Port information & tips for Cuxhaven
Cuxhaven is located at the mouth of the Elbe into the North Sea and is the gateway to the wide world and the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea. The maritime city impresses with its authentic charm, the fresh sea breeze, and the impressive sight of passing ocean giants on one of the busiest waterways on earth. Absolute highlights in the immediate vicinity include the wooden landmark Kugelbake, the historic viewing platform Alte Liebe, and the tradition-steeped Hapag-Hallen. Cruise ships dock at the historic Steubenhöft, which offers an ideal starting point thanks to its excellent location and makes the city center and the charming Lotsenviertel easily accessible in about fifteen minutes on foot.
Cuxhaven is an easily accessible cruise port, which can be reached comfortably by car or train, particularly from the DACH region. The Steubenhöft cruise terminal is centrally located and well-signposted.
Car
Cuxhaven is directly connected to the A27 motorway (Bremen-Cuxhaven) via the B73 federal road. From the A27, follow the signs towards the port and Steubenhöft. Short-term parking is available at the terminal itself, and thanks to various local providers such as Park & Cruise Cuxhaven, you can park your vehicle safely and conveniently near the port for the duration of your trip, often including a shuttle service to the ship.
Train
Cuxhaven station is the terminus for the routes from Bremen and Hamburg and is therefore well integrated into the German rail network. From Hamburg, you can reach Cuxhaven in about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Cuxhaven station, you can easily reach the Steubenhöft cruise terminal, which is located in the immediate vicinity, in just 5 to 10 minutes by taxi.
Airplane
The nearest major international airport is Bremen (BRE), located about 100 kilometers south of Cuxhaven. From there, there are good train connections to Cuxhaven, which usually require a transfer and take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, Hamburg Airport (HAM) is also an option, which is around 130 kilometers away. A transfer by taxi or rental car from Bremen Airport takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and from Hamburg about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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. 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 following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Cuxhaven is an easily accessible cruise port, which can be reached comfortably by car or train, particularly from the DACH region. The Steubenhöft cruise terminal is centrally located and well-signposted.
Car
Cuxhaven is directly connected to the A27 motorway (Bremen-Cuxhaven) via the B73 federal road. From the A27, follow the signs towards the port and Steubenhöft. Short-term parking is available at the terminal itself, and thanks to various local providers such as Park & Cruise Cuxhaven, you can park your vehicle safely and conveniently near the port for the duration of your trip, often including a shuttle service to the ship.
Train
Cuxhaven station is the terminus for the routes from Bremen and Hamburg and is therefore well integrated into the German rail network. From Hamburg, you can reach Cuxhaven in about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Cuxhaven station, you can easily reach the Steubenhöft cruise terminal, which is located in the immediate vicinity, in just 5 to 10 minutes by taxi.
Airplane
The nearest major international airport is Bremen (BRE), located about 100 kilometers south of Cuxhaven. From there, there are good train connections to Cuxhaven, which usually require a transfer and take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, Hamburg Airport (HAM) is also an option, which is around 130 kilometers away. A transfer by taxi or rental car from Bremen Airport takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and from Hamburg about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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. 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 following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Cuxhaven, with its location at the historic Steubenhöft and its immediate proximity to the mouth of the Elbe, offers an ideal starting point for exploring the North Sea coast.
On foot
The city center of Cuxhaven and the famous Alte Liebe viewing platform can be reached in about 15 to 20 minutes. The walk leads directly along the dike and offers a wonderful view of the world shipping lane.
Cuxliner & local buses
The distinctive red double-decker buses of the Cuxliner start regularly near the port and offer convenient city tours to the districts of Duhnen and Döse. In addition, local buses connect the port directly with the train station and other tourist highlights in the region.
Taxi
Official taxis wait for passengers at the exit of the terminal and allow for a quick onward journey to individual destinations. The trips to the various parts of the city are short and, thanks to the well-developed road connections, very comfortable.
To make the most of your stay in Cuxhaven, we recommend a combination of the maritime heritage at the harbour and the unique natural landscape of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea.
Alte Liebe & Harbour Area
The historic Alte Liebe viewing platform offers a fascinating view of the passing ocean giants on the world shipping lane and, thanks to its central location, is the perfect starting point for a stroll past fishing cutters and maritime museums.
Duhnen & the Wadden Sea
The lively Duhnen district attracts visitors with its wide sandy beach and inviting promenade and is also the ideal place for a guided mudflat hike or a relaxed break in a beach chair directly on the North Sea.
The Kugelbake
The striking wooden beacon is considered the undisputed landmark of the city and marks the northernmost point of Lower Saxony, while the site also offers an impressive panoramic view over the Elbe estuary and the North Sea.
Duhner Sandstrand
Duhner Sandstrand is the heart of the Cuxhaven coast and is ideally accessible from the cruise terminal thanks to a short travel time of about fifteen minutes by taxi or public bus. This extensive stretch of beach impresses with its fine sand as well as a direct view of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea and also offers first-class infrastructure with the characteristic Strandkörbe and a well-maintained promenade. Here you will find numerous inviting cafés and restaurants for maritime refreshment directly by the sea, making the location perfect for a relaxing day on the North Sea. Ideally, visit the beach in the morning to enjoy the vast view of passing ships in peace, and plan your return to the port about ninety minutes before departure to end the day in a relaxed manner.
Cuxhaven offers short distances and excellent infrastructure, ensuring you can return to your ship from the coast or the center in a relaxed and timely manner.
Taxi
Taxis are available at all times at the train station, at the central Kaemmererplatz, and in front of the major hotels in the Duhnen and Döse districts. Thanks to the short distances, you can reach the Steubenhöft or the Cuxport comfortably within a few minutes and also enjoy a direct arrival at the terminal.
Public Transport
Bus lines 1006 and 1007 connect the spa areas of Duhnen and Döse directly with the train station and the port terminals. Thanks to regular intervals and stops in the immediate vicinity of the Hapag-Halle, you can get back to your ship easily and on time.
On Foot
From the well-known Alte Liebe viewing platform, a beautiful walk along the quays leads directly back to the Steubenhöft terminal. The path is well signposted and, thanks to the maritime atmosphere and clear route guidance, particularly safe and pleasant to find.
