Facts checked October 2026 against operator sources. Prices and times change, the booking page wins.
The questions below are the ones cruise passengers ask most before a Southampton departure, answered with the 2026 figures used elsewhere on this site: ABP's passenger directions for the terminals, South Western Railway and National Express timetables, the port's parking operators and the city's published attraction prices. Where an answer depends on your cruise line, the boarding documents win.
Terminals and the port
How many cruise terminals does Southampton have?
Five: QEII (berth 38/39) and Ocean (46) in the Eastern Docks, City (101), Horizon (102) and Mayflower (106) in the Western Docks.
How do I get from Heathrow to Southampton cruise port?
A pre-booked car takes 1 h 25 to 1 h 30 for about £117-180; National Express route 032 takes 1 h 25 from Terminal 5 and runs up to 14 times a day; there is no direct train.
How long is the train from London to Southampton?
1 h 12 at the fastest, 1.5 to 2 hours typically, direct from Waterloo with South Western Railway. Advance fares from £10.10.
Where do I park for a cruise from Southampton?
ABParking inside the port for most lines, CPS for P&O, Cunard and Princess, or off-site meet-and-greet from about £8.40 a day and council long-stay at £39-41 a week.
Which hotels are closest to the terminals?
voco Southampton and Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour on West Quay Road for City and Horizon; the Harbour Hotel and the Town Quay hotels for Ocean and QEII.
Can I walk from Southampton Central to the cruise terminal?
To City (0.6 miles) and Horizon (0.5 miles), yes. Ocean and Mayflower are 1.5 miles, QEII 2.5 miles, so most passengers take the five-minute taxi.
Is there luggage storage at the Southampton cruise terminals?
No. Use the bag-storage networks in the city centre or a hotel.
What is there to do in Southampton before a cruise?
SeaCity Museum for the Titanic story (£14.50), the medieval walls and Bargate, Tudor House, Westquay shopping, or the Red Jet to Cowes in 28 minutes.
When is the busiest time at Southampton port?
Summer Saturdays, when all five terminals can be in use. December has only a few turnarounds a week.
Is this the official Visit Southampton site?
No. This is an independent guide. The city's tourism service and ABP, the port operator, publish their own sites.
What time do cruise ships leave Southampton?
Most turnaround departures sail between 16:00 and 18:00, with boarding from late morning. Transatlantic and Fred. Olsen sailings can differ; the ABP schedule and your line's documents give the time.
Still unsure
Each terminal has its own page with address, gate and directions; the getting here hub compares Heathrow, Gatwick, London and the airport; parking lists every operator with 2026 prices; and hotels has walking times to each terminal. Corrections to any figure are welcome at the contact page.