Portsmouth International PortSouthampton Cruise Terminal
Taxi Transfer

Last updated: 21 July 2026

Quick answer

Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal by private transfer takes 32 minutes and covers 18 miles (29 km). Fixed prices start from £45 for a Saloon, with Estate, Executive, MPV-6, and MPV-8 options. Every booking includes free meet & greet at arrivals, real-time flight tracking, and free child seats. Available 24/7 with no surge pricing.

18.0

miles

32 min

est. drive

£45

from

4.9

rating

Fixed pricesFree cancellationFlight trackingMeet & greet

Which vehicle should I book from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal?

All prices are per vehicle, not per person. Fixed fare with no hidden charges.

Saloon

Up to 4 passengers

2 large bags

£45

Book

Estate

Up to 4 passengers

3 large bags

£50

Book

Executive

Up to 3 passengers

2 large bags

£80

Book

MPV

Up to 5 passengers

4 large bags

£55

Book

MPV-7

Up to 7 passengers

5 large bags

£65

Book

MPV-8

Up to 8 passengers

6 large bags

£70

Book

Minibus-12

Up to 12 passengers

12 large bags

£100

Book

Is a taxi cheaper than the train from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal?

Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal — taxi vs train vs bus vs self-drive

ModeDurationPriceComfortVerdict
Airport Only Private Taxi32 min£45Private, A/CFastest door-to-door
Train + connection75 min£18Public, limited luggage spaceCheapest but less convenient
Bus / coach90 min£10Public, basic amenitiesEconomical but slower
Self-drive40 min£30 (rental + fuel)Self, left-hand driveFlexible but requires navigation

What should I expect on a Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal taxi?

Meet & Greet

Upon arrival at Portsmouth International Port, our professional driver will be waiting to greet you. They will assist with your luggage and ensure you're comfortably settled in the vehicle. Our meet & greet service is designed to make the start of your journey as smooth and welcoming as possible, offering peace of mind especially for first-time visitors to the UK.

The Drive

The drive from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal takes you along the M275 and M27. You'll enjoy a comfortable and scenic journey in a well-maintained vehicle with ample space for luggage. The route is direct and efficient, allowing you to relax while our experienced driver handles the navigation and traffic.

Arrival

As you approach Southampton Cruise Terminal, your driver will ensure a timely arrival, assisting with your luggage upon reaching the terminal. Whether you're catching a cruise or continuing your journey, you can disembark feeling refreshed and ready, thanks to our seamless transfer service which prioritizes your comfort and convenience.

Portsmouth International PortSouthampton Cruise Terminal

The journey from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal is a convenient and efficient transfer option, especially for American travelers embarking on or disembarking from a cruise. The 18-mile (29 km) trip typically takes 32 minutes, ensuring a quick and stress-free ride. With Airport Only, enjoy a fixed rate starting from £45 (~$57 USD), which includes a professional English-speaking driver and no tipping pressure, unlike rideshare services in the US.

Our service offers a range of vehicle options including Saloon, Estate, Executive, and MPV classes, each comfortably fitting passengers and luggage typical for a transatlantic journey. All vehicles include free child seats, making it a family-friendly choice. Our drivers monitor cruise and flight schedules, ensuring timely pick-ups and drop-offs, so you can relax knowing you're in safe hands.

Navigating UK roads, where driving is on the left, can be daunting for first-time visitors. Hence, opting for a chauffeur-driven service is not only safer but adds to your travel comfort. Our drivers provide a meet & greet service at the port, helping you with your luggage and making your onward journey as smooth as possible.

Once you arrive at the Southampton Cruise Terminal, you'll find yourself ready to board your cruise or continue your travel adventures. With Airport Only, your transfer is hassle-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying your stay in the UK. Book your transfer today and experience seamless travel with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Frequently asked questions about Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal taxis

How much is a taxi from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal?
A taxi from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal costs £45 for a Saloon. The journey covers 18 miles (29 km) and takes approximately 32 minutes along the M275 and M27. Fixed prices include free meet & greet and child seats.
How long does it take?
The journey takes 32 minutes. It covers 18 miles (29 km) via the M275 and M27, offering a quick and direct route between Portsmouth International Port and Southampton Cruise Terminal.
Is there a direct taxi?
Yes, there is a direct taxi service. Airport Only provides a direct transfer from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
What is the cheapest way?
The cheapest way is a Saloon taxi with Airport Only at £45. This includes fixed pricing with no surge, free meet & greet, and child seats, offering the best value for a direct and comfortable transfer.
Can I pre-book?
Yes, you can pre-book. Airport Only allows you to schedule your taxi in advance, ensuring a vehicle is ready to meet you at your specified time, providing peace of mind for your travel plans.
Are child seats included?
Child seats are included for free. Airport Only provides child seats at no extra charge, ensuring safety and convenience for families traveling with young children.
What if my flight is delayed?
Airport Only provides flight tracking. Drivers will monitor your flight arrival times to adjust pickup schedules, ensuring a smooth transfer even with unexpected delays.
Can I make stops on the way?
Yes, you can request stops. Airport Only allows for additional stops during your journey, subject to prior arrangement and additional charges.
Do you accept cash?
Yes, cash is accepted. You can pay for your transfer in cash directly to the driver, although online payment options are also available for convenience.
Is the price fixed?
The price is fixed. Airport Only offers a fixed-price service with no surge pricing, ensuring transparency and predictability in your travel costs.
Is a private taxi from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal worth it compared to the train, Heathrow Express or Uber?
A private taxi is worth it for convenience and comfort. Unlike public transport options, it offers a direct route with fixed pricing, no surge charges, and includes meet & greet and free child seats.
What is the easiest way from Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal after a long flight with luggage or children?
A private taxi is the easiest way. Airport Only provides a direct, comfortable transfer with free child seats and luggage assistance, ideal for those traveling with children or heavy luggage.

