london ship tour

Set sail for Greenwich and discover what life was like on board the iconic sailing ship

Visit Cutty Sark , the celebrated historic sailing ship and fastest of its time. Now an award-winning visitor attraction in Greenwich, London.

Ship highlights

Walk beneath the world-famous Cutty Sark

Follow the audio guide

Explore the ship with sensory sessions

• Explore the main deck

Eat afternoon tea under the hull

Meet the Cutty Sark Characters

Top things to do at cutty sark.

Fun for families

Plan your visit.

We recommend booking tickets to Cutty Sark  online  in advance to guarantee entry.

Use the booking calendar to select your visit date and entry time, then select the number of tickets you require and click 'Add to basket'. Your tickets will be sent to you by email once you've completed your booking.

Members  enjoy free unlimited entry to Cutty Sark and all other Royal Museums Greenwich sites, and do not need to book.

Tickets on the day are subject to availability.

See all our tickets

The Cutty Sark Café is located on the lower ground deck of the ship underneath the gleaming copper hull.

We serve deli combination sandwiches with classic British ingredients, cakes made fresh for you daily, cream teas, assorted snacks and children’s dishes, with many healthy options. A special afternoon tea experience is also available.

Please note that entry to this café is for Cutty Sark ticket-holders only.

Eating and drinking in Greenwich

Find the perfect Cutty Sark gift, from books and prints to models, toys and games. Visit us on board or shop online.

Shop online

Find the perfect print

Find out useful information about facilities and access to help you plan a trip to Cutty Sark.

Find out more

Listen to the free Cutty Sark audio guide on your phone while exploring the ship, and download a map to help find your way.

Cutty Sark will be closed on the following dates:

Friday 21 June 2024 - Ship closed to visitors all day

Tickets and Opening

Regular opening hours

10am-5pm (last entry 4.15pm)

Summer opening hours (29 June - 30 August)

10am-6pm (last entry 5.15pm)

• Greenwich Station
• Cutty Sark DLR
• Maze Hill Station
• Greenwich Pier

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Showing events at Cutty Sark.

Meet the characters of Cutty Sark

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Shipkeeping in action

The Half Bird with Susan Smillie

12 Silk Handkerchiefs

Cutty Sark figurehead storytelling

Cutty Sark Comedy

Refugee Week 2024

New Lights Festival 2024: Kraken Harp

BSL Tour: Cutty Sark

Attention All Shipping

Online highlights.

History of Cutty Sark

Shakespeare's language of the sea

Making Waves

A new figurehead for Cutty Sark

What can shipwrecks tell us?

Help uncover 100 years of medical history

Search our stories

Cutty sark up close.

Find out more about the last of the tea clippers with our exclusive range of books and prints

Become a member

Choose your tickets.

We recommend booking tickets to Cutty Sark  online in advance to guarantee entry.  See all tickets and prices

• Walk beneath the ship
• See how the crew lived
• Family activities and interactives
• Guaranteed entry time
• Audio guide included

Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

• Save 25% with combo ticket
• Royal Observatory
• Planetarium shows not included

Cutty Sark Rig Climb

• Unique climbing experience
• Zip line descent
• Entry to ship included
• Restrictions apply - check T&Cs before purchase

Member tickets

• Unlimited free entry
• Priority booking and exclusive events
• Access using your membership card

Become a Member

• Unlimited entry all year
• Planetarium Shows
• Special exhibitions

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The best boat trips in London

See the city from the Thames or one of London’s canals with these great London boat trips

London boat tours are a truly fabulous way to see the city’s top spots. The River Thames is a destination in itself, of course, and most London boat tours will take in famous landmarks such as the Tate Modern , St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, The O2 and Canary Wharf . You’ll be spoiled for choice with footage for your Instagram story.

If you fancy something a little bit different, there are some charming London boat tours along Regent’s Canal, many leading to the incredibly picturesque  Little Venice . Whether you’re a seasoned sea dog or a naval novice, there are definitely one or two London boat tours for you.

RECOMMENDED: The top 50 attractions in London

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City Cruises

• Things to do
• Walks and tours
• Victoria Embankment

City Cruises operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis and run from Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich Piers with commentary along the way. The River Red Rover ticket allows unlimited one-day cruising; there's also the Rail and River Rover ticket allowing unlimited one-day travel by river and on the DLR. Single or return tickets are available for shorter journeys, too. The London Showboat is an evening dinner and dance cruise running from Westminster Pier. Afternoon tea and lunch cruises are another popular option during peak periods. 

Thames Rockets

• Ships and boats

This slick RIB (ridged inflatable boat) operation offers a thrilling, high-speed ride on the Thames. You can book by phone or online, or just turn up and pay on the day at the London Eye Ticket Office. Arrive 20 minutes before the off to be kitted out with a waterproof jacket, a life jacket and goggle-style visors (fun in itself). The trip starts calmly enough and the guide will keep kids and adults entertained with fun facts and celebrity stories. But once the boat passes Wapping, it’s pedal to the floor all the way to Canary Wharf. 

