Southampton's cruise terminals
Southampton is the UK's busiest cruise port, with four terminals spread across the Western and Eastern Docks. Knowing which one you're sailing from matters — they're up to a mile apart and have separate drop-off and pick-up points.
Mayflower Cruise Terminal
One of the main terminals in Western Docks. Used by Cunard, P&O and others.
- Drop-off on Dock Gate 10 road
- Postcode for sat-nav: SO15 1AG
City Cruise Terminal
Also in Western Docks. Home port for Cunard's Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
- Drop-off via Dock Gate 10
- Postcode: SO15 1AG
Ocean Cruise Terminal
In the Eastern Docks, used by MSC, Royal Caribbean, Princess and others.
- Drop-off via Dock Gate 4
- Postcode: SO14 3AQ
QEII Terminal
Eastern Docks, used by Fred. Olsen, Ambassador and others.
- Drop-off via Dock Gate 4
- Postcode: SO14 3AQ
How early should you arrive?
Cruise lines typically open check-in 2–3 hours before departure and ask passengers to be aboard 1–1.5 hours before. Most lines give you a specific boarding time slot in your e-ticket — don't arrive earlier than your slot or you may wait in a holding area.
Our suggested pickup times
When you book a cruise transfer with RideCrest, the booking calculator suggests a pickup time based on your departure. As a rule:
- Within Southampton (SO14–SO19): allow 30–40 minutes to the terminal, plus 10 minutes buffer
- From further away: we calculate your road miles and add a traffic allowance
- Peak summer weekends: the roads into the Western Docks can queue — add 15–20 minutes
Where does your driver meet you?
Dropping you off (outbound)
We drop you as close to the terminal entrance as the port allows. The dock gates are signed, and we know which gate serves which terminal. You don't need to do anything — just tell us your terminal when you book and we'll take you straight there.
A £10 terminal drop-off fee is charged at cost and included in your quote — this is the fee the port charges all vehicles entering the dock gates.
Picking you up (return)
After your cruise, your driver tracks your ship's arrival on the live port schedule. You get 30 minutes of free waiting from your booked pickup time, so if your ship berths a little late, you're not paying for it.
Your driver will message or call you when they arrive. We arrange a clear meeting point when you book — usually outside the terminal building, away from the coaches.
Port car parking charges are included in your return quote at cost (currently £15 for up to 2 hours at the dock gates).
Luggage and vehicles
Cruise passengers often travel with large suitcases. When you book, you can tell us exactly how many large, medium and small cases you have — plus a buggy if needed. We'll suggest the right car automatically so nothing gets left behind.
- Saloon: up to 4 passengers, 2 large suitcases
- Estate: up to 4 passengers, 3 large suitcases
- MPV 6-seater: up to 6 passengers, 4 large suitcases
- MPV 8-seater: up to 8 passengers, 8 large suitcases
- Wheelchair accessible: up to 5 passengers including the wheelchair user, 3 large suitcases
If you have more luggage than one car can carry, message us and we'll arrange two cars.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a return at the same time?
Yes — book your outbound and return separately (two bookings) so each has its own pickup time and we can track your ship's arrival for the return independently. You'll get two booking references.
What if my cruise is delayed or cancelled by the cruise line?
Cancellations more than 48 hours before pickup are free. If your cruise line cancels or significantly delays your departure at short notice, message us straight away — we'll do our best to accommodate and won't penalise you for circumstances outside your control.
Do you charge different prices for different terminals?
No — the fixed cruise transfer price is the same whichever Southampton terminal you're using. Just tell us the terminal name when you book.
Can you take us to a Southampton hotel before the cruise?
Yes. Just add the hotel as your drop-off and we'll take you there first. An extra stop adds a small amount to the fare — the booking calculator works it out automatically.
Ready to book your cruise transfer?
Fixed price for the whole car. No hidden charges. Your driver tracks the ship so you never wait.
Why choose a private taxi to Heathrow?
The train from Southampton Central to London Waterloo, then the Elizabeth line or Piccadilly line to Heathrow, takes around 2.5 hours — and that's without the stress of getting yourself and your luggage to the station, waiting on platforms and changing trains at a busy London terminus.
A private hire car from Southampton to Heathrow takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, door to terminal, with no changes. One fixed price for the whole car — whether it's one person or four — and no extra charge if your flight lands late.
Heathrow's five terminals
Heathrow has five terminals, and it's important to know yours before you travel — especially on the return, as your driver needs to go to the right building to meet you.
The Queen's Terminal
Star Alliance airlines: United, Lufthansa, Swiss, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and many others.
Terminal 3
Oneworld (non-BA) and Virgin Atlantic: American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic.
Terminal 4
Some KLM, Malaysia Airlines and smaller carriers. Check your ticket — a few airlines moved terminals.
Heathrow Terminal 5
All British Airways flights, including those operated by Iberia. The largest terminal at Heathrow.
How the journey works
Going to Heathrow (outbound)
Your driver picks you up from your home or hotel and takes you directly to your terminal's departures entrance. The booking calculator suggests a pickup time based on your flight — we recommend being at Heathrow at least 2.5 hours before a long-haul flight and 2 hours before short-haul.
A terminal drop-off charge (set by Heathrow Airport) is included in your quote at cost. This is charged to every vehicle entering the terminal forecourt.
Coming home from Heathrow (return)
Your driver tracks your flight on the day. Free waiting starts 45 minutes after your flight lands — enough time to clear immigration and collect your bags. If your flight is delayed, we wait with no extra charge; the clock only starts when you land.
Your driver will message you when they're in position. We agree a clear meeting point when you book — typically the taxi rank or a named car park entrance, depending on the terminal.
