carnival cruise terminal dover england

Dover, England

Cruises from Dover depart year-round. Dover serves as a port for London, which is about 80 miles to the west. Dover is home to the famous White Cliffs of Dover, which are a historic symbol of British pride. Visitors can also see fairy tale castles and imposing fortresses by the sea, explore a Roman house or see a real Bronze Age boat in a high-tech gallery.

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On this page, dover cruise ship shuttles, shared transfer tours, private transfers & tours, public transport, transfer options to/from, port of dover.

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Dover cruise terminals

Passengers' guide to using dover cruise terminals.

The Dover cruise terminals are about 75 miles (120km) from Central London. It is one of three ports used by cruise ships visiting the London area. The others are Southampton and Harwich, both a similar distance from London than Dover.

The main function of Dover is as a ferry port connecting the UK and France and it is this trade that dominates the port. Outside the summer months visits by cruise ships are rare. The three cruise terminals are at the Western docks, the ferry port at the Eastern Docks. The town of Dover is in between. The busiest terminal that tends to be used by the larger cruise ships is Terminal 2.

The cruise calendar in Dover normally starts from the month of April until late September/October. Cruise Terminal 1 is set in the former Marine Railway Station. As a listed building, many of the original features are still evident and provide a flavour of a bygone era.

Disembarkation and embarkation at Dover

Most cruise ships arrive in Dover around 5.30am to 6am. The majority of cruise ships have assisted disembarkation starting about 7am with the last stragglers coming off around 9am. All cruise ships depart the same day they arrive, normally between 4pm and 6pm. Many passengers assume they can disembark much later than 9am. This is not normally the case, although Disney cruises are a notable exception to the rule.

Embarkation normally closes for departing cruises around 3pm to 4pm. Do check direct with your individual cruise, the above is just what happens on the majority of cruises using Dover. Some of the largest ships may delay docking to fit around local conditions.

Marshalling is well organised and you will not be pestered by touts for hotels and taxis. Porters will greet your vehicle immediately on arrival and take your luggage of you, make sure they're fully labelled! When disembarking they will wheel the luggage to your vehicle or taxi rank.

The taxi ranks outside each terminal are orderly and well regulated. Queues happen, but you will not have to wait too long. If you are using a cruise line coach transfer you will be escorted directly to your waiting coach, immediately outside the terminal. If you have pre booked a taxi or charter bus the driver will normally be outside the customs/baggage hall with your name on a board immediately on exiting into the public area.

Transfers between Cruise Terminals & London buses & trains

No shuttle buses are provided between the cruise and the train station or London bus stops at Dover. You therefore need to get a taxi between the cruise terminal and the train station/bus stop. The fare should be around £8. Taxi cabs at Dover come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, the image tight is fairly typical. If you have two cases per person and more than 2 people you may end up with multiple taxi cabs.

It's just a 5 minute drive between the cruise terminals at Dover to/from the railway and bus stations and ferry terminal. The cruise terminals are far too far to walk with luggage from the train stations.

All fares within Dover should be on a meter. For longer journeys outside Dover never leap into a taxi without agreeing the price beforehand. Although drivers may offer to accept your Euro or Dollar currency it will almost certainly be at a very poor exchange rate. Only do so as a last resort.

The taxi rank at the cruise terminal is well marshalled. Porters from the ship will normally take your luggage as far as the taxi rank immediately outside the front doors of the cruise terminal. It is customary to leave a small tip with cab drivers, assuming they provide a good service.

Walking from/to cruise terminals

It is a couple of kilometres or well over a mile between the rail and bus stations and the cruise terminals. With luggage we would advise against walking. The taxi cabs really are not expensive and walking through the port is not the greatest way to end a cruise.

Alternative transport to/from London to cruise line buses

If you do not want to take the expensive transport offered by the cruise line, these are your options:

Embarkation normally closes for departing cruises around 3pm to 4pm. Do check direct with your individual cruise, the above is what happens on the majority of cruises using Southampton, yours may be the exception.

The cheapest option are the National Express scheduled buses . Full size 50 seat coaches with washrooms that depart from London's Victoria Coach Stations. They do not go to the cruise terminals, you will need a taxi between Dover Town or Dover Ferry Terminal and Dover cruise terminals.

