Southampton Cruise Port Transportations From Nearest Airports

Southampton Cruise Port Transportations From Nearest Airports

Marko Jovanović, 19 Jun 2025

Southampton Cruise Port is one of the leading cruise terminals in the United Kingdom. It is on the south coast of England and links well with airports in and around London. The port is about 130 km from Heathrow Airport, 155 km from London Gatwick Airport, and 190 km from London Stansted Airport.

Southampton Port, on England’s south coast, is one of the UK’s busiest for both cargo and cruise ships. It handles about 1.5 million containers a year and is second only to Felixstowe for container traffic. The port began in 1843 and has been fully run by DP World since 2015. Its sheltered spot, where the Rivers Test and Itchen meet, is protected by the Isle of Wight and has good road and rail access that avoids London traffic. Thanks to a rare “double tide,” large ships can enter for much of the day. The port includes the Old Docks (berths 20–49), Western Docks (101–110), and a container terminal now called SCT 1–5.

You can easily find your terminal and nearby facilities by checking the Southampton Cruise Port map.

Image by <a href=Grzegorz Lasota from Pixabay" />

Image by Grzegorz Lasota from Pixabay

Southampton Port has four main cruise terminals. Each terminal connects well with nearby motorways and train lines. The port handles many cruise lines with routes across Europe and the Atlantic.

  • Terminal 101 (City Cruise Terminal) is near the city centre and serves ships like MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line. It has a drop-off point and waiting area.
  • Terminal 106 (Horizon Cruise Terminal) is the newest terminal and uses shore power. It mainly hosts P&O Cruises and other major lines.
  • Terminal 107 (Ocean Cruise Terminal) is one of the busiest and works with cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. It has easy car and coach access.
  • Terminal 38 (Mayflower Cruise Terminal) is popular for long-haul cruises. It serves ships from Cunard and Princess Cruises. It has parking spaces near the terminal.

Southampton cruise port parking is available at each terminal with advance booking. Daily rates start around £12. Long-stay options and valet services are also on offer.

Southampton Cruise Port serves many routes, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the U.S., and transatlantic crossings. Its strong links to airports and rail make it one of the top ports for UK cruise travel.

<b>Cruise Transfers to Southampton Cruise Port </b>

Cruise Transfers to Southampton Cruise Port 

Private Cruise Transfers to Southampton Cruise Port 

Southampton Cruise Port welcomes passengers from all over the world. Many arrive through London’s major airports and need reliable ground transport to reach the port with ease.

Getting to your cruise ship smoothly is key, and Southampton cruise port transfers make it easier by offering direct transport from places like Heathrow, Gatwick, or central London. With four terminals in Southampton, AT cruise transfers help make sure you get to the right one without stress.

AirportTransfer.com offers private airport to port and port to airport transportation for travelers heading to or from Southampton Cruise Port. Our cruise transfer services are helpful if you have luggage, including meet-and-greet options and drop-off right at your ship.

AT drivers meet you at the terminal or gate, help with luggage, and drive you straight to your destination—no taxi lines or public transport hassle. You can choose a car that suits your group and bags, book online with fixed prices, and get door-to-door service from licensed drivers.

We also offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup and a 100% refund. You can manage bookings through our website or download the AirportTransfer App from the Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store.

Southampton Cruise Port is a key homeport for many major cruise lines, including

P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity, Fred. Olsen, Norwegian, Azamara, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and occasionally Disney. Popular ships like P&O’s Iona and Britannia, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, and Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas regularly sail from here. The port’s multiple terminals—City Cruise, Horizon, Mayflower, Ocean, and QEII—manage the high volume of ships and passengers, making Southampton a central UK cruise hub.

Southampton Cruise Port has many hotels to fit different budgets and needs, whether for a quick stay or one with cruise parking packages. Here are the hotels near Southampton cruise port are:

Premier Inn West Quay, the luxury Harbour Hotel by the marina, stylish Leonardo Royal, popular Novotel, trendy Moxy, and eco-friendly room2 Hometel. Budget chains like ibis and simple spots like The Star Hotel are also close by.

AirportTransfer.com offers hassle-free travel with Southampton hotel transfer services linking Southampton Cruise Port and hotels near Heathrow, Gatwick or central London.

<b>Bus Transfers to Southampton Cruise Port</b>

Bus Transfers to Southampton Cruise Port

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Bus Transfers to Southampton Cruise Port from Group Travel

AirportTransfer.com offers coach transfers from Heathrow, London Stansted, and Gatwick Airports to Southampton Cruise Port , made for groups and travel agencies.

