Facts checked October 2026 against operator sources. Prices and times change, the booking page wins.
From the M3 or the M27: leave the M27 at junction 3 onto the M271, 1.5 miles to the roundabout, first exit onto the A33 signed City Centre and Docks, 2.5 miles, then follow Dock Gates 4-10. From London, M3 south then either M27 west (signed Southampton Docks) or straight on from junction 14 along the A33. From the west use the A36; from the east the A27 and M27, leaving at junction 8.
| Terminal | Dock gate | Satnav |
|---|---|---|
| QEII Cruise Terminal | Dock Gate 4 | SO14 3GG |
| Ocean Cruise Terminal | Dock Gate 4 | SO14 3QN |
| City Cruise Terminal | Dock Gate 8 (Dock Gate 10 also works) | SO15 1HJ |
| Horizon Cruise Terminal | Dock Gate 10 | SO15 1AW |
| Mayflower Cruise Terminal | Dock Gate 20 recommended (Dock Gate 10 possible) | SO15 0GN |
Dropping off
Each terminal has a drop-off lane at the entrance where porters take luggage; cars then move to short-stay parking or leave. If you are parking for the cruise, follow the signs for your operator (ABParking, CPS or the meet-and-greet marshals) rather than the drop-off lane.
Car hire
Hire cars can be collected at Southampton Airport or in the city and returned before sailing, which suits a day in the New Forest or a drive to Stonehenge the day before. Most firms are open Sunday for returns, but check the branch hours against your boarding time.
Returning a hire car before sailing
Branches in the city centre and at Southampton Airport open from 08:00 on weekdays and most Saturdays; Sunday hours are shorter, so a Sunday sailing means returning the car on Saturday evening or choosing a branch that confirms Sunday opening. From the airport branches the train to Southampton Central takes 7 minutes and the taxi to the terminal another ten, about 45 minutes door to door with the return paperwork.
What is the postcode for Southampton cruise terminals?
QEII SO14 3GG, Ocean SO14 3QN, City SO15 1HJ, Horizon SO15 1AW, Mayflower SO15 0GN on ABP's directions (some listings show SO15 1HJ).
Which motorway junction for Southampton docks?
M27 junction 3 onto the M271, then the A33 signed City Centre and Docks; from the M3 continue to junction 14 and the A33.
Can I drop someone off at the cruise terminal?
Yes. Every terminal has a drop-off lane at the entrance for a short stop to unload luggage; waiting cars move to short-stay parking.
Hire a car for the days around the cruise
Compare the Southampton branches of the major hire firms in one search, with free cancellation.
Car hire in Southampton: DiscoverCarsFor parking prices and the off-site meet-and-greet operators see cruise parking.