Have you decided to embark on a cruise but are hesitant to fly to your departure port? Whether it’s for ecological, economic, or comfort reasons, there’s no need to board a plane to explore the world.

Did you know that you can start your cruise from a European or English port easily accessible by train or car? This option allows you to enjoy your journey more pleasantly, avoiding the hassles of airports.
In this article, I will guide you through planning an unforgettable cruise without the constraints of air travel, leveraging Europe’s extensive rail network or simply by taking your car.

Discover the Best European Ports

Join me as we uncover the secrets of the largest European and English ports directly accessible! This comprehensive guide will be your invaluable companion, even during a stopover at one of these ports. You’ll learn how to get to the historic city centers, explore the top tourist attractions, estimate your budget, and much more. In short, you’ll have all the information you need to fully enjoy your European cruise experience!

During the summer, additional direct connections are available, linking Paris to the sunny destinations of southern France, with stops in Valence, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille. Additionally, the secondary rail network in France offers convenient connections to other major European cities such as Lyon, Dijon, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Biarritz.

The Main Cruise Ports in England: London, Southampton, Dover, Portsmouth and Liverpool.

London is Calling!

London Tilbury Port: located 50km down the River Thames from central London, Tilbury Port is an hour’s direct train ride from St. Pancras Station. As a major departure point for cruise lines like Ambassador, Oceania, and Windstar, the port offers convenient access to a variety of itineraries. From Tilbury Station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the terminal, or you can take a taxi.

The port is also easily accessible by car, and some cruise lines offer discounted parking spaces. Feel free to contact us for more information. Additionally, Tilbury Port is about a two-hour taxi ride from Heathrow Airport.

Southampton: Gateway To the World

Southampton Port Southampton is one of the most important cruise ports in England, situated 130km from central London. If you’re making a stopover in Southampton and wish to visit London, it’s advisable to choose excursions organised by the cruise line, as the transfer takes approximately 2.5 hours. However, the charming town of Southampton itself is worth exploring. Its medieval walls and historic old town are a delight, and the city offers numerous museums, including the Sea City Museum, which chronicles the history of Southampton and the Titanic.

Accessibility: How to Reach Southampton Port

To reach the port from central London, take a direct train from London Waterloo Station (or if you’re coming from St Pancras, take the Underground to London Waterloo). Once you arrive at Southampton Central Station, the terminal is a 15-minute walk away, and there are plenty of taxis available if needed (approximately £6).

If you prefer to drive, the terminal offers numerous parking options with varying rates depending on the duration of your stay. It’s advisable to book in advance through the official website.

If you’re flying in, the simplest option is to take a taxi from Heathrow Airport, as there is no direct train line. The journey takes an average of 1.5 hours. From London Gatwick, you can take two trains (Southern and South Western Railways with a change at Clapham, the journey will take you more than 2 hours), or 2 hours by taxi.

Dover: The Gateway to Europe

Dover is best known for its ferry services between Calais and England. However, it’s also the primary cruise port in Southeast England. From Dover Port, you can easily explore Dover Castle, hike along the famous White Cliffs and enjoy the breathtaking views, or simply stroll around the town and relax on the beach. The terminal can accommodate up to three ships simultaneously and is just a 10-minute walk from the city center and the beaches.

Accessibility: How to Reach Dover Port

Dover Port features a large covered parking area with a shuttle service that drops you off right in front of the terminal. It’s recommended to reserve your parking directly through the cruise line or via the port’s website.

If you prefer traveling by train, Dover Port is 130 km from London’s St Pancras Station (about a 1.5-hour drive). There is a direct Southeastern train line from St Pancras to Dover Priory Station, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Once you arrive at Dover Priory, it’s advisable to take a taxi as the terminal is quite a distance from the station.

If you’re flying in, Heathrow Airport is 180 km from Dover Port. The journey takes about 2.5 hours by car or approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by public transport. Please note there’s no direct route; you’ll need to take the Underground and at least two trains.

Portsmouth: The Historic Home of the Royal Navy

Portsmouth, located approximately 120 km east of Dover and around 120 km from central London, has long been a significant naval port. Given the distance from London, if you are stopping in Portsmouth, it's advisable to book a shore excursion through your cruise company. For centuries, Portsmouth has served as the headquarters of the Royal Navy. The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to several museums and offers the opportunity to explore meticulously restored warships.

Traveling to Portsmouth: A Practical Guide

If traveling from St Pancras Station, you’ll need to take several metro and train connections. The journey typically takes over two hours. From Heathrow Airport, taking a taxi is the most convenient option with a travel time of about 1.5 hours. You can find more information about the car park here.

Liverpool: The Pool

The Liverpool cruise terminal is ideally located just steps from the city’s historic center and the vibrant area of renovated old docks. Liverpool offers a wealth of tourist attractions, including a fantastic maritime museum that details the city's naval history and its crucial role during the World Wars. Additionally, Liverpool was the departure point for Cunard Line's transatlantic voyages. Liverpool is an important departure port for Ambassador Cruise Line and Fred Olsen.

