How To Get From Heathrow To Southampton Cruise Terminal

 

Having lived in Southampton and now back in London, I thought I would provide a little insight on transportation and just how to get from Heathrow Airport to Southampton Cruise Terminal.

Located in Hampshire, on the south coast of England, Southampton is best known for its close connection with the sea. It is from here that very famous ships such as the Mayflower started their adventures, in the seventeenth century.

 

A maritime city par excellence, Southampton is an ideal place to practice all marine sports. If you like sailing, go to Ocean Village, a large sports centre, where you can rent large and small boats.

My first graduate job was also located in the village of Hamble not so far from Southampton central where all things marine sport and activity related start from. Beyond the sea, the city of Southampton is also very interesting in itself.

 

Crossing Bargate, the ancient gate of the medieval city, you will find many green spaces and parks where it is pleasant to relax with a picnic or simply enjoying the sun.

You can also pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum and the Maritime Museum. Here, you can learn more about the history of the city, not to mention the fascinating Civic Center art museum which boasts a splendid collection of contemporary art. So if you arrive early for your cruise there are plenty of things to occupy your time with.

 

 

Why Cruise Port Do I Need?

Note that there are a number of cruise terminals in Southampton; the Western Docks and Eastern Docks. Having that information to hand for your drive or for your taxi will be very beneficial. 

Western docks are Dock Gate 20 or Dock Gate 10 is for the Mayflower Terminal and Dock Gate 10 or 8 for the City Cruise Terminal.

On the Eastern Docks you have Dock Gate 4, where the Ocean Cruise Terminal and QEII Terminals. 

 

What is the cheapest option to get to the Cruise Terminal?

The cheapest way to get to the Southampton Cruise Terminal, is to use the National Express coach service and then, a cheap taxi in Southampton from the station.

Buses(coachees) leave from Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3, you can’t go wrong. If you are lost there is an information desk at the airport. I advise you to ask for information once you arrive at the airport but there is clear signage around the airport for the station, coach station and taxi ranks.

 

Transportation Options From Heathrow To Southampton Cruise Terminal

 

There are many ways to get from London to Southampton Cruise Port: in this post I will outline all methods and costs to allow you to choose the best option for you, whether travelling solo or with family and friends.

Obviously, everything costs much less, if you have a friend or relative who can pick you up and drop you off. Unfortunately, in many cases, this is not the case, so you will have to manage with local transportation.

If you have your own car or have a friend or relative who can accompany you, the price you will spend is between £11 and £18 for fuel.

Don’t despair, below are many options for you to consider.

 

 

Renting A Car And Driving To Southampton Cruise Terminal

The most convenient way to from Heathrow to Southampton is by is car hire.  You can easily book in advance for a rental car via EasyCar or Thrify from Heathrow and drop off in Southampton. 

The journey time from LHR to Southampton Cruise Terminal is about 1 hour and 30minute with traffic being good. The cost of renting a car, depends a lot on the model chosen and any add-ons you choose to have, such as additional driver, break-down cover and accidental cover, all the usuals with rentals.

Note: You will need to make sure you have valid drivers license to drive in the UK. Also, make sure you note the side of driving in the UK is different to many parts of the work. We drive on the left. Also, make sure your credit card has enough money to cover the deposit the rental car will need to hold.

Southampton Cruise Port Post Code for Western Docks: SO15 1HJ

Southampton Cruise Port Post Code for Eastern Docks: SO14 3GG for QEII and SO14 3QN for Ocean Cruise Terminal.

 

Parking At Southampton Cruise Terminal

If you are taking your own car to the cruise terminal note that there is parking nearby. It is advisable to book your long stay parking near Southampton Cruise Terminal in advance.

You can do this by phone or via ABParking website. You can book and pay online. Make sure you print out your voucher and have it already displayed as you arrive at the terminal. 

There are five dedicated long stay car parks located directly adjacent to the City Cruise Terminal in the Western Docks

For long stay car parking in the Eastern Docks facilities are located alongside the QEII Terminal

 

 

Using Uber from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal

This is an easy option where you let someone else manage all the driving, compared to the option above. You don’t need to worry about a rental, deposit, or getting used to driving on the left. 

No need to think of parking either. This option however will cost in the region £80+ depending on the time of day. Driving time is roughly the same to providing there isn’t traffic. 

Note: Not all drivers may be willing to drive from Heathrow to Southampton. If you have trouble with this method and have too many suitcases, I suggest changing your Uber journey from Heathrow to Waterloo which is likely to be about £40-50 and from Waterloo simply catch the fast and direct train to Southampton Central Station and from there get a taxi to the terminal.

 

Heathrow To Southampton By Taxi

To travel by taxi from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal is similar to Uber but where driver may be unwilling to do the distance, pre-booked taxi from London to Southampton may be the best way to go.

You can book via local minicab in Hounslow. A quick Google search and you will get lots of options for minicabs but for something easy and bookable online with pick up when your flight arrives, you can book a taxi to Southampton Cruise Port via Addison Lee. Prices start around £120 and vary depending on the car you choose.

