Start your cruise the relaxed way
A cruise holiday usually means more luggage than any other trip – formal wear, shoes for every occasion, a fortnight’s worth of everything. Getting all of that from your front door to the ship by train is hard work. A pre-booked ukairportscabs.com transfer takes you, your party and every suitcase straight to the terminal building, at a fixed price agreed before you leave.
We run to all the main UK cruise ports from London, the Home Counties and every London airport, and we’re very used to timing a pickup around a flight landing and a ship’s boarding window.
The ports we cover
Southampton
The UK’s busiest cruise port, around 80 miles south-west of central London via the M3. Southampton has several cruise terminals – including the City, Mayflower, Ocean, Horizon and QEII terminals – and your ship will be allocated to one of them. Check your cruise documents and add the terminal name when you book so your driver takes you to the right berth. From central London the drive usually takes around 2 hours; from Heathrow, about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Dover
Dover’s cruise terminals sit in the Western Docks, around 75–80 miles from central London via the M20 or M2. Allow 2 hours or so from London, and roughly 1 hour 30 minutes from Gatwick. Dover is also the port for ferries to France – if you’re joining a cruise, make sure your booking says cruise terminal so we don’t take you to the ferry check-in.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth International Port, around 75 miles from London via the A3, handles a growing number of smaller cruise ships as well as ferries. From London it’s usually around 2 hours; from Gatwick, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Tilbury
The London International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury is on the Thames in Essex, around 25 miles east of central London. It’s the closest cruise terminal to the capital – typically an hour’s drive from the West End.
Harwich
Harwich International Port, on the Essex coast, is about 75 miles from London via the A12. It’s popular for cruises to Scandinavia and northern Europe. Allow roughly 2 hours from central London, or around 1 hour 30 minutes from Stansted.
Flying in to join your ship?
We regularly collect cruise passengers from Heathrow and Gatwick and take them straight to the port. Give us your flight number and ship’s name, and we’ll track your flight and plan the timing around your embarkation window. If your flight lands early and boarding hasn’t opened yet, just let your driver know – there are usually places near the port to stop for a coffee.
Plenty of room for luggage. For two people with cruise luggage, we recommend an estate or MPV rather than a saloon. For four or more, choose one of our 6 or 8-seater MPVs. Tell us about anything bulky – mobility scooters, folding wheelchairs or golf clubs – in the booking notes.
Coming home
Disembarkation mornings are busy, and the queue for taxis at the terminal can be long. Book your return journey in advance and your driver will be waiting when you walk out. Ships sometimes dock early or late, and disembarkation times vary by deck, so keep your driver’s number handy and we’ll work around you.
Cruise transfer FAQs
How much is a taxi from London to Southampton cruise terminal?
It depends on your pickup address and vehicle – enter your journey in the quote form above for an instant fixed price.
Can you collect us from Heathrow and take us to our ship?
Yes. We track your flight and plan the transfer around your ship’s boarding time.
Which vehicle do I need for cruise luggage?
For two people, an estate or MPV gives you plenty of room. For larger groups, choose a 6 or 8-seat MPV. If in doubt, call us and we’ll advise.
Can you pick us up when we get off the ship?
Yes – book a return and give us your ship’s name and expected arrival date. Your driver will be waiting at the terminal.