Southampton Port

Southampton Port is one of the busiest and most historic passenger ports in the UK, welcoming millions of cruise travellers each year. As the leading cruise hub in the country, the port serves as the departure and arrival point for a wide variety of domestic and international voyages. Whether you’re embarking on your first cruise or returning from an overseas journey, Southampton Port offers a seamless, well-connected experience that makes travel easy, efficient and enjoyable.

Cruise terminals in Southampton

Southampton is home to five dedicated cruise terminals, all located within close proximity to the city centre and designed to offer a smooth boarding and disembarkation process. These include the Ocean Terminal, Mayflower Terminal, City Cruise Terminal, Queen Elizabeth II Terminal (QEII), and the newer Horizon Cruise Terminal, which opened in 2021. Each terminal is well-equipped with modern facilities, accessible access points and comfortable waiting areas.

Cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises regularly operate from Southampton, with ships docked at various terminals depending on the cruise line and itinerary. All terminals feature baggage drop-off zones, check-in counters, security screening, and access to assistance services for those with mobility needs or additional requirements. Clear signage and helpful staff make navigating the terminals straightforward for first-time and returning visitors alike.

The terminals are within walking distance or just a short taxi ride from the central rail station and city centre. Southampton Port also has excellent wayfinding and real-time updates via official port websites, allowing travellers to confirm terminal details ahead of time. As cruise schedules can change, we strongly recommend checking your departure terminal at least 24 hours before your sailing.

Parking at Southampton port

If you're arriving in Southampton by car, you'll find a variety of parking options near the port’s cruise terminals. Several official and third-party operators offer secure, pre-bookable parking that caters specifically to cruise travellers, with options for short-term, long-term, meet-and-greet, and valet parking.

Official port parking is available through providers such as ABParking and CPS (Cruise Parking Services). These companies offer dedicated spaces right next to the cruise terminals or just a short walk away, providing a hassle-free experience on arrival.

For those looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, off-site providers such as Triangle Car Park offer park-and-ride options with complimentary shuttle services to and from the terminals. Pre-booking your parking not only secures your space but often provides better rates and helps avoid delays on embarkation day. It’s also advisable to allow extra time for drop-off, check-in, and any traffic delays, especially during peak cruise seasons.

Getting to Southampton port

Southampton is easily accessible by road, rail, air and even by coach, making it a convenient embarkation point for cruise travellers from across the UK and beyond. If you’re wondering how to get to Southampton Port, you’ll be pleased to know it is one of the most well-connected ports in the country.

For those travelling by train, Southampton Central Station is located less than 2 miles from the cruise terminals and is served by direct lines from London Waterloo, Birmingham, Manchester, and other major cities. Taxis and local buses are readily available outside the station, with journey times to the port typically taking less than 10 minutes.

If you're driving, Southampton sits just off the M3 and M27 motorways, making it easy to reach from London, the Midlands and the South West. Sat nav users can input their cruise terminal’s postcode, or head to the city centre before following signs for the port. Southampton is also served by National Express services from cities across the UK, with coach drop-off points not far from the terminals.

Flying in? Southampton Airport (SOU) is just 5 miles from the port and provides connections to domestic and European destinations. Taxis, local buses, and trains from the airport station (Southampton Airport Parkway) connect you to the port within 20–30 minutes. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are also viable options for international travellers, with direct coach and train services available.

Southampton port facilities and accessibility

Southampton Port is committed to offering an accessible and welcoming experience for all travellers. Each cruise terminal is equipped with accessible entrances, toilets, and seating areas, as well as assistance for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Most terminals also provide hearing loops, step-free access, and signage in large print.

Travellers requiring mobility assistance should notify their cruise operator in advance to arrange support on the day. Most terminals have drop-off points close to the entrance, and port staff are trained to support passengers during embarkation and disembarkation. Mobility scooter hire is also available in the city from select providers, and many cruise lines permit scooters onboard, provided they meet specific guidelines.