If your cruise is departing from Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, or Tilbury, chances are you’ll be flying into London first. And if you’ve made the smart decision to arrive a day or two early (which we always recommend), you’ll want to make the most of your pre-cruise stay in one of the world’s greatest cities.

Personally, we’d give ourselves three days in the city—you won’t regret it.

We lived in London for nearly 10 years—and despite that, there’s still so much for us to see. It’s one of those cities where every time you visit, you’ll discover something new.

Getting into London from Heathrow or Gatwick

Most international cruisers will land at either Heathrow or Gatwick, and both are well connected to central London.

From Heathrow (LHR)

Elizabeth Line – Top Choice
This is the best all-around option for most travellers. It runs directly from Heathrow into central London (Paddington, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street) in around 30–45 minutes. You can simply tap in with a contactless card or Apple Pay—no ticket needed.
Underground (Piccadilly Line) – Cheapest, but Slower
The most budget-friendly option. It takes about an hour to reach central London, but connects well with other Tube lines if you’re staying outside the city centre. However, it’s not ideal if you’re carrying heavy luggage, as not all stations have lifts or escalators.
Heathrow Express – Seems Fast, but Expensive and Doesn’t Go to Central London
The Heathrow Express gets you to London Paddington in just 15 minutes, but don’t be fooled by the speed—it doesn’t take you to the heart of central London. Unless you’re staying nearby, you’ll still need to transfer to the Tube or a taxi. For most travellers, especially with other good options available, it’s hard to justify the premium cost..
Taxi or Ride App – Most Comfortable, but Pricey
Taxis are convenient, especially if you have lots of luggage or arrive late. London black cabs work on a meter, while apps like Uber and Bolt offer fixed pricing. Expect a journey of 45 minutes to who knows, depending on traffic - especially in rush hour.
Pre-Booked Car Services – Convenient, but Pricey
A pre-booked car is another easy option—especially if you’re arriving after a long flight and just want a smooth, door-to-door ride. We’ve personally used Addison Lee and Wheely—both offer reliable service, professional drivers, and nicer cars than your average taxi. That said, they can be very expensive, and like taxis, they’re still subject to London traffic, which can significantly slow you down, especially during peak hours. If you do go this route, booking in advance often gives you a better rate than hailing a car on arrival.

From Gatwick (LGW)

Thameslink Trains – Our Choice
Direct trains run to central stations like London Bridge, Blackfriars, and St Pancras. It’s affordable, convenient, and generally faster than the Gatwick Express for most destinations.
Gatwick Express – Faster but Not Always Worth It
A slightly quicker train to London Victoria, but it costs more than Thameslink. Despite the name, it’s not always the fastest way, especially if your hotel isn’t near Victoria Station.
Taxi or Ride App – Easy, but Traffic-Heavy
Taxis or Ubers from Gatwick are straightforward but can take a long time in heavy traffic. It’s also more expensive than the train options, so we’d only recommend it if you’re travelling with lots of bags or heading somewhere awkward by train.

Where to Stay in London Before Your Cruise

View from the Standard Hotel in Kings Cross London

London is vast but incredibly well connected. We recommend staying somewhere central or near a major Tube line to make sightseeing—and getting to the cruise port—quick and easy. As with most cities, the closer you are to the centre, the more you’ll likely pay.

London hotels vary wildly in price and quality, so it’s always worth checking recent reviews—or using our partner Plannin to compare options. If you’re travelling on a budget, Premier Inns are a solid, reliable choice. They’re clean, consistent, and usually in great locations—but you’ll need to book directly through their own website for the best rates.

Popular Areas to Stay

South Bank/Waterloo – Close to the London Eye, Big Ben, and direct trains to Southamoton and Portsmouth.
Victoria – Walking distance to Buckingham Palace and handy transport links.
Tower Bridge / London Bridge – Great for riverside walks and access to Borough Market.
The City / Shoreditch – Busy during weekdays, quiet on weekends. Can be a good deal on weekends!
King’s Cross / St Pancras – Ideal if you’re heading to Dover. Lots of transport links but not the most charming area.

