Southampton is one of the busiest cruise ports in Europe and the main gateway for many passengers sailing to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and across the Atlantic. If you are planning a cruise from here, it helps to know what to expect, which terminal you need, and how best to travel to and from the port.
Where is Southampton Cruise Terminal
Southampton is located on the south coast of England, about 80 miles from London. Most transfers from Heathrow to Southampton take around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, while Gatwick to Southampton is closer to 2 hours.
The port itself is large and spread across the city waterfront, so knowing the right terminal before you set off is important.
The Four Cruise Terminals in Southampton
Southampton is home to four dedicated cruise terminals, each with its own location, layout, and facilities. While your cruise line will tell you which one to use, it’s worth checking your e-ticket again in the days leading up to departure, as last-minute changes can happen.
Mayflower Cruise Terminal (Berth 106)
The Mayflower Cruise Terminal is one of the busiest and most established in Southampton. Located on the Western Docks, it is often used by major cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Cunard, and others operating larger vessels.
- Facilities: Spacious check-in area, restrooms, refreshment options, and dedicated luggage drop-off.
- Access: Well connected to main roads with good space for cars, coaches, and private transfers. Pre-booking parking is advised.
- Nearby: A short drive to West Quay Shopping Centre and the SeaCity Museum.
For more detail, see our Guide to Mayflower Terminal in Southampton.
City Cruise Terminal (Berth 101)
Located close to the city centre, the City Cruise Terminal is popular with lines such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
Facilities: Check-in desks, café, seating areas, and efficient boarding.
Access: Very central, so handy for hotels and restaurants, though city traffic can be heavier.
Nearby: Within walking distance of the medieval walls, Tudor House Museum, and Guildhall Square.
A good choice if you’d like to explore Southampton before boarding.
Ocean Cruise Terminal (Berth 46)
Found in the Eastern Docks, Ocean Cruise Terminal handles some of the world’s largest ships, with Carnival UK and Norwegian Cruise Line often sailing from here.
Facilities: Large departure lounge, luggage handling, and modern design.
Access: Easy drop-off and pick-up points for taxis, coaches, and private cars. Slightly further from the city centre.
Nearby: Ocean Village marina, with restaurants and bars overlooking the water.
Known for smooth and efficient check-in, even on busy days.
Horizon Cruise Terminal (Berth 102)
The newest terminal, opened in 2021, designed with sustainability and passenger comfort in mind.
Facilities: Bright interiors, wide check-in areas, excellent accessibility, and shore power for ships.
- Access: Located in the Western Docks with excellent vehicle access and clear signage.
- Nearby: Close to West Quay and central Southampton.
Built to handle the largest cruise ships and praised for its efficiency.
Travel to Southampton Cruise Terminal
Getting to Southampton is straightforward, but the best option for you depends on where you’re coming from, how much luggage you have, and how much flexibility you want on the day. Below are the main ways to travel.
By Car or Private Transfer
For most cruise passengers, a road transfer is the easiest and most reliable choice. This is particularly true if you are flying into Heathrow or Gatwick, as both airports are around two hours away from Southampton.
Heathrow to Southampton: Roughly 80 miles, taking about 1 hour 45 minutes in light traffic. The M3 motorway is the main route.
Gatwick to Southampton: About 100 miles, usually 2 to 2.5 hours via the M25 and M3.
London to Southampton: From central London, travel time is typically 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the departure point and traffic.
Private transfers mean you travel directly from your flight, hotel, or home to the cruise terminal without changes. They are especially useful if you have multiple suitcases, are travelling with children, or simply want a smooth start to your holiday.
If you’d like to check how long the drive would take based on your landing time or hotel address, you can use our booking form to get an instant estimate.
By Train
Southampton Central station is well connected, with fast trains from London Waterloo taking around 1 hour 20 minutes. However, bear in mind:
- Trains can be busy, especially at weekends and during commuter hours.
- You will still need a taxi or shuttle to your cruise terminal, which takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
- Managing heavy cruise luggage on trains can be awkward, particularly on platforms or if the train is crowded.
Trains are a good option if you are travelling light or staying in London before your cruise, but less convenient for families or those with mobility needs.
By Coach
Coach services run from Victoria Coach Station and Heathrow Airport directly to Southampton. They are usually the cheapest option, but journey times can be long (over 2.5 hours from Heathrow, longer from London).
Coaches also run to a fixed timetable. This means you may have to wait around if your flight lands late or early, which is not ideal on embarkation day.
