Heathrow to Southampton cruise terminal by car: how long it takes and how much luggage fits
By Modenlink Content team · · 3 minute read
Heathrow to Southampton's cruise port is about 67 miles by road, around 1 hour 25 minutes on clear roads and longer at busy times. A saloon takes up to 3 passengers and 2 large cases; for cruise luggage, an MPV takes 5 passengers and 5 large cases.
If you are flying into Heathrow and joining a cruise at Southampton the same day, the car journey links the two. This guide covers the distance, how long to allow, how much luggage each kind of car takes and what to tell your driver.
How far is it, and how long does it take?
By road, Heathrow to Southampton's cruise port is about 67 miles. Most journeys join the M25 and then the M3. On clear roads the drive takes around 1 hour 25 minutes; at busy times, on summer weekends and when there are roadworks or accidents, allow longer. Embarkation days at Southampton are busy too, because thousands of passengers head for the same docks.
How much time to leave between landing and check-in
Landing is only the start. You still have to leave the aircraft, pass through passport control, collect your bags and clear customs, which can take anything from a few minutes to well over an hour. Then add the drive and a margin for traffic. Work backwards from the check-in time your cruise line has given you, and if the gap looks tight, talk to your cruise line before you book your flight.
Give your operator your flight number when you book. Our team checks your flight's status before your pickup. Your quote shows the free waiting time included and what waiting costs after that.
Which terminal at Southampton?
Southampton has several cruise terminals around the docks, and they are not all next to each other. Your cruise line's documents and luggage labels name the terminal for your sailing. Give it to your driver when you book.
How much luggage fits?
Cruise passengers usually carry more than on a normal holiday, so choose the car by the number of large cases as well as the number of people:
- Saloon or executive saloon: up to 3 passengers and 2 large cases.
- MPV: up to 5 passengers and 5 large cases.
- Executive MPV: up to 7 passengers and 7 large cases.
- 8 seater: up to 8 passengers and 8 large cases.
Our fleet page shows the current capacity of every vehicle. Tell us about anything unusual, such as a wheelchair, a pushchair or golf clubs, so the right car is sent.
What to tell your operator
- Your flight number and the date you land.
- Your ship's name, the sailing date and the terminal.
- Your check-in time.
- The number of passengers and large cases.
- A mobile number that works when you land.
See our Southampton cruise transfers and Heathrow transfers, or get an instant quote for your journey to the ship.