Southampton is the main cruise port on the south coast of England and one of the largest cruise ports in the world. It is also a turnaround port, where many ships begin or end their cruises. Ships dock at one of five cruise terminals, which are very similar to each other. This page covers the port, maps and meeting locations, general port information, and how to get to Southampton Central station, the airports and London.
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Important Meeting Instructions in Southampton
Where the port is
Southampton, on the south coast of England, about 80 miles (129km) southwest of London.
Where ships dock
Ships dock alongside at one of five cruise terminals: Mayflower, Horizon, City Cruise, Ocean and Queen Elizabeth the Second. The terminals are very similar, and your ship may dock at any of them. No tendering is required. Your cruise line will confirm which terminal your ship is using.
Exit your ship and enter the cruise terminal to collect your luggage. Then head toward the main exit, where drivers and guides wait holding welcome signs with passengers' names on them. Your driver or guide will be waiting in this area.
Video Flyover of the Southampton Cruise Port
This aerial flyover shows the Southampton cruise port, its five cruise terminals, and where drivers and guides meet passengers at the main exit.
Aerial imagery: Google Earth
Southampton Cruise Port Location
Port of Southampton cruise terminals, Southampton, Hampshire, England
About Southampton Cruise Port
Southampton is a large, busy cruise port and the main embarkation and disembarkation point in the United Kingdom. It is a turnaround port, so many ships begin or end their cruises here.
The Five Cruise Terminals
Mayflower Cruise Terminal
Horizon Cruise Terminal
City Cruise Terminal
Ocean Cruise Terminal
Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Cruise Terminal
The terminals are very similar in layout, and your ship may dock at any of them. Your cruise documents list your terminal.
Terminal Facilities
All five terminals offer only basic services, such as waiting areas and washrooms.
There are little to no restaurants or shops at the terminals, so plan ahead for anything you need.
Ships dock alongside the terminal, so no tendering is required.
Embarking and Disembarking
If you are embarking, you hand your luggage to port staff and go through the registration process.
If you are disembarking, you exit the ship and enter the cruise terminal, where you collect your luggage.
From there, head toward the main exit, where drivers and guides wait with welcome signs.
Turnaround days are busy, since passengers are leaving and boarding on the same day.
Distance to the City
Southampton Central station is roughly 1 to 2.6 miles (1.6 to 4.2km) from the five terminals, depending on which one your ship uses.
From the Mayflower terminal, the walk to Southampton Central is roughly 20 minutes.
The Old Town and the Ocean Village marina are within walking distance of the terminals.
Airports
Southampton Airport (SOU) is about 5 miles (8km) from the port, roughly 16 minutes by car.
London Heathrow (LHR) is about 66 miles (106km) away, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
London Gatwick (LGW) is about 88 miles (142km) away, roughly 1 hour 35 minutes by car.
Getting From the Port to Southampton, the Airports and London
Southampton is the gateway to London and southern England. Timetables change, so confirm current details before you travel.
Taxis and Rideshare
Taxis are available at all five terminals on a first-come, first-served basis.
A taxi to Southampton city center is a short ride.
Uber also operates in Southampton.
Train
Southampton Central station is the main rail station, roughly 1 to 2.6 miles (1.6 to 4.2km) from the terminals.
Direct trains run from Southampton Central to London Waterloo in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
Trains also connect Southampton Central with Southampton Airport and with the London airports.
On a turnaround day, trains and taxis can be busy, so allow extra time.
Coach
National Express coaches run between Southampton and London Victoria Coach Station, roughly 2 hours.
The coach stop is near Southampton Central station.
Driving
London is roughly 80 miles (129km) from the port, about 1.5 hours by car depending on traffic.
Heathrow is about 66 miles (106km) away and Gatwick about 88 miles (142km).
Traffic can be heavy on cruise turnaround days, so allow extra time.
Walking
The Old Town and Ocean Village are within walking distance of the terminals.
From the Mayflower terminal, Southampton Central station is roughly a 20 minute walk.
Check the distance from your terminal to your destination before you plan to walk.
About Southampton and the Surrounding Area
Southampton is a historic port city on the south coast of England, with medieval walls, a maritime heritage and easy access to London, Winchester, Salisbury and the New Forest.
A Brief History
Southampton has been a major port for centuries. The Mayflower sailed from Southampton in 1620, on the voyage that carried the Pilgrims to North America.
The RMS Titanic departed from Southampton on 10 April 1912, and the city has a strong connection to the story.
Parts of the medieval town walls still stand, including the Bargate, a gateway that once marked the entrance to the old town.
Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit
The Old Town and medieval walls, with the Bargate and sections of the city wall.
SeaCity Museum, with exhibits on Southampton's maritime history and the Titanic.
Tudor House and Garden, a restored medieval and Tudor building in the Old Town.
Ocean Village, a marina with waterfront cafes and restaurants.
Southampton City Art Gallery, a gallery near the city center.
Planning Your Time
Southampton is mainly a turnaround port, so many passengers arrive or leave on the same day, and the day ashore is often short.
If you are disembarking, plan your onward journey around your luggage collection and the traffic on the way to London.
The currency is the British pound.
Check which terminal your ship uses and the distance from there to the places you plan to visit.
Nearby Destinations
London, roughly 80 miles (129km) away, with direct trains to Waterloo in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Winchester, a historic cathedral city, about 30 minutes away by car or train.
The New Forest, a national park with wild ponies, close to the west of Southampton.
Salisbury and Stonehenge, roughly 1 hour from the port.
Portsmouth, with its historic dockyard, roughly 45 minutes by car.
Bath, roughly 1.5 hours by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do drivers and guides meet passengers at the Southampton cruise port?
Exit your ship and enter the cruise terminal to collect your luggage. Then head toward the main exit, where drivers and guides wait holding welcome signs with passengers' names on them.
How many cruise terminals does Southampton have?
Southampton has five cruise terminals: Mayflower, Horizon, City Cruise, Ocean and Queen Elizabeth the Second (QEII).
Which terminal will my ship use?
Your ship may dock at any of the five terminals. Your cruise documents list your terminal.
Are the Southampton cruise terminals different from each other?
No. The five terminals are very similar in layout and offer only basic services.
Are there restaurants or shops at the cruise terminals?
There are little to no restaurants or shops at the terminals, so plan ahead for anything you need.
Is Southampton a turnaround port?
Yes. Many ships begin or end their cruises in Southampton, so the terminals are busy with passengers boarding and leaving on the same day.
Is Southampton a tender port?
No. Ships dock alongside the cruise terminals, so no tendering is required.
What happens when I embark in Southampton?
You hand your luggage to port staff and go through the registration process in the terminal.
What happens when I disembark in Southampton?
You exit the ship and enter the cruise terminal, where you collect your luggage. Then you head toward the main exit.
How far is Southampton Central station from the cruise terminals?
Southampton Central station is roughly 1 to 2.6 miles (1.6 to 4.2km) from the five terminals, depending on which one your ship uses.
How far is London from the Southampton cruise port?
London is roughly 80 miles (129km) from the port, about 1.5 hours by car. Direct trains run from Southampton Central to London Waterloo in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
How far are the airports from the Southampton cruise port?
Southampton Airport (SOU) is about 5 miles (8km) away, Heathrow (LHR) about 66 miles (106km), and Gatwick (LGW) about 88 miles (142km).
