Dover cruise transfers
Dover, beneath the white cliffs
The Port of Dover cruise terminals are about 78 miles from Westminster. The drive takes around two hours off-peak via the A2 and M2 or the M20. From Gatwick, Dover is about 83 miles and a little over an hour and a half.
Dover is best known as Britain’s busiest ferry port, but its Western Docks also host a cruise port with two terminals, used by a steady programme of sailings to Northern Europe, the Baltic, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast. Arriving by sea past the white cliffs is one of the finest ways to begin or end a cruise.
The drive from London runs the length of Kent, and on busy days the approach to the port is shaped by ferry traffic as well as cruise passengers. This page explains the route, the timing and what to tell us when you book.
How long does the drive to Dover take?
There are two main routes from London: the A2 and M2 through north Kent, which usually suits central and east London, and the M20 via the M25 or the M26, which usually suits south and west London and the airports. Both finish on the A20 or A2 into Dover.
| From | Distance | Off-peak | Busy periods |
|---|---|---|---|
| London City Airport | 75 miles | 101 min | 131 min |
| Westminster | 78 miles | 116 min | 168 min |
| Gatwick | 83 miles | 102 min | 133 min |
| Stansted | 101 miles | 134 min | 174 min |
| Heathrow | 106 miles | 125 min | 163 min |
Figures come from road routing, with an allowance for busy periods. Traffic heading to the ferries can build on the approach to Dover on summer weekends and at the start of school holidays, and we add time when your sailing falls on one of those days.
How do ferry queues affect a cruise journey?
At the busiest times, freight and holiday traffic heading for the cross-Channel ferries can back up on the A20 and in the town, and Kent sometimes uses traffic management schemes on the M20 when there is disruption across the Channel. Cruise passengers use a separate entrance to the Western Docks, but they share the same approach roads.
Your chauffeur checks the traffic and any port advice before setting off and chooses between the M20 and the A2 on the day. On the handful of days a year when Kent’s roads are severely congested, we will contact you in advance to agree an earlier pickup.
Which terminal does your ship use?
Dover has two cruise terminals in the Western Docks, known as Cruise Terminal 1 and Cruise Terminal 2. Your cruise documents name the terminal. Add it to your booking, and the chauffeur will go directly to the right building rather than following signs on the day.
The terminals are close together, but the port is large and security-controlled, and the right entrance saves time and an extra loop through the docks.
When should you leave London for Dover?
Aim to arrive at the start of your embarkation window. From central London, that means leaving at least two and a half hours before, and more on a summer weekend. The first part of the drive, getting out of London to the M2 or the M25, is often the slowest.
Many Dover sailings leave in the late afternoon, which allows a relaxed late-morning start from London. If you are flying into Heathrow on the day, the combined journey is long: landing, the arrivals process and a drive of more than two hours. A night near the port or in London beforehand is the calmer option.
Is Gatwick or Heathrow better for a Dover cruise?
Gatwick is noticeably closer: about 83 miles and a little over an hour and a half, against about 106 miles and more than two hours from Heathrow. If you are flying in from abroad and have a choice of airports, Gatwick makes the onward journey to Dover shorter.
London City is also well placed for Dover, about 75 miles away via the A2, but it handles mostly short-haul flights. Whichever airport you use, give us your flight number, and the chauffeur will follow it and meet you in arrivals before heading south-east.
Which car suits a Dover cruise?
For two passengers on a cruise of a week or more, the V-Class is usually the right choice, because cruise luggage with formal wear takes up far more room than a normal flight. For a larger family or a group of friends sailing together, the V-Class keeps everyone and everything in one vehicle.
The drive to Dover is long enough that comfort matters. If you want to rest on the way, or you are travelling after a long-haul flight, the S-Class is the quietest cabin we run, and it takes two large cases.
Can you collect us when the ship returns to Dover?
Yes. Give us the ship, the date and your disembarkation group if you know it. Disembarkation happens in the morning, and your chauffeur waits near the terminal exit. For an onward flight the same day, allow plenty of time, and prefer a late afternoon or evening departure from Gatwick or Heathrow.
Many returning passengers head home to London or the south-east. The drive back avoids the busiest morning traffic heading into London if you leave the port by mid-morning.
From every airport
Drive times to Dover
Off-peak and weekday rush-hour times from road routing, fastest first.
| Airport | Distance | Off-peak | Rush hour | Main roads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biggin Hill | 71 mi | 94 min | 122 min | A21, M25 |
| London City | 75 mi | 101 min | 131 min | A1026, A102 |
| Gatwick | 83 mi | 102 min | 133 min | M23, M25 |
| Southend | 88 mi | 113 min | 147 min | A127, A130 |
| Heathrow | 106 mi | 125 min | 163 min | M4, M25 |
| Stansted | 101 mi | 134 min | 174 min | A120, M11 |
| Farnborough | 110 mi | 136 min | 177 min | A331, A31 |
| Northolt | 114 mi | 137 min | 178 min | A40, M40 |
| Luton | 115 mi | 143 min | 186 min | B651, B653 |
In every fare
What the price includes
- 01
Ship tracking
The chauffeur follows your ship on the day, so a late berth moves the pickup rather than ending it.
- 02
Met at the terminal exit
Your chauffeur waits near the passenger exit during disembarkation and helps with the cases.
- 03
Parking and drop-off
Airport drop-off and short-stay parking charges are part of the price, not added afterwards.
- 04
A route from live traffic
The chauffeur checks the roads before setting off and picks the line that is moving.
Other ports
More cruise terminals
Journey planner
From anywhere to the ship
Heathrow Dover
- Distance
- 106miles
- Off-peak
- 125min
- Weekday rush
- 163min
Usual line: M4, M25, M26. Chauffeurs choose on the day from live traffic.
Good to know
Questions, answered
How far is Dover from central London?
About 78 miles from Westminster by road, usually around two hours off-peak and longer on busy weekends.
Which airport is closest to Dover?
Of the major London airports, London City and Gatwick are the closest by road. Heathrow is the furthest of the main three.
Do Channel ferry queues affect cruise passengers?
They can slow the approach roads on busy days, although cruise passengers use a separate entrance to the Western Docks. We allow for it when planning.
Can you take us from Dover to Canterbury or elsewhere in Kent?
Yes. Enter the address when you book online for a fixed fare.
Can we visit Dover Castle before boarding?
If your embarkation window allows it, yes. The castle is a short drive from the port. Book hourly hire so your luggage stays in the car while you visit.
Do you include road charges on the way to Dover?
Yes. Any charges on the route, such as the Dartford Crossing, are included in your fixed price.
Ready when you are
Your chauffeur, already waiting
A named chauffeur, a fixed price and a quiet car, at every London airport.