Dover Cruise Port: Your Essential Guide
Everything you need to know about getting to Dover Cruise Port from Surrey, Kent and Sussex, including which terminal your cruise uses.
Dover is the UK's second largest cruise port after Southampton, handling P&O, Princess Cruises and various other lines. For passengers in Surrey, Kent and East Sussex, Dover is often more convenient than Southampton — and increasingly popular.
Dover Cruise Terminal Locations
Dover has two main cruise terminals:
Dover Cruise Terminal 1 (Western Docks)
Located in the Western Docks area, this terminal handles the majority of P&O Cruises departures from Dover.
Drop-off address: Cruise Terminal 1, Western Docks, Dover, CT17 9EY
Dover Cruise Terminal 2 (Eastern Docks)
Handles additional cruise departures, typically larger ships that can't use the Western Docks.
Drop-off address: Cruise Terminal 2, Eastern Docks, Dover, CT16 1JA
Always confirm your terminal with your cruise line before travel. P&O in particular may use either terminal depending on the vessel.
Journey Times from Surrey
Dover is conveniently placed for Surrey passengers — the M25 to M20 is one of the more straightforward UK motorway routes.
- Redhill to Dover: 80–95 minutes - Reigate to Dover: 85–100 minutes - Guildford to Dover: 90–110 minutes - Crawley to Dover: 80–95 minutes - Brighton to Dover: 70–85 minutes (A27/A2 route) - Horsham to Dover: 85–100 minutes
Embarkation Day Advice
Dover embarkation is typically straightforward but busy. Our advice:
Arrive at the right time. Most Dover cruises have a staggered embarkation starting around 12pm, with all passengers on board by 3–4pm. There's no benefit to arriving before your designated time slot — the terminal can become very crowded.
Luggage arrangements. Porters at Dover collect large bags at the terminal entrance and deliver them to your cabin. You'll only carry cabin bags and documents onto the ship.
Allow time for traffic. The M20 and M25 (J5–J12) can be slow on busy embarkation days, particularly Saturdays in peak season when hundreds of coaches are also heading to Dover.
Our Dover Cruise Transfer Service
We operate fixed-price transfers to both Dover cruise terminals from Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Estate cars and MPVs are popular choices for cruise passengers who typically travel with larger suitcases.
Book in advance — Dover cruise transfers are popular, particularly on summer Saturdays. Call 01293 972472 or book online for a fixed quote.
Ready to Book Your Airport Transfer?
Fixed prices. Professional drivers. 24/7 availability.