Liverpool-Waterfront-1.jpg

The Ultimate Liverpool Cruise Parking Guide (2024)

Liverpool Cruise Terminal is just a short stroll from the city centre, and the good news is – parking nearby doesn’t have to break the bank. From convenient walkable options to cheaper car parks with shuttle buses, there’s something to suit every budget.

Liverpool Waterfront

If you’re planning to stay the night before your cruise, some local hotels even offer parking packages. This guide covers all the best parking choices, so you can find the perfect spot for your trip.

Where The Cruise Ships Dock In Liverpool

Liverpool Cruise Terminal is located on Prince’s Dock in the River Mersey. The cruise terminal is almost adjacent to the Liver Building, which you’ll recognise from the Liver bird statues that sit on top.

Liver Building

The cruise terminal is the small building with the white roof, in the bottom left of the photo above. Yes, it’s really small and feels a bit like a marquee.

Liverpool cruise port address: Liverpool Cruise Terminal, Gate, 2 Princes Parade, Liverpool L3 1DL

Where To Check In At Liverpool Cruise Port

The small size of the Liverpool Cruise Terminal means that usually only smaller cruise ships depart from Liverpool with check-in at the terminal.

On the rare occasions that larger ships depart from Liverpool, check-in is processed at a different building nearby, such as the Liverpool M&S Bank Arena. So, you’ll want to pay close attention to your cruise documents to see exactly where you need to go.

If you check in at the arena, there will be a complimentary coach ride to the ship.

The Best Cruise Parking In Liverpool

When it comes to choosing where to park in Liverpool for a cruise, you have three main options:

  1. Park nearby and walk to the port
  2. Park further away and take a shuttle bus or taxi to the port
  3. Stay at a nearby hotel and leave your car there

Which is the best will depend on your budget, how long your cruise is and your mobility requirements.

1. Parking Near Liverpool Cruise Terminal

Parking near your cruise ship in Liverpool means that you can walk from your car straight to the baggage drop area.

Liverpool Cruise Terminal doesn’t have an official long-stay car park. However, you can find car parks nearby that allow you to leave your car for several days or weeks.

To do this, you’ll need to use the Your Parking Space website.

I’ve used this to book Liverpool cruise parking several times, and it’s always cost me less than £10 per day to park within a few minutes’ walk of the port.

I have used different car parks each time as there are several in the area, but all have been easy to find and secure.

How To Find the Nearest Car Parks With Your Parking Space

1. Go to yourparkingspace.co.uk

Your Parking Space website Liverpool cruise parking
  • Select ‘Hourly’
  • Enter ‘Cruise Liverpool’
  • Select your dates and times
  • Hit ‘Search’.

3. Use the map to find the nearest car parks

map of car parks in the Liverpool cruise ship dock and surrounding area

4. Take a closer look

  • The blue flag is your destination
  • Zoom in and out
  • Check prices
  • Check the description and reviews
Your Parking Space Map

5. Choose and book your parking

  • Enter your vehicle registration and payment info
  • Your booking details and entry instructions will be sent via email and text message

Tip for choosing a car park:

Your Parking Space shows all kinds of pre-bookable car parking facilities, including secure car parks, on-street parking and parking space hire on private driveways. Secure car parks are generally the best choice.

Find More Car Parking With Just Park

If you don’t have any luck with Your Parking Space, then you should also check out Just Park.

This website is very similar and works in exactly the same way, but often has different car parking spaces.

To find the cheapest and nearest car parking to Liverpool Cruise Terminal, it’s a good idea to check both sites.

I sometimes find that the same car park is listed on both sites, but is cheaper on one of them.

2. Liverpool Park and Ride Companies

Sometimes, the cheapest option can be to park your car a mile or two from the cruise port and take a shuttle bus or taxi.

Car Park and Shuttle Bus – CPS

You can currently only book your parking with Cruise & Passenger Services (CPS) if you’re cruising with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

The official car parking partner for these cruise lines, CPS, has a secure car park which is located a ten-minute bus ride from the cruise terminal.

CPS asks drivers to drop off passengers and luggage at the baggage drop area at Liverpool Cruise Terminal before proceeding to the car park. After parking your vehicle, you will then take a shuttle bus back to the cruise terminal.

Disabled drivers can opt for valet parking at no extra cost. If you have a blue badge, you can simply drive to the cruise terminal and a member of staff will drive your car to the car park for you.

You can pre-book CPS parking here. It usually costs more than the nearby car parks and you’ll need to allow time for the shuttle bus, but this is a good option for anyone who has a car parking voucher as part of their cruise booking.

Car Park and Taxi – King Park

Many cruisers recommend King Park as a cheap option for parking in Liverpool. This short- and long-stay car park costs just £20 for two to five days and £25 for seven days.

The car park has CCTV and good lighting in the evening. An Uber from King Park to Liverpool Cruise Terminal costs about £9 and a taxi will cost a little more.

It’s not possible to pre-book parking at King Park. however, the car park is very large and is rarely full to capacity.

3. Liverpool Hotels With Cruise Parking

There are several hotels in Liverpool that offer parking for cruise passengers.

If you intend on driving for more than a couple of hours to reach Liverpool, it can be a good idea to drive the night before and enjoy a hotel stay before your cruise. When pre-arranged, you can leave your car in the hotel car park for the duration of your cruise.

There are currently no ‘Stay, Park and Cruise’ deals advertised. However, it’s worth contacting the hotels as they will be able to advise whether they have parking available for your dates.

