Overview
Dover cruise terminals are about 75 miles (120km) from Central London. Moreover; it is one of three ports used by cruise ships visiting the London area. The others are Southampton and Harwich; both are a similar distance from London as well as Dover.
The main function of Dover is as a ferry port connecting the UK and France. Additionally, the cruise calendar in Dover normally starts from the month of April and continues until late September/October.
Outside the summer months visits by cruise ships are rare. The three cruise terminals are at the Western docks, the ferry port at the Eastern Docks. Larger cruise ships tend to use Terminal 2, the busiest terminal.
Cruise Terminal 1 is located in the historic Marine Railway Station. As a protected building, it retains many of its original characteristics, giving visitors a glimpse into a past era.
Disembarkation and embarkation at Dover
Disembarkation
Most cruise ships arrive in Dover around 5.30am to 6am. The majority of cruise ships have assisted disembarkation starting about 7am. All cruise ships depart the same day they arrive, normally between 4pm and 6pm.
Porters are available to assist with luggage items as you disembark. The taxi rank outside each terminal are orderly and well regulated. Queues happen at busy periods, but you will not have to wait too long.
When you opt for a cruise line transfer, a representative will guide you straight to your awaiting coach. If you’ve arranged a taxi or charter bus in advance, the driver will typically be waiting for you just outside the customs and baggage area, holding a sign with your name.
Embarkation
Embarkation normally closes for departing cruises around 3pm to 4pm. Do check direct with your individual cruise. Some of the largest ships may delay docking to fit around local weather conditions.
Marshalling is well organised and you will not be pestered by touts for hotels and taxis. As soon as you arrive, porters will be there to welcome you and assist with your luggage, so just make sure it’s all properly labelled!
Transfers between Cruise Terminals & London buses & trains
There are no shuttle buses available to take you from the cruise terminal to the train station or London bus stops in Dover. As a result, you’ll need to take a taxi to travel between the cruise terminal and the train station or bus stop.
Taxis
In Dover, you’ll find taxis of various sizes. Be aware, if you’re traveling in a group of more than two people and each person has two sets of luggage, you might find you need to take a couple of taxis. Fares are quite affordable, typically around £10 and it’s just a short drive between the cruise terminals at Dover to/from the railway and bus stations and ferry terminal.
All taxi rides within Dover should use a meter. For longer trips outside of Dover, make sure to agree on the fare before getting in. While drivers might say they can take your Euros or Dollars, the exchange rate will likely be unfavourable. It’s best to avoid this unless absolutely necessary.
The taxi rank at the cruise terminal is well marshalled. Porters from the ship will normally take your luggage as far as the taxi rank immediately outside the front doors of the cruise terminal. It is customary to leave a small tip with cab drivers, assuming they provide a good service.
Walking from/to cruise terminals
The distance from the rail and bus stations to the cruise terminals is a few kilometres, or more than a mile.
We recommend not walking with luggage, as it can be quite a hassle. Taxis are reasonably priced, and walking through the port isn’t the best way to wrap up your cruise experience.
Alternative transport to/from London to cruise line buses
If you do not want to take the expensive transport offered by the cruise line, these are your options:
Embarkation normally closes for departing cruises around 3pm to 4pm. Do check direct with your individual cruise, the above is what happens on the majority of cruises using Southampton, yours may be the exception.
The cheapest option is the National Express scheduled buses. Full size 50 seat coaches with washrooms that depart from London’s Victoria Coach Stations. They do not go to the cruise terminals, you will need a taxi between Dover Town or Dover Ferry Terminal and Dover cruise terminals.
Train
The quickest option is the Dover train services. Several trains an hour run along three separate routes between Dover’s Priory Station and around 5 major train stations in Central London. The fastest trains by far run between London St Pancras and Dover. Like the National Express buses you will need a taxi between Dover Priory Train Station and Dover cruise terminals.
Shuttles
The only door to door shared service between your hotel in London and the cruise terminal are the Dover Cruise Bus Shuttles. Shuttles pick-up and drop at all the major Central London hotel districts and Heathrow airport and only go to the cruise terminals at Dover. The service only operates on dates when a major cruise ship is in port.
Additionally, there are guided tour transfers available for those traveling from Dover to London, alongside the direct shuttle option.
Private Vehicle
And of course the money no object option is a private car service door to door at a time specified by you. If you have a group there are vans, even coaches available.