Harwich International Cruise Port, located in Essex on the east coast of England, is a great starting point for cruise travellers heading to Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Baltic.
Situated next to the cruise terminal is a ferry terminal that hosts large ferries traveling to the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Both the ferry and cruise terminals represent just a small section of a much larger port complex.
Across the river from Harwich lies Felixstowe, which is one of the largest container ports in the UK.
Harwich Cruise & Ferry Terminal
Terminal Facilities
Facilities within the cruise terminal are fairly basic, but purpose built, air-conditioned and spacious. There is a very reasonably priced Café a local tourist stand, and selection of shops but little else.
Adjacent to the ferry terminal, which can be reached by walking along the rail platform, there is a restaurant, currency exchange bureau, restrooms, and telephones. Additionally, this is where the railway ticket office is located.
Accessibility options are available to support passengers with disabilities.
Transportation and Parking
Right at the front entrance of the cruise terminal, you’ll find a large coach park and a taxi rank, both of which are very accessible. If you have a coach or a private vehicle waiting for you, it’s just a brief walk away. There are two train stations in Harwich: Harwich Town and Harwich International, the latter being the one that connects to the docks, ferry, and cruise terminal.
Long and short term parking is available at Harwich International Port.
Park and Pay
The Park and Pay car park for those using rail and ferry services at Harwich International port can be accessed through barriers that are managed by ANPR (automatic number plate recognition). It operates without tickets, and you should ensure that payment is made at the machine prior to getting back to your car when you are ready to leave.
Cruise Parking
Passengers leaving Harwich on cruise ships are advised to follow the signs leading to the designated car park.
A complimentary bus service is available for the short (5 minute) journey to the cruise terminal.
Car Parking Fees
- Up to 30 minutes Free
- Up to 2 hours £1.80
- Up to 6 hours £3.50
- Up to 12 hours £5.30
- Daily rate £8.60
Bus service
Harwich International is located just a few miles away from the original port of Harwich and Harwich Town. A local bus service operates from outside Harwich International station to Harwich Town. Additionally, the hourly scheduled trains that stop at Harwich International also continue on to Harwich Town, which is the end of the line.
Getting to/from Harwich Cruise & Ferry Terminal From London
Harwich is located approximately 85 miles (145 kilometres) to the Northeast of central London. With good roads you can reach it in less than 2 hours by car. The best public transport option connecting Harwich and London is the train departing from Liverpool Street Station in London.
Harwich is the other side of London from both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, London’s major airports. The closest London Airport is Stansted Airport which is dominated by European low cost budget airlines. This is about half way between Heathrow and Harwich.
London Liverpool Street to/from Harwich by train
Liverpool Street Station serves as a key railway and underground hub in London. The Liverpool Street Underground Station connects to the Circle Line, Central Line, Hammersmith & City Line, and Metropolitan Line.
A train service run by Greater Anglia operates roughly every hour from Harwich International Station to Liverpool Street Station in London. The journey lasts about 1 hour and 16 minutes.
For the majority of trips, travellers will need to switch trains at Manningtree Station since the Harwich line is a branch line, culminating at Harwich International Station.
When one of the large cruise ships are in port a special cruise train is normally arranged. This runs once each way non-stop between Harwich International and Liverpool Street street. Otherwise it is the same train as the scheduled services.
Visit our London to/from Harwich ferry & cruise port by train page for more information.
Private transfer
Direct transfers between Harwich and London by private hire vehicle save a lot of hassle and tedium associated with the public transport alternatives.
It’s around a 2 hour journey into London from Harwich. With most cruise ships disembarking between 7am and 9am if you are travelling on a work day, you’ll hit a lot of commuter traffic and it can take far longer.
Visit our Harwich to/from London & Airports by private hire vehicle page for more information.