that come from London Waterloo station so it's probably easier to get a cheaper and more regular train into London then get the Underground (it was easier than I thought) to London Waterloo Underground Station then a train into Winchester. There are also regular trains from Weymouth, Southampton, Bournemouth and the South coast if you live around there.
Getting to Winchester by bus
National Express busses stop in Winchester on the 032 London Victoria To Southampton service, the 203 London Heathrow Airport to Portsmouth service or the 539 service from Glasgow that passes through Birmingham.
Getting to Winchester by plane
If you are arriving by plane, the nearest Airport is Southampton, then you can get a train into Winchester from there. Alternatively, get a plane to London Heathrow and then the National Express bus direct to Winchester rather than having to get trains into London, then Underground before another train to Winchester..
Getting to Eastbourne by train
If you are heading into London from the North, take the train to Kings Cross and then the Victoria Line underground train to Victoria Station. There are regular direct trains from London Victoria into Eastbourne. If you are arriving into London at other main stations you will have to travel on the Underground to Victoria Station.
Getting to Eastbourne by bus
National Express services run direct from London Victoria Coach Station to Eastbourne town centre.
Getting to Eastbourne by plane
There is a train from London Gatwick Airport into Eastbourne Railway Station, this begins at London Victoria Railway Station. A plane into Heathrow means having to get a train or bus into London city centre then the train or bus to Eastbourne from there.