Hotels With Parking Near Liverpool Cruise Port:

  1. Crowne Plaza – 0.1 miles from Liverpool Cruise Terminal
  2. Delta Hotels Liverpool City Centre – 0.8 miles from Liverpool Cruise Terminal
  3. Hampton by Hilton – 0.9 miles from Liverpool Cruise Terminal

The Best Place To Park In Liverpool For A Cruise

The best place to park in Liverpool for a cruise is the Capital Car Park, which is just a five-minute walk from Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

For week-long cruises, it can be cheaper to park a little further away and take a taxi or shuttle bus. Alternatively, you may be able to secure a Liverpool hotel and cruise parking deal by calling hotels directly to enquire.

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Parking Your Car When Cruising From Dover

While Dover is primarily a ferry port, there are also a considerable number of cruise ships departing from Dover each year with cruise lines such as Carnival, Fred. Olsen, Holland America and more.

If anything, the port is only going to get busier – in early 2025 it completed the first part of a major renovation, and can now play host to some of the biggest ships in the world!

Dover Cruise Port

Of course, that also means there’ll be more cars needing to find a parking space – and you don’t want to pay over the top for your cruise parking either…

Please note: This guide relates specifically to parking for a cruise. If you’re looking for parking to take a ferry from Dover, you’ll find some info on that here.

Dover Cruise Terminal Locations

Cruise ships dock at one of three cruise terminals in the Port of Dover:

  • Terminal 1 – Departures on small and medium ships
  • Terminal 2 – Departures on larger ships
  • Terminal 3 – Visits on small ships only

Dover Cruise Port Address: Dover Cruise Terminal, Lord Warden Square, Dover CT17 9DQ

Dover’s three cruise terminals are located within the Western Docks – about a mile west of Dover town centre.

Although you can cruise from Dover, the ferry port is much busier than the cruise port. FDS and P&O ferries from Dover to Calais depart from the Eastern Docks which is about two miles away from Dover’s cruise terminals.

Where to Park for Dover Cruises

When it comes to parking your car in Dover for a cruise, you have three options:

1. Parking at Dover Cruise Terminal

Dover Cruise Terminal has over 1,000 secure undercover parking spaces. This is the most convenient place to park for your cruise from Dover as you can walk straight to the ship.

Parking at Dover Cruise Port is arranged by Cruise & Passenger Services (CPS). You can book your parking on the CPS website or by calling 0345 071 3939.

If you have booked a cruise that includes complimentary car parking at Dover Cruise Terminal, you’ll still need to book a space. When you receive your parking voucher, you can enter the code on the CPS website to claim your free parking.

Car parking at Dover Cruise Terminal costs £16 per day. You can expect to pay £112 to park your car for a seven-night cruise.

Parking at Dover cruise terminal is pretty expensive, particularly if you’re cruising for more than a few days. However, there are some much cheaper options that you may also wish to consider…

2. Off-Site Dover Cruise Parking

Parking your car at a specialist off-site cruise car park will sometimes cost less than half of what parking at the port costs. You’ll definitely save by parking near Dover port, instead of right at the terminal.

There are two secure car parks that are recommended. These include a free shuttle bus from the car park to your cruise ship. The ride takes 5-10 minutes each way.

If you need any help with your luggage, staff will be happy to assist. That makes these options great for anyone with small children or mobility difficulties.

Option One: Dover Port Parking Ltd.

Address: Port House, South Military Road, Western Heights, Dover, CT17 9UE

For a cheaper option than parking at the cruise terminal, Dover Port Parking Ltd comes highly recommended by many cruisers.

Here you can drop off your car, leave your keys and take the included shuttle bus to the cruise terminal. When you get back, just call and they will come to collect you. The bus ride takes around six minutes.

Price: Around £9.75 per day

Features:

  • Free shuttle bus
  • Great security with 24-hour CCTV, lights and electric gates
  • 4 electric car charging points

Option Two: Relyon Cruise Parking

Address: Relyon Cruise Parking, Poulton Close, Dover, CT17 0HL

Another great-value option for Dover cruise parking is Relyon Cruise Parking. Located on the outskirts of Dover, this option is slightly cheaper than the option above, but it’s also a few minutes further away.

Relyon Cruise Parking comes with a free door shuttle service which takes about ten minutes each way.

Price: Around £10 per day

Features:

As well as car parks which are purpose-built for cruise passengers, there are other places in Dover where you can park your car for as little as £2 per day.

These cheap parking spaces can be found at hotel and supermarket car parks, retail parks and private driveways to rent.

While £2 per day sounds great, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of a taxi to the cruise port. Plus, you’ll need to be able to carry your own luggage. If you’re okay with that, these are the best value car parks for cruises from Dover.

There are two websites that I use to see all of the car parking spaces for a cruise. These are JustPark.com and YourParkingSpace.co.uk. I like to check both of them to find the best deals.

3. Dover Hotels with Cruise Parking

If you need to drive for more than a couple of hours to reach Dover, it’s a good idea to head down the night before. That way you can avoid stressing over the morning traffic and wake up fresh ready to start your cruise in the most relaxed way.

The table below shows the main Dover hotels with cruise parking. These hotels all allow you to leave your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise.

Hotel Name Stars Transfer Time to Port Price
Holiday Inn Dover (formerly Ramada) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Included 10 mins Check price
The White Cliffs ⭐⭐⭐ Extra 10 mins Check price
Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Extra 5 mins Check price

The Best Place to Park Your Car in Dover for a Cruise

The best place to park your car in Dover for a cruise depends on your priorities. If you want to park your car right by the ship and aren’t concerned about the cost, then parking at Dover Cruise Terminal is the easiest option.

If you don’t mind spending an extra five or ten minutes to take a shuttle bus, there are two off-site cruise car parks that can offer parking for less than half of the price of parking at Dover port. These are Dover Port Parking Ltd and Relyon Cruise Parking.

And if you’re travelling from further afield then you might be best booking a hotel option. Then you just need a transfer, with the hotel’s car park serving as your Dover cruise terminal parking.