The fastest option are the Dover train services , faster than a taxi. Several trains an hour run along three separate routes between Dover's Priory Station and around 5 major train stations in Central London. The fastest trains by far run between London St Pancras and Dover. Like the National Express buses you will need a taxi between Dover Priory Train Station and Dover cruise terminals.

The only door to door shared service between your hotel in London and the cruise terminal are the Dover Cruise Bus Shuttles . Shuttles pick-up and drop at all the major Central London hotel districts and Heathrow airport and only go to the cruise terminals at Dover. The service only operates on dates when a major cruise ship is in port. In the Dover to London direction there is also a choice of guided tour transfers in addition to the direct shuttle.

And of course the money no object option is a private car service door to door at a time specified by you. If you have a group there are vans, even coaches available.

PRIVATE CRUISE TRANSFER TO HEATHROW WITH WINDSOR VISIT

Early morning disembarkation / late Heathrow flight solution

• Visit Windsor, only 15 minutes from Heathrow • Private cruise ship transfer • Secure luggage storage in Windsor • Private airport transfer from Windsor

Dover England Cruise Port Guide | 5 Best Things To Do

Welcome to Dover England cruise port! Located in England’s southeastern county of Kent, at the English Channel’s narrowest point, Dover is a coastal town and a gateway to England known for its rich history and natural beauty. It is one of the busiest ferry ports in Europe as it’s the departure point for ferries and cargo ships between the UK and France (Calais). In this article, read about:

• Dover port overview (Dover cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info)
• Top 5 things to do in Dover cruise port & Dover shore excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Greenock (Glasgow) , Belfast , Holyhead , Cork (Cobh) , Amsterdam , (Inverness) ,  Le Havre

Dover England Cruise Port Info

Cruise ships dock at Admiralty Pier in the Inner Harbour, located on the western side of the port of Dover (Western Docks). Two cruise terminals can accommodate up to 3 cruise ships at a time, depending on the size of the vessel: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• Dover Cruise Terminal 1 is located at the former “Dover Marine” railway station. The railway station building was transformed into a passenger terminal building where today passengers can find facilities including a tourist information desk, restrooms, luggage handling, phone booths, check-in desk, lifts, lounge area, exchange office, and cafeterias.
• Dover Cruise Terminal 2 is located further out along the pier and is designed to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships. It features a large state-of-the-art terminal building where you can find ATMs, toilets, a tourist information desk, lifts, cafe bars, and all other facilities for cruise passengers.

Some of the major cruise lines sailing to the British Isles include Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Getting Around & Local Transportation

• Dover cruise port is located next to the city center and can easily be reached on foot in approximately a 20-30 minute walk.
• Cruise lines also offer a convenient shuttle service for a nominal fee and the ride takes 5 minutes. The shuttle includes two stops: one in the city center (Market Square on King Street) and the other at the bottom of Dover Castle. Tickets can be purchased onboard the ship using your cruise pass card or directly on the bus (cash). Guests should re-confirm the drop-off locations onboard the ship.
• Taxis are also available outside the terminals and are metered.
• The public buses are reliable and well-connected. Check out the official website for additional info on timetables and fares https://www.stagecoachbus.com/
• Trains depart from Dover Priory Railway Station, located a 5-minute drive from the cruise port (or take a shuttle to Market Square and then walk 10 minutes to the railway station). You can also reach the railway station on foot directly from the port and the walk takes around 25 minutes. The trains are operated by https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/
• The official currency in the United Kingdom is the British Pound (£). Local currency and major credit cards are widely accepted. There is also a currency exchange office inside the terminal buildings.
• Gatwick Airport is located 79 miles/127 km (a 1h 20-minute drive) west of Dover port, while the distance between Dover cruise terminal and London City Airport is 75 miles/120 km (a 1h 40-minute drive). Those are the two nearest airports to Dover.
• Book a private transfer to/from Dover cruise terminals
• Explore Dover tours and activities

5 Best Things to Do in Dover Cruise Port

1. dover castle.

