Rome Toolkit 
Paris Toolkit Hotels near Southampton cruise terminals and port
Most popular hotels in Southampton convenient for cruise ship passengers
There is a wide choice of hotels near Southampton cruise terminals. Some are in the city centre, convenient to shopping districts and the main bus and train stations, whilst others are located along the waterfront, closer to the cruise terminals.
The only hotels you could possibly walk from to reach your cruise terminal are the Ibis, Ibis Budget, Novotel and Holiday Inn. This is for the City Cruise Terminal and new fifth terminal only. The other three Southampton cruise terminals are too far as they’re spread out along a couple of miles of coastline.
There are no shuttle buses or public transport connecting any of Southampton's hotels to the cruise terminals.
ON THIS SOUTHAMPTON HOTELS PAGE
SOUTHAMPTON HOTELS
The most popular Southampton hotels for cruise passengers
There are currently five Southampton cruise terminals, the Mayflower, City, Ocean, Queen Elizabeth, and the newest to arrive in 2021 - Horizon. These are all spread along a couple of miles of the Southampton waterfront. Southampton city centre, a major regional shopping, administration and entertainment city is set back behind the waterfront.
Whilst there are hotels outside the centre of Southampton, the vast majority of cruise passengers opt for a hotel in the city centre or along the waterfront. These are just a short taxi ride from the cruise terminals and the facilities of Southampton city centre.
The majority of Southampton's hotels are modern, chain hotels with the standard offering for the class of hotel. There are also a handful of smaller, boutique properties such as the Ennios and Room2 which offer a more intimate stay.
The main Southampton railway and coach stations are in the city centre, very convenient for many of the hotels and cruise terminals. We have a Southampton city map depicting the relative positions of Southampton's hotels, cruise terminals and train and coach stations.
BUDGET SOUTHAMPTON HOTELS NEAR CRUISE TERMINALS
Value hotels along the waterfront close to Southampton's cruise terminals
Some of the cheapest hotels in Southampton are conveniently located close to the cruise terminals, coach and rail stations and the city centre. All are modern, no-frills chain hotels, with functional rooms only. There are no other services offered, such as room service, luggage porterage and health facilities.
The very cheapest hotel in Southampton is invariably the Ibis Budget Hotel which for most cruise passengers is just a little too basic. But if the lowest cost drives your hotel choice in Southampton, this is your benchmark hotel.
Three very popular Southampton hotels which represent good value, are the Ibis Hotel, the Ibis Budget (these are next door to each other) and the Premier Inn West Quay. The latter is possibly the best choice between the three. All are within easy walking distance of the train and coach stations and are adjacent to the main shopping centre and a large supermarket.
These hotels and others are identified on our Southampton city map and their relative locations compared.
BUDGET SOUTHAMPTON HOTELS NEAR PORT
FULL SERVICE HOTELS NEAR CRUISE TERMINALS
Quality, luxury hotels along the waterfront close to Southampton's cruise terminals
If you want more from a hotel than a comfortable bedroom, there are a range of hotels along the Southampton waterfront close to the cruise terminals. Many of these are also chain hotels, but they offer a little more in terms of services and facilities compared with their budget counterparts.
If you are sailing from the City or Mayflower cruise terminals then the Novotel, Moxy and Holiday Inn are the most convenient in terms of location. The City cruise terminal is within walking distance of the Novotel and Holiday Inn.
The Leonardo Royal Hotel is opposite the Holiday Inn, so this is also well located for the cruise terminals. This is a very large hotel with the promise of a little more opulence than the Holiday Inn. If boutique is more your style of property, then the Ennios Hotel in the old part of town is a good option. Whilst the Marina Hotel and Spa also offers something a little different, and sits in a pleasant marina complex.
These hotels and others are identified on our Southampton city map and their relative locations compared.
FULL SERVICE SOUTHAMPTON HOTELS NEAR PORT
SOUTHAMPTON CITY CENTRE HOTELS
The city centre of Southampton is located behind the waterfront area. The original old town and port, still with intact city walls, is located to the south-east of the city centre. In this atmospheric area you will find the Pig in the Wall and Room 2 hotels.
Immediately north of this old town/port area is the traditional shopping centre. Here the Travelodge and Mercure hotels are located. To the west of this main shopping street is a new shopping centre and retail park which stretches to Southampton’s coach and train stations.
Travelling north and north west from the shopping area you'll find it a little more spacious. Large chain hotels occupy this area including the popular Jury’s Inn and Premier Inn hotels which offer good value.
