Southampton Port is served by both the national rail and national coach networks in the city. There is also a local airport only 5 miles from Southampton cruise terminals.
By Car
The port is well connected by major roads and has dedicated and well-signposted routes to the port.
Southampton Cruise Terminals information:
Queen Elizabeth II (Berth 38/39): Dock Gate 4, Southampton, SO14 3GG
Tel +44 (0)23 8033 2389
Ocean (Berth 46/47): Cunard Road, Southampton, SO14 3QN
Tel +44 (0)23 8033 0730,
City (Berth 101): Western Docks, Southampton, SO15 1BS
Tel +44 (0)23 8071 0175
Mayflower (Berth 106): Dock Gate 10, Southampton, SO15 1HJ
Tel +44 (0)23 8033 0106
Horizon (Berth 102): West Bay Road, Southampton, SO15 1AW
Tel +44 (0)23 8048 8800
By Coach
There are often chartered services partnering with the cruise line, taking you directly from your local pick-up point to the cruise terminal so that you can enjoy a seamless experience. Further details of these services will be available via the cruise line’s website or your booking details on the cruise line’s website.
Serving P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Fred Olsen.
Tel: 01942 727985
Serving P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Cunard
Tel 0131 226 8511 or 0843 3742246
Southampton is served by the National Express network, with more details available on their website. Please note that travel on National Express will often involve a change at London Victoria. It is recommended that you take a taxi from the coach station to the ship.
By Train
The nearest train station is Southampton Central. The station is well served by taxis waiting to take you onward for the short 5-minute journey to the cruise terminal. Visit National Rail for train times.
By Air
Many regional airports will offer flights to and from Southampton Airport, for more information on this, please visit their website.
Southampton port has great transport links to and from London and its major airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. Heathrow being just 65 miles from Southampton and Gatwick 85 miles away.
From London Gatwick (LGW) to Southampton
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Direct Train:
Operator: Southern Railway operates direct trains from Gatwick Airport railway station (South Terminal) to Southampton Central.
Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours direct (alternative routes via Clapham Junction or Havant take roughly 2 hours 15 mins to 2.5 hours).
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Coach:
National Express coaches run between Gatwick and Southampton, but most routes require a change (often at Heathrow) and take upwards of 3 to 4 hours. For Gatwick, the train is generally faster and simpler.
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Private Transfer / Taxi:
Direct road journey via the M23/A272/M3 or A27 takes approx. 1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours.
From London Heathrow (LHR) to Southampton
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Direct Coach:
Operator: National Express runs regular direct services from Heathrow Central Bus Station and Terminal 5 directly to Southampton Coach Station.
Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours.
Luggage: Ideal for cruise travellers as coaches have large undercarriage hold space.
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Train:
There is no direct train from Heathrow to Southampton. You must take the RailAir coach (or Elizabeth Line) to Reading or Woking, then catch a direct South Western Railway / CrossCountry train to Southampton Central (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours total).
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Private Transfer / Taxi:
- Direct road journey via the M3 motorway takes approx. 1 hour 15 mins to 1 hour 45 mins depending on traffic. Pre-booking a licensed private hire service or cruise transfer is strongly recommended over hailing a black cab on the day.
The Final Leg: Reaching Your Cruise Terminal
Both coaches and trains arrive in Southampton city centre (Southampton Coach Station and Southampton Central railway station).
- Southampton has five active cruise terminals (Ocean, Mayflower, City, Horizon, and QEII).
- A short 5- to 15-minute taxi ride from either station will take you and your luggage directly to your designated terminal drop-off point. Taxis are readily available at the station ranks.