This impressive medieval castle sits atop the famous Kent White Cliffs overlooking the English Channel. Built in the 11 th century by Henry II, the castle was England’s primary defense stronghold often referred to as the “Key to England” due to its excellent strategic location. For many centuries, the English troops were based here protecting the coast from potential attacks coming from Europe.

Roam around the castle grounds and visit Arthur’s Hall , the Great Tower (medieval court of Henry II), Stone Hut , Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and Queen’s Regiment Museum , and over 1900 years old Roman lighthouse – the first building ever built on this site.

Explore inside the Secret Wartime Tunnels used by the English during the threat of Napoleon in the 18 th century and the outbreak of World War II. You’ll see the elaborated communication center with the latest technology of that time, the command centers used to coordinate the defense against the German attacks and the underground hospital. The Castle also offers fantastic views of the English Channel and on a clear day, it is possible to see the coast of France which is only 23 miles away from Dover.

There are several cafes and eateries at the Castle, and you can also bring your own food if you wish to organize a picnic within the picnic area located on top of the White Cliffs overlooking the English Channel. Shops and a free car park are available as well. Wheelchair access is available within the grounds. Great Tower has access to the ground floor only.

To reach Dover Castle you can take the cruise line shuttle service that will drop you off at Castle Hill stop, from where you’ll need to walk around 10 minutes to the entrance to the Castle. A taxi will take you much closer – right where you need to get the entrance tickets. The taxi ride takes only 5 minutes. You can also reach the castle on foot and the journey from the cruise terminal should take approximately 40 minutes.

Check out Dover Castle tours and activities

2. The White Cliffs of Dover

Visit one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Kingdom that played an important role in British history – the spectacular White Cliffs of Dover! During wartime, troops could easily spot invaders due to the extensive views over the English Channel.

The best way to experience the White Cliffs is to take the coastal hike to the top so you can enjoy nature. There are in total 16 miles of trails, however, to get the best scenic views you can take a 5-kilometer (3 miles return) walking trail to the South Foreland Lighthouse , a scenic spot overlooking St. Margaret’s Bay and offering the most spectacular views of the cliffs. This Victorian lighthouse sits atop the cliff and was the first lighthouse to use electric light. Besides learning about the history of the Lighthouse, you can also enjoy a traditional cup of tea at their tearoom.

Along the way, you will see the cute Exmoor ponies also known as Celtic ponies, a horse breed native to the British Isles. You can also make a stop at the Fan Bay Deep Shelter , the complex of tunnels that were built to keep soldiers safe during WWII. It is quite windy at the cliff so it’s a great place to fly a kite which you can borrow at the lighthouse.

Wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties can take a short walk along the boardwalk to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the English Channel, the coastline, and Dover Harbour. The Lighthouse is partly accessible (ground floor). If you are considering taking the trail please note that the walk can take a little more than an hour each way. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear , bring a bottle of water, and very importantly – bring a light jacket/ raincoat , as the weather in the UK can change at any given time.

To get to White Cliffs from Dover cruise port, you can take bus 80 from Pencester Road bus station in Dover downtown (a 5-minute walk from the shuttle drop-off location) to St Margaret’s at Cliffe Bay Hill. The bus ride takes 15 minutes and once you get off at Bay Hill, you need to walk another 20-25 minutes to the lighthouse. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or book a shore excursion.

Check out White Cliffs tours and activities

3. Leeds Castle

Considered the loveliest castle in the world, Leeds Castle is situated in the heart of Kent in the village of Leeds, only 40 minutes drive northwest of Dover (around 58 km/36 miles).

This fairytale castle was built in the 12 th century after the Norman Conquest, and in 1278 it became the Royal Palace for Edward I and his wife Eleanor who decided to transform it into a more beautiful site.  During WWII the castle served as a Red Cross hospital and became home to Dutch and French prisoners of war. In 1926 the castle was bought by Lady Baillie, the last owner of Leeds Castle until she died in 1974. In 1976 the Castle was open to the public and ever since visitors can enjoy and explore this magnificent place.