Tate to Tate Boat

Running every 20 to 30 minutes, the boat service connecting London’s two Tate galleries, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, takes you through the heart of London, with plenty to see on both banks (head to the outdoor deck at the back of the boat for the best views). The catamaran service boasts specially commissioned exterior and interior designs by artist Damien Hirst, but there’s no commentary, so take a map.

Thames Clippers

River bus services running daily between Royal Arsenal Woolwich in the east and Battersea Power Station in the west. A daily commuter service operates every 20 minutes calling at all major central London piers. On event nights at The O2, the River Bus Express operates a fast direct shuttle service from London Eye (Waterloo) and London Bridge with optional champagne upgrades. There’s no tour guide on board, but you can download a free app for an audio commentary. 

Thames RIB Experience

• Sightseeing

Hurtling about the Thames at 30 knots (roughly 35mph) is the closest thing we’ve got to a white-knuckle ride in central London. It takes just under 40 minutes to travel from Westminster to Tower Bridge. Then the turbo engines kick in and you’re off, bumping about on the open water between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, turning in terrifyingly tight figures of eight. It’s the quickest, most thrilling way to travel the Thames.

Vintage Red Bus Tour and Thames Cruise

Two tours in one. The first, departing from Victoria Coach Station on a restored double-decker bus, will take in views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Tower of London. The second is a cruise on the River Thames passing Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle and London Bridge before arriving at Embankment pier, where you hop back on the bus and head for Buckingham Palace. The tour will finish back at Victoria Coach Station.

Turks Launches

Turks Launches have been operating boat tours along south-west London’s pretty stretch of Thames for 300 years. Running from Richmond Pier to Hampton Court, their routes pack in more historic sites than you might realise, including the seventeenth-century pile Ham House, Eel Pie Island (where Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones used to party), and Teddington Lock’s Dunkirk Memorial. Turks tours run daily from March until September; look out for special disco and jazz cruises during peak months.

London Waterbus Company

• Camden Market

Navigate Regent’s Canal in a narrowboat with the London Waterbus Company. Trips run along the Regent’s Canal linking Little Venice, Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Camden Lock. Warwick Avenue is the closest tube if you’re catching the boat from Little Venice. There’s no advance-booking option – these tours are first come, first served – so if you arrive at peak time, just before lunch, you might have to queue. 

Canal Museum Tunnel Boat Trip

• King’s Cross

These trips are best suited to the brave. Regent’s Canal’s tunnel – built in 1820 – is long, dark, dank and three quarters of a mile long. Once upon a time, boats normally pulled by horses on the towpath had to be inched through the tunnel by a process of ‘legging’ – with the men on board having to brace their legs against the tunnel walls to power the boat along. The tunnel tours take place during the summer, and tickets also includes admission to the London Canal Museum proper. There are only 12 places on each boat tour, so booking is definitely recommended.

Jason’s Trip

• Little Venice

Jason’s Trip navigates the picturesque route along Regent’s Canal from Little Venice, through Regent’s Park, on to Camden Lock and back again. The boat is more than 100 years old and the trip, which includes a live historical commentary and lasts for 45min each way, has been a feature on the canal since 1951. Tours run from the first week of April right through to the first week of November. 

• Camden Town

Hop aboard for an hour and a half's cruise from Camden Lock, past London Zoo in Regent's Park, through the tunnel to Robert Browning’s Island at Little Venice and back to Walker’s Quay. A commentary is included on the cruise, and picnic lunches are available from the company’s waterside restaurant. If you prefer the idea of more formal onboard dining, try the My Fair Lady cruising restaurant boat, operated by the same company.

Bow Boat Company

Bow Boat Company offers a more bespoke kind of canal tour. Its cute narrowboat seats up to 12 people and can be hired (complete with skipper and tour guide) for special-occasion tours of east London’s waterways. You can decide exactly how long you want to tour for, and precisely where you’d like to stop. The comprehensive ‘east London loop’ takes in everything from the Olympic Park to Victoria Park and stretches out over a leisurely five hours; a shorter tour from Hackney’s buzzy Broadway Market to bustling King’s Cross takes just two hours. 

Looking for more things to do in London?

101 things to do in London

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London Ship Tours

Ship tours & tickets, the golden hinde admission tickets.

Visit the full-size authentic reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's famous ship which circumnavigated the globe in the 16th century. She was the first English

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South Bank History Walking Tour and HMS Belfast Entry Ticket

See over 15 London sights & enter HMS Belfast (Warning: Scary!) in 1 day Kids : only pay for the attraction ticket. Walking tour is free Enjoy a 2 hour

Visit The Cutty Sark & See 30 London Top Sights Walking Tour

This is a fun 5 hour London walking tour where you will see the top 30 London Attractions in 5 hours, and then go on board the Cutty Sark Cutty Sark is a

Westminster Walking Tour & HMS Belfast Entry

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• Educational programmes
• Overnight programmes
• Education resources
• The circumnavigation 1577 - 1580
• The new voyages
• Sir Francis Drake
• The building of the current ship
• Conservation
• The Hinks' Shipyard

  Welcome Aboard!