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Car Parking at Rosyth Cruise Terminal

If you’re booking a cruise from ‘Edinburgh’ and were planning on just getting the train to the city and a quick taxi to the port, you might want to think again.

The Port of Rosyth is located 40 minutes from Edinburgh, on the north bank of the River Forth in Scotland. That’s quite the expensive taxi! There is a nearer train station (Inverkeithing) but because that means transferring to another train, a lot of people just decide to drive.

Of course, this means arranging parking. Parking at the terminal is easy, but also expensive. It’s not the only option, though…

From Rosyth, you can embark on cruises with cruise lines such as Fred. Olsen Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Silversea and Oceania Cruises.

Rosyth cruise port address: Port of Rosyth Cruise Terminal, Rosyth, Dunfermline KY11 2XP

The Rosyth cruise terminal postcode for parking is the same – KY11 2XP – use that for your satnav and follow directions.

1. Parking at Rosyth Cruise Terminal

The most convenient place to park for a cruise from Rosyth is at Rosyth Cruise Terminal. Space in the car park is limited, so if you choose this option, it’s wise to book your parking as soon as you can.

Rosyth cruise parking at the terminal costs £15 per night.

You may book car parking at Rosyth Cruise Terminal by contacting your cruise line directly. For Fred Olsen Rosyth parking, the telephone number is 0800 0355 145.

If you have used a travel agent to book your cruise, they may take care of the parking for you.

When booking parking at Rosyth Cruise Terminal, you’ll need to state the vehicle make, model, registration number and whether disabled parking or assistance is required.

2. Cheap Car Parking in Rosyth

You can save money by parking in an alternative car park near Rosyth and taking a taxi to the cruise port.

Cruise passengers often prefer to park on supermarket car parks, shopping centre car parks, or even on private driveways that people rent out.

There are two websites that I use to find the cheapest cruise parking. These are JustPark.com and YourParkingSpace.co.uk.

It’s good to use both parking websites as they each list different parking spaces. Using these websites, I have found parking 3 miles away from Rosyth Cruise Port for as little as £2 per day.

For a 10-night cruise, you could save over £50 by booking a space in a secure car park three miles away (including the cost of a return taxi).

How to use parking comparison sites

  1. Select Hourly/Daily parking
  2. Enter the postcode KY11 2XP
  3. Enter your dates
  4. Hit Search
  5. See the nearest car parks on a map
  6. Book online

3. Rosyth Hotel & Parking Deals

If you plan to drive for more than a couple of hours to reach Rosyth to start your cruise, then you may wish to stay in a hotel near Rosyth Cruise Terminal the night before you embark.

While there are currently no Rosyth hotels that are advertising stay and park deals, many hotels in the area have large car parks, so it’s certainly worth calling to ask if they would be happy for you to leave your car there while you cruise.

The Best Parking For Cruises From Rosyth

The best place to park for a cruise from Rosyth is at Rosyth Cruise Terminal. You can arrange this by calling your cruise line or travel agent who will book the parking for you.

For longer cruises, you can save quite a lot of money by parking a little further away and taking a taxi or by staying at a hotel the night before your cruise and leaving your car there.

How to Get to Rosyth Cruise Terminal by Car

  • From Edinburgh and the South

    • Follow signs for Queensferry Crossing and M90 to Perth. Cross the Queensferry Crossing and exit on the first slip road immediately after crossing the bridge.

    • At the roundabout, take the first left towards Port of Rosyth. Follow this road for approximately 1.5 miles then, at the roundabout, take the second exit following signs marked ‘Cruise’.

    • After about 200m, at the next roundabout, take the second exit and follow the road until you reach the Port Gatehouse.

  • From Aberdeen, Dundee and the North

    • Leave the M90 at J1B. Take the B981 exit for Inverkeithing/North Queensferry.

    • At the roundabout, take the third exit on to the B981. At the next roundabout, take the second exit, following the yellow cruise signs.

    • At the next roundabout, continue straight on to Keith Road and then turn left in to the Port of Rosyth.

  • From Glasgow and the West

    • From the M8, follow signs for Queensferry Crossing and follow the same directions as from the North.

    • From the M9, follow signs for Kincardine Bridge onto the A985 to Rosyth. At the first roundabout, turn right and follow the signs for Rosyth.

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The Ultimate Guide To Parking For Portsmouth Cruises

In this article, I explore everything you need to know about where to park, how much it costs, and how to make your cruise departure from Portsmouth hassle-free.

Whilst Portsmouth is mainly known for its maritime heritage, it now also hosts a number of cruise ships, from lines such as Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, Azamara and Fred Olsen. 

If you’re lucky enough to be going on a cruise out of Portsmouth and planning on driving to Portsmouth Port, you probably want to know where’s the best place to park.

Portsmouth International Port

Since I boarded a cruise ship in Portsmouth, I’ve done a lot of research for you and put together this guide on Portsmouth cruise parking. I’ll review all the options so you can decide which is the best option for you.

The Cruise Ship Dock

In Portsmouth, both cruise ships and ferries dock at Portsmouth International Port. This is just under two miles from the main city centre attractions, such as Gunwharf Quays and the Spinnaker Tower. 

As well as cruise ships and ferries, Portsmouth Port is used for cargo from around the world.

If you’re using sat nav to find it, the postcode for Portsmouth cruise port is PO2 8SP.

The coordinates are 50.811823, -1.088367.

Portsmouth International Port

Free Parking

There is no free parking at Portsmouth Cruise Terminal. Some free parking may be available in residential streets, but many require a permit, and it’s important to consider the security of your car during your cruise.

While some streets in Portsmouth do allow parking, they aren’t typically suitable for long-term stays. For cruise bookings, it’s recommended to secure a designated car parking spot for safety and convenience.

