Southampton Port, located on the southern coast of England, is one of the country’s busiest and most historic maritime hubs. Renowned for its extensive cruise and cargo operations, the port has played a pivotal role in British naval history and is a vital gateway for international travel and trade. The port also runs passenger ferries to the Isle of Wight and across the channel to France and serves as the gateway to London and broader South East England.
Southampton has been a significant port since the Roman era, evolving through the centuries to become a central departure point for ocean liners. Today, Southampton remains a crucial maritime centre, handling millions of tons of cargo annually and serving as the UK’s primary cruise port.
Basic Information About Southampton Cruise Port:
Southampton Port is operated by Associated British Ports (ABP) and boasts four dedicated cruise terminals: Ocean, Mayflower, City, and Horizon. These terminals have modern facilities to ensure cruise passengers’ smooth and enjoyable experience. The port is also a central hub for container shipping, handling a significant portion of the UK’s sea freight. This makes cruising from Southampton so simple. Not only is Southampton super close to London, but it’s also well-connected to other parts of the UK.
Cruise Destinations from Southampton
Southampton’s strategic location and excellent facilities make it a popular cruising departure point. Here are some of the critical regions you can explore on a cruise from Southampton:
- The Mediterranean: Cruises to the Mediterranean are among the most popular from Southampton. These voyages often visit historic and picturesque ports in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Highlights include Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and the Greek Islands.
- Northern Europe and the Baltics: For those interested in exploring the cooler climes of Northern Europe, cruises from Southampton head to the stunning fjords of Norway, the vibrant cities of the Baltic region such as St. Petersburg, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, and the picturesque landscapes of Iceland.
- The Caribbean: Transatlantic cruises to the Caribbean offer a perfect escape to sun-soaked islands. These cruises often include stops in destinations like Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas. The Journey across the Atlantic is a part of the adventure, providing ample time to enjoy the onboard amenities.
- The Canary Islands and Madeira: Cruises to the Canary Islands and Madeira are a fantastic option for a taste of the subtropical. These cruises visit ports like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Funchal, offering a blend of beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and charming towns.
- Around the World: For the ultimate cruising experience, world cruises from Southampton offer a chance to circumnavigate the globe. These extensive voyages can last several months and visit dozens of countries across multiple continents. They provide a unique opportunity to see diverse cultures and landscapes in one epic Journey.
How to Get To Southampton Cruise Port From London
Travelling from London to Southampton Cruise Port is relatively straightforward. Several options are available, depending on your preferences and budget.
train: The most convenient & popular option:
Taking the train is one of the most convenient and popular ways to travel from London to Southampton.
Departure Station: Trains to Southampton depart from London Waterloo Station.
Journey Time: The direct train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Ticket Price: Ticket prices vary depending on when you book and travel. Early bookings result in lower fares, starting from as low as £10 for a one-way ticket. You can choose a standard class or first class. Honestly, we believe First Class is not worth the extra cost.
Train Operator: South Western Railway operates frequent services between London Waterloo and Southampton Central.
Arrival Station: You will arrive at Southampton Central Railway Station, about a 10-minute taxi ride or a 20-30-minute walk to the cruise terminals.
Approximate cost of standard class rail tickets from London to Southampton:
- Advance one-way ticket booked in advance: from £10.00*.
- Anytime one-way ticket: £52.00*
- Off-Peak return(round-trip): £55.00*
- Anytime return(round-trip) £104.00*
Coach: – The cheapest and Lowest option
Taking a coach is the cheapest but slowest option if you’re on a tight budget. Coaches depart from Victoria Coach Station in London, and travel times vary from 2 hours and 30 minutes to just over 4 hours, depending on traffic. Ticket prices also vary, with early bookings as low as £12 for a one-way ticket. You can buy tickets from the National Express website.
Operators: National Express and Megabus offer direct services from London to Southampton.
Departure Points: Coaches depart from various locations in London, including Victoria Coach Station.
Journey Time: The trip takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the service and traffic.
Arrive at the Southampton Coach Station, then take a taxi or local bus to the cruise terminal. Coaches drop passengers off at Southampton Coach Station near Asda Supermarket. You can walk or take a taxi to the cruise terminals from there. The City and Horizon cruise terminals are only 15 minutes away, while the Ocean, Queen Elizabeth II, and Mayflower terminals are approximately a 25-minute walk. Taxis are only sometimes available at the coach station, so it’s recommended that you pre-book a minicab private hire or local taxi.