If you’re weighing up train or coach versus private transfer, we’re happy to suggest the option that best fits your timings. You can contact us with your flight or hotel details for tailored advice.
When to Arrive at the Port
Timing is one of the most common worries for cruise passengers. Arriving too early may mean waiting before check-in opens, but arriving too late risks missing boarding.
Here are some general guidelines:
Check-in windows: Cruise lines usually give you a suggested arrival slot on your ticket. Boarding often starts around midday and continues until 2–3 hours before sailing.
Early arrival: If you reach the terminal early, there are seating areas inside, though space can be limited. Some travellers use the time to explore Southampton or enjoy a meal nearby before heading in.
Day-of-flight arrivals: If you are flying into Heathrow or Gatwick the same day, allow at least 90 minutes to clear customs and collect luggage before setting off. For peace of mind, it’s best to book a transfer that departs about 2 hours after your scheduled landing time.
Overnight stays: To reduce stress, many passengers choose to stay overnight in London or Southampton before their cruise. Southampton has a range of hotels near the terminals, from budget to luxury, which makes for an easy transfer in the morning.
A useful rule of thumb: aim to be at your cruise terminal at least 2–3 hours before the ship is due to sail. This gives you time for security, check-in, and boarding without rushing.
If you’d like a recommended pick-up time based on your flight number or hotel, simply send us your details and we’ll advise on the safest window.
Luggage, Families, and Accessibility
Luggage: Terminals have porters, but handling multiple large suitcases is easier if you travel by car or private transfer.
Families: Child seats are required by law in private vehicles. Check that your provider offers them in advance.
Accessibility: All Southampton cruise terminals are wheelchair-friendly, with accessible toilets and drop-off areas. Some private vehicles also provide step-free access - always request this at the time of booking.
Disembarking at Southampton
The end of a cruise can be just as important to plan as the start. Ships usually dock early in the morning, often between 6 am and 7 am, and passengers are called to disembark in groups from around 7:30 am onwards.
Customs and luggage: After leaving your cabin, luggage is collected the night before and sorted by colour-coded tags. It is available to collect in the terminal once your group is called. Keep essentials and valuables in your hand luggage.
Timing for onward travel: Most passengers are off the ship by 9:30–10 am. This leaves plenty of time for onward journeys to London, Heathrow, Gatwick, or beyond.
Same-day flights: It is possible to fly home on the same day as disembarking. For Heathrow, aim to book flights departing after 1 pm to allow time for transfer and airport check-in. For Gatwick, early afternoon flights are usually safe.
Private transfer advantage: A dedicated car or minibus means you can leave as soon as you clear customs. This is especially useful if you’re trying to catch a flight or connect with a train.
If you have a late flight, instead of waiting at the airport, you could add a short sightseeing stop on the way. Stonehenge, Windsor, and Winchester are popular choices and easy to include in a transfer. See more ideas in our Southampton shore excursions and our full excursion list.
If you want to make the most of your day after disembarkation, you can contact us for tailored suggestions and timings.
Things to Do in Southampton Before or After Your Cruise
Southampton is more than just a gateway. It has a rich maritime history and plenty of attractions worth exploring if you arrive early or stay after your cruise.
Explore Southampton City
- SeaCity Museum: Learn about Southampton’s connection to the Titanic and its wider maritime heritage.
Tudor House & Garden: A restored historic house with exhibits and beautiful gardens.
- The Old Town Walls: Walking sections of the medieval city walls gives a sense of Southampton’s past.
- West Quay Shopping Centre: Modern shopping with plenty of dining options, ideal for last-minute items before boarding.
Take a Short Day Trip
If you have a few hours before check-in or after disembarking, there are several easy excursions nearby:
Winchester: A historic city just 20 minutes away, home to Winchester Cathedral and charming medieval streets.
Stonehenge: One of the world’s most famous prehistoric sites, about an hour’s drive from Southampton.
The New Forest: A national park with free-roaming ponies, scenic villages, and country pubs, only 30 minutes away.
Windsor: Perfect for those heading back toward Heathrow, Windsor offers a chance to visit the iconic castle and riverside town.
You can explore more ideas and ready-made options in our tours and activities section.
About Us – London Cruise Transfers
This guide is written by London Cruise Transfers, specialists in chauffeur-driven transport between London, the airports, and Southampton. With years of experience, we know how to match transfer timings with cruise check-in and disembarkation slots.
If you’re planning your journey and want a reliable, straightforward transfer, you can get an instant quote and book online or contact us for advice tailored to your trip.