These hotels and others are identified on our Southampton city map and their relative locations compared.
SOUTHAMPTON CITY CENTRE HOTELS
TRANSFERS BETWEEN SOUTHAMPTON HOTELS & CRUISE TERMINALS
There are no shuttles or public transport serving any of Southampton's hotels and Southampton's cruise terminals. A local taxi is required for the cruise terminal transfer. The cost will vary depending on your cruise terminal, but you should budget around £10 from any of the hotels featured above.
Both railway and coach stations are in the heart of Southampton city centre and the taxi fare from either of these will be of a similar amount.
Hotels convenient for the City & Mayflower Cruise Terminals
The closest hotels to the City and Mayflower cruise terminals are the Holiday Inn, Novotel and Ibis Hotels. If you are fit and travelling comparatively light you can walk to the City cruise terminal in about 10 minutes from these hotels. The Novotel and Ibis hotels are within about 500 yards of Southampton train and coach stations too.
Hotels convenient for the Ocean & Queen Elizabeth Cruise Terminals
The Queen Elizabeth cruise terminal is about 1km in distance from the dock gate so is not particularly close to any hotel. The Ocean terminal is conveniently located about 300 yards from the dock gate and the Old Town of Southampton. Closest hotels to here are the Ennios, Rooms2, Mercure, Holiday Inn and Leonardo Royal hotels.
PRE AND POST CRUISE PACKAGES IN LONDON
Tailor your own pre- or post-cruise package including hotels, transfers and sightseeing
Flexible pre-cruise or post-cruise packages are available for you to tailor your own mini break in London. Why not spend time exploring the capital and visiting all the major attractions to start or end your cruise holiday in style.
The whole package is created by you.
- Choose from 4- and 5-star hotels in London
- Choose how many nights at the hotel
- Choice of shared transfer tours between London hotel and Southampton or Dover cruise terminal or from either terminal to London
- A fully guided London sightseeing tour with entry to Tower of London, St.Paul's Cathedral and River Thames cruise (optional for post-cruise)
- Free access to 'London in your pocket' app
These city break packages complement any cruise holiday.
Pre-cruise packages in Central London
Tailor your own package with London hotel, London guided tour and cruise ship transfer tours.
Post-cruise packages in Central London
Wind down post cruise with transfer tours from your ship to your choice of London hotel.
SOUTHAMPTON CITY MAP
Our Southampton map below illustrates the position of the majority of Southampton hotels in relation to the city and it's amenities.
Southampton hotel customers who are moving on to a cruise, may find our separate page on Southampton's cruise terminals a useful guide to the city's waterfront.
THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHAMPTON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
Whilst Southampton may not be at the forefront of world tourism, it is enviably positioned for a host of popular places within the south of England. Southampton is also the UK's busiest cruise port and annually welcomes almost 2 million cruise passengers. Southampton hotels serve many of these visitors, as they offer a convenient base for a night or two ahead of or after a cruise.
Sightseeing in Southampton
Southampton is a large, university city on the south coast of England, around 80 miles from London.
It has nice parks and green, open spaces along with several large shopping centres and varied evening entertainment. This includes bars, restaurants, a multiplex cinema, casino and a large theatre which attracts touring productions from London's West End.
The most attractive and interesting part of Southampton is the historic "Old Town". Here you can follow ancient footpaths along the waterfront, tracing the old City Walls. This takes you past several museums and blue badge city guides conduct regular tours. Our city map above identifies this area and the hotels which are closest to it.
Excursions for Southampton hotel and cruise customers
The UNESCO site of Stonehenge, cathedral cities of Salisbury and Winchester, and Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard are very accessible and offer some great day trip options from your Southampton hotel or cruise terminal.
We have designated pages on Stonehenge and Salisbury. If you're using public transport these can be combined as a two centre trip. Salisbury is a direct train ride away, and the bus on to Stonehenge operates from Salisbury railway station.
The cities of Winchester and Portsmouth can also be easily reached by train from Southampton.
If you have your own transport you could venture a little further and visit Georgian Bath or historic Windsor.
Private tours for Southampton hotel and cruise customers
If you prefer to have the transport and hassle of booking tickets organised for you, then check out our private tours from Southampton page. Private tours are very flexible and can include a guide. They can be booked as a day trip during your stay at a Southampton hotel, or as a shore excursion from your cruise terminal if your ship has docked here for the day.