Sail through history aboard the full-size reconstruction of the famous Elizabethan galleon, the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe.

Opening times

Please check closing time for private function

November - March Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

April - October Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Occasionally we are closed for private functions and maintenance.

Before you plan your visit, please check our Visit us page or call us on  0207 403 0123 .

Find out more

General Admission

Admission includes audio guide in English and Spanish.

We're carrying out essential restoration work so we’re not looking our best, please bear with us as access to areas aboard will also be affected. Book Now

You are welcome to explore the ship by yourself all year round. No need to book in advance, just turn up and our crew members will be on hand to help.

Alternatively, one of the crew can take you on a guided journey through the ship so you can discover the history behind the famous circumnavigation.

How to find us

The Golden Hinde St Mary Overie Dock Cathedral Street London, SE1 9DE

Our nearest tube and train station is London Bridge.

Plan your visit

JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use Google Maps. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To view Google Maps, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, and then try again.

Virtual Voyage KS2

“Such a memorable and exciting day for our kids... this has definitely been a highlight of their year!”

Debika Whittington, Year 3 & 4 Phase Leader, Dollis Primary School

“I was very impressed and would definitely recommend it to other teachers!”

Cameron Porteous, Year 3 teacher, Dollis Primary School

Fantastic Pirate Training experience

Amazing staff, the 2 pirates leading the training really brought it to life and kept everyone engaged and entertained (ages 7 to 62!) From the pirate clothes, to cutlass fights, firing canons to sea shanties, everything was brilliantly organised and enjoyed by both my son and daughter. We will definitely be back again with friends. Thanks for a great day!

5* TripAdvisor

One hour eductional programme

Staff were really informative and was brilliant with the children! Enjoyed most: Finding out the gruesome facts and learning about life on the ship! What could be improved: Nothing the kids loved it!

5* School Tour

Brilliant Reproduction ...detail wonderful

Even though the weather was awful our guide painted a picture of what life would have been like in Sir Francis Drake's time. Plenty to see on board. Coupled with the information from the guide, it was a wonderful way to spend part of the morning. Even this replica has been around the world!!!

This is real hidden gem near Southwark cathedral......a must to see!!

5* TripAdvisor

Great sleepover

The thought of spending a night on a historical galleon combined with sailor`s practice, looked like fun and it sure delivered! From the moment we entered the deck of Golden Hinde we felt welcome and well entertained. [...] We all got to dress up in sailor`s attire and took part in training: sword fighting, session with a surgeon, canon loading etc. All sessions delivered by very professional actors who made children believe that we have gone back in time. Good pace, funny jokes and games. Simple but satisfying supper. Children had a blast, everything was exciting and new for them. [...] Children however, after making friends, were eager to stay longer. [...] I do recommend this event, in an effortless manner we managed to learn so much about sailing during Sir Francis Drake times, had a ball and are left with great memories!

Private birthday party - AMAZING!!

We hired the Golden Hinde for a private 5th birthday party. It was absolutely fantastic. The actors were fabulous. Treasure hunt on the gun deck, singing in the cabin, lots of games on top deck, a feast below deck in the hold and brilliant cake and storytelling in the cabin at the end. We couldn't recommend it highly enough. We were delighted from start to finish of the booking, with the helpfulness of the office staff and then on the day the entertainment team were just brilliant. The children all laughed a lot and didn't want to leave. Huge success.

Overnight Living History

Absolutely fantastic! All our cubs and leaders had an amazing time on your Overnight Living History experience. The crew were brilliant can't praise you all enough ! Thank you for a night that will hard to top!

5* Facebook Reviews

Absolutely excellent

5 quid to get in and a bargain. I have always been interested in old sailing ships and although its not a pirate ship it certainly gives you a feel of what life was like. You really need a guided tour to understand the true story about the ship. Our Guide was Josh and he was brilliant.. I learnt a lot and it was the highlight of my visit to London... Definitely a must see attraction!

Excellent Staff

I had a great afternoon here; the staff members Josh, Frances, Rio and Yasemin were approachable and made me feel welcome from the very start. As a non history buff, I found the guided tour of the ship deeply creative and informative for everyone in attendance (ranging from young children to older adults). The puppet show on the lower deck of the ship was highly creative and entertaining too.

The hard work of the staff is apparent. Two thumbs up!! I hope more events happen here in future. This place needs more exposure.

Golden Hinde Ltd St Mary Overie Dock Cathedral Street London, SE1 9DE

Tel:   0207 403 0123 Email:   [email protected]

UK mobile number, available 7 days a week

+44 7932 018 156

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Our Tours > Cruise Ship Pickup Tour

Cruise ship pickup tour, convenient pickup and return to your required location, private-guided tour of the fabulous sites that uk has to offer, visit windsor castle or stonehenge as part of your tour, what's included, fully insured,  luxury tour vehicle hire.