How To Reach Liverpool Cuise Terminal:

The cruise terminal is 20 minutes walk from the Lime Street Station with train from and to Manchester, London, Scotland and the rest of UK. You can also take a taxi that could drop you directly in front of the cruise terminal (10minutes).

If you come by car, the cruise lines offer car park, please contact us for more information.

European Cruises: Explore a World of Diverse Destinations?

Since 2022, Thalys and Eurostar have merged to form Eurostar International Limited, making it easier to connect with major European cities all year round. This merger allows you to travel seamlessly between London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Cologne.

European cruises offer a wealth of captivating destinations, ranging from the stunning Norwegian fjords to the historic Baltic capitals, Mediterranean coastlines, Iceland, and the English Isles. With nearly endless options, each departure port provides a variety of itineraries that allow you to experience unique cultures, landscapes, and histories—all without needing to board a plane!

Rotterdam: The Largest Port in the Netherlands

Rotterdam is home to the largest port in the Netherlands and is one of the largest ports in the world. The main advantage of the Port of Rotterdam is its proximity to the city center, just 3 km away, easily reachable by crossing the Erasmus Bridge!

Accessibility:

• By Train: The port is easily accessible from Rotterdam Central Station, whether you choose to walk (about 40 minutes) or take a taxi (approximately 15 minutes).Eurostar provides direct trains from London St Pancras (about 4 hours, 3 direct trains/day; 5h30 non direct train, 4 trains/day).

• By Air: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is less than an hour’s drive from Rotterdam. A direct train line connects the airport to Rotterdam Central Station.

• By Car: If you prefer driving and cross via a ferry, the cruise terminal is only 3 hours from Calais. The port offers a large parking area with a free shuttle service to the cruise terminal, which is very convenient if you have luggage. Parking costs €13 per day (as of July 2024). Reservations are not possible, but there are usually plenty of spaces available.

Rotterdam serves as a key port for Holland America Line, founded in 1873 and acquired by the American giant Carnival in 1989. The line’s first ship was named Rotterdam! Other cruise lines that call at Rotterdam include Celebrity, Cunard, Princess, MSC, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania.
From the Port of Rotterdam, you can embark on global adventures with world cruises and long voyages, or explore destinations such as the Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles, and the sunny Mediterranean. The port accommodates ships of all sizes, offering a diverse range of travel options.

Amsterdam: Two cruise Terminals for Diverse Travel Options

Amsterdam has two main ports: Amsterdam Port and Amsterdam-Ijmuiden Felison Terminal. The latter, located outside the city center, handles the largest vessels, while the former, situated in the heart of Amsterdam, is the departure point for Rhine River cruises and smaller ocean cruise ships. When booking a cruise departing from Amsterdam, it's crucial to check your documents carefully to ensure you arrive at the correct port!

Amsterdam Port, the second-largest port in the Netherlands, is a popular terminal for Rhine River cruises as well as ocean cruises. Its ideal location allows easy access to the historic city center, just a 20-minute walk away, providing travelers with unmatched convenience and charm.

Accessibility:

• By Train: The port is located 2 km from Amsterdam Central Station (exit from the rear and turn right). You can easily take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Central Station (5hours, 3 direct trains/day and 6 hours non direct, 5 trains/day).

• By Plane: It’s a 20-minute drive from Schiphol Airport, with a direct train line connecting the airport to Amsterdam Central Station.

• By Car: if you take a ferry from Dover, the cruise terminal is only 4 hours drive from Calais. The cruise Terminal offers numerous car parks.

  Piet Hein: Located in the basement of the cruise terminal, priced at €38 per day. No reservation is possible; payment is made upon departure.

  
  IJ Parking-Interparking: Also close to the cruise terminal, this parking facility must be reserved in advance, with prices varying based on demand and duration. Reservations are highly recommended.

  
  Q-Park Oostenburg: A 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal. You can use the drop-off area at the terminal and then park your car. This parking facility must be reserved in advance, with a rate of €15 per day and a maximum stay of 14 days.

For river cruises, your ship may not be next to the maritime terminal as the port is quite large and has several docks for river vessels. In such cases, your cruise line will provide boarding instructions.

Cruise Lines:
Amsterdam hosts many major cruise lines including Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, P&O, Celebrity, Carnival, Ambassador, Azamara, Disney Cruise Line, Oceania, and Princess. The city is also a departure point for Rhine River cruises with operators such as AmaWaterways, CroisiEurope, Viva, Uniworld, Tauck, Rivages du Monde, Riviera, and Riverside.

Destinations:
From the Port of Amsterdam, you can explore destinations around the world, including the Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles, Scotland, and the Mediterranean. River cruises also offer the chance to navigate the Rhine, visiting German castles, Cologne’s Christmas markets, and more!

Amsterdam Ijmuiden Felison Terminal: Located outside the city, the Felison Terminal accommodates larger vessels and is also the departure point for DFDS ferries to England. Situated 45 km from Amsterdam's city center, some cruise lines offer free shuttle services to the city, while a taxi ride costs around €100 (round trip). The nearby town of Ijmuiden also boasts a pleasant beach, easily accessible on foot from the terminal.