The Best Car Parks For Cruises From Portsmouth

When it comes to choosing the best place to park in Portsmouth for a cruise, you could park at the port. However, if you park further away, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to the port or stay at a nearby hotel and leave your car there.

Which type of parking is the best will depend on your budget, how long your cruise is, mobility requirements and your preference for convenience, such as the proximity of the car park to the cruise terminal.

Next, I’ll explain each of the options for you…

1. On-Site Valet Parking

Price: £12 to £16 per night, depending on your cruise

On-Site Valet Parking at Portsmouth Port

Cruise and Passenger Services (CPS) offers a private and secure on-site valet parking service that’s right outside the cruise terminal building in Portsmouth. If you have a lot of luggage and want a really easy experience, this is a good choice.

Once you reach the cruise terminal, a CPS marshal will guide you to the correct vehicle lane. Here, someone will greet you, register your vehicle, and perform the necessary inspections, such as taking a photo of your car and giving you a barcoded receipt.

When you have checked in your car, the driver will park it for you in the secure multi-storey car park nearby. You can then head to the terminal to check in for your cruise.

The valet service is very convenient, but it is pretty expensive, particularly if you’re on a longer cruise. Another downside is that you have to hand over your car keys – something that not everybody is comfortable with.

However, there are other options for you, including a much cheaper way to park in the exact same car park…

2. On-Site Self Parking

Price: £9.50 to £13 per day

On-Site Self Parking at Portsmouth Cruise Port

It’s possible to park your car yourself in the very same multi-storey car park that CPS uses. This is right by the terminal, less than a five-minute walk.

I’ve parked here myself and it’s very easy and safe. The address of this car park is George Byng Way, Portsmouth, Hants, PO2 8QN.

The entry procedure involves automated number plate recognition without barriers, and payment is due upon arrival based on the expected duration of stay. Cruise passengers will be greeted upon arrival and shown where to park.

Depending on your cruise, this option can be a little cheaper than the valet option in the same car park, but not always.

You can book your parking on the Portsmouth International Port website for £13 per day. However, when I parked here, I booked the exact same car park via Your Parking Space, where it costs just £9.50 per day!

You get the exact same experience, it just costs less. I’ve used Your Parking Space many, many times and always had a great experience.

3. St Mark’s Church Car Park

St Mark’s Church Car Park

St Mark’s Church in Portsmouth has a secure car park at the rear that’s locked at night and has CCTV. The car park is just a 9-minute walk from Portsmouth Cruise Port, or you can get a taxi or Uber for around £2.50.

You can book this car park online on the Just Park website. You’ll then be given a code which you can use to access the car park 24 hours per day.

At just £5 per day, this is a really cheap, safe and relatively convenient place to park for your cruise from Portsmouth. The only downside is that the car park isn’t huge, but if you book in advance, you are guaranteed a space.

Hotels With Parking Near Portsmouth Port

If you don’t live near Portsmouth, you could extend your holiday by staying in a nice hotel beforehand. This approach can provide a more leisurely start to your holiday, eliminating the worry of potential traffic delays that could risk missing your cruise departure.

Numerous hotels near Portsmouth provide special packages, including pre-cruise overnight stays and parking facilities. Surprisingly, these packages can often be more cost-effective than opting for port parking.

1. Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth – North

  • Only a short drive to Portsmouth International Port (4 miles)
  • Complimentary breakfast and free WiFi
  • Offers spacious rooms, great for families
  • Secure parking facilities available

2. Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

  • Approximate 10-minute drive to the port
  • Features an on-site restaurant and fitness centre
  • Secure on-site parking facilities (for up to 15 days)

3. Solent Hotel & Spa

  • Situated approximately 25 minutes away from the port by car
  • Features a spa and fitness centre
  • On-site parking is available (for up to 15 days)

4. Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa

  • Located about 20 minutes drive from the port
  • Features a spa, golf course, and on-site dining
  • Secure parking facilities offered (up to 15 days)
  • Return transfer to and from the port

Please note that the proximity of these hotels to Portsmouth International Port may vary slightly depending on the exact route taken and traffic conditions. It’s always advisable to confirm travel times and parking arrangements directly with the hotel before your trip.

My Recommendation

Determining the best car park in Portsmouth for your cruise depends on your personal priorities and requirements. If you want the convenience, I would personally park at the terminal, as within a few minutes, you’ll be able to check in for your cruise.

You can opt for valet parking, but it’s so much cheaper to book the same car park through Your Parking Space, so that’s what I do.

Hotel in Portsmouth

However, if you’re travelling a long way to reach Portsmouth and prefer a more relaxed start to your holiday, I would definitely recommend booking a hotel that provides a transfer service or one within a short taxi ride. Opting for this approach means you can drive to the hotel at your leisure the day before, with the knowledge that your transfer to the cruise terminal is taken care of.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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London Tilbury Cruise Terminal Parking Guide

If you’ve booked a cruise from London International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury, then you’ll need to book your car parking in advance.

London Tilbury

Parking at Tilbury’s cruise terminal is easy, but it can be expensive. In this guide, I’ll show you how to book car parking at Tilbury Docks, as well as where to find cheaper parking options nearby.

I’ll also show you a list of the best hotels with parking near Tilbury. These are a great option for anyone planning to drive for more than a couple of hours before their cruise.

Where Do the Cruise Ships Dock in Tilbury?

Cruise ships sailing from Tilbury will dock at the London Cruise Terminal. This is located within Tilbury Docks on the north bank of the River Thames in Essex.

Tilbury Cruise Terminal Address: London International Cruise Terminal, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 7NG

1. Parking at Tilbury Cruise Terminal

The most convenient parking option when cruising from London Tilbury is to park at Tilbury Cruise Terminal.

