How to Get From Southampton Airport to the Cruise Terminal

Southampton International Airport is a major port city in southern England and serves as a popular departure point for Northern European cruises. With its close proximity to central London and two international airports, Southampton is conveniently accessible for cruise travelers. However, navigating between Southampton Airport and the cruise terminals can be confusing for first-time visitors. This guide provides all the information you need to seamlessly get from Southampton Airport to your cruise ship.

Southampton Airport

Located just north of Southampton city center, Southampton Airport offers many domestic UK and international flight connections. This includes easy access from London airports like Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, and London City Airport. Southampton Airport has on-site parking facilities, taxi ranks, and bus stops for quick connections to Southampton city center and the cruise terminals.

Taxi from Southampton Airport to Cruise Terminal

One of the fastest and most convenient ways to get from Southampton Airport to the cruise terminals is by taxi (taxi 8). There are designated taxi ranks right outside the Southampton Airport terminal building. A taxi from Southampton Airport to the cruise terminals takes approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi fares typically cost around £20-25 one-way. Most Southampton taxis can accommodate up to 4 passengers with luggage. Larger taxi vans are also available for groups of up to 8 people.

It's advisable to pre-book an airport transfer in advance if you want to secure a fixed price. You can compare transfer quotes online from reputable Southampton taxi companies. Pre-booking also ensures you have a taxi waiting even during busy arrival periods at the airport.

Fast and Affordable Transfers from Southampton Airport

Looking for the best and cheapest taxi service? For a seamless arrival experience, consider booking with Airport Transfers UK. This trusted transfer provider offers a range of affordable private vehicles to whisk you from Southampton Airport directly to your cruise port or city center hotel.

With a fleet of taxis, minibusses, and executive cars, Airport Transfers UK can easily accommodate groups of any size. All vehicles provide comfort and space for luggage, and meet you airside at Southampton Airport's arrival hall. No waiting around for public transport!

Simply pre-book online for the best rates. Airport Transfers UK frequently offers discounts of up to 30% for early bookings. Their knowledgeable drivers provide a friendly meet-and-greet service and even assist with your luggage. Leave the hassle behind and start your Southampton cruise with ease.

With competitive rates and great customer service, Airport Transfers UK is recommended for worry-free transfers to Southampton's cruise terminals. Avoid the stress of public transport after your flight - book your private Southampton Airport transfer today!

Bus from Southampton Airport to Cruise Terminal

The Southampton Airport Flyer bus operated by Bluestar provides a direct connection between Southampton Airport and the city center cruise terminals. This bus service runs every 30 minutes daily and the journey takes around 40 minutes.

From the Southampton Airport terminal, take the Airport Flyer bus from Stops A or B located outside Arrivals. The bus travels via Southampton Airport Parkway railway station and terminates at Southampton Central Station. From here it's a short walk or taxi ride to your Southampton cruise terminal.

A one-way bus ticket costs around £4 per adult. Bus passes and return tickets help reduce the costs for longer stays. This public bus service allows you to travel affordably to your cruise from Southampton Airport.

Taxi/Bus from Southampton Train Stations to Cruise Terminal

Traveling to Southampton by train is also an easy transport option. The city has two main railway stations: Southampton Central and Southampton Airport Parkway.

Southampton Central Station has frequent direct trains from London Waterloo, Heathrow Airport, and Gatwick Airport. From this city-centre station, the cruise terminals are a 10-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute walk away. Expect to pay around £8-10 for a taxi. You can also take the Citylink bus from the station to the City Cruise Terminal.

Southampton Airport Parkway has direct trains from London airports Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted. The Southampton Airport Flyer bus connects the station to the airport and city cruise terminals. A taxi from Southampton Airport Parkway station to the docks takes around 20 minutes.

How Much is a Taxi from Southampton Train Station to Cruise Terminal?

The approximate taxi fare from Southampton's train stations to the cruise terminal is:

From Southampton Central Station to cruise terminal: £8-£10
From Southampton Airport Parkway to cruise terminal: £18-£22

Always confirm the taxi fare with the driver before departing as prices can vary slightly based on traffic. Expect to pay extra for luggage and larger taxi vehicles. Pre-booking a station transfer to your Southampton Port hotel or cruise terminal can help minimize hassle and secure the best taxi rates after your train journey.

Southampton Airport Bus to City Centre

The quickest way to reach Southampton city center from the airport is the Southampton Airport Flyer bus. This bus runs up to every 30 minutes daily, so no need to pre-book. Just board the bus outside the Southampton Airport terminal and purchase a ticket from the driver.

The Airport Flyer bus stops at Southampton Airport Parkway railway station and then terminates at the West Quay shopping center in Southampton city center. The entire bus journey takes approximately 40 minutes. From the city center, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to your nearby cruise terminal.

Southampton Port to Southampton Airport Distance

Southampton Airport is situated approximately 5 miles or 8 km north of Southampton city centre where the cruise terminals are located. The distance and travel time vary slightly depending on exactly which cruise terminal you need to reach:

To Southampton City Cruise Terminal: 4.5 miles (7 km), 10 minutes drive
To Mayflower Cruise Terminal: 5 miles (8 km), 12 minutes drive
To QE2 Terminal: 6 miles (9.6 km), 15 minutes drive
To Ocean Terminal: 5.5 miles (9 km), 13 minutes drive

Allow extra time during peak traffic periods or if traveling by public transport. Pre-booking an airport transfer minimizes hassle and ensures you reach the cruise port on schedule.

