If you’re sailing from Southampton, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:“What is the cheapest way to get from London to Southampton Cruise Terminal?”
The honest answer?👉 It depends on how many people are travelling, how much luggage you have, and how much time you can spare.
This guide compares all travel options from London to Southampton Cruise Port, breaks down real costs, and helps you decide which option is truly the cheapest for your situation—not just on paper, but in real life.
Southampton is the UK’s busiest cruise port, serving major cruise lines such as P&O, Cunard, Princess, MSC, and Royal Caribbean.
👉 If you want to see which cruise lines sail from Southampton this year, read: Top Cruise Lines Sailing from Southampton in 2025
Because thousands of passengers travel on the same day, prices, delays, and luggage logistics play a big role in deciding the cheapest and smartest option.
| Travel Option | Typical Cost | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach (National Express) | £15–£30 pp | 2.5–4 hrs | Solo, light luggage |
| Train + taxi | £45–£90 pp | ~2 hrs | Couples, light bags |
| Private transfer (shared) | £40–£60 pp | 1.5–2 hrs | Families & groups |
| Private transfer (solo) | £150–£220 | 1.5–2 hrs | Comfort & reliability |
Now let’s break each option down properly 👇
Cheapest ticket price: £15–£30 per person
Departure point: London Victoria Coach Station
Pros
✔ Lowest upfront cost
✔ Direct to Southampton city
Cons
❌ Long travel time
❌ Limited luggage space
❌ Requires taxi to the cruise terminal
❌ Not ideal for cruise luggage
⚠️ Important: After adding a taxi from the coach station to the terminal, the real cost often increases.
Best for: Solo travellers with minimal luggage.
Train: London Waterloo → Southampton Central
Cost: £35–£75 per person
Taxi to terminal: £10–£20
Pros
✔ Faster than a coach
✔ Frequent departures
Cons
❌ Train stations + luggage
❌ Can be crowded on cruise days
❌ Final taxi still required
💡 Tip: If you’re sailing from the Mayflower Terminal, you’ll still need local transport.
👉 Learn more here: Guide to Mayflower Terminal Southampton
Best for: Couples travelling light.
This surprises many travellers.
A private transfer may look expensive at first, but when costs are shared, it often becomes the cheapest realistic option.
Average cost (one way):
£160–£220 total
£40–£55 per person for 4 travellers
Why this works:
✔ Door-to-terminal service
✔ No luggage fees
✔ No taxi changes
✔ Fixed pricing
✔ Faster journey
👉 Recommended option for families & groups: Southampton Cruise Port Transfer
Best for: Families, groups, cruise passengers with luggage.
A London taxi is rarely the cheapest due to:
Metered pricing
Traffic delays
Extra luggage charges
Private transfers are usually cheaper and safer than long-distance taxis.
✔ For solo travellers (light luggage):👉 Coach
✔ For couples:👉 Train + taxi
✔ For families & groups:👉 Shared private transfer (best value)
✔ For stress-free travel:👉 Private transfer
💡 When luggage, time, and reliability matter, private transfers win on value, not just comfort.
| Starting Point | Avg Time |
|---|---|
| Central London | 1 hr 50 min – 2 hr 20 min |
| Heathrow Airport | 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 40 min |
| Gatwick Airport | 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr |
Always allow buffer time on cruise days.
❌ Choosing the cheapest ticket but paying more later
❌ Ignoring luggage limitations
❌ Booking last-minute during peak cruise season
❌ Using public transport with cruise luggage
❌ Not confirming cruise terminal
✔ Travel as a group where possible
✔ Book transfers early (May–September fills fast)
✔ Avoid peak-hour London departures
✔ Choose fixed-price services only
✔ Confirm terminal and ship name in advance
The cheapest way depends on your travel style:
Absolute cheapest: Coach (solo, light luggage)
Best value overall: Shared private transfer
Best mix of cost + comfort: Private transfer for groups
👉 Most cruise passengers choose: Southampton Cruise Port Transfer
❓ Need Help Choosing the Right Option? Our team helps cruise passengers every day with pricing, routes, and luggage-friendly transfers.👉 Contact Us
