Camberley to Southampton Cruise Terminal: Terminals, Dock Gates and Taxi Guide

Cruise days are different from airport runs: bigger cases, a fixed check-in slot and a port with five terminals that are not all in the same place. Getting the right dock gate matters more than anything else. This guide covers each Southampton cruise terminal, the journey from Camberley, choosing a vehicle for cruise luggage and planning the pickup when you come home. For fixed-fare cruise transfers, see our airport and Southampton cruise transfers.

Southampton cruise terminals at a glance

Ships do not always use the same terminal, so always go by the terminal or berth on your latest cruise documents.

Which Southampton cruise terminal do you need?

Your cruise line tells you the terminal, and sometimes the berth number, in your final documents or e-ticket. Ships are not permanently tied to one terminal, so a ship you sailed on before may use a different one this time. The two dock areas are on different sides of the city centre, so arriving at the wrong gate means a drive back through Southampton traffic on the one morning you cannot afford it.

Eastern Docks: Ocean and QEII

Both are reached through Dock Gate 4, where you pass the port’s security barrier. The Ocean Cruise Terminal is close to the gate, while the QEII Cruise Terminal is further into the docks.

Western Docks: City, Horizon and Mayflower

All three are reached through Dock Gate 10. After the security barrier, City is to the left, Mayflower to the right, and Horizon is straight ahead, though you turn right to reach it.

Camberley to Southampton: the journey

The drive follows the M3 south almost the whole way, roughly 45 to 50 miles, and takes about an hour in clear traffic. On a sailing day, allow more: the roads into the port get busy when several ships are turning around, and you want to arrive within your check-in slot, not queuing outside it.

By train, Southampton Central is about a 15-minute walk from City and Horizon, and about 30 minutes from Mayflower and Ocean, which is a long way with cruise cases. For QEII, a taxi from the station is the practical choice. Cruise Britain’s Southampton port page has more on access to each terminal.

Cruise luggage and choosing the vehicle

Cruise luggage takes more space than a typical holiday: longer trips, evening wear and bigger cases. Count every case and bag, and book the next size up if you are close to a limit.

For a couple with two large cases each, an MPV is often a better fit than a saloon. For two couples or a family group, an 8-seater minibus keeps everyone and every case together. Our luggage capacity guide helps you check what fits.

Taxi or parking at the port?

Port parking is charged for every day you are away, so a one or two-week cruise adds up, and you still have the drive home at the end. A taxi costs two journeys whatever the length of your cruise, with a fixed fare agreed when you book. For a short cruise, parking can be cheaper; for a longer one, compare a parking quote for your dates with two taxi fares. Our guide to parking vs taxi shows how to work it out.

Planning your pickup when you come home

On the last morning, the ship usually docks early and passengers leave in groups through the morning. Your cruise line gives you a disembarkation time or group before the end of the cruise.

• Book the return when you book the trip out, with your ship’s name and terminal.
• Tell us your disembarkation time if you know it, and we agree a pickup time that allows for collecting your luggage.
• Keep your phone on as you leave the ship. Your driver calls or messages before pickup to confirm where to meet.

Southampton cruise terminal FAQs

How many cruise terminals are there in Southampton?

Five: Ocean and QEII in the Eastern Docks, and City, Horizon and Mayflower in the Western Docks.

Which dock gate do I need for my cruise terminal?

Dock Gate 4 for the Ocean and QEII terminals, and Dock Gate 10 for the City, Horizon and Mayflower terminals.

Which Southampton terminal does my ship use?

Check your final cruise documents or e-ticket. Ships are not permanently tied to one terminal, so go by your latest documents rather than a previous cruise.

How long does it take from Camberley to Southampton cruise terminal?

About an hour down the M3 in clear traffic. On sailing days, allow extra time for busy roads around the port.

Can I walk from Southampton Central station to the cruise terminals?

City and Horizon are about a 15-minute walk, and Mayflower and Ocean about 30 minutes. For QEII, a taxi is the practical choice, and with cruise cases a taxi is easier for all of them.

What vehicle do I need for cruise luggage?

For two people with large cases, an MPV takes 4 passengers with 3 large cases. For groups, an 8-seater minibus takes 8 passengers with 6 large cases and 8 small bags.

Is it cheaper to park at Southampton or take a taxi?

Port parking is charged for every day you are away, while a taxi costs two journeys. For longer cruises, a taxi often compares well, so compare a parking quote for your dates.

How much is a taxi from Camberley to Southampton cruise terminal?

It depends on your pickup address, the vehicle and the time of travel. With Camberley Cars the fare is fixed and agreed when you book.