TRANSFER OPTIONS FROM LONDON TO YOUR SOUTHAMPTON HOTEL
Southampton is around 80 miles from London and the journey takes about 2 hours by road. The majority of this is along fast motorways, or you could take a more scenic route along the south coast.
How to get from Central London to Southampton
Both private and public transport connects London and Southampton. You can book your own private transfer, take the train or travel by National Express coach.
How to travel safely during a pandemic
All transport providers must adhere to strict Covid guidelines, and are working to make your journey the safest it can possibly be.
Travelling on public transport will inevitably bring you into contact with other people and you may need to navigate through busy stations. In contrast, private transfers offer minimal contact with others. The door to door pick up service and provision of your own sanitised vehicle significantly reduces your contact with other people.
Private transfers - exclusive vehicles and personal service
Travelling in your own exclusive vehicle may be a pricier option, but it's quicker and your contact with others is minimal. You can transfer to Southampton in confidence, knowing your vehicle has been sanitised and the driver is following strict government guidelines. In addition to safety, private transfers also offer:
- Fastest, most convenient and comfortable transfer with door to door service
- Opportunity to tailor your own route and include sightseeing along the way
- Most expensive transfer for couples, but surprisingly good value for families and groups
- All vehicle sizes available and generous luggage allowance
For further details on this service, check out our private transfers from London to Southampton page.
Public transport by train - the fastest option
Public transport is cheaper than private transfers, and regular fast trains operate between central London and Southampton.
- Fastest journey time between London and Southampton - regular, direct trains take just one hour to connect the cities
- Trains depart from both London's Waterloo and Paddington Stations, however the faster service is from Waterloo
- Take advantage of ticket deals by booking in advance. You can also reserve your seat
- Journey terminates at Southampton Central station which is a short taxi journey from most Southampton hotels
To book tickets and for more details, visit our train travel from London to Southampton page.
Public transport by coach - the cheapest option
If you're on a tight budget then the National Express coach service from London to Southampton offers the cheapest transport option by far (but also the slowest).
- Regular services operate between London's Victoria coach station and Southampton bus station
- On arrival in Southampton most hotels are a short taxi ride away
- Good deals can be had by pre booking your ticket
- Your seat can be reserved in advance and excess luggage allowances agreed (at a cost)
For more details on this service and to book tickets, visit our coach travel from London to Southampton page.
TRANSFER OPTIONS FROM HEATHROW AIRPORT TO YOUR SOUTHAMPTON HOTEL
Heathrow airport is just over 60 miles from Southampton, and the journey by road should take around an hour.
Located to the west of London, Heathrow is conveniently located for Southampton bound travellers. The motorway runs almost parallel to the terminal buildings, allowing you to get on your way quickly and avoid central London.
How to get from Heathrow airport to Southampton
Both private and public transport connects Heathrow airport with Southampton. Private transfers will meet you from your flight and deliver you straight to your hotel, or you can take the National Express coach. Rail travel is also possible but there is no direct service from Heathrow. Travelling by train requires you to change in either central London or Woking station.
How to travel safely during a pandemic
All transport providers must adhere to strict Covid guidelines, and are working to make your journey as safe as possible.
Travelling on public transport will inevitably bring you into contact with other people and you may need to navigate through busy stations. In contrast, private transfers offer minimal contact with others. The meet and greet service and provision of your own sanitised vehicle significantly reduces your contact with other people.
Private transfers - exclusive and convenient service
Travelling in your own exclusive vehicle may be a pricier option, but it's quicker and your contact with others is minimal. You can transfer to Southampton in confidence, knowing your vehicle has been sanitised and the driver is following strict government guidelines. In addition to safety, private transfers also offer:
- Fastest, most convenient and comfortable transfer with meet and greet service
- Opportunity to tailor your own route and include sightseeing along the way
- Most expensive transfer for couples, but surprisingly good value for families and groups
- All vehicle sizes available and generous luggage allowance
For more details on this service, check out our private transfers to Southampton page.
Early hotel check out and late flight home?
If you have an early check out from your Southampton hotel (or cruise ship) combined with a late flight home out of Heathrow, then check out our late flight solution transfer page.
This unique private transfer takes away the prospect of hanging around an airport terminal all day. Instead it takes you to historic Windsor where you can spend time visiting the sights. Luggage is safely stored leaving you free to explore. When it's time you simply meet your driver and continue the transfer to Heathrow.