PICK UP & DROP OFF AT YOUR CHOSEN CRUISE SHIP PORT

ALL DAY DRIVER TOUR GUIDE HIRE

OPTIONAL LUXURY REFRESHMENTS

ENHANCED AUDIO COMMENTARY

Also includes fuel, parking, and congestion charges. lunch and entrance to attractions payable locally. tour gratuity/tip is entirely at your discretion and paid to the driver., free 5g wi-fi connectivity.

Book with confidence... No deposit needed pay on the day

Tour Overview...

Compliment your cruise ship experience by taking a luxury, chauffeur-driven  tour with Kingdom Private Tours.

Whether it's a short day trip or overnight stay, we would be delighted to show you the fabulous sights of the UK's South Coast, London and surrounding area. Pick-up and drop-off is simple and hassle-free . Our chauffeur will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall of the cruise ship terminal, then take you on your own luxury, personal tour of your chosen locations ensuring you get the very best from your experience. And at a price much less than any cruise ship operator!

Some of our guests require an overnight stay at a hotel or drop-off at an airport, whatever your end destination we will ensure you arrive safely and on time. You are spoilt for choice with Kingdom Private Tours , we can recommend a number of sights for you to visit, or customise it to your own requirements.

Generally on a day tour it is possible to visit 2-3 locations, depending on the port and return drop-off. Shorter tours are available if you have limited time during your stay. To make the most of your tour, we have listed the possible locations based on your cruise ship port.

Dover Port - Tour Locations

Some of the best castles in the UK are available to tour within a day from Dover. Choose from  Dover Castle , the oldest fort in England and key in the country's defence during both world wars, Leeds Castle , described as the loveliest castle in the world, Hever Castle , the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, or Rochester Castle , famous for being one of the preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture.

Other tour locations include but are not limited to White Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury Cathedral, Chartwell House (Winston Churchill), City of Brighton, or our classic tour of London. See our London Tour page for details.

Southampton Port - Tour Locations

Choose to add mystery to your day with a special trip to Stonehenge , built around 5,000 years ago and one of the wonders of the world, The Cotswolds , enjoy breath-taking countryside, sleepy villages made of honey-coloured limestone, Stratford upon Avon , the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare, City of Bath , including the world famous Roman Baths,  Winchester Castle & Cathedral , the birthplace of Henry VIII with a depiction of King Arthurs round table.

Other tour locations include but again not limited to the Village of Lacock, City of Oxford, Salisbury Cathedral, Old Sarum or our classic tour of London. See our London Tour page for details.

Classic Attractions

Other classic attractions include  Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Harrods, Shakespeare's Globe and Kensington Palace . Our expert driver guide will be delighted to explain the history of them and share interesting stories, giving you a rare and personal insight into one of the greatest cities of the world.

For lunch a lot of our guests like to eat at a traditional English pub , however we can recommend a number of options for you to choose from on the day.

Other tours you may also like...

Classic Tour of London

Brighton, Arundel Castle, South Downs

Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Cliffs of Dover

Our Tour  Guide Prices

Luxury tours, not luxury prices, 5-7 persons, 1-4 persons, price on enquiry.

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SOUTHAMPTON TRANSFERS

Shared transport, transfers with sightseeing, private transport, public transport, pre- & post-cruise packages, about southampton city, accommodation, other cruise ports.

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Southampton cruise transfers to / from central London

All transport options between southampton and central london compared.

How far is Southampton from Central London? The distance between Southampton & the centre of London is around 80 miles (130km). With a clear road a car should do the journey within 2 hours. Cruise customers are served with an impressive array of both private and public transport options.

How to get from Central London to Southampton cruise terminals There are many choices of transport connecting London with Southampton and on this page we compare all of them.

If you want to go direct to the cruise terminals at Southampton your choice is between direct dedicated cruise shuttle vans, coach tour transfer options with a stopover at places like Windsor Castle and Stonehenge and of course private transfers by taxi and for groups mini-bus and charter coaches.

There is public transport between Central London and Southampton by both train and a scheduled coach services operated by National Express. Neither the train or the coach service go to the port and the cruise terminals. Each terminate in Southampton city centre from where you will need a local taxi cab to the four Southampton cruise terminals.

ON THIS CENTRAL LONDON - SOUTHAMPTON TRANSFERS PAGE

» What is your best transfer option?

» Shared cruise ship transfers

» Direct van shuttles

Shared or private transfers in either direction via:

Post cruise transfers to London via:

» Pre/post cruise hotel+transfer deals

» Private Taxi, van and charter coach

» Public transport

» Train

» Coach

» Southampton map

YOUR TRANSFER OPTIONS BETWEEN LONDON & SOUTHAMPTON

Private transfers.