This option while may appear expensive means you can book everything online and have them wait for you at the arrivals hall. No need for additional mobile phone charges in a new country to call the cab company.

 

 

Coach Transfer To Southampton Cruise Terminal From Heathrow

There is no bus from Heathrow to Southampton per say, however there are coaches. By far one of the cheapest options to get from Heathrow to Southampton Cruise port is via coach transfer.

You easily get National Express coaches from Heathrow to Southampton Coach station and then from their hop on to a taxi to Southampton cruise terminal.

The price for the National Express Coach from Heathrow starts from £10 and for the taxi from Southampton Coach station to Southampton Port is just under £10 but can be a little bit more during rush hour.

It’s not a great distance. Also not one I recommend on foot either. You can check times and book your coach in advance via NationalExpress.

 

 

Transfers From Heathrow To Southampton Cruise Terminal  

An excellent solution precisely because it offers direct transport from the cruise ship to Heathrow and vice versa.

Although there are buses dedicated to transfers, this continues to be one of the best services required by passengers arriving at Heathrow needing stress-free transportation.

Often shuttle services are offered by hotels and it is always good to inquire first to be prepared. You can also find shuttles that you can book to the Southampton cruise terminal. There are several options for shuttle services and this are outlined below

Option one:  Private minibus for you and your private group. This option starts at £150 for the minivan.

Option two: Private car and driver and costs around £225

Option three: Shared mini-bus with other passengers all going to the cruise terminal. This option starts from £70 per person.

To compare prices and see list or operators check Southampton Cruise Terminal Transfers here.

 

Taking The Train From Heathrow To Southampton Cruise Terminal

 

The distance from London to Southampton is just over 60 miles or a one hour and ten-minute drive. When it comes to getting to Southampton cruise terminal by train there are several options.

In London, as you may know we have underground, overground and bus transportation and sometimes, it may require using all three options to get to where you need to be. So below I will outline the main options for getting from Heathrow to Southampton by train.

 

Option 1: From Heathrow Airport take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. Note that this is an overground train. When you arrive at Paddington, you will see directions for the underground.

Once you get there you can take the Bakerloo Line(Brown Line) to Waterloo station. From Waterloo Station, you will come out of the underground and look for directions to overground or British Rail.

Here you will look for trains to Southampton Central. The journey is about 45 minutes for the fast train. When you arrive at Southampton Central take a taxi to the Terminal.

 

Option 2: Take The Piccadilly Line from Heathrow Airport to Holborn. From Holborn Station, there is a bus stop only a few meters from the station entrance. Take buses 168 and ask the driver to call you for Waterloo Station but unnecessary as the buses have announcements for each stop and there is a screen showing next stops. 

The journey from Holborn by us is about 10 minutes. When you arrive at Waterloo Station you simply have to cross the road and up the escalators to train platforms and ticket office. You can look at train times and costs via Omio. Remember that booking early for trains in the UK can save you money as the more in advance the cheaper they are.

 

 

Where To Stay: Hotels Near Southampton Cruise Terminal

Below are some of the nearest hotels to Southampton Cruise Terminal, you can also see the full list here.

Holiday Inn: Centrally located near West Quay Shopping Centre and Cruise terminals. Rooms also offer views of Southampton Waterfront.

 

Mercure Southampton: Located only a 20-minute walk to Southampton Cruise terminals and West Quay Shopping Centre as well as close to Southampton train station. Parking available for £5 a day.

 

Room2 Southampton: Right in the heart of Southampton with access to a fitness center, nearby entertainment, and shopping as well as being only 0.3 miles from the cruise port. Parking available for£12 a day.

 

Ps Apartments: The perfect self-catering option with access to town centre, cruise terminals and shopping. On-street parking available.

 

 

Hotels Near Southampton Cruise Terminal With Parking

In addition to Mercure mentioned above, you also have Royal Court, The Regent Guest House, Dominieon Suites and Circle Guest House all offering parking on-site, although not free. 

 

 

Things To Do At Heathrow Airport While I Kill Time

Lets, say you have to wait for friends and family at Heathrow having arrived earlier, I have a guide on Heathrow showers and other facilities like internet connection on the blog.

Also if you arrive late at Heathrow and need to stay overnight before heading to Southampton I have a guide on hotels at and near Heathrow Airport.

 

What Is The Nearest Train Station To Southampton Cruise Terminal?

The closest station to the cruise terminals is Southampton Central station. While it’s not too far, I highly recommend a short taxi ride, particularly if you have lots of bags. The taxis are not that expensive and this saves you the uphill walk to the terminal.

 

Heading To Europe? Also Read:

• The Best Luggage To Use In Europe
• Essential Items For A Trip To Europe
• What To Pack For A Long Haul Flight
• How To Get From London Airports To Central London
• Free Things To Do In London
• Money-Saving Tips For A Trip To London
• The Best Travel Pillows For Long Haul Flying

 

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