Accessibility:

• By Train: The Felison Terminal is not well-served by public transportation. To reach it from Amsterdam Central Station, you'll need to take two different trains and allow about an hour for the journey.

  The easiest option is to take a taxi, with fares approximately €60.

• By Car: The terminal is 4 hours drive from Calais. There is a large parking area available at €15 per day. It is recommended to book your parking space in advance via the following link: Parking Felison Terminal.

• By Plane: The terminal is 25 km from Schiphol Airport. From the airport, it’s easier to take a taxi (30 minutes and approximately €80.

Destinations:
From Felison Terminal, you can explore Northern Europe, including the Baltic Sea, England, Scotland, and even the Mediterranean.

Antwerp: Gateway along the Scheldt

The Port of Antwerp is one of Europe's largest cargo ports but does not focus on passenger traffic, which is handled by the Port of Bruges-Zeebruges. However, some cruises do offer departures and stops from Antwerp. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Antwerp's historic city center, the port provides easy access to the city's attractions.

Port of Bruges-Zeebruges: The Venice of the North

The Port of Bruges-Zeebruges is increasingly developing its tourism and passenger transport activities. To manage tourist influx and preserve the city of Bruges, the port can accommodate only two ships simultaneously. Bruges is located 15 km from the port and can be reached either by train (approximately 40 minutes) or by taxi (about 30 minutes and €120 round trip). Alternatively, you can explore the port area, visit the nearby beach, or head to Knokke, one of Belgium's most popular seaside resorts. A free shuttle is required to exit the port area.

Accessibility:

• By Train: There is no direct between the cruise terminal and Brussels midi (the Eurostar station). You will have to take a train to Bruges Station and another to Zeebruges station which is 30 min walking distance to the cruise terminal (or by taxi). Eurostar provides 8 direct trains per day, 2h30.

• By Air: The terminal is 125 km from Brussels Airport. There is not direct connection by train, I advise you to take a taxi.

• By Car: The terminal offers a large free parking area right next to the terminal and a drop-off zone with plenty of taxis available. The terminal is 1.5 hours driving from Calais.

Cruise Lines:
The Port of Bruges-Zeebruges welcomes many major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Cunard Line, and MSC Cruises. Currently, MSC Cruises is the only line offering departures from Zeebruges, but with growing demand, additional cruise options are expected to expand soon.

France: The Land of Wine and Cheese

The Port of Le Havre is located 200 km from Paris and has three cruise terminals. It will take you over 2 hours by car or more than 3 hours by public transport to visit the French capital from the Port of Le Havre. In case of a stopover in Le Havre, I highly recommend taking the shuttles or excursions offered by the cruise line. From the Port of Le Havre, you can also visit the nearby towns of Rouen or Honfleur.

Accessibility:

• By Train: The Port of Le Havre is not easily accessible by train from London; after 2 hours to Paris Gare du Nord, you will need to take at least 2 trains and change stations in Paris.

• By Plane: Le Havre has a small airport but without direct flights from the UK.

• By Car: If you take the ferry from Dover, the port is only 3 hours drive from Calais. The Vauban Parking (P4) is located just 2.5 km from the cruise terminal (a 30-minute walk or a taxi ride). I highly recommend booking your parking in advance online via the following link. The parking costs €27.40 for a week and €50.40 for two weeks.

Marseille: The Good Mother and the Sardine City

The Port of Marseille is relatively distant by car from England, but it is easily accessible by plane from London. The cruise terminal is approximately 8 km from the Old Port of Marseille (the historic city center). To reach the city center, it is advisable to take a taxi, with a journey of about 20 minutes. Another option is the free shuttle provided by the city council, which takes you to the city center. Note that this shuttle is located outside the port area, requiring about a 10-minute walk from the ship.

Please note that the free shuttle is only available when ships are in port. If you are boarding from the Port of Marseille and no other ships are present, the shuttle may not be operational.

Once in Marseille, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful calanques, picturesque villages in the south of France such as Cassis, or simply enjoy the bars, beaches, and museums that the city has to offer.

Accessibility:

• By Train: The journey from London by train will be quite lengthy, requiring a change in Paris. The total travel time is approximately 9 hours.

• By Plane: There are multiple direct flights available from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin to Marseille. Marseille Airport is located 30 km from the cruise terminal. You can opt for a taxi, which will take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic, or a bus, as there is currently no direct tram or train connection to the terminal

• By Car: If you are driving to Marseille, there is ample parking available at €15 per day. Booking in advance is not necessary, as there is plenty of space.

When Do We Book?

You have no excuses left not to choose UK and European ports as your departure point for your cruise, especially if you want to avoid flying. With so many options accessible by train or car, planning your next sea adventure has never been easier and more enjoyable.

For an unforgettable experience, check out my article “When to Book Your Cruise” to learn how to optimize your booking. If you need help designing your ideal trip, don’t hesitate to contact me. Together, we will craft the perfect cruise tailored to your desires and budget. Make your next cruise an adventure to remember, starting from European ports without the hassle of air travel.