Ultimate Guide to Cruising from Southampton - Travel Tips & Minicab from Heathrow to Southampton

If you are going on a cruise from Southampton for the first time and also want minicab from Heathrow to Southampton, or Minicab from Gatwick to Southampton this guide will be helpful for you. First-time cruisers might find this busy port confusing, so the Blue Airport Transfer team has created the ultimate guide including everything you need to know to cruise from Southampton. Whether you are driving, flying, or using public transport, this guide will provide the best travel options to reach Southampton and all the information you need to get to your cruise terminal. We'll also inform you about the best places to park, including the cheapest and safest options. Additionally, we'll guide you on where to stay, depending on your cruise terminal and how to reach the port. Lastly, we'll share some great spots in Southampton and nearby for ship spotting.

Travel Options to Southampton

Southampton welcomes around 2.5 million passengers each year and is well-connected with public transport and airport connections. Both the rail and coach stations are close to the city center, and all five cruise terminals are within a 10-minute minicab ride. The nearest airport is Southampton Airport, and the journey from the airport to the port by minicab takes about 20 minutes. Long-haul flights and international passengers mostly arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick. Heathrow is about 70 miles away and the journey by car takes around 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Gatwick is a bit farther, with a car journey taking approximately 2 hours.

By Car

If you are driving to Southampton, you will come via the M3 or M27 motorways. The exit for Southampton docks is well signposted from the motorway and there are also signs as you enter the city. Plan extra time for cruise days, especially during peak season, as Southampton can be busy. To avoid last-minute stress, we always recommend arriving a day early. All cruise terminals are well signposted in the city and can be accessed from the A33.

By Coach

If you are arriving by coach, Eavesway or Intercruises coaches will drop you directly outside the cruise terminal. You can also reach Southampton by National Express coach, but you will need to take a minicab from the coach station to the terminal.

By Train

If you are arriving by train, Southampton station is the one to get off at, and it is within a 10-minute minicab ride to all cruise terminals. You can use the Trainline app and website to plan your rail journeys and purchase tickets. Minicab are plentiful on cruise days and there are minicab ranks outside both the coach and rail stations. If you are arriving a day early, you can also pre-book a minicab from your hotel.

By Air

If you arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick or plan to stay in London for a few days, your cruise line might offer coach transfers or you can book a private transfer instead of traveling by rail or coach. If you want to pre-book a minicab from Heathrow to Southampton or minicab from Gatwick to Southampton, click on the buttons below.

Cruise Terminals in Southampton

Southampton has five cruise terminals, so it is important to know which terminal your cruise is departing from. These terminals are within approximately 2 miles of each other, but you don't want to arrive at the wrong terminal and then have to travel across the busy port city.

Queen Elizabeth II Terminal

The Queen Elizabeth II terminal is the farthest from the city, opened in 1966 and refurbished in 2016. It is accessed via dock gate 4, which is a short distance from the A33. This is not the busiest terminal in Southampton, but various cruise lines use it.

Ocean Terminal

The Ocean terminal opened in 2009 and is a large terminal that can accommodate big XL class ships like Carnival Celebration, Aida Prima, NOA, Arvia, and Iona. It is also accessed via dock gate 4. If you arrive too early for your embarkation, you may be asked to wait in a covered area outside.

City Terminal

The City terminal is the closest to the city center and can be accessed via dock gate 8 or dock gate 10. Ships sailing from the city cruise terminal include Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Fred Olsen Cruises.

Horizon Terminal

The Horizon cruise terminal is Southampton's newest cruise terminal, and if you are sailing with MSC cruises, it is likely you will sail from here. This terminal is also used by some cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Fred Olsen Cruises, and some smaller ships like Regent Seven Sea, Silversea, Azamara, and Oceania.

Mayflower Terminal

The Mayflower terminal opened in 1960 and was modernized in 2015. It is about a 25-minute walk from the rail station but can be reached in 5-10 minutes by minicab.

Checking Your Terminal

We suggest always checking the ABP Southampton website or Cruise Mapper to know which terminal your cruise is departing from. It is also important to check with your travel agent and cruise line just in case there are any last-minute changes.

Parking Options in Southampton

There are many parking options in Southampton, and we will inform you about the best places to park your car. Official port parking is the closest and most convenient, but it is also the most expensive. These are very secure and get booked quickly, so it is best to book in advance. Public car parks can be a cheaper alternative, but you might feel uneasy leaving your car in a public car park for 2 weeks. Park and cruise options are also available, including parking and transfers. Hotels also offer stay, park, and cruise deals which can be a convenient option for you.

Walking to Southampton Cruise Terminals

While you might arrive in Southampton by other means, you may wish to walk the last part of the journey on foot. Just remember that Southampton is not only a busy cruise port but also an industrial port. So it is always best to stick to the designated paths.

All 5 cruise terminals are within walking distance of Southampton City Centre.

Where to Stay in Southampton Before Your Cruise

Where to stay depends on four main things – your budget, who you’re sailing with, how you’re getting to port, and what terminal you’re departing from. Most hotels will get booked up very quickly in high season, so as soon as you’ve booked your cruise, it’s best to start making reservations.

Southampton Hotels with Stay & Cruise with Parking Deals

Centrally located

• Holiday Inn Herbert Walker Avenue
• Mercure Dolphin Hotel
• ibis Southampton
• Ibis Budget Southampton
• Leonardo Royal Hotel Grand Harbour
• Novotel Southampton
• Southampton, the Harbour Hotel & Spa
• Elizabeth House Hotel

A little further out

• Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel
• Holiday Inn Express
• Botley Park Hotel & Spa
• The Pilgrim Inn
• Hilton Ageas Bowl
• DoubleTree by Hilton
• Hunters Lodge Guest House

Cruise Terminals in Southampton