Cruises from "London" usually leave from the London International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury, on the north bank of the Thames in Essex, about 25 miles east of Central London. It is a historic, listed terminal building, used mainly by small and mid-sized ships, and it is the home port of Ambassador Cruise Line. Other lines, including Fred. Olsen, Saga and several luxury lines, also call or sail from here.
- AddressLondon International Cruise Terminal, Tilbury RM18 7NG
- From Central LondonAbout an hour by car, more at rush hour
- From HeathrowAbout 1¼ to 1½ hours via the M25
- Check-inAt the time your cruise line gives you
Getting there
By car, Tilbury is reached via the A13 or the M25. Journey times from the West End vary a lot: around an hour on a quiet morning, longer through East London at rush hour. From the airports, it is usually around 1¼ to 1½ hours from Heathrow or Gatwick, and about an hour from Stansted.
By train, services run from Fenchurch Street to Tilbury Town, but the station is a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the terminal. With cruise luggage, most passengers prefer to go door to door.
Embarkation day
- Use your cruise line's check-in time. Ships stagger arrivals to avoid queues, and arriving early does not usually mean boarding early.
- Label your bags with the cruise line's luggage tags before you leave. Porters take cases at the terminal.
- Keep documents and medication in your hand luggage.
- Allow for traffic on the A13, and at the Dartford Crossing if you are coming from the south.
Disembarkation day
When you return, passengers leave the ship in groups through the morning, and you then collect your cases in the terminal. Because Tilbury is in an industrial port area, taxis can be scarce when hundreds of passengers leave at once. A pre-booked car is the reliable option. Tell us your ship and disembarkation group and we will time the pickup.
Combining a cruise with London
Many passengers spend a night or two in London before or after sailing. We can collect you from the airport, take you to your hotel, and take you on to Tilbury on embarkation day, or add a London Highlights tour on the way.
Questions we are often asked
Where is the London cruise terminal?
The London International Cruise Terminal is at Tilbury in Essex, on the Thames about 25 miles east of Central London. The postcode is RM18 7NG.
How long does it take to get to Tilbury from Central London?
Around an hour by car on a good day, and longer at rush hour through East London. Follow your cruise line's check-in time and allow for traffic.
Can you take us from Heathrow to Tilbury?
Yes. It is usually around 1¼ to 1½ hours via the M25. Allow plenty of time after landing for immigration and baggage.
How much luggage can we bring?
Cruise passengers often have large cases. Tell us how many, and we will send an estate car, MPV or van with enough room.
Is the price per person?
No. Our cruise transfer prices are per vehicle and agreed before you travel.