Private transfers offer the most convenient and flexible option with a meet and greet door to door service, either at the cruise terminal or your Central London or Southampton hotel. There is the flexibility to include sightseeing, (see map above). • Fastest most convenient transfer. Only option with immediate departure at a time of your choosing. • Major sightseeing opportunities along the way. Stonehenge, Windsor Castle ... • Most expensive transfer for couples. For groups and families is price competitive

Shared shuttle transfers

Shared shuttle transfers exclusive to cruise passengers and provides a convenient door to door service between Central London (and Heathrow Airport) and Southampton cruise terminals with a maximum of 4 pick-ups or drops. • Small number of passengers (max 8) results in minimal drops or pick-ups • Will pick-up or drop passengers at any hotel or AirBnb in Central London • Guaranteed to run, no minimum passengers. Will run with only one person.

Shared stopover and tour transfers visiting Stonehenge, Windsor Castle ....

Tour and stopover transfers are a variation on the shuttle transfers, but sometimes in larger touring coaches and again exclusive for cruise passengers. • Time efficient and economic world class sightseeing during your Southampton cruise transfer • Also serves Heathrow Airport. Full days tours from Southampton, half day stopovers to Southampton • Relatively small extra cost over shuttles offering great value.

Public transport - Trains

Trains run frequently between London's Waterloo Station and Southampton. Train is the fastest journey time between London and Southampton, but stations will require a taxi to your cruise terminal and hotel, so elapsed time will be slower. • Only the National Express coach is cheaper for couples. • Requirement of local cab between Southampton railway station and cruise terminals and nearly all hotels and Waterloo Station • Trains are commuter style trains with no luggage car Potentially stressful if you are not a light traveller.

Public transport - National Express coaches

National Express coaches run direct between London's Victoria Coach Station and Southampton. The National Express coaches do not visit Southampton cruise terminals, just the coach station in Southampton city centre from where you get a cab to the ships. • The only reason to use National Express coaches is it is the lowest cost option, (by far) • Local cab between Southampton and Victoria coach station and cruise terminals and your London hotel. • The slowest and most inconvenient transfer. Luggage allowance may well be less than your flight allowance

CENTRAL LONDON - SOUTHAMPTON SHARED CRUISE SHIP TRANSFERS

There is only one company offering shared transfers between London and Southampton cruise terminals beyond anything your cruise line may offer. There are also both train and coach public transport options between London and Southampton but these will require taxi transfers between your London hotel and coach/train station and between Southampton coach / train station and cruise terminals.

The dedicated shared transfers for cruise passengers come in three variants: • Direct van shuttles in both directions between the cruise terminals and Central London hotels • In the London to Southampton direction half day stopover transfers with sightseeing at Stonehenge, Windsor or Winchester • In the Southampton to London direction full day tour transfers with sightseeing at two or three major sights

For Southampton cruise terminal departures, all services are timed to depart by 8:30 am. As you exit into the public area of the cruise terminal a representative meets and greets you and shows you to the transfer vehicle. Drops in Central London can be at any hotel or AirBnb property in the centre of London.

Pick-ups in Central London can be at any hotel or AirBnb property. Drops at Southampton cruise terminals are around lunch time / early afternoon. Cruise ship porters take your hold luggage from the vehicle into the ship whilst you proceed to check-in.

Cruise ships supported

Shuttle transfer services are available on all dates when Royal Caribbean, Oceania, NCL, Celebrity, Princess, Azamara and Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ships are visiting Southampton, between the end of April and beginning of November. Cunard ship arrivals are also included during this period.

If you are travelling on another cruise line that is in port on the same day as one of the above, you can still use the cruise transfer service. However, you will need to disembark and take a local taxi to your cruise terminal as the bus will not take you directly there. The cruise terminals are spread along a couple of miles of waterfront.

* We are aware that NCL ships may dock at 8am on some dates. When this happens the transfer meet time will be pushed back by an hour and so your arrival into London will also be an hour later.

Luggage allowances and large items

The luggage allowance for shuttle and tour transfers is up to 1 large case per passenger (23kg max) plus 1 piece of hand luggage (10kg max).

Additional charges can be incurred should you bring additional items of luggage or for items weighing more than the maximum weight stated above. More information is given on the booking page.

All suppliers have different policies for travellers with mobility aids so please do read their terms and conditions on the booking page.

SHARED SHUTTLE TRANSFERS - LONDON, HEATHROW & CRUISE SHIPS

Key features of cruise ship shuttle transfers.