Explore the castle grounds, beautiful gardens and palace staterooms including Lady Baillie’s bedroom where you can find her favorite Louis Vuitton travel trunk. Take a journey into 900 years of castle history at the Gatehouse Exhibition and visit the unique Dog Collar Museum where you can see an extraordinary collection of dog collars dating back to the late 15 th century. The castle also offers other attractions for the whole family like The Maze , Adventure Golf , Knight’s Stronghold Playground , The Falconry , and a walking trail around the estate amongst others.

The majority of the castle grounds are wheelchair accessible. There is a mobility bus free of charge near the ticket office and the service runs throughout the day.

How to Get to Leeds Castle from Dover Cruise Terminal?

• If you want to go to Leeds Castle, it’s highly recommended you either book a shore excursion/a private transfer or take a taxi, because the journey by bus or train will take you more than 1.5 hours each way.
• Traveling by train : Take a train from Dover Priory Railway Station to Hollingbourne, a village in the Maidstone district. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and includes 1 change at Ashford International. Trains run only once per hour. Once you arrive in Hollingbourne, you can either walk to Leeds Castle for about 35 minutes or take a 5-minute ride to get there. Find timetables at https://ticket.southeasternrailway.co.uk/
• Traveling by bus is complicated as it requires changing multiple buses. There is an option to take a train from Dover Priory railway station to Ashford International and then switch to bus 10X. This trip takes over 2.5 hours and it’s not recommended for cruise passengers due to the ship’s limited time in port.

Check out Leeds Castle tours and activities

4. Canterbury

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the southeast of England, only 35 minutes drive north of Dover (32 km; 20 mi). Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country, the city is filled with historic and cultural experiences that attract visitors worldwide. While visiting, don’t miss out on these Canterbury highlights:

• Canterbury Cathedral – Admire the magnificent medieval stained-glass windows and unique Gothic architecture of the impressive Canterbury Cathedral. Founded in 597 AD, the Cathedral was completely rebuilt in the 11th century. It is one of the oldest Christian churches in England and home to the headquarters of the Church of England and its leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury. There is a charge to visit the Cathedral grounds unless you are attending service. Timed entry tickets must be pre-booked online on the official website www.canterbury-cathedral.org. Not all areas of the Cathedral are wheelchair accessible.

• St Martin’s Church – Not far from the Cathedral you will find St Martin’s Church, the first church founded in England. Dating from the late 6th century, this quaint little church is one of the world’s oldest churches still in use.
• You can also visit the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey , one of the oldest monasteries in the United Kingdom founded in 598 AD.
• Canterbury Castle is another landmark located close to the city center. This Norman Castle was built around the 11 th century and served as one of three Royal castles in Kent until the 13th century when it became a county jail. It remained to be a prison until 1609.
• While in the city, you should visit the Canterbury city walls originally built by Romans, and repaired in the 14 th century. There were originally 7 medieval gates to the city but only West Gate remains now. It is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and houses the Westgate Towers Museum .
• Another popular attraction in the city is the Canterbury Tales , where you will enjoy an interactive exhibition of Chaucer’s famous collection of tales.
• You can also experience the beauty and history of the city from a different perspective, from the water. Take one of the many punting or river tours along the River Stour, and discover the hidden secrets of Canterbury.

How to Get to Canterbury from Dover cruise port?

• You can take the direct train from Dover Priory to Canterbury. The train runs once or twice per hour and the trip takes around 30 minutes.
• You can also take bus 15 from Dover Priory directly to Canterbury. The journey takes around 40 minutes (subject to traffic).
• A taxi ride from the Dover cruise port to Canterbury takes around 25 minutes.
• The cruise lines may offer a convenient transfer service which normally includes an onboard escort that provides general information, a tour, and a tourist map of Canterbury.

Check out Canterbury tours and activities

If you are adventurous and would like to explore the big city of London, the first thing you need to consider is your time in port, because the ride takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes each way (125 km/78 miles).

If you are visiting London for the first time, my suggestion is to get on one of the open-top sightseeing buses to cover the city’s main attractions.

