Lois Larson
If you're taking a cruise from Southampton, you might be wondering which airport is the best one to fly into. The UK has lots of airports, with 6 of those being 'London' airports. Southampton Airport is the closest airport to Southampton Cruise Port, but it isn't always practical due to limited international and domestic flights. Alternative airports include Gatwick and Heathrow, which have good transport links to Southampton Cruise Port and are located in the south of England.
Airports for Cruises from England
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Closest airport to Southampton cruise port | Southampton Airport |
| Other airports with good transport links to Southampton cruise port | London Gatwick Airport, London Heathrow Airport |
| Transport options from London Gatwick Airport to Southampton cruise port | Train (2 hours, £7-£29), bus (4 hours 15 minutes, £20-£50) |
| Transport options from London Heathrow Airport to Southampton cruise port | Train, bus (1 hour 55 minutes, £20) |
| Transport options from Southampton Airport to Southampton cruise port | Taxi, on foot |
| Distance from Southampton Airport to Southampton cruise port | 9 kilometres or just under 6 miles |
| Distance from London Gatwick Airport to Southampton cruise port | 50 miles |
| Distance from London Heathrow Airport to Southampton cruise port | 80 miles |
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What You'll Learn
- Southampton Airport is the closest option for cruises from Southampton
- Heathrow Airport has direct transport to Southampton via coach
- Gatwick Airport is 50 miles from Southampton Cruise Port
- London City Airport is small and manageable but requires multiple changes
- Cruise lines often describe Harwich and Tilbury as 'London' ports, despite being 70+ miles away
Southampton Airport is the closest option for cruises from Southampton
Southampton Airport is the closest option if you are taking a cruise from Southampton. It is only 10 to 15 minutes away from the cruise port. However, it is important to note that there are no non-stop flights from this airport. If you are looking to fly out of Southampton on the same day that your cruise arrives, it is recommended that you do not book a flight until early to mid-afternoon, to avoid any stress in case your ship is delayed.
There are four cruise terminals in Southampton, and you can take a taxi from the airport directly to your terminal. This will cost you around £15. Alternatively, you can take a train to Southampton Central and then a taxi to your terminal. If you are travelling to the Queen Elizabeth II terminal, you can take the U1C bus to Dock Gate 4. It is also worth checking with your cruise provider to see if they have arranged any shuttle buses.
If you are looking to fly internationally, you may want to consider a larger airport such as Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City. Heathrow Airport has direct transport from Southampton via coach, and there are also dedicated shared transfer services for cruise passengers. However, these only depart in the morning, usually by 8:30 am. London City Airport, while small and easily manageable, requires numerous changes in ground transport.
Gatwick Airport is another option, with trains running from Southampton to Gatwick. However, it is important to plan your travel to the airport carefully, as traffic can vary immensely.
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Heathrow Airport has direct transport to Southampton via coach
Heathrow Airport is a popular airport for cruise passengers travelling from England. This is partly because Heathrow has direct transport links to Southampton, one of the UK's busiest cruise ports, via coach.
National Express operates a coach service from Southampton Coach Station Harbour Parade to Heathrow Airport Terminals 2, 3, and 4. Coaches arrive at Heathrow Airport up to 6 times per day, with tickets costing as little as £18 one-way. The fastest coach journey from Southampton to Heathrow takes 1 hour and 50 minutes to Terminals 2 and 3. However, the journey can take up to 2 hours and 40 minutes, depending on the traffic and the terminal.
The coaches are a comfortable and affordable way to travel, with regular, reliable services and low fares. Passengers can bring one large suitcase or two medium cases, as well as one soft hand luggage item on board. Tickets are amendable, and it is possible to add "Change and Go" to your booking, allowing you to board any available coach 12 hours before or after your original departure time for just £5 per journey.
In addition to the coach service, there are trains from Southampton Central to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 via Reading and London Paddington. This journey takes around 1 hour and 51 minutes to 2 hours and 38 minutes.
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Gatwick Airport is 50 miles from Southampton Cruise Port
London Gatwick Airport is one of the most convenient airports for cruising out of Southampton, which is around 50 miles away. There are multiple ways to get to Southampton Cruise Port from Gatwick Airport, including by train, taxi, bus, or car.
If you are travelling by train, the journey from Gatwick Airport to Southampton Central Station takes around two hours and costs around £17-£18 per person if pre-booked. Trains depart roughly every hour, although there are no direct trains on Sundays. It's important to note that most UK trains don't have much luggage space, so this may not be the best option if you have multiple suitcases.
Taking a taxi or private car transfer from Southampton Central Station to the cruise port is a convenient option, with the journey taking around 10 minutes and costing around £10. Walking is also an option if you don't have a lot of luggage and the weather is good; it takes around 25 minutes on foot.