• Guaranteed to operate - there is no minimum group size and will run with only 1 passenger
• Executive vehicles are used with wifi and uniformed drivers.
• All Central London hotels, Air bnbs and Heathrow hotels are visited in both directions
• Luggage allowance per person is 1 item of hold luggage (23kg each) and 1 item of carry- on luggage (10kg each)

London and Heathrow Airport to Southampton direction

• Maximum of 6 passengers, 4 pickups/drop offs per journey
• Pickups mid-morning in London and Heathrow
• Arrival at cruise terminals by 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Southampton to London and Heathrow Airport direction

• Maximum of 8 passengers, 4 pickups/drop offs per journey
• Meet n Greet at the Southampton cruise terminal between 0800 – 0830 am
• Scheduled arrival into Heathrow is approx. 1030am and into central London 11am

Joining the cruise ship transfer service

Pick-up times are provided before you make a booking.

For the transfer to Southampton relax in your Central London or Heathrow hotel reception with your luggage, ready to board when the vehicle arrives.

At Heathrow Airport we cannot pick up from passenger terminals due to parking restrictions. The Sofitel Heathrow Hotel and the Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4 are linked to terminals 5 and 4 respectively. If you are using passenger terminals 2 or 3 you will need to take a hotel bus called the Heathrow Hoppa to one of the supported hotels.

For the transfer from Southampton you will be greeted by a representative as you enter the public area of the cruise terminal. airline style and directed to your vehicle. At Heathrow vehicles will drop you off at both Heathrow hotels and passenger terminals.

CRUISE SHUTTLE RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION 2024 £98pp one-way

• Pay in British Pounds, US Dollars or Euro
• Guaranteed to operate - no minimum group size
• Maximum of 8 passengers, 4 pickups/drop offs
• Executive vehicles with Wi-Fi and uniformed drivers
• If your ship is late docking, we will wait
• Serves any London city centre hotel/Airbnb
• Serves Heathrow Airport hotels, terminal drops

PUBLIC SHARED OR PRIVATE SOUTHAMPTON CRUISE SHIP TOUR TRANSFERS

Our cruise ship tour transfers are exclusive to cruise customers disembarking or boarding ships at Southampton cruise port. A great opportunity to include world class sightseeing on your journey to or from your cruise ship.

Half day tour transfers visiting Windsor Castle or Stonehenge, in either direction between London & Heathrow Airport and Southampton

Cruise tour transfers allow you to visit popular attractions in the UK en-route between Southampton and London: Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.

The Windsor Castle and Stonehenge tours below allow you to choose from shared or private.

Tours go in either direction so you can choose the tour transfer (and visit the attraction) that is right for you.

For the pre-cruise transfer you will be met at a centrally located London hotel between 7.30 and 8.30 am, before spending a couple of hours at either Stonehenge or Windsor Castle, and then arriving at your cruise ship 1.30 pm.

For the post cruise transfer your driver/guide will be waiting to greet you at the cruise terminal exit from 8 am, where you are then taken via either Windsor Castle or Stonehenge to a centrally located London hotel.

You will spend around 2 hours at your chosen sightseeing attraction. Entry is extra.

Also see our door to door service for straight transfers: Southampton direct cruise ship shuttle service. This service also drops at Heathrow passenger terminals.

Pre-cruise Stonehenge transfer

Pre-cruise transfer stopping off at Stonehenge (entrance extra) en route to Southampton.

Book now from £145pp

Pre-cruise Windsor transfer

Pre-cruise transfer visiting Windsor Castle (entrance extra) en route to Southampton.

Book now from £129pp

Post cruise Stonehenge transfer

Post cruise transfer stopping off at Stonehenge (entrance extra) from Southampton to London.

Post cruise Windsor transfer

Post cruise transfer visiting Windsor Castle (entrance extra) from Southampton to London.

Full day post cruise tour transfers travelling from Southampton to Heathrow Airport & London

Your driver will meet you at the terminal building exit from 08:00am and will accompany you to the coach. We plan to leave Southampton by 08:30am. There is a typical walk of about 75 yards to the vehicle where the driver will load your luggage into the hold. In the unlikely event your ship is delayed into port, we will delay our departure. Some transfer tours include Heathrow, others go directly to London after the tour. Do double check when booking your tour covers the drop-off you need.   

Drops begin at Heathrow Airport (when applicable, hotels and passenger terminals) typically around 5:00pm and Central London hotels about one hour later.

Cotswolds, Downton Abbey locations & pub lunch

Enjoy a 2-course lunch in a 15th century inn in Cotswolds plus visits to "Downton Village" (Bampton), Burford & Stow-on-Wold.

Book now from £175pp

Enjoy a memorable group full day trip to the mysterious Stonehenge. This comfortable cruise transfer will take you by luxury, air-conditioned touring coach, with friendly driver. Entry to Stonehenge included.

Book now from £125pp

Salisbury, Stonehenge & Windsor

This transfer takes you to Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge and finally Windsor Castle. Entrances are extra and can be added on at time of booking.

Georgian City of Bath & Windsor

This transfer from Southampton will take you to the beautiful city of Bath to visit the Roman Baths and also the majestic Windsor Castle. Entrances can be added on at booking.

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.