• Buckingham Palace – The official residence of the United Kingdom’s sovereigns. You can tour the palace’s private chambers and opulent staterooms and watch the changing of the guard.
• Big Ben – The 16-story neo-Gothic clocktower is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The 316-foot (96 m) tall tower is the most famous clock in the world and the national symbol of London.
• Westminster Abbey – The medieval Gothic church was constructed in the 11th century and has been the site of many coronations, burials, and weddings including the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2011.
• The London Eye – A gigantic observation wheel allowing visitors to get a spectacular panoramic view of London.
• Tower Bridge – Located next to the Tower of London , the 800-foot (240 m) long Tower Bridge across the River Thames is one of the world’s most famous bridges offering stunning views of the city from its high-level West Walkway.
• Piccadilly Circus 
• Trafalgar Square

How to Get to London from Dover Cruise Port?

• I suggest you check with your onboard Shore Excursion Team for any organized transfer to the capital city, as this will take away a lot of pressure because they guarantee your return to the ship in the unlikely event of heavy traffic. If you book a transfer-only option, you are normally provided with a set meeting time and location for your return to Dover Port. You will get a certain amount of hours for free exploration of the city.
• If you have decided to explore London on your own, consider taking the train from Dover Priory to Central London. The journey can take 1-2 hours and there are around 3 train departures per hour. Check carefully the timetables, as some trains are direct while some include 1 change (and the journey takes from 1.5 to 2 hours one way).
• You can also book a taxi, a private transfer, or a shore excursion through a reliable tour operator (make sure they are aware of your ship’s departure time so they can bring you back at least half an hour before All onboard time).

Check out the tours from Dover to London

Visit also our cruise port guide to Greenock (Glasgow) , Belfast , Holyhead , Cork (Cobh) , Dublin , Invergordon (Inverness) , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Le Havre

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This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

2 thoughts on “Dover England Cruise Port Guide | 5 Best Things To Do”

wonderful site…Have been to both London and Dover several years ago…this time with husband and friends that have not been….lots of wonderful information…thank you,

Thank you, I am glad that I can help 🙂 Enjoy!

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Carnival cruise line returns to dover, begins series of sailings on carnival pride.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Carnival Cruise Line set sail today from Dover, England on Carnival Pride’s inaugural departure from the port.

Carnival Pride’s departure today begins a nine-day journey visiting the Norwegian Fjords, with stops in Stavanger, Skjolden, Alesund, Molde and Bergen – and including scenic cruising through Nordfjord and Sognefjord.

Carnival Pride is scheduled for eight more departures from Dover this summer. A variety of sailings featuring nine- and 12-day itineraries including stops at popular ports across Europe are offered. To see more information about sailings departing from Dover, click  here .

Carnival last departed from Dover in 2013, and the cruise line’s return to the Port of Dover is part of a series of European cruises operating on Carnival Pride.

“We are immensely proud to be welcoming Carnival Cruise Line back to Dover and honoured to be part of Carnival’s 50th Birthday celebration with the kickoff of nine fantastic turnaround calls starting today,” said Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise, Port of Dover. “To celebrate, we’ve brought out performances by top UK brass quintet ‘Premium Brass’ and pianist and singer Nick Bosworth, as well as a water cannon salute from the Port’s very own tugs with the iconic backdrop of our famous White Cliffs. Together, with our strong transport links, beautiful surrounding towns, and famous cultural sites, as well as our important sustainability credentials, the collective pride of our service and location should make Carnival Pride feel right at home.”

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Dover cruise port

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• Coordinates 51.123, 1.339
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• Local Time 2024-04-25 22:46

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Dover England Hotels near Cruise Port and Ferry Terminal

Port of Dover England

Dover is well known of being home to Britain’s oldest building, the solid Dover Castle, but is best known for the port’s legendary White Cliffs. The town is located on the English Channel at the Strait of Dover, which is the closest point between Great Britain and France.

Pre or posts cruise hotels near your terminal in England UK. Stay overnight in the town centre, near the cruise (Western Docks) and ferry terminals (Eastern Docks). Other options are accommodation close by St Pancras International train station, in central London, the town of Rey, Gatwick Airport, etc..

Cheap Deals for Cruise Hotels

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Hotel or Bed & Breakfast Stay

Search your perfect and cheap Dover hotel (with free parking) or bed and breakfast deal and start your holiday now. Stay in town centre , which is nestled under the famous White Cliffs in the shadow of Dover Castle, near the cruise ship terminals.