Parking at Tilbury Cruise Terminal is so easy because you can park your car right by the ship. The car park is large enough to accommodate most cruise passengers, but pre-booking is recommended.

Cost of Parking at Tilbury Cruise Terminal

Parking at Tilbury Port costs £11 per night when booked at least three days in advance. After this, the price will increase.

Larger vehicles such as motorhomes or minibuses will be charged £22 per night.

How to Book Parking at Tilbury Docks

There are two ways to book parking at Tilbury Docks:

  1. Telephone your cruise line and ask if they can book parking for you
  2. Book online via the Cruise & Passenger Services website

Parking at Tilbury Docks isn’t available for passengers of every cruise ship. To be allowed to park at the port, your cruise line must have a relationship with Cruise & Passenger Services (CPS), the company which manages the official car park.

Sometimes, this relationship isn’t set up until a few months before the cruise departs. You can see if port parking is available for your cruise by visiting the CPS website and seeing if your ship appears under ‘Book Parking’.

2. Cheaper Car Parking Near Tilbury Docks

If you’re not able to park at Tilbury Cruise Terminal or would like to explore cheaper options, there is some convenient car parking in Tilbury which you can book for as little as £2 per day.

As Tilbury Docks is an industrial zone of several square miles, you may need to take a taxi, Uber or ferry from your parking space to the ship. But, this can still work out cheaper than parking at the port, particularly for longer cruises.

To find cheap parking near Tilbury cruise port, I like to use a website called Your Parking Space. This lists lots of private car parks and even has driveways to rent.

How to Find Car Parking With Your Parking Space

1. Go to yourparkingspace.co.uk

Your Parking Space

2. Do a search

  • Select ‘Hourly’
  • Enter ‘Port of Tilbury’
  • Select your dates and times
  • Hit ‘Search’

3. Use the map to find the nearest parking spaces

Map of Tilbury parking

4. Take a closer look

  • The blue flag is Tilbury Docks, but the Cruise Terminal is closer to where it says ‘Fortress Distribution Park’
  • Zoom in and out
  • Check prices
  • Check the description and reviews

5. Choose and book your parking

  • Enter your vehicle registration and payment info
  • Your booking details and entry instructions will be sent via email and text message

You’ll probably need to take a taxi or Uber from your parking space to the cruise terminal, so be sure to factor in that cost.

An option may be to park in Gravesend and take the ferry across the river to Tilbury. The ferry runs every half an hour and the crossing takes 5 to 10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the ferry and cost £4 for adults and £2 for children.

Find More Car Parking With Just Park

Just Park is a website that is very similar to Your Parking Space. It works in exactly the same way, but often has different car parking spaces.

To find the cheapest and nearest car parking to Tilbury Cruise Terminal, it’s a good idea to check both Just Park and Your Parking Space.

3. Hotels With Parking Near Tilbury Docks

Driving to Tilbury the night before your cruise is a good idea as you can arrive in plenty of time and not worry about rushing through the traffic on the morning of your cruise.

There are several hotels near Tilbury that offer parking for cruise passengers. These have been recommended by other cruisers in popular cruise forums.

There are currently no ‘Stay, Park and Cruise’ deals advertised. However, I’d certainly advise that you contact the hotels to check the availability of parking on your dates.

List of Hotels With Parking Near Tilbury Cruise Port:

  1. Orsett Hall Hotel – 6 miles
  2. Stifford Hall Hotel – 6 miles
  3. Premier Inn Thurrock East – 7 miles
  4. Ibis London Thurrock M25 – 8 miles
  5. Clarendon Royal Hotel – 18 miles (or 3 mins walk to Gravesend Ferry)

Depending on the length of your cruise, you may find that a hotel and parking deal works out cheaper than parking alone.

Where is the Best Place to Park in Tilbury for a Cruise?

The best place to park in Tilbury for a cruise is at Tilbury Cruise Terminal. However, this option isn’t available for all cruises and it is quite expensive.

For cruises of a week or more, it’s a good idea to look for cheaper parking options and take a taxi or take the ferry across the River Thames from Gravesend.

Take a look at Your Parking Space and Just Park to find the best parking spaces and car parks in Tilbury.

How to Get to Tilbury Cruise Terminal

Driving directions to Tilbury Cruise Terminal:

  1. Head for M25 Junction 30, and follow A13(E) towards Tilbury
  2. Follow the A13 for 3 miles, before taking the slip road for A1089 towards Tilbury & Docks
  3. Continue on this road for 4 miles, going straight on at the roundabout towards Tilbury Docks and Tilbury Fort
  4. Past the station, at the signposted junction, turn right into the cruise terminal
  5. Parking and drop off locations are signposted

Final Thoughts

There’s no single right answer on the best option Tilbury Docks parking. It depends on whether you want to (and are able to) book right at the terminal, or if you’d rather park further away and get a taxi or Uber to bring you to and from the port.

With the Tilbury Docks cruise terminal being quite industrial, it can be hard to get a taxi quickly after your cruise, since lots of people will be ordering them but they have to travel a short distance to reach you.

But if you want to keep your Tilbury parking cost down, then choosing a further-afield option or one of the Tilbury hotels with cruise parking might be a better choice.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Sailing From The Virgin Voyages Terminal In Miami

Are you booking a cruise with Virgin Voyages from Miami, Florida? You’ll need to know which port terminal you are sailing from, and where can you park nearby if you’re driving.

I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Miami for your Virgin Voyages cruise.

Port of Miami

Where does Virgin Voyages sail from in Miami?

Virgin Voyages sails from Terminal V at the Port of Miami. This is Virgin Voyages’ own terminal, named for the cruise line, and it’s the closest terminal to mainland Miami.