Private taxi and coach transfers between London & Southampton

The logistics of the private transfers

With a clear road, London to Southampton is around 2 hours by car. The route can suffer from road congestion so its quite important you budget adequate contingency time. If the motorway is congested or there is an accident, alternative routes are much, much slower.

Going towards Southampton from London should be pretty smooth departing mid to late morning though if you are travelling on a summer Saturday, the road down to Southampton can be at gridlock in the morning as half of London makes for the beaches.

Travelling from Southampton nearly all cruise ships have assisted disembarkation between about 7am and 9am. During weekdays you will be travelling during the morning commute so allow for road congestion delays.

We offer a comprehensive private transfer service to or from your Southampton cruise ship.

• We have a wide range of vehicles of all sizes that cater from single travellers to large groups.
• Prices include all taxes and parking. .
• In London we will pick-up from any address in the London area including the suburbs not serviced by the shared shuttle vans and tour transfer coaches.
• At Southampton cruise terminals you will personally be met and greeted as you exit into the public area of the terminals and escorted to the vehicle.

Luggage, outsize items and groups

We can make a proposal for all needs, whether a large group, single traveller, mobility scooters or stopovers and special requests.

Sightseeing options like Stonehenge or Windsor Castle on the way!

A host of world class attractions are accessible during Southampton transfer route and with a private transfer you have the freedom to stop and explore. Windsor Castle , Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral are just three heritage sites of many you could visit.

PRIVATE SOUTHAMPTON TRANSFERS BY CAR, VAN OR COACH

Direct door to door private transfers

Private direct transfers between Southampton and London and its airports.

Full information / Prices

Stonehenge or Windsor stopover

Private transfers between Southampton and London with stopover at Stonehenge or Windsor

Full day private tour transfers

Your own private full day cruise ship tour transfer either guided or with a friendly driver

LONDON TO SOUTHAMPTON USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There are two public transport options between London and Southampton, both of which run frequent services all day. The public transport options are the Southampton train and National Express Coach service .

In London the fast trains to Southampton which most people use depart from Waterloo railway station. Waterloo Station can be a long taxi journey of 15-20 minutes from many popular hotel districts in London. There are trains from Victoria railway station too but these take a route that is much slower.

The National Express coaches depart from Victoria Coach Station. Victoria is a major London hotel district.

How to transfer between Southampton train & coach stations and cruise terminals, port & hotels

The railway and coach stations at Southampton are within 400 yards of each other in the city centre. There are no shuttles or public transport to any of Southampton's four cruise terminals. A local taxi cab is required for the cruise terminal transfer. The cost will vary depending on cruise terminal, one way budget around £10.

Both railway and coach stations are in the heart of Southampton city centre, there is a good choice of hotels close to both, a few within 5 minutes walk. All the main hotels are identified and compared including their relative locations on our Southampton map .

LONDON TO SOUTHAMPTON TRAINS

The fastest public transport between southampton and central london.

Regular, direct trains operate to Southampton from Central London from both Waterloo and Victoria railway stations. Unless you are staying in Victoria by the station most people will opt for the route from Waterloo as it is both more frequent and much faster.

At around 1 hour 20 minutes the trains from Waterloo are a full hour quicker than the trains from Victoria.

London Waterloo, Victoria & Southampton train stations - where are they?

Waterloo Station is in the heart of London on the south bank of the River Thames, next to the London Eye with the Houses of Parliament within sight. It is not a major hotel district, though there are some very large chain hotels in the vicinity. These hotels will normally have County Hall or Waterloo in their name. They are not cheap but at the weekend there are good deals as the target audience are those with government business in the vicinity..

Victoria is a major very large hotel district with much better links to the two main airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. Again you do pay a price premium for a hotel in this area compared with districts like Kensington.

Southampton Central Station , is in the heart of the city centre. It's too far to walk from here to the any of Southampton's four cruise terminals with luggage. There are no shuttles or public transport serving the cruise terminals. You must therefore take a local cab to your cruise ship. It's just a few minutes drive and should cost no more than £10. There are no porters to assist you from the station platform to the taxi rank.

Should I pre book my train ticket?

Train tickets allow travel on any train, although the cheapest tickets may have exclusion periods. It's often much cheaper and more convenient to pre book your ticket on-line in advance. The cheapest rail fares are often advanced purchase, released around 12 weeks prior to travel.

Pre booking tickets on-line enable you to purchase the best value tickets for your itinerary as well as being convenient. You can buy tickets on-line using a credit card opting either for e-ticket or you can collect them at machines at either Gatwick or Southampton stations.

Nearly all stations have manned ticket offices, unlike the London Underground, and all have ticket machines. Ticket offices at the main stations are open all day from early morning to evening. However, queues for the manned ticket offices can be long and much of the time you will get a cheaper fare by buying well in advance.

E-tickets and mobile tickets

E-tickets and mobile tickets are increasingly becoming available from many train operating companies. These include South Western, Southern, Thameslink, Chiltern, London North Western and London North Eastern operating services into London. The airport trains run by Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express and Thameslink are also supported.

