Portsmouth is world famous for its historic dockyard, where visitors can step aboard HMS Victory or discover the dramatic stories of the Mary Rose. However, today, this south coast city is also regarded as the UK’s best-connected port, handling millions of customers and cargo from across the globe. As a popular starting point for no-fly cruises, it can be pretty busy, so we’ve compiled a handy guide to help you navigate the port when sailing from here.
Interesting to know
• Portsmouth docks provided the main point of embarkation for the D-Day landing in June 1944.
• Portsmouth is the homeport of HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship, that took a leading role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805
• With current growth plans underway, Portsmouth International Port expects to handle 80% of UK cruise calls within the next five years.
• The upgrades to the port mean that it will be able to accommodate two 300-metre ships simultaneously, while the £14 million terminal extension will provide the capacity for up to 2,000 visitors in the passenger lounge.
Getting to the Portsmouth International Port
Portsmouth lives up to its reputation as the best-connected port, being each to reach by road, rail and air. If you are driving to the port, use the postcode PO2 8SP, which will bring you in via the M275. This motorway can be accessed from the M27 and A3 if you are travelling from London, just over 70 miles away.
If you need to park your car for the duration of your cruise, there is a long-stay, multi-storey car park available, which is open 24 hours a day and is just a few minutes walk from the terminal building. Pre-booking is advisable. There are also 20-minute passenger drop-off parking bays right outside the terminal.
Train passengers can access direct services to Portsmouth from London Waterloo (approximately 85 minutes journey time), London Victoria, Brighton, Gatwick Airport, Southampton, Eastleigh and Cardiff (via Salisbury and Bristol). When arriving at Portsmouth & Southsea train station, there is a taxi rank where you can pick up a transfer to the port, 5 minutes drive away. There are also national coach services that run directly from London Victoria to Portsmouth International Port.
For air passengers, Heathrow and Gatwick are around a one-hour twenty drive from the port. Southampton airport is also easy to get to, just 22 miles away.
Inside Portsmouth passenger terminal
There is an excellent range of facilities within the port’s modern terminal building, including free wi-fi, left luggage, toilets, a baby changing room and a water refill station. You also find a café with a comfortable area to relax and watch the ships and a convenience store stocking essential travel items, snacks and beverages. Outside, opposite the terminal building, there are two Instavolt 50kW DC electric vehicle (EV) rapid charging stations, simply accessed with contactless payment.
If you require assistance with travel, you should make sure your cruise line is aware so they can make the necessary arrangements. The port offers toilet facilities and parking for people with disabilities, as well as a minibus to assist wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility with boarding the ship.
Cruise Lines departing from Portsmouth
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Oceania Cruises are the two main cruise lines that offer itineraries departing from Portsmouth. There are also expedition and smaller ship cruises sailing from the port.
Where can you sail to from Portsmouth?
Cruise ships departing from Portsmouth offer itineraries to stunning destinations in Europe, the Mediterranean and the Canaries, the Baltic, and the Norwegian Fjords. You can also enjoy cruise holidays discovering the beautiful coastline of Britain.
Visiting Portsmouth
Portsmouth is an attractive waterfront destination, with great shopping and cosmopolitan restaurants and bars, set alongside a remarkable history and fascinating cultural attractions. The city centre is an easy 25-minute walk from the port, where there is plenty to see and do.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a highlight of the city. Here, you can explore the HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, take a Harbour Tour, experience traditional boatbuilding techniques and much more.
Head to the Spinnaker Tower for incredible, far-reaching views of Portsmouth, the Solent and the South Downs. Designed to resemble a spinnaker sail, representing the maritime heritage of Portsmouth, the tower stands at a monumental 560 feet tall.