You can also travel between Gatwick Airport and Southampton Cruise Port by bus or coach. National Express, the UK's largest scheduled coach operator, runs up to eight services daily between Gatwick and Southampton. These coaches are equipped with facilities like toilets, power sockets, and WiFi. However, it's important to note that there are no direct shuttles or public transport between the cruise terminals and the coach station, so you'll need to take a taxi or walk from the coach station to the cruise port.
Additionally, you can consider flying into other airports near Southampton, such as Heathrow or London City Airport, and then travelling to the cruise port. Heathrow has direct transport to Southampton via coach, while London City Airport would require multiple changes in ground transport.
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London City Airport is small and manageable but requires multiple changes
London City Airport is a small and manageable airport located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, about six miles (ten kilometres) east of the City of London and three miles (five kilometres) east of Canary Wharf. It is easily accessible by tube, bus, or taxi, and its small size makes arrivals and departures quicker and easier compared to larger airports in London. The airport is connected to the London Underground network and has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects to nearby stations such as Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank. The DLR was also the UK's first fully accessible railway for wheelchair users, with features like lifts, escalators, and ramps at every station.
However, when it comes to cruise travel, London City Airport may require multiple changes in ground transportation. For example, if you are arriving at the Southampton cruise port and need to get to London City Airport, you would need to take a train to London Waterloo, then take the Jubilee Line to Canning Town, and finally, use the DLR to get to the airport. This involves a few changes and connections.
Another factor to consider is the timing of your cruise arrival and flight departure. It is generally recommended to allow for potential delays and build in some buffer time. This is because cruise ships can be delayed for various reasons, and disembarking can take longer than expected. Therefore, it is advisable to book flights for early to mid-afternoon, giving yourself some flexibility and reducing stress if there are any delays.
Additionally, when choosing an airport for cruise travel, it is worth considering the proximity of the airport to your cruise port. While London City Airport is close to central London, it is important to note that the ports of Southampton, Dover, and Harwich, which are often referred to as "London" by cruise operators, are actually 70+ miles away from the city. Therefore, you may need to factor in additional travel time and consider airports that are more conveniently located in relation to your cruise port.
In summary, while London City Airport has its advantages in terms of size and accessibility, it may require multiple changes when travelling to or from cruise ports. It is important to take into account factors such as ground transportation, timing, and the distance between the airport and your specific cruise port when making your decision.
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Cruise lines often describe Harwich and Tilbury as 'London' ports, despite being 70+ miles away
When it comes to cruise ports in England, there are several options to consider. Southampton, Dover, and Harwich are often referred to as "London" cruise ports by cruise lines, even though they are 70 or more miles away from the city. Tilbury, on the other hand, is a port that is actually located in London, specifically on the north bank of the Thames about 22 nautical miles east of central London. It is the largest of eight ports owned by Forth Ports and is London's major port and the third-largest port group in the UK. It is also the only deep-water, purpose-built cruise facility in London, with excellent road and rail connections to the city and the rest of the UK.
Despite being farther from London than Tilbury, Harwich is a popular cruise port for those sailing to the Baltic and the Mediterranean. It is a small, single-berth, single-terminal port with amenities like electric vehicle charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and a nearby railway station. Liverpool Cruise Terminal is another option, with cruise lines like Fred. Olsen, Disney, and MSC Cruises sailing from there.
For those arriving at the Southampton cruise port and looking for the closest airport, Southampton Airport is only 10 to 15 minutes away. However, it is recommended to consider potential cruise ship delays when booking a connecting flight. Heathrow Airport also has direct transport to Southampton via coach, while London City Airport can be reached via train and the London Underground, although it requires multiple changes in ground transportation.
When it comes to Tilbury, there are transport options available as well. The Tilbury Town Station is on the mainline from London Fenchurch Street, and there is a bus service, the 99 bus, that runs from London International Cruise Terminal to the station. For those flying to or from the United States, Heathrow or Gatwick Airport are options to consider, depending on the specific destination within the US.
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Frequently asked questions
The closest airport to Southampton Cruise Port is Southampton Airport, located in Hampshire. However, this airport offers a limited number of international and domestic flights. Alternative airports include London Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport, both located within 150km of Southampton and with good transport links.
From Gatwick Airport, you can take a train to Southampton Central station, which takes approximately two hours with one or two train changes. From Southampton Central Station, it is approximately one mile to the cruise port, accessible on foot or by taxi. You can also take a National Express coach to Southampton Coach Station, which takes around four hours and 15 minutes with one change.
From Heathrow Airport, you can take a train to Southampton Central station or a National Express coach to Southampton Coach Station. The coach journey takes approximately one hour and 55 minutes if it is a direct service. From Southampton Coach Station, it is approximately one mile to the cruise port, accessible on foot or by taxi.