Magnetic card tickets

Magnetic card tickets are the tradional tickets dispensed by ticket machines and ticket offices can be ordered in advance and collected at main railway stations. Stations where you can collect tickets include all of London's mainline terminus stations, Heathrow and Gatwick airports and Southampton and Dover port railway stations. When you purchase these tickets on-line you are given a unique code which you type into the dedicated ticket machines and they then dispense the tickets. Tickets are ready after 15 minutes of order.

Card payments (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Maestro), PayPal and Apple Pay are payment options on-line.

TRAIN TICKETS & TIMETABLES

Book train tickets in advance, save money • Full timetables & journey planning • Identify the best fares, including advance fares • Purchase e-tickets or collect tickets at station

Luggage on the London to Southampton trains

There are no luggage cars on the trains. You need to independently carry your luggage into the passenger cabin, seats are taken on a first come first serve basis. Both Waterloo and Victoria stations are terminus stations, all trains start and finish their journey at both. The trains are commuter train style with no luggage car. Whatever you bring you must carry on-board yourself.

Luggage storage space is limited. There is headroom space above the seats, but this is for smaller bags not large cases. The allocated area for large luggage may be some distance from your seat making it difficult for you to keep an eye on it. Space permitting you may be able to store luggage around your seating area.

We have a dedicated London -Southampton trains page covering in more detail all aspects of train travel between London and it's airports and Southampton.

LONDON VICTORIA TO SOUTHAMPTON BY COACH

The cheapest public transport between southampton and london.

National Express, the UK's largest scheduled coach operator run very frequent coach services between London Victoria and Southampton. The fastest scheduled journey time is around 2 hours, so around 40 minutes slower than the train and much more prone to delays through road congestion.

All National Express coaches are equipped with toilet and wash-room facilities. Power sockets or USB ports are on all vehicles and free wifi is available on most services.

Where do I board the London - Southampton coach?

Victoria Coach Station is like a regional airport with destination boards, toilets, fast food, left luggage etc..

The coaches only stop at a few regional towns on the journey like Basingstoke or Winchester - no stops are made at hotels or Southampton cruise terminals.

For Southampton departures the coach station is in the heart of Southampton city centre. There are no shuttles or public transport between the cruise terminals and the coach station. From Southampton's four cruise terminals it is too far to walk with luggage, a local taxi cab from the well marshalled cruise terminal rank should cost around £10.

Should I pre book my ticket?

There are National Express ticket kiosks and ticket machines within London Victoria and Southampton coach stations.

We recommend you pre book your ticket on-line in advance. Departures, especially after a cruise ship has docked do get fully booked and when this happens a second bus is not provided. E-tickets are available sent directly to your e-mail in-box.

National Express offer a choice of ticket types. Cheapest fares are advance purchase on-line, some are exclusively on-line. Like many fare structures you pay more for flexibility to change schedules or cancel. Fares will vary according to demand and how far a ticket is booked in advance of their journey.

Tickets are not allocated a seat number, you select your seat on boarding on a first come first served basis. Subject to availability you can reserve the front seats of the coach for a supplement.

NATIONAL EXPRESS COACH TICKETS & TIMETABLES

Book in advance, confirm seat, save money • Full timetables & journey planning • Identify the best fares, including advance fares • Pay securely by credit card, e-tickets and mobile tickets

Luggage on the London - Southampton National Express coaches

Hold luggage.

For each person you are allowed to take one or two medium sized suitcases or rucksacks (no more than 20kg per item) free of charge and one small piece of soft hand luggage. Alternatively, you may take 1 large item (no more than 20kg) and one small piece of hand luggage Hold luggage maximum sizes defined as: Medium case: 70cm x 30cm x 45cm; Large case: 75cm x 50cm x 32cm

Hand luggage

An item of soft hand luggage taken into the passenger cabin must be able to be placed under the seat in front of passengers or in an overhead locker. With the exception of briefcases, no hard-shelled cases, wheeled bags or hard-framed rucksacks/backpacks are permitted on board for safety reasons and must be stowed with hold luggage. You will not incur an additional charge for this. Soft hand luggage maximum size: 45cm x 35cm x 20cm

Excess luggage and outsize items

Excess luggage can be taken for which there is a charge. You can reduce this cost by 20% if your excess luggage is pre booked on-line. If there is a group of you travelling on the same ticket, then its ok to pool the luggage between you all to help prevent a surcharge. The drivers load and unload the luggage into the hold directly from yourself, immediately prior to boarding, you do not check-in the luggage prior.

Foldable pushchairs and foldable bicycles are all accepted in addition to the allowance however that is providing there is enough space in the hold. Lightweight manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters (under 20kg) are also accepted but prior arrangements are needed (at least 36 hours ahead of travel).

For more comprehensive information we have a designated National Express page for full details.

MAP OF SOUTHAMPTON