Without your own transport, some of best choices are the Premier Inn Central, Best Western Plus Marina and budget friendly County Hotel, all facing the Dover coastline.

Several budget friendly b&b’s are located directly opposite Priory railway station . Some provide a full English breakfast in the morning. The town centre is a short walk away, the ferry terminal and cruise ships 5 minutes by taxi. When driving to the port, you can consider to stay outside the town centre. Both Ramada and Premier Inn East are well priced.

When visiting London or spending a couple days in London to extend your cruise vacation , consider a hotel near St Pancras railway station . From here you can reach Dover Priory Railway Station in 1 hour by high speed train.

Other options include staying pre or post cruise in medieval Rye . When flying into or out of one of London’s airports, an airport-area hotel is close by. Many offer a free airport shuttle service.

• Eastern and Western Docks
• Passenger Terminals
• Dover in England

Nearest Airports

Car parking.

Hotel offering cheap rates located close to the cruise and ferry terminals of Dover UK.

Peaceful hotel situated outside Dover’s town centre in the countryside. Perfect for a night stay when having a car.

Hotel located a 10-minute walk from Dover’s port, and 5 minutes’ walk from the town centre.

Dover Eastern and Western Docks

Cruise ships dock in Dover just off the A20 road at the Western docks , a mile from the town centre. Both terminal 1 and 2 are within close distance of several excellent hotels and b&b’s.

Dover is also the world’s busiest ferry port . Ferries dock at the Eastern Docks , on the other side of town.

Dover is one of 4 cruise ports within close distance of London. The others are Port of Southampton , Harwich and Tilbury (London Cruise Terminal) . Itineraries from the port vary from cruises to the amazing Norwegian Fjords and Baltic Capitals, to the Mediterranean and even transatlantic to the Caribbean.

Cruise lines departing from the harbour include Fred Olsen, Saga Cruises, Holland America, and Carnival. Luxury companies such as Seabourn, Crystal, Oceania and Silversea Cruises sail also from/to the Port of Dover.

Passenger Terminals 1 and 2 – Pier

Dover is currently home to 2 cruise ship passenger terminals at Admiralty Pier, located at the Western docks which is about 20 minutes walk or cheap cab ride from the town centre.

Taxis are available to/from both terminals. Dover’s Priory railway station is within walking distance (30 minutes), but it’s recommended to take an inexpensive taxi (5 minutes).

To and From London

A high speed train connects London’s St Pancras international rail station with Dover Priory Station. Travel time is 1 hour (fastest option). There also rail services to/from both Charing Cross and Victoria stations, but these trains don’t travel on the same high speed tracks as trains to/from St Pancras. Travel time to Charing Cross and Victoria stations is about 110mins to 120mins.

National Express operates a regular coach service to Dover’s Pencester Road. The journey takes around 2hrs 30mins from London Victoria coach station (cheapest option).

Additional cruise bus shuttles operate between central London and Dover from all hotels in the main hotel districts. These buses call at London Heathrow Airport too. This service is only available on sailing dates when ships of Princess Cruises , Holland America Line and Crystal Cruises are in port.

Also car rentals and private shuttles are available.

Terminal 1 and 2

Sat nav: CT17 9DQ

email: [email protected]

Ferries leave from the Eastern Docks, appox. 1 mile from the town center.

Address Dover Ferry Terminal

Travel Centre

Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT16 1JA United Kingdom

Legendary White Cliffs of Dover

Take a walk around the impressive White Cliffs and admire the view of the English Channel or take a boat tour leaving from the Clock Tower in the Marina for another wonderful view of the Cliffs. Atop the White Cliffs is stunning Dover Caslte, built by Henry II. It’s the largest castle in England and has a long history.

Visit the military museum that includes a great exhibit of WWII spy equipment or take a look at the Pharos lighthouse, built by the Romans during the 1st century.

From Dover you can easily visit the main tourist attractions and historical sites of Kent, known as the Garden of England. Rey, a true gem of an English market town, and medieval Canterbury, noted for its stunning cathedral are within easy reach.