For US cruise passengers

The questions Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor and Rick Steves Travel Forum threads ask the most about UK cruise transfers — answered for US travellers heading to or from Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Tilbury or Portsmouth.

How long does a London airport to UK cruise port transfer take?+

Heathrow → Southampton ~1h 20m via the M3. Heathrow → Dover ~2h via the M25/M2. Heathrow → Harwich ~2h. Heathrow → Portsmouth ~1h 30m. Heathrow → Tilbury ~1h. By private car direct — no train changes, no luggage hassle.

How much does a private cruise transfer cost?+

Heathrow → Southampton from £170 saloon, £240 MPV-7. Heathrow → Dover from £200 saloon. Fixed price per vehicle (not per person) — far cheaper than the official cruise-line transfers ($75–$159 per person, $400+ for a family of 4).

Will 4 large suitcases and 2 carry-ons fit in a saloon?+

No — book an Estate (4 large bags + 2 carry-ons) or MPV-7 (7 large bags + 7 carry-ons). The Saloon comfortably fits 2 large bags + 2 carry-ons. Cruise luggage runs heavier and bulkier than airport luggage; for transatlantic crossings most couples up-size to MPV-7.

Do I tip the driver in the UK?+

No — tipping is not expected in the UK. The price quoted at booking is the all-in price. A small tip is appreciated for exceptional service but never required and never solicited.

What if my flight is delayed?+

Free flight tracking — the driver auto-adjusts the pickup time. No late-arrival charge, no missed-pickup fee. For severe delays threatening your cruise sailing, we can skip any planned sightseeing stops and go direct to the terminal.

How early should I land at Heathrow for an afternoon cruise sailing?+

For a 4pm Southampton all-aboard, land no later than 9am (allows 1–2h Border Control, ~1h 20m transfer, 90-min Cunard/RC/Princess pre-boarding window). For peak-season weekends or Disney Dover sailings, land by 8am.

Do you meet me at arrivals with a name board?+

Yes — meet & greet inside the arrivals hall with a personalised name board, free of charge for every airport pickup. No kerbside hand-off after a long-haul flight; the driver helps with luggage from the carousel to the vehicle.

Can I pay in USD or pre-pay by US credit card?+

All bookings are pre-paid online by card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Stripe converts at the live exchange rate at checkout — you see the GBP price up front with no FX surprise. No cash needed anywhere on the journey; the driver receives a paid GBP receipt for your travel records.

Can I add a Stonehenge or Windsor stop on the way?+

Yes — booked as a sightseeing-transfer (Heathrow → Stonehenge → Windsor → Southampton). Adds ~5 hours to the day, fixed price by vehicle class. Popular with US Cunard QM2, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity and Oceania passengers on embarkation day.

Can I book the embarkation and disembarkation transfer together?+

Yes — both legs can be booked online in one transaction with the same fixed-price guarantee. The disembarkation leg uses AIS ship tracking so the driver meets you at the actual dock time rather than the scheduled one. First 60 minutes of dockside waiting is free.

Other transfers from Portsmouth International Port

Other ways to reach Southampton Cruise Terminal

Things to Do in Southampton Cruise Terminal

  • Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
  • Explore Gunwharf Quays
  • Tour the Spinnaker Tower
  • Discover Old Portsmouth
  • Stroll through the Southsea Common
  • Explore the SeaCity Museum in Southampton
  • Visit Tudor House and Garden
  • Walk along Southampton City Walls

Ready to Book Your Transfer?

Get a fixed-price quote for Portsmouth International Port to Southampton Cruise Terminal in seconds. No hidden fees, free cancellation, and 24/7 support.

Get Your Quote

Airport Only Support

AI · instant replies

Hi! I'm your Airport Only assistant. I can help with bookings, account issues, points, receipts, and more. What can I help you with today?

Can't resolve? We'll create a support ticket automatically.

Sign in to access your bookings

Prefer to message us? Contact form