Before & After Your Cruise: The Complete Transfer Guide for Southampton & Portsmouth Passengers
- Crownwood Charters
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Planning a cruise from Southampton or Portsmouth? Getting to and from the terminal is one of the most overlooked parts of any cruise holiday — and one of the most stressful if left unplanned.
This guide covers everything cruise passengers need to know about transfers at both ports, whether you're departing for the first time or arriving home after weeks at sea.
Southampton Cruise Terminal: What passengers need to know
Southampton is the UK's busiest cruise port, home to four cruise terminals:
City Cruise Terminal – central Southampton
Mayflower Cruise Terminal – western docks
Ocean Cruise Terminal – western docks
QEII Cruise Terminal – western docks
Each terminal handles different cruise lines, so confirming your exact terminal before travel is essential. The terminals are located approximately 1–2 miles from Southampton city centre.
Portsmouth Cruise Terminal: What passengers need to know
Portsmouth International Port serves a smaller number of cruise departures but is a growing embarkation point for UK cruises. The terminal sits adjacent to Portsmouth Harbour, approximately 1.5 miles from Portsmouth city centre.
Key cruise lines operating from Portsmouth include Fred. Olsen and select seasonal sailings.
Getting To the Terminal: Departing Passengers
For passengers starting their cruise, the priority is arriving on time with luggage — without the stress of public transport.
Common transfer options include:
Private car transfers – door-to-door, fixed price, luggage included
Train + taxi – Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour stations are nearby, but require onward transfers
Driving and parking – long-stay cruise parking is available at both ports but books up quickly and adds cost
Private transfers are the preferred choice for families, groups, and passengers travelling with multiple cases.
Getting from the terminal: Arriving passengers
After weeks at sea, the last thing you want is to queue for a taxi or navigate an unfamiliar train network with heavy luggage.
Arriving passengers typically need transfers to:
Home addresses across the UK
London airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted
Southampton Airport or Portsmouth & Southsea area hotels
Central London
Pre-booking your return transfer ensures a driver is waiting at the terminal the moment you disembark.
Why cruise passengers choose private transfers
A dedicated private transfer offers what public transport and shared coaches cannot:
Fixed pricing — no surge charges or metered surprises
Meet and greet service — your driver tracks your ship's arrival
Luggage capacity — vehicles selected to match your group size
Direct routing — no stops, no strangers, no delays
Crownwood Charters: Cruise transfers from Southampton & Portsmouth
Crownwood Charters provides private cruise transfers from both Southampton and Portsmouth terminals to destinations across the UK, including all major London airports.
Whether you're departing on your cruise or arriving home, our experienced drivers know both ports inside out.
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