A perfect day trip for the entire family is Leeds Castle and the nearby Castle gardens where you take an exciting step back in time. The famous gardens of Vita Sackville-West’s, the legendary poet and writer, can be visited at Sissinghurst Castle.

The must see sights of London such as the Big Ben, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge to name a few are less than 2 hours away by car. By high speed rail link to St Pancras, to city of London is only just over an hour away.

Many great value and reasonable priced hotels and b&b’s can be found within close distance of Dover cruise port. Stay overnight in or just outside the town centre or near Priory train station.

Dover can be reached from London’s Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and all other major London airports.

Gatwick international airport is the nearest major airport, approximately 80 miles or 129 km away.

There is no direct transport link to/from the airport. The cheapest option is by taking the National Express Coach service to Victoria Coach station. From Victoria Station buses travel to either Dover or Gatwick airport.

Faster option is taking the train. Fastest way is a train via St Pancras. Most people will take the train. There are many routes, the most convenient will involve changing trains at either London Bridge or St Pancras.

There are 5 main rail options from Gatwick to Dover. a) Gatwick Express to Victoria then train to Dover b) Southern Train to Victoria then train to Dover c) First Capital Connect to London Bridge then train to Dover d) First Capital Connect train to St Pancras then train to Dover e) Cross Country trains avoiding London, but requires about 3 changes.

Parking — car parking is located adjacent to passenger terminal 1.

Disabled parking spaces are also available, as are wheelchairs with assistants.

How to get to Dover by Car – driving directions

When travelling on the M2/A2 via Canterbury, or when driving on the M20/A20 via Ashford, you have to follow the signs to the Western Docks. Both cruise terminals are located beside these docks.

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Carnival Cruise Line Begins Series of Dover Sailings

• June 11, 2022

For the first time in nearly a decade, Carnival Cruise Line set sail today from Dover, England on Carnival Pride’s inaugural departure from the port.

The Carnival Pride’s departure today begins a nine-day journey visiting the Norwegian Fjords, with stops in Stavanger, Skjolden, Alesund, Molde and Bergen – and including scenic cruising through Nordfjord and Sognefjord, according to a press release.

The Carnival Pride is scheduled for eight more departures from Dover this summer. A variety of sailings featuring nine- and 12-day itineraries including stops at popular ports across Europe are offered. To see more information about sailings departing from Dover, click here.

Carnival last departed from Dover in 2013, and the cruise line’s return to the Port of Dover is part of a series of European cruises operating on Carnival Pride.

“We are immensely proud to be welcoming Carnival Cruise Line back to Dover and honoured to be part of Carnival’s 50th Birthday celebration with the kickoff of nine fantastic turnaround calls starting today,” said Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise, Port of Dover.

“To celebrate, we’ve brought out performances by top UK brass quintet ‘Premium Brass’ and pianist and singer Nick Bosworth, as well as a water cannon salute from the Port’s very own tugs with the iconic backdrop of our famous White Cliffs. Together, with our strong transport links, beautiful surrounding towns, and famous cultural sites, as well as our important sustainability credentials, the collective pride of our service and location should make Carnival Pride feel right at home.”

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Taxi from cruise terminal to Dover train station - Dover Forum

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Taxi from cruise terminal to Dover train station

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7 replies to this topic

From Dover Priory station there are the Southeastern high speed trains to St Pancras with the normal Southeastern trains to Victoria with others to Charing Cross via Waterloo East and London Bridge stations.

Check the train times and fares at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk

If it helps… ive got a friend who lives that way. He reckons the fast train is worth the extra even though he has to then use the tube to get where he’s going.

But, he’s a bit of a train nerd so the slow southeastern services are not interesting to him, and he travels light so luggage isn’t an issue.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

However there is a fast train to St Pancras, and you cannot use tickets for other services, to Victoria for example, on that train, if I recall correctly.

Also not all train tickets are the same price.

You can check the schedule here and see what service may work for you:

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Note the station name is Dover Priory

There is likely to be a queue for taxis to the station. It's not so far that you cannot walk, but if you have large suitcases, you probably won't want to.

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