However, due to the road directions, that doesn’t mean it’s the first one you’ll get to when driving to the port. Other terminals are first on the one-way system.

The full Virgin Voyages Miami port address is:

Terminal V, 718 N Cruise Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132.

To be clear, the name ‘Terminal V’ is because it’s Virgin’s cruise port. It’s not a numbered system using Roman numerals.

Terminal V is one of the newest at the Port of Miami, having opened in February 2022. It’s a very modern space that makes you feel like you’re on vacation from the second you arrive in the building.

The company Arquitectonica designed the terminal to reflect the Virgin Voyages ships as well as the Miami surroundings, blending both into a uniquely styled building.

Virgin Voyages Terminal V

Where is the port for Virgin Voyages in Miami?

Terminal V for Virgin Voyages cruises is situated on Dodge Island. This is an artificial island connected to mainland Miami by Port Boulevard Bridge. As you arrive on Dodge Island, Terminal V is directly on your left, but you’ll need to follow the road system to get to it.

Here it is on a map:

It’s also possible to get to the port via Watson Island, adjacent to the port island. A lot of sat nav systems may take you this way, since you arrive on the island on the correct side for the terminal.

If you’re flying into Miami Airport, the cruise port is in a really convenient location only ten miles away. The drive is along major roads, so it only takes an average of 17 minutes in either direction.

If you’re driving, put the directions into your navigation system for Parking Garage G. This will take you where you need to go, unless you decide to park elsewhere.

Where To Park For A Virgin Voyages Cruise From Miami

If you want to drive to the terminal for your Virgin Voyages cruise, book your cruise parking in advance to guarantee yourself a space. There are a few good options that you can choose from, including official parking at the site.

1. PortMiami Official Port Parking

PortMiami Official Port Parking
  • Distance from port: 0 miles
  • Cost: From $22 per day

The most convenient option for parking at the Port of Miami is… to park at the Port of Miami! Each cruise terminal has its own parking garage, which you can drive straight up to.

Parking Garage G is the one you want for Terminal V. Then you’re at the port and ready to begin embarkation. It also means that, at the end of your cruise, it’s easy to get back to your car with all your luggage.

However, it is the most expensive option. Rates can vary, but you should expect to pay around $22 per day. For a seven-day cruise, that’s over $150, so it’s important to budget for it.

Still, a lot of people prefer this choice because it is so convenient, and takes away some of the stress of getting to the port. Plus, crime rates are extremely low, because the only people who visit the garages tend to be cruise passengers.

2. Safe Cruise Parking

Safe Cruise Parking
Photo: Safe Cruise Parking
  • Distance from port: 2.5 miles
  • Cost: From $10 per day

Safe Cruise Parking is an independent parking lot with a gate. It is monitored by security 24/7, so you can leave your vehicle without worrying about it. It’s situated around two and a half miles from the terminal, so it’s a little far. But there’s a free shuttle taking you there every 30 minutes, and the shuttle will also bring you back on disembarkation day.

Prices start from around $10 per day before tax, so expect to pay closer to $90 for a week-long cruise.

That’s a pretty hefty saving compared to the parking at the port, especially since the shuttle is free. You just need to decide if the convenience of parking at the port is worth an extra $60 or so.

3. Premier Cruise Parking

Premier Cruise Parking
Photo: Premier Cruise Parking
  • Distance from port: 2 miles
  • Cost: From $11 per day

Premier Cruise Parking is a parking garage situated a couple of miles from the Port of Miami. It’s an enclosed garage, so is a good choice if you don’t want to return to your car and burn yourself on the seat due to the blazing Miami sun.

Rates are reasonable, starting from around $11 per day before tax, so approximately $100 for a week-long stay. That’s still a lot cheaper than parking at the terminal, so if you want to save money, this is a solid option. Plus, a free shuttle will take you to and from the cruise port.

4. WeParkIn Miami

WeParkIn Miami
  • Distance from port: 1.5 miles
  • Cost: From $10 per day

WeParkIn Miami is another parking garage situated in Downtown Miami that provides alternative parking, and is one of the closest options to the port. However, with the free shuttle you don’t really notice the difference between this and the garages/lots that are a mile farther out – the travel distance is very similar.

Prices are again very reasonable, from around $10 per day before tax, so around $90 per week on average. However, prices do vary by date, so WeParkIn may be more expensive at certain times of the year due to high demand.

5. JetPort Park And Ride Center

JetPort Park And Ride Center
  • Distance from port: 10 miles
  • Cost: From $9 per day

If you want the cheapest parking possible, one of the best options is the JetPort Park and Ride Center situated close to Miami International Airport. You’ll pay around $9 per day before tax, so a seven-day cruise normally comes in at around $75. That’s half the price of what you’d pay if you parked at the terminal.

Just a heads up: there is a shuttle service to and from JetPort that only takes ten minutes, but it has a limit of four passengers per booking. If you’re travelling with a larger party, you may prefer to drop off your fellow travellers and luggage at the port, then drive back to JetPort yourself to park and get the shuttle.

Final word

The Virgin Voyages Terminal V is really easy to get to, but you can shop around if you want to get a cheaper deal than parking right at the terminal itself.

Shuttle buses from the other parking garages are free and quick, but a lot of people prefer to pay the extra and park right at the terminal for convenience. They are both good options, so it’s up to you.

Related Posts:

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Southampton Cruise Parking: The Ultimate Guide 2024

Planning a cruise can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to figuring out where to park your car in Southampton. That’s why I’ve put together this guide – to make choosing the best Southampton cruise parking as simple and stress-free as possible!

I’ve cruised from Southampton countless times and tried various options for parking. Some have been much better than others! And it doesn’t help that there are so many different car parking websites that all want to tell you they’re the best.