Private Hire Minicabs: Fastest and Direct Options :
Private Transfer Services: Several companies, Like MiniCabRide LTD, Uber, and Bolt, are the easiest way to reach Southampton Cruise Terminal from London. Depending on your location in London, the Journey can take around 01 hour and 50 minutes, but travel time depends on traffic conditions and the time of day. This option comes at an Affordable cost, but it may be worth it if you have a lot of luggage or prefer the comfort of a private vehicle. The car will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the cruise terminals. This is a door-to-door service that can be pre-booked online.
Taxi: You can book a cab for the Journey, although this will be more expensive than a private transfer or public transport option.
How do you get to Southampton Cruise Port from Heathrow Airport?
Travelling from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Southampton Cruise Port is straightforward. Depending on your convenience, time, and budget preferences, several options are available. Here are the main methods for making the Journey.
Train – Inconvenient but possible
Option 1: Heathrow Express and South Western Railway
Heathrow Express to London Paddington: Take the Heathrow Express train from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington Station. The Journey takes about 15 minutes.
Transfer to London Waterloo: From Paddington, take the London Underground (Bakerloo Line) to Waterloo Station, which takes about 10 minutes.
Train to Southampton: Take a South Western Railway train to Southampton Central from London Waterloo. The Journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Taxi or Shuttle to the Cruise Port: From Southampton Central, it’s a short taxi or shuttle ride (about 10-15 minutes) to the cruise port.
Option 2: National Express Coach and South Western Railway
National Express Coach: Take a National Express coach directly from Heathrow Airport to Woking Station, which takes about 1 hour.
Train to Southampton: Take a South Western Railway train to Southampton Central from Woking. The Journey takes approximately 1 hour.
By Bus: The recommended option:
National Express Coach:
Direct Coach Service: National Express operates a direct coach service from Heathrow Airport to Southampton. The Journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Coaches depart from Heathrow Central Bus Station and Terminal 5. You can book your Journey in advance, with prices starting from £12. For an additional £5, you can select the “Change and Go” option, allowing you to use any coach within 12 hours before or after your preferred departure time. This is perfect if you’re concerned about potential flight delays or early arrivals.
Taxi or Shuttle to the Cruise Port: From the coach station in Southampton, it’s a short taxi or shuttle ride to the cruise port.
Private Hire Minicabs and Taxis: Quickest and Fastest Option
Booking a private transfer or taxi is the easiest way to get from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Terminal. Taxis, MiniCabRide LTD, Uber, or Bolt, may be slightly cheaper but could involve longer wait times and no guarantee of availability.
Book a Private Transfer: Many Private Hire Companies, Like MiniCabRide LTD, offer private transfer services from Heathrow Airport to Southampton. This option provides door-to-door service, typically taking around 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. Expect to pay approximately £150-£200 for a private transfer. The total Journey is 62.7 Miles Via M3 Road.
Advantages: This is a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a direct journey without transfers.
Taxi
Airport Taxi: You can taxi directly from Heathrow Airport to Southampton. The Journey takes about 01 hour and 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: Taxis, Uber, or Bolt may be slightly cheaper but could involve longer wait times and no guarantee of availability. Taxis are more expensive than other modes of transport, but they offer convenience and direct service.
How do you get to Southampton Cruise Port from Gatwick Airport?
Travelling from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Southampton Cruise Port is convenient, with several transportation options.
By Train: The most convenient route and Slowest:
Southern Western Railway: You can take the train from Gatwick Airport to Clapham Junction station, which takes approximately 20 minutes. From Clapham Junction, you can catch a train to Southampton, and the Journey lasts around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Advance Tickets cost from £15 when booked early. Example ticket prices for trains from London Gatwick to Southampton (via Clapman Junction):
- Advance One-way ticket: from £15
- Anytime Single: £42
- Off-peak Return: £52
- Anytime Return: £85
Taxi or Shuttle to the Cruise Port: From Southampton Central, it’s a short taxi or shuttle ride (about 10-15 minutes) to the cruise port.
Car Rental: Rent a Car: Car rental services are available at Gatwick Airport. The drive to Southampton takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Route: Take the M23 motorway from Gatwick, then merge onto the M25 motorway. Follow signs for the M3 motorway towards Southampton. Continue on the M3 and follow signs to the city centre and the cruise terminals.
Private Transfer and Taxis: Best and Fastest Way to Travel
Book a Private Transfer: Many companies, Like MiniCabRide LTD, offer private transfer services from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Cruise Port. This option provides door-to-door service and typically takes about 1 hour and 35 Minutes by M25 and M3 Road. This is a convenient and comfortable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a direct journey without transfers.
Taxis: You can take a taxi directly from Gatwick Airport to Southampton. The Journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Taxis are more expensive than other modes of transport, but they offer convenience and direct service.