Heathrow car park fees are included in your return quote at cost.
Journey times from Southampton
Southampton to Heathrow is roughly 75–80 miles by road, mostly via the M3 and M25. Typical journey times:
- Off-peak (daytime, mid-week): 1 hour 45 minutes
- Morning rush hour (Mon–Fri, 7–9am): 2 hours 15 minutes or more
- Late afternoon (4–7pm): allow up to 2 hours 30 minutes
- Overnight or early morning: 1 hour 30–40 minutes
The M25 Junction 14 interchange near Heathrow is the most common bottleneck. For early morning flights, we always recommend leaving a comfortable buffer — a flight missed is far more expensive than arriving an hour early.
Frequently asked questions
Is the price the same for all five terminals?
Yes — one fixed price covers any Heathrow terminal. Just tell us which terminal when you book so your driver knows where to go.
Can I stop at a hotel near Heathrow on the way?
Yes. Add any extra stop in the booking form and the fare calculator will work out the cost automatically. Common stops include hotels at Bath Road or Terminal 5.
Do you do Heathrow meet and greet?
Your driver will be in position at arrivals when your bags are ready. They'll message you with their exact location — it varies by terminal. For T5, we use the official taxi rank; for T2/T3, we arrange the pick-up point when you book.
What about the London Congestion Charge?
Heathrow is outside the Congestion Charge zone — no charge applies on a standard Southampton–Heathrow run. If you need to go into central London on the same journey, we'd add the £18 Congestion Charge to your quote.
Can I book for a group of 5 or more?
Yes — choose our MPV 6-seater (up to 6 passengers) or MPV 8-seater (up to 8 passengers) when booking. One fixed price for the whole car.
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Arriving at Southampton cruise port
Southampton's cruise port is one of the busiest in Europe. Thousands of passengers disembark here every week — from a short European cruise to a round-the-world voyage. When you step off your ship, you have several options for getting to your next destination.
Pre-booked private hire (our service)
The easiest and most comfortable option. Book in advance, and your driver is waiting outside the terminal when you exit. Fixed price for the whole car, your luggage goes in the boot, and we take you straight to your hotel, home or onward destination — anywhere in the UK.
We can take you from the cruise terminal to London, to a hotel in Southampton, to Heathrow or Gatwick for a connecting flight, or anywhere else. Get a fixed price here.
Trains from Southampton
Southampton Central station is about 1 mile from the Eastern Docks terminals and 1.5 miles from the Western Docks. Trains run to London Waterloo (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes), Winchester (15 minutes), Bournemouth (35 minutes) and beyond. There's no direct rail link to Heathrow — you'd need to change in London.
Taxis and minicabs at the port
There are usually hackney cabs (black taxis) waiting at the dock gates. These are metered and can take you without a booking. For longer journeys or groups, a pre-booked private hire car is typically cheaper and more comfortable.
Arriving at Southampton Airport
Southampton Airport (IATA: SOU) is a small regional airport in Eastleigh, about 4 miles north of the city centre. It serves routes to Edinburgh, Belfast, Amsterdam, Jersey and a handful of other European cities.
From the airport, a private hire car to central Southampton takes around 15–20 minutes. We can also take you from Southampton Airport to Heathrow, Gatwick or further afield if you have a connecting journey.
Getting into Southampton from the airport
- Private hire: pre-book online or by phone. We quote a fixed price and your driver meets you at arrivals.
- Train: Southampton Airport Parkway station is a short walk from the terminal. Trains to Southampton Central run frequently and take about 8 minutes.
- Bus: Bluestar operates a service from the airport to the city centre.
Getting around Southampton
Southampton is a mid-sized city that's easy to get around. The main attractions — the Old Town, the Bargate, the Westquay shopping centre, the SeaCity Museum and Southampton Common — are all within easy walking or cycling distance of the city centre.
Within the city
- On foot: the city centre is compact. The waterfront, the medieval walls and most shopping are all walkable.
- Bus: First Hampshire & Dorset and Bluestar run frequent city routes.
- Private hire: for door-to-door journeys within Southampton, get a fixed price using our booking tool. We cover all SO14–SO19 postcodes.
Day trips from Southampton
Southampton sits at the edge of the New Forest and is within easy reach of some of England's most visited attractions. Popular day trips we can take you on:
Stonehenge
About 35 miles north. A private tour with a wait while you visit — we've done hundreds of these.
Bath
About 65 miles. The Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent and excellent food. A popular full-day trip.
Windsor & Windsor Castle
About 70 miles. Windsor Castle is one of the most visited royal residences in the world.
The New Forest
Right on Southampton's doorstep. Wild ponies, ancient woodland and pretty villages.
Salisbury & the Cathedral
About 25 miles. One of England's finest cathedrals, and the original Magna Carta on display.
The Cotswolds
About 80 miles. Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and the rolling hills of classic English countryside.
For any private day tour, use the booking tool and choose Private tour. Tell us where you want to go and how long you'd like to spend at each stop, and we'll give you a fixed price.
Onward connections from Southampton
If you need to get to a London airport after your cruise or visit, we offer fixed-price transfers to all major airports:
- Heathrow Airport — approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Gatwick Airport — approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- Stansted Airport — approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
- Luton Airport — approx. 2 hours
- London City Airport — approx. 2 hours
- Bournemouth Airport — approx. 50 minutes
- Bristol Airport — approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
All prices are fixed for the whole car — no per-person charges. Get your price.
Need a car in Southampton?
Pre-booked, fixed price, whole car. Airport transfers, cruise pick-ups, day tours and door-to-door journeys.