Port information & tips for Tilbury (London)
Tilbury serves as a historic gateway to the global metropolis of London, welcoming travelers with British charm right on the banks of the River Thames. The location combines maritime tradition with the anticipation of one of Europe's most exciting capitals and offers an impressive arrival thanks to the wide river landscape. Highlights within direct reach include the monumental Tilbury Fort, one of England's best-preserved fortifications, picturesque Gravesend on the opposite side of the river, and the historic World’s End Inn. Cruise ships dock at the traditional London Cruise Terminal. From here, passengers can easily reach Tilbury Town station via shuttle and arrive directly in the vibrant heart of London's city center by train in around 45 minutes.
Tilbury is located east of London and is an important cruise port that is easily accessible via various transport routes thanks to good connections. The Tilbury Cruise Terminal is clear and well signposted, so guests can expect a smooth embarkation.
Car
The Port of Tilbury is well connected to the British road network and can be reached directly from the A13 via the A1089. The A13 in turn connects with the M25 (London Orbital Motorway), which plays a central role for travel from all directions. Secure parking facilities are available at the Tilbury Cruise Terminal for the duration of your cruise. An advance reservation is strongly recommended to secure a parking space.
Train
The closest train station to the Tilbury Cruise Terminal is Tilbury Town. From here, the port is easily reached by taxi in about 5 minutes. Tilbury Town is located on the c2c line, which provides direct connections to London Fenchurch Street Station in central London. Travelers from the DACH region can reach London Fenchurch Street via other major London stations (e.g. St Pancras International for Eurostar arrivals) by Underground.
Airplane
London Southend Airport (SEN) is the closest airport to the Tilbury Cruise Terminal and is about 25 kilometers away. The travel time by taxi is around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, the larger London airports are an option: London City Airport (LCY) is approximately 35 kilometers away, and the transfer takes about 45 to 60 minutes by taxi. London Stansted Airport (STN) is also an option, located about 65 kilometers north of Tilbury, with a journey time of around one hour. Due to the travel required and potential flight delays, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in the London or Tilbury area is recommended for longer flights.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
