Facts checked October 2026 against operator sources. Prices and times change, the booking page wins.
ABP, the port operator, runs five cruise terminals. Berth numbers are the key: the live schedule lists ships by berth, not by terminal name, so remember that 38/39 is QEII, 46 is Ocean, 101 is City, 102 is Horizon and 106 is Mayflower.
| Terminal | Berth | Entry gate | Address | From Southampton Central |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QEII Cruise Terminal | Berth 38/39 | Dock Gate 4 | Test Road, SO14 3GG | 2.5 miles, 45-50 minutes on foot, 5-10 minutes by taxi |
| Ocean Cruise Terminal | Berth 46/47 | Dock Gate 4 | Cunard Road, SO14 3QN | 1.5 miles, about 30 minutes on foot, 5 minutes by taxi |
| City Cruise Terminal | 101 Berth | Dock Gate 8 (Dock Gate 10 also works) | Solent Road, SO15 1HJ | 0.6 miles via Dock Gate 10, about 15 minutes on foot |
| Horizon Cruise Terminal | 102 Berth | Dock Gate 10 | West Bay Road, SO15 1AW | 0.5 miles, about 12 minutes on foot |
| Mayflower Cruise Terminal | Berth 106 | Dock Gate 20 recommended (Dock Gate 10 possible) | Herbert Walker Avenue, SO15 0GN | 1.5 miles, about 30 minutes on foot, 5-7 minutes by taxi |
Eastern Docks or Western Docks
The Eastern Docks (QEII and Ocean) are reached through Dock Gate 4 off Platform Road, beside Ocean Village and Town Quay. The Western Docks (City, Horizon, Mayflower) sit behind Westquay and the station, entered through Dock Gates 8, 10 and 20 on West Bay Road and Western Avenue. Driving between the two sides takes ten minutes around the city centre, so check the gate before you set the satnav.
What every terminal has
- A drop-off and pick-up zone at the entrance for short stops; waiting cars are sent to short-stay parking.
- A taxi rank outside the building and ranks on both sides of Southampton Central; use the station's south exit.
- Step-free access, accessible toilets, hearing loops and designated seating. Tell your cruise line at least 48 hours ahead if you need assistance.
- No left-luggage facility inside. For bags on a port day see luggage storage in Southampton.
- No public bus stops directly outside any terminal.
Which lines use which terminal
ABP does not publish fixed assignments; the pattern in the autumn 2026 schedule is Carnival UK ships (P&O, Cunard, AIDA) at Ocean, Mayflower and QEII, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and MSC at Horizon, and Fred. Olsen at City. Always confirm with the boarding documents from your line.
Next step: get to the terminal without the queue
Pre-booked cars meet you at Heathrow, Gatwick or Southampton Central and drive straight to your terminal. Prices are fixed when you book, drivers track the flight, and the car waits if you are late. Taxis from the rank at Southampton Central cost around £10 and take 5-10 minutes.
Port transfers: KiwitaxiCompare drivers: GetTransferWhich Southampton cruise terminal is closest to the train station?
City Cruise Terminal (101 Berth) is about 0.6 miles from Southampton Central via Dock Gate 10, roughly a 15-minute walk. Horizon is 0.5 miles. QEII is the furthest at 2.5 miles.
How do I know which terminal my ship uses?
Your cruise line's boarding documents name the terminal. On the day, the ABP live schedule lists the ship against its berth number: 38/39 QEII, 46 Ocean, 101 City, 102 Horizon, 106 Mayflower.
Can I leave luggage at the terminal?
No. Terminals have no left-luggage service. Use a bag-storage service in the city centre or a hotel that holds bags.