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Did you know When booking with us you will get:
- Easy Booking – Web / App / Email
- 24/7 Support
- Door to door service
- Economy and Executive Service Available – your choice
- Meet and Greet – included for cruise port pickups
- Comfortable experience
- New and clean cars with responsible drivers
- Reliability and ease
- Vehicles available to accompany groups of up to 8 people and their luggage
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Port of Dover to / from London Transfers
Off on a cruise from the Port of Dover? Or just arriving back from your ocean adventure? Whatever the direction, Umbrella Transfers is here to make sure your journey to or from London is smooth sailing from start to finish.
We specialise in private cruise transfers between the Dover Cruise Terminal and London, offering a service that’s not only reliable but refreshingly easy to book. Whether you’re travelling solo or in a group of up to eight, our wide range of vehicles—from comfortable saloons and estates to MPVs, minivans, and luxury executive cars—means there’s always the perfect fit for you.
Booking your London to Dover Port taxi is a breeze. Simply use our online booking form or download the Umbrella Transfers mobile app from your app store. Just be sure to select a vehicle that suits both the number of passengers and the amount of luggage—cruise travellers often carry a fair bit, and we want to ensure there’s space for it all.
Need a hand? Our team is available 24/7 via live chat or phone to guide you through the booking process or answer any last-minute questions.
When planning your pickup, we recommend giving yourself a little extra time—around 30 minutes more, especially for long-distance journeys. It’s always best to build in a buffer for potential traffic so your cruise or onward plans stay stress-free.
The duration of your transfer from Port of Dover to London depends on the destination as follows:
(Travel time provided is approximate, and it is calculated based on the average time during the day with moderate traffic).
Port of Dover to/from Central London – 1hr 47min
Port of Dover to/from London Heathrow Airport – 2hr 3min
Port of Dover to/from London Gatwick Airport – 1hr 25min
Port of Dover to/from London Luton Airport – 2hr 8min
Port of Dover to/from London Stansted Airport -1hr 45min
Port of Dover to/from London City Airport – 1hr 30min
Port of Dover to/from London Farnborough Airport – 2hr 2min
Port of Dover to/from London Biggin Hill Airport – 1hr 16min
Port of Dover to/from Birmingham Airport– 3hr 27min
Port of Dover to/from Manchester Airport – 4hr 45 min
Port of Dover to/from London Southend Airport – 1hr 42min
Hotels
Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa
Address: Waterloo Crescent House, Waterloo Cres, Dover CT17 9bp
Phone: 01304 203633
Travelodge Dover
Address: Unit 8, St James Retail & Leisure Park, St James St, Dover CT16 1QD
Phone: 0871 984 6532
Premier Inn Dover Central (Eastern Ferry Terminal) Hotel
Address: Marine Court, Marine Parade, Dover CT16 1lw
Holiday Inn Dover
Address: Singledge Ln, Whitfield, Dover CT16 3el
Phone: 01304 821230
About
The Port of Dover Cruise Terminal is a key gateway for cruise passengers travelling to and from the UK. Located on the southeast coast of England, about 2 hours from London, the terminal offers a scenic departure point, famously set beneath the White Cliffs of Dover.
There are two cruise terminals at the port—Cruise Terminal 1 and Cruise Terminal 2—both equipped with modern check-in areas, baggage handling, lounges, and easy access for passengers arriving by car, taxi, or coach.
The terminal regularly welcomes cruise lines such as Fred. Olsen, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, and others, offering itineraries across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and transatlantic crossings.
Its proximity to landmarks like Dover Castle, Canterbury, and even London makes it a popular starting or ending point for cruise holidays with plenty to explore nearby.
FAQ
Absolutely. Upon arrival, Porters are available at the curbside to collect your luggage. Your bags will be tagged and transferred directly to your stateroom onboard the ship. You’ll only need to carry hand luggage and personal items through the terminal. Be sure to attach your cruise luggage tags before arrival for a smooth process.
It’s recommended to arrive 2–3 hours before your ship’s scheduled departure. Each cruise line sets specific check-in time slots, usually communicated in your booking documents or boarding pass. Arriving early allows time for check-in, security screening, and boarding. Note: Passengers arriving too early may be asked to wait outside or in designated areas until their check-in window opens.
Yes. Both Cruise Terminal 1 and 2 are fully wheelchair accessible, and the port is committed to accommodating passengers with special needs:
- Wheelchairs and mobility assistance are available upon request—be sure to arrange this in advance via your cruise line.
- There are accessible restrooms, level flooring, elevators, and porters to assist with luggage.
- Priority boarding may be arranged for those needing extra time or assistance.
The terminal typically offers basic refreshment kiosks or vending machines with tea, coffee, water, and light snacks—especially during busy cruise days.
- However, it’s not a full-service food court, so if you’d like a proper meal, you might want to eat before arriving.
- There are cafés and restaurants in central Dover, just a short drive or walk from the terminal.
The area surrounding the port is rich in history and natural beauty:
- Dover Castle – A massive medieval fortress with underground wartime tunnels. Just a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute uphill walk from the terminal.
- White Cliffs of Dover – Iconic chalk cliffs with walking paths and scenic viewpoints, offering amazing photo ops.
- Canterbury – A charming historic city known for Canterbury Cathedral, shops, and riverside walks (approx. 30 minutes away by car).
- Deal and Sandwich – Quaint coastal towns nearby for those arriving early or staying post-cruise.
Learn More
The Port of Dover Cruise Terminal is located in the town of Dover, in Kent, on the southeast coast of England. It’s about 75 miles (120 km) from central London, and sits right on the English Channel, offering dramatic views of the White Cliffs of Dover. The cruise terminals are situated within the Western Docks area, separate from the busy ferry terminals at the Eastern Docks.
Cruise Terminal 1 (CT1): Housed in a beautifully restored 1914 railway station building. It’s used for smaller or fewer cruise calls and offers a charming, historic ambience.
Cruise Terminal 2 (CT2): A larger and more modern terminal, purpose-built for handling major cruise lines and large passenger volumes. This terminal is used more frequently and features streamlined check-in facilities and baggage handling services.
You have several transport options:
By Train: Direct trains run from London St Pancras (high-speed – about 1 hour 10 mins) and London Victoria (slower – around 2 hours) to Dover Priory Station. From there, it’s a short 5–10 minute taxi ride to the cruise terminal.
By Car: From London, take the M20 or A2/M2 motorways. The drive takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
By Coach or Private Transfer: Some cruise lines offer pre-arranged transfers, or you can book private services through operators like National Express or cruise transport specialists.
Yes, secure parking is available and well-managed: The port offers on-site long-stay cruise parking, located close to the terminals. You can pre-book your parking online through the official Port of Dover website or trusted third-party providers. Shuttle buses are available (if needed) between the parking area and the terminal, although many spaces are within walking distance. Your vehicle will remain safe for the duration of your cruise in a patrolled, barrier-controlled area.
Yes. The terminal has marked drop-off and pick-up zones right outside the main entrance. Port staff are usually available to help with luggage, and passengers can walk directly into the check-in area.
If you’re staying in the vehicle, you’ll be asked to move along promptly after drop-off to avoid congestion.