Southampton Airport Transfer to Cruise Port

Many travelers choose to pre-book a private Southampton Airport transfer to provide peace of mind on arrival. Transfers can be booked online prior to your trip for a fixed price. A meet-and-greet service at the airport Arrivals hall means you are whisked straight to the cruise terminal or Southampton hotel without any hassle.

Compare transfer quotes in advance for competitive pricing. For transfers to Southampton's cruise terminals, look for providers offering licensed taxis and minivans to accommodate your luggage and party size. Door-to-pier transfers are recommended to maximize convenience on arrival for your cruise holiday.

Train from Southampton Airport to City Cruise Terminal

If you want to take the train from Southampton Airport to the city cruise terminal, here is the most convenient route:

Take the free shuttle bus from Southampton Airport terminal to Southampton Airport Parkway railway station. Shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes.
At Southampton Airport Parkway station, board a train heading to Southampton Central Station. The journey time is around 10 minutes.
From Southampton Central Station, the cruise terminal is a short 10-minute taxi ride or 15-minute walk away. There are also buses if you prefer public transport.

Always check UK train times in advance and allow sufficient time for connections to reach your cruise port on schedule. The train and shuttle bus provide an affordable airport transfer option before completing your journey to the Southampton terminal by local taxi or bus.

Closest Airport to Southampton Cruise Terminal

The closest international airport to Southampton's cruise terminals is Southampton Airport, located just north of the city. Road transfer time is approximately 15 minutes from Southampton Airport to the cruise port area.

Many cruise travellers also fly into London Heathrow which has excellent transport links to Southampton. By train from Heathrow Airport, you can reach Southampton Central Station in around 1 hour and 30 minutes. From here, the cruise terminals are a quick taxi or bus transfer away.

Other London airports like Gatwick and Stansted also have rail connections to Southampton Airport Parkway station. Ensure you allow sufficient time for airport transfers when arranging your flights.

Parking at Southampton Airport for Cruises

Southampton Airport offers both short and long-stay parking options for travelers. The on-site multi-story car park provides access within a few minutes walk of the terminal. Drop-off zones are also available for pick-up and drop-offs.

Short-stay parking directly outside the terminal starts from £5 for up to 1 hour.
Long-stay parking is also available from £17 per day when booked online in advance. This is more affordable for cruise travelers who require parking for longer durations.
Meet and greet valet parking is available from £45 per week.

Many cruisegoers pre-book airport parking bundles along with their Southampton cruise transfers. This provides maximum convenience for your departure to the cruise port. Always reserve airport parking in advance for the best rates.

Southampton Train Station Transfers to Cruise Terminal

Southampton has two main train stations providing easy access to the Southampton cruise port area:

Southampton Central Station -

This centrally located station has direct train services from London's major airports and railway stations. The cruise terminals are a short 10-15 minute walk or quick taxi ride away.

Southampton Airport Parkway -

This station has direct trains from London airports. The onward transfer is around 20 minutes by taxi or via the Airport Flyer bus to the cruise terminals.

Pre-booking a taxi transfer from either Southampton train station takes the hassle out of luggage transfers and navigation. Some cruise shuttles also offer station pickups. Travelers have the flexibility to reach Southampton by train before the final transfer to your cruise terminal by road.

This Bournemouth Airport taxi guide provides transportation details for another South Coast England airport.

Taxi or Bus from Southampton Port to Airport?

At the end of your cruise, you have the option to take a taxi or bus back to Southampton Airport for your flight home.

A taxi from Southampton's cruise terminals to Southampton Airport takes around 15 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay approximately £25-30 for a taxi which can be booked at the port on disembarkation day.

The cheapest option is to take the Bluestar Airport Flyer bus. Buses leave regularly from Southampton city center (around a 15-minute walk from the cruise port area). Bus tickets cost £4 per adult and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Always factor these transfer times into your post-cruise travel plans.

Southampton Cruise Terminal Transfers from London Airports

With Southampton's close proximity to London, many cruisers opt to fly into one of London's major airports before traveling south to Southampton port. Some options for London airport transfers include:

London Heathrow Airport - Direct National Express buses and trains take 2 hours to Southampton.
London Gatwick Airport - Direct trains take just over 2 hours to Southampton.
London City Airport - Trains with changes take around 3 hours to Southampton.
Stansted Airport - Buses and trains with changes take 3-4 hours to Southampton.
Luton Airport - Buses and trains take around 3.5 hours to Southampton.

For maximum ease, pre-book an airport transfer from your London arrival airport all the way to Southampton cruise terminal. This minimizes hassle and ensures you reach the cruise port comfortably.

Southampton Airport to Docks Transfer

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Southampton's cruise port area from the airport is to take a pre-booked private taxi or van transfer. Drivers will meet you airside in the Arrivals hall and transport you directly to the cruise terminal. Prices start from around £25 per standard taxi one-way.

Other public transport options include:

Southampton Airport Flyer bus to the city centre then taxi/walk to the docks
Train to Southampton Central then taxi to docks
Taxi from Southampton Airport Parkway station to docks

Allow at least 60-90 minutes of travel time even for the quickest public transport connections. Pre-booking a private Southampton Airport dock transfer ensures the most comfortable journey directly upon arrival.

Summary

With great accessibility by road, rail, and air, it's easy to reach your Southampton cruise from both local and London airports. Taxi transfers provide the quickest and most hassle-free transport, while trains and buses help cruise travelers on a budget. Manage your transfers wisely and you can embark on your UK cruise fully relaxed and ready for your maritime adventure.

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