AT driver meets your group at the airport and takes you all together straight to Southampton Cruise Port without extra stops. Not only does hiring a minibus keep your group together, it also avoids the hassle of multiple cars or public transport. Booking a group transfer saves time and money with fixed prices and no hidden fees. Coaches have plenty of space for luggage, perfect for cruise travelers.

Southampton Cruise Port has several terminals, and group transfers make sure you reach the right one easily. Bus hire service in Southampton also runs port to airport trips after your cruise, so your group can get back to Heathrow, Stansted, or Gatwick on time and stress-free. Contact us now to arrange your bus hire to Southampton Cruise Port for a stress-free journey across the island.

Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Gatwick Airport lies about 155 kilometers from Southampton Cruise Port, with a transfer time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Travelers often select Gatwick for its wide range of international flights and well-established facilities.

Gatwick Airport features two main terminals and handles flights from numerous destinations worldwide. Many cruise passengers prefer Gatwick due to its excellent connectivity and the variety of airlines serving key markets. Choosing Gatwick helps reduce overall travel time to the port, which is especially important for those catching same-day departures. The airport’s location allows for direct routes to the shipping terminal, minimizing the risk of delays on the day of departure.

How do you get from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port? There are several transfer options, including train, bus, taxi and private transfer. You can also use Uber, Bolt or Free Now, but these services may be less available in rural or less populated areas. The pre-booked Gatwick airport transfer option is ideal, offering the added benefit of a convenient door-to-door service.

Image by <a href=Olle August from Pixabay" />

Image by Olle August from Pixabay

So, How do you get from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port? There are several transfer options, including train, bus, taxi and private transfer. You can also use Uber, Bolt or Free Now, but these services may be less available in rural or less populated areas. The pre-booked Gatwick airport transfer option is ideal, offering the added benefit of a convenient door-to-door service.

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Bus from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: The bus trip from Gatwick Airport South Terminal to Southampton Cruise Port takes about 3 hours and 5 minutes, including transfers.

Key Point: Take bus UK900 for about 5 minutes to Gatwick North Terminal in Crawley at Gatwick Airport South Terminal. From there, catch the same bus line UK900 for 55 minutes to Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 via Slough.

At Heathrow Terminal 5, transfer to bus 205. This bus travels for 1 hour and 25 minutes toward Poole, stopping at Southampton Library.

From Southampton Library, take bus U6C for 30 minutes toward Central Station. Then, transfer to bus 12 for 6 minutes, which stops near Southampton Cruise Port at Regents Park Road.

Bus Fare from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The ticket price ranges between €32 and €46 for the full journey from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port.

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Train from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: The train from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes. There is no direct train, so one transfer is needed.

Key Point: Start at Gatwick Airport station. Take the train to Clapham Junction. This part takes about 25 minutes.

At Clapham Junction, change trains to go to Southampton Central station. This leg lasts about 1 hour and 19 minutes.

After arriving at Southampton Central, take a short bus ride (Bus Line 12) from the station to Southampton Cruise Port. This bus ride takes around 8 minutes.

Train Fare from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The train fare from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port ranges from €49 to €108.

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Taxi from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: The taxi ride from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Southampton Cruise Port takes around 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Key Point: You can find taxis waiting outside the arrivals area at Gatwick Airport. The total time can change with traffic, road works, or time of day. Large suitcases may also add extra charges. You can also book a private Gatwick airport taxi in advance if you want a set price and a quicker pick-up.

Taxi Fare from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The taxi fare from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port is around €200.

Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Heathrow Airport (LHR) is around 130 km from the Port of Southampton, and the drive usually takes around 1 hour. For many, the best airport to Southampton Cruise Port is Heathrow because of its flight availability, wide range of international routes, and ground transport connections.

LHR remains the top airport pick for travelers sailing from Southampton. It serves five terminals and offers nonstop flights to and from major cities across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport connects with the M3 motorway, which takes you directly to Southampton.

Cruise passengers often arrive at Heathrow because it gives them plenty of flight choices and better shipping coordination with their cruise schedules. Most major cruise lines set sail from Southampton, and many travelers prefer Heathrow for its reliable transport links and simple customs process.

Image by <a href=Monica Volpin from Pixabay" />

Image by Monica Volpin from Pixabay

So, How do you get from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port? There are several transfer options to get from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port , including train, bus, taxi and private transfer. Heathrow airport transfer option to Port of Southampton is the easiest choice, with door-to-door service available any time, day or night.