As well as parking at lots of different car parks, I’ve spent a further 20 hours doing in-depth research and reading other people’s reviews to create this unbiased guide to Southampton cruise parking.

So, whether you want the most convenient car park that’s right by the ship, the cheapest parking spot or a great value Southampton hotel and parking deal, I’m here for you.

My picks for the best 4 places to park in Southampton

Car Park Type Transfer Price
Triangle Park By The Ship 4 minutes walk Check Price
Portside Meet & Greet Valet Parking 1 minute walk Check Price
Airlynx Park & Ride 3-5 minutes free shuttle Check Price
DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel & Parking 10 minutes taxi included Check Price

But if you want more information before you decide, read on and I’ll show you all of the options for parking your car in Southampton for your cruise.

I’ve also included a couple of alternative cruise parking options that you might not have heard of…

Your main options explained – there are plenty!

There are many different long-stay car parks in Southampton that are suitable for a cruise. As a rule, the further you park your car from the cruise terminal, the cheaper your parking will be. 

Horizon cruise terminal car park in Southampton
This is one of the most expensive car parks, but look how close my car is!

Many off-site cruise car parks include free shuttles, although some options which require you to take a taxi to the ship are also worth considering because what you’ll save in parking charges will pay for your taxi and more.

You can find parking for a fraction of the price if you’re willing to park further away. But if you want the most convenient option, you can drop off your car right by the ship and have a porter take care of your luggage for you so that you never need to touch it between your car boot and your stateroom

Easiest option – car parks at the terminal

The most convenient option for cruise parking in Southampton is to park your car within the cruise terminal itself. This is only an option if you cruise from Ocean, City or Horizon Cruise Terminal.

Horizon cruise terminal
Car parking behind Horizon Cruise Terminal

The following companies offer parking at Southampton cruise port…

Triangle Car Park

🏆 Most Convenient for Ocean Terminal

Address: Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2HJ

Triangle Car Park is the most convenient option for Ocean Cruise Terminal. It offers self-parking, which means that you find a space, park your car and then walk to the Ocean Terminal to join your ship.

You can book parking in Triangle Car Park for other terminals besides Ocean, and these come with an included taxi from Ocean Cruise Terminal to the terminal that you depart from.

AB Parking

🏆 Most Convenient for Horizon/City Terminals

Address: Ocean Gate, Atlantic Way, Southampton, SO14 3QN

AB Parking is an official cruise parking provider that’s owned and operated by the Port of Southampton.

The car park is located next to the City Cruise Terminal and Horizon Cruise Terminal. It’s only available if you are cruising with certain cruise lines. These are Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Fred. Olsen, NCL, MSC, Disney and Saga.

You can also read my full AB Parking Review.

If your cruise ship departs from Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise Terminal or Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Terminal, you cannot park by the ship as there are no car parks here. You can, however, leave your car by the ship and have a valet driver park it safely for you.

So, read on for the best valet parking options for Southampton cruises…

Valet parking options

Valet parking is also known as ‘meet and greet’ parking. If you choose this option you will leave your car by the ship and hand your keys to a parking attendant who will move it to a secure car park for you.

Valet parking at Southampton cruise terminal

Some people dislike valet parking because they have no idea where their car will be parked and may worry that it is parked at the roadside or some other unsecured location. For this reason, I have only included trusted cruise parking providers with secure compounds.

The following companies offer valet parking at Southampton Cruise Port…

Portside Meet & Greet

🏆 Great Value

Portside Meet & Greet is a family-run business that prides itself on exceptional customer service when it comes to Southampton port parking.

You can drop off your car at any Southampton cruise terminal and it will be parked in a secure, fenced area with CCTV and returned to you when you disembark the ship. Electric cars can also be charged for you.

CPS Meet & Greet

Cruise and Passengers Services (CPS) offers valet parking at Southampton cruise port as well as other port handling services such as mooring, cargo loading and baggage handling for all types of ships.

CPS parking offers car parking only for passengers cruising with P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises or Cunard.

When you arrive at the port, you will be met by staff who will book in your vehicle and take it to the secure compound for you. You can then make your way to the cruise terminal to check in.

BE AWARE

  • P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises & Cunard only

Both on-site parking and cruise terminal meet and greet parking can be very expensive. Plus, it’s not available for every cruise.

If you’d like to save money on your parking, I recommend that you consider parking a little further away and getting a free shuttle bus or included taxi.

Cheap options – park and ride

There are many car parks in Southampton that offer a ‘park and ride’ service for cruise passengers.

These are located a few miles from the port and usually come with a free coach or minibus shuttle service that will take you from your car to the cruise terminals.

Airlynx Express
Photo: Eddie, (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Booking off-site cruise car parking can save you a considerable amount of money compared to on-site self-parking or on-site valet parking.

The following companies offer off-site parking for cruises from Southampton…

Airlynx Britannia Wharf

🏆 Fastest Transfer

Address:  Britannia Wharf, Belvidere Road, Southampton, SO14 5JF

Airlynx Cruise Parking offers the best value park-and-ride service for Southampton cruise passengers.

The company has two car parks. The first, located in Britannia Wharf, is the closest off-port cruise parking venue in Southampton. The shuttle journey takes as little as three minutes.

When you arrive at the car park, you hand your keys over to the staff and take the free shuttle bus to your ship.

Address: Wrens Farm, Castle Lane, North Baddesley, Southampton SO52 9LY

Airlynx’s second car park is located at Wrens Farm, North Baddesley. This is really convenient for anyone arriving via the M3 motorway.

The shuttle takes a little longer, but you if you’re coming from the north, this is often easier than driving into Southampton city centre yourself.

