Southampton Port

Southampton Port general information

Setting sail from Southampton Port? Our guide covers essential cruise passenger information, including terminal locations, check-in, luggage drop-off, accessibility, parking and transport options.

Southampton has five cruise terminals: City, Horizon, Mayflower, Ocean and QEII. Each serves different cruise ships and itineraries, so it's important to confirm your departure terminal before travelling.

Find useful information to help you plan your journey, reach the correct terminal and enjoy a smoother start to your cruise.

Southampton Port parking

If you're driving to Southampton Port, APH offers cruise parking options to suit different travel requirements.

Depending on the available service, parking arrangements may include off-site parking with transfers or other designated vehicle handover arrangements.

Compare parking locations, transfer arrangements, security features and prices before booking.

Family-owned since 1980, APH helps travellers find convenient parking options for their journeys.

Visit our dedicated Southampton Port parking page to compare availability and book online.

View port parking

All about Southampton Port

The Port of Southampton is one of the UK's busiest cruise ports and a major international maritime hub, located on Southampton Water in Hampshire.

The port has a long history of passenger shipping and today welcomes cruise ships sailing to destinations across Europe and further afield.

Southampton operates five dedicated cruise terminals: City Cruise Terminal, Horizon Cruise Terminal, Mayflower Cruise Terminal, Ocean Cruise Terminal and Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Cruise Terminal.

The terminals are divided between the Eastern Docks and Western Docks, with different access gates and road routes.

Major cruise operators using Southampton include P&O Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises, although terminal assignments vary by ship and sailing.

Passenger facilities include check-in areas, baggage drop-off, security screening, seating, toilets and accessibility services.

The port is accessible by car, train, coach and taxi, with Southampton Central railway station providing connections to London and other parts of the UK.

Our guide explains the terminal locations, facilities and transport options to help you prepare for your cruise.

Getting There

Southampton Port is accessible by car, train, coach, taxi and air connections.

By car: Southampton is connected to the national motorway network via the M3, M27 and M271. Follow signs for Southampton Docks and your assigned cruise terminal.

By train: Southampton Central is the nearest major railway station, with services connecting the city to London and other destinations across the UK. Cruise terminals can be reached by taxi, with some within walking distance.

By coach: National Express operates services to Southampton Coach Station. Passengers can continue to their cruise terminal on foot or by taxi, depending on the terminal and luggage requirements.

By taxi: Taxis can take passengers directly to the designated drop-off area for their cruise terminal.

By air: Southampton Airport provides rail and road connections to the city. Passengers can travel from Southampton Airport Parkway to Southampton Central and continue to the port.

Check current transport schedules and your cruise terminal before travelling.

Airport Map

Southampton Port has five cruise terminals located across the Eastern and Western Docks.

Ocean and QEII Cruise Terminals are located in the Eastern Docks, while City, Horizon and Mayflower Cruise Terminals are in the Western Docks.

Each terminal has its own address, access arrangements and recommended dock gate.

Check your cruise booking confirmation and the port's official cruise schedule before travelling to confirm your departure terminal.

Use the postcode for your specific terminal or pre-booked car park rather than a general port postcode.

Check-in information

Cruise check-in arrangements at Southampton Port vary depending on your cruise line, ship and departure date.

Your cruise operator will provide a designated arrival or boarding time, along with instructions for checking in and dropping off luggage.

On arrival, follow signs for your cruise terminal and the designated baggage drop-off area.

Passengers will usually need their cruise documents, passport or other accepted travel identification and any additional documents required by their cruise operator.

Security screening takes place before boarding.

Avoid arriving significantly earlier than your allocated check-in time, as terminal access and waiting facilities may be limited.

Always follow the latest instructions provided by your cruise operator.