Public transport by train - no direct options
You can travel by train between Heathrow airport and Southampton, however there is no direct service so changes are required. There are two options available if train is your preferred method of travel. You can use the RailAir service which is a combination of coach and train travel. Or you can take the Heathrow Express shuttle train which connects Heathrow and central London, and from there continue by train to Southampton.
- The RailAir service combines coach and train travel. The shuttle coach service is about a 40 minute drive from Heathrow to Woking station. At Woking you connect on to a direct train to Southampton Central station which takes around an hour
- The Heathrow Express train is a shuttle connecting Heathrow and central London. It terminates at Paddington station where you can board a train to Southampton. However this service isn't always direct and is a lot slower than the trains from Waterloo station. To reach Waterloo from Paddington you must take a taxi or use the underground
- Ticket deals are available if you book in advance. You can also reserve your seat
- All journeys terminate at Southampton Central station which is a short taxi journey from most Southampton hotels
For more details on using the train service and to book tickets visit our train travel to Southampton page.
Public transport by coach - best value option
The National Express coach is the cheapest way to travel from Heathrow airport to Southampton, so this provides a good option if you're on a tight budget. Significantly slower than taking a private transfer, it is however arguably faster than the indirect train options.
- A regular, direct service operates between Heathrow bus station, terminals 4 and 5 and Southampton bus station
- On arrival in Southampton most hotels are a short taxi ride away
- Keep an eye out for deals - heavily discounted tickets are often available
- Your seat can be reserved in advance and excess luggage allowances agreed (at a cost)
For more details on travelling by National Express and to book tickets visit our coach travel to Southampton page.
TRANSFER OPTIONS FROM GATWICK AIRPORT TO YOUR SOUTHAMPTON HOTEL
Gatwick airport is located to the south of London and is around 75 miles from Southampton. The road journey should take about 90 minutes travelling along fast motorways, or you can take a longer, more scenic route if you prefer.
How to get from Gatwick airport to Southampton
Both private and public transport connects Gatwick airport with Southampton. Private transfers will meet you from your flight and deliver you straight to your hotel, or you could travel by train or take the National Express coach service.
How to travel safely during a pandemic
All transport providers must adhere to strict Covid guidelines, and are working to make your journey as safe as possible.
Travelling on public transport will inevitably bring you into contact with other people and you may need to navigate through busy stations. In contrast, private transfers offer minimal contact with others. The meet and greet service and provision of your own sanitised vehicle significantly reduces your contact with other people.
Private transfers - meet and greet personal service
Travelling in your own exclusive vehicle may be a pricier option, but it's quicker and your contact with others is minimal. You can transfer to Southampton in confidence, knowing your vehicle has been sanitised and the driver is following strict government guidelines. In addition to safety, private transfers also offer:
- Fastest, most convenient and comfortable transfer
- Opportunity to tailor your own route and include sightseeing along the way
- Most expensive transfer for couples, but surprisingly good value for families and groups
- All vehicle sizes available and generous luggage allowance
For more details on this service, check out our private transfers to Southampton page.
Early hotel check out and late flight home?
If you have an early check out from your Southampton hotel (or cruise ship) combined with a late flight home out of Gatwick, then check out our late flight solution transfer page.
This unique private transfer removes the inconvenience of hanging around an airport terminal all day. Instead you spend your time in historic Windsor enjoying the sights. Your luggage is safely stored leaving you free to explore. When it's time you simply meet your driver and continue the transfer to Gatwick.
Public transport by train - direct, regular service
The train journey from Gatiwck airport to Southampton takes just over two hours. The train station at Gatwick is located in the south terminal, this is connected to the north terminal by a free shuttle train.
- A regular, direct service operates between the airport and Southampton, except on Sundays when you must change at Clapham Junction
- Offers the fastest public transport option with the journey taking slightly over two hours
- Discounted tickets are available by booking in advance. You can also reserve your seat
- All journeys terminate at Southampton Central station which is a short taxi journey from most Southampton hotels
For more details on travelling by train and to book tickets, visit our train travel to Southampton page.
Public transport by coach - convenient for both Gatwick terminals
The National Express coach offers the best value when transferring between Gatwick airport and Southampton. It is slightly slower than the train, taking around 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Regular, daily coaches operate - pick up/drop off points are at both the north and south Gatwick terminals
- The journey terminates at Southampton bus station which is a short taxi journey from most Southampton hotels
- Very good deals can be had by pre booking your ticket
- Your seat can be reserved in advance and excess luggage allowances agreed (at a cost)
For more details on travelling by National Express and to book tickets, visit our coach travel to Southampton page.