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Bus from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: The bus trip from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Southampton Cruise Port takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. There isn’t one single bus line that goes straight to the port, so you’ll need to make a couple of short transfers once you reach Southampton.

Key Point: Board the UK061 coach going to Southampton from Heathrow Central Bus Station. The ride takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes. The coach stops at Southampton Central Station.

Once you arrive in Southampton, switch to a local bus. Walk a short distance to ASDA & Marlands and catch bus line 12 heading towards Calmore. This ride lasts about 9 minutes and stops at Regents Park Road, which is a short walk from Southampton Cruise Port.

The total trip covers the distance between Heathrow Airport and Southampton Cruise Port in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Bus Fare from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The bus fare from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port ranges from €14 to €18 per person.

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Train from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: The trip from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Southampton Cruise Port takes around 2 hours and 38 minutes. You’ll need to take a mix of train and bus services with a few transfers along the way.

Key Point: Start your trip at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. Take the Elizabeth Line train to Slough. This part takes about 9 minutes. From there, walk to the nearby stop and take bus line RA2 to Woking Station Southside. This ride takes about 33 minutes.

At Woking Station, switch to the South Western Railway train. This train takes you to Southampton Central Station in about 59 minutes.

When you get to Southampton, transfer to bus line 12 from the nearby stop at Central Station. This local bus takes around 8 minutes and drops you off at Regents Park Road, which is a short walk from the cruise port.

Train Fare from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The train fare from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port is around €48 to €111 per person.

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Taxi from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: The taxi ride from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Southampton Cruise Port takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Key Point: You can take a taxi directly outside the arrivals area at Heathrow. Taxis charge based on time, distance, and traffic. If the roads are busy or you have extra luggage, the price might be higher.

Taxi Fare from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The total cost for a one-way taxi from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Port is around €120.

London Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

London Stansted Airport (STN) is around 190 km from the Southampton Cruise Port. The transfer takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. STN is a preferred airport for some cruise passengers flying in from European destinations because of its large number of low-cost flight connections.

Stansted serves as a major base for Ryanair and other budget airlines, offering frequent flights from cities across Europe. Passengers often choose Stansted when looking for affordable flights into the UK. For those connecting to a cruise from Europe, it can be a practical entry point.

If you're flying in through STN, planning extra time for the overland journey to Southampton is important. Though the airport is farther from the port compared to Heathrow or Gatwick, many travelers use it for cost savings or better flight times.

Image by <a href=Bruno from Pixabay" />

Image by Bruno from Pixabay

So, How do you get from Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port? You can book a private taxi, bus, train and taxi. Private Stansted Airport taxis offer the most direct route and include a pick-up from the arrivals hall and a drop-off at the cruise terminal.

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Bus from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: The bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Southampton Cruise Port takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Key Point: You start your trip at the Coach Station at Stansted Airport. From there, take a bus on line 727 or 728 to Heathrow Central Bus Station. This part takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. These buses run every 3 hours.

At Heathrow, change to another bus on line UK061. This next leg goes from Heathrow Central Bus Station to Southampton Central Station.

Once you reach Southampton Central Station, take a local bus to the cruise port. Lines 12 and 9 (plus a few others) stop nearby. This last bus ride takes about 6 minutes and drops you off at Regents Park Road, a short walk from the port.

Bus Fare from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The bus fare from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port costs between €33 and €45 per person.

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Train from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: The train ride from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Southampton Cruise Port takes about 2 hours and 56 minutes. There is no direct train to the cruise port. You will need to make several changes and take a short bus ride at the end.

Key Point: Take the Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street. This ride takes about 50 minutes.

At Liverpool Street, walk to the Underground and take the Central Line for 2 minutes to Bank Station. Then take the Northern Line to London Bridge Station. After that, transfer to the Jubilee Line and go to Waterloo Station.

From Waterloo, take a South Western Railway train to Southampton Central. This ride takes around 1 hour and 22 minutes.

At Southampton Central Station, take a local bus toward Calmore. Get off at Regents Park Road. This stop is near the Southampton Cruise Port.

Train Fare from Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The train fare from Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port ranges from €62 to €133 per person.

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Taxi from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

Journey Time: A taxi from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Southampton Cruise Port takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Key Point: You can get a taxi right outside the terminal at Stansted Airport. All taxis charge based on distance, time, and traffic. The fare can rise if there’s heavy traffic or extra luggage.

Taxi Fare from London Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port

The taxi fare from Stansted Airport to Southampton Cruise Port is around €200–250. This price does not include possible surcharges.