These specialist cruise parking providers are all great. But, there are cheaper options available if you know where to look…

Cheapest alternative options

There are lots of private car parks in Southampton that belong to hotels, shopping centres and businesses. You can even arrange to park on private driveways or inside lock-up garages.

It’s simple to find these if you use a specialist parking comparison websites. You can even filter your search to look for facilities like CCTV, disabled access or electric vehicle charging.

Man looking for Southampton cruise parking on laptop

You’ll need to make your own way to the port though, so be sure to factor in the cost of a taxi or Uber.

There are designated streets in Southampton where street parking is available but not usually for long-term stays. If you’re booking a cruise you should book a car park – they are safer and are designed for stays over multiple nights.

The following websites will show you the cheapest cruise parking in Southampton…

Just Park

Just Park is a website that lets you easily find parking spaces anywhere in the UK.

Perfect for cruise parking in Southampton, this service also does a great job of connecting drivers with people who have driveways that they are willing to rent out.

You can see a photo of the parking space to help you decide. Many driveways have a CCTV camera to give you added peace of mind.

Your Parking Space

Your Parking Space has hundreds of car parks in Southampton, including some hotels with cheap car parks that are within easy walking distance of the cruise terminals.

All you need to do is enter your dates to see available car parks close to where you need to be. Then, you can book your parking online and just turn up.

FEATURES

  • Show spaces with CCTV, covered parking or disabled access

With these parking comparison sites, the further in advance you can search for parking, the more options will be available to you.

Hotels with parking – perfect for travelling the night before

If you’ll be driving for more than a couple of hours to reach Southampton, then it’s a good idea to travel down the day before your cruise. This is much more relaxing than getting up early in the morning and worrying about traffic jams that could potentially make you miss the ship!

Many Southampton hotels have special offers for a pre-cruise stay and parking. This could actually work out cheaper than port parking!

Some hotels include a free shuttle bus as part of the deal, but with others, you would have to get a taxi at your own expense.

List of Southampton Hotels with Parking for Cruises:

Hotel Name Stars Transfer Time to Port Price
DoubleTree by Hilton ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Included 10 mins Check price
Grand Harbour Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Included 15 mins Check price
MacDonald Botley Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Included 20 mins Check price
Marriott Meon Valley ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Included 20 mins Check price
Elizabeth House Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ Taxi 10 mins Check price
Holiday Inn Express ⭐⭐⭐ Taxi 10 mins Check price
Hilton Ageas Bowl ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Taxi 20 mins Check price
Holiday Inn Eastleigh ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Taxi 22 mins Check price

Southampton B&Bs with cruise parking

It’s usually the big chain hotels that have large enough car parks to offer parking for cruise travellers. However, if you prefer to stay at a B&B or guest house in Southampton with cruise parking then I recommend that you take a look at Hunters Lodge and Twin Oaks Guest House. Both have stay-and-park deals for cruisers.

I also have a full guide to Southampton hotels with cruise parking if you’d like more info.

car parking at Southampton docks
Multi-storey parking at Southampton Cruise Port

Always check your terminal!

Southampton has five cruise terminals that are spread over a mile of docks, so it’s important to know which one you need to get to before you book your car parking.

If you book parking at the wrong terminal, you’ll face the stress of a last-minute taxi to the ship (or a long walk with your luggage).

To find out which terminal your cruise will depart from, check your tickets or cruise documents. Alternatively, you can check the Southampton Port website as that will list which ships depart from which terminals.

Southampton Cruise Terminals

  • Ocean Cruise Terminal: Berth 46, Cunard Road, Southampton, SO14 3QN
  • City Cruise Terminal: Berth 101, Western Docks, Southampton, SO15 1BS
  • Mayflower Terminal: Berth 106, Dock Gate 10, Southampton, SO15 1HJ
  • QEII Cruise Terminal: Berth 38/39, Dock Gate 4, Southampton, SO14 3GG
  • Horizon Cruise Terminal: Berth 102, West Bay Road, Southampton SO15 1AW

The following map shows the location of the five Southampton cruise terminals…

While cruise ships usually dock at the same terminal each time, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a ship can depart from one terminal and return to another.

So, even if you’ve cruised on the same cruise ship before, you should still check your documents carefully for details of which terminal your ship will sail from.

The nearest car park to Southampton port is the Triangle car park which is located within Southampton’s Ocean Cruise Terminal. If your ship departs from Southampton’s City Cruise Terminal then the nearest car park is the ABP Parking car park.

For cruises departing from Southampton’s Mayflower, Queen Elizabeth II and Horizon Cruise Terminals, there are no car parks within walking distance of the ship.

My recommendation – check ALL the options

The best place to park in Southampton for a cruise depends on what’s important to you.

When I’ve cruised from Southampton with a baby, a toddler, two pushchairs and more suitcases than we could pull, I opted to park at the Triangle Car Park at the cruise terminal. It was so convenient!

As soon as we parked, staff were there to take our cases from the boot and we didn’t see them again until they were delivered to our cabin! It was really easy, but not cheap.

Now that the kids can walk, I prefer to use Just Park and Your Parking Space to find the cheapest parking within a couple of miles of the port. I then request an Uber which usually arrives in under five minutes and costs only a few pounds. This saves us so much money!

If you’re considering staying over the night before, I haven’t tried it myself, but I know that a lot of cruisers have mentioned that Doubletree by Hilton does one of the best stay-and-park deals with a free shuttle.

Blue badge parking options

Most Southampton cruise parking services offer special assistance for people with disabilities. Blue badge holders are not entitled to free parking at Southampton cruise port, but you will get a space in a more convenient location and assistance with luggage.

To ensure that your needs are accommodated, I recommend that you telephone your chosen parking providers before booking.

Southampton Cruise Parking

More cruise parking guides:

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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