Hotels We’ve Personally Tried

We don’t stay in central hotels often (since we used to live in London), but we have stayed in the past at

Premier Inn - These are all pretty decent but very basic.
The Standard Kings Cross – Our go-to for early trains from St Pancras.
citizenM Waterloo – Small rooms but great location for a quick overnight stay.
Hyatt Place Stratford – Nice hotel but outside the main tourist area.
nHow London – Quirky design, though a bit isolated with poor trasport links.
easyHotel Old Street – We stayed here as students - LONG time ago. Extremely basic. Only for desperate situations.

Should You Stay at the Cruise Port?

In most cases, you don’t need to stay near the port itself. The ports are easily reached from London by train, and hotel options in Portsmouth, Dover, and Tilbury are generally quite limited.

However, if you want a completely stress-free embarkation morning or your cruise leaves early, staying one night at the port the evening before can be worth it for peace of mind.

Getting to the ports:

Southampton and Portsmouth are both accessible by direct train from London Waterloo. We’ve got a full guide on how to reach Southampton and a guide on how to reach Portsmouth.
Dover: We recommend taking the high-speed train from London St Pancras or Stratford International. It’s fast, comfortable, and drops you at Dover Priory, just a short taxi ride from the terminal.
Tilbury: This one’s a bit trickier. Take the train from London Fenchurch Street to Tilbury Town, then it’s a 20–25 minute walk to the cruise terminal. We’ve done it—and while it’s doable, the walk isn’t very pleasant as it follows a busy main road. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the station, which is much more comfortable (but more expensive).

What to Do in London Before Your Cruise

Even with just one full day in London, you can pack in some iconic experiences. Like we said—planning is key, and make sure to leave yourself some breathing room. Here are some of our personal favourites:

Walk the Sights for Free

Start at London Bridge or the Tower of London and walk along the Thames. You’ll pass The Globe, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, and the London Eye. Once you reach the Eye, cross back over the river to explore Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Whitehall, and Downing Street, then walk through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace. All of this can be done on foot—and without spending a penny.

Museums

Most of London’s museums are completely free, which is amazing. Our personal favourites are:

The Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and V&A – all in Kensington and perfect for a few hours indoors.
The British Museum – full of ancient treasures including the Rosetta Stone.
Tate Modern – for fans of bold, contemporary art (plus great river views).

Catch a Show

We love a good musical—and London’s West End is one of the best places in the world to see one. Book tickets in advance, or try apps like Twickets for resale deals. Many shows also offer last-minute lotteries via their websites or TodayTix.

Don’t have time for a full show? Try SIX the Musical—it’s only 75 minutes long and absolutely brilliant.

For something different, look up free philharmonic or classical performances. You can often find listings through the LSO or TimeOut London.

Afternoon Tea

Yes, it’s touristy—but it’s also very fun. If you’re up for a treat before your cruise. We personally love the Afternoon Tea Bus—a vintage Routemaster that serves scones and sandwiches as it tours the city.

Markets

We’re not huge fans of crowded markets ourselves, but if that’s your thing, these are some of the best-known:

Borough Market – great for foodies.
Camden Market – eclectic and alternative.
Spitalfields Market – a mix of food, fashion, and vintage finds.

Just be prepared for weekend crowds.

Something a Bit More Unique

If you’ve been to London before, or want something beyond the usual sightseeing list, here are a few hidden gems we really love:

Primrose Hill – A relaxed park with fantastic views of the skyline. Great for a picnic on a sunny day.
Sky Garden – Free panoramic views over London in a rooftop jungle. Just be sure to book ahead.
Little Venice & Regent’s Canal – A peaceful walk along the canal from Little Venice to Camden Market.
Kew Gardens – Massive botanical gardens and Victorian greenhouses, easily reachable by Tube.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sailing from Southampton, Dover, Portsmouth, or Tilbury, a few days in London before your cruise can turn a good trip into a great one. With world-class sights, free museums, theatre, and plenty of unique experiences, there’s something for every kind of traveller—whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.

We always recommend giving yourself at least two to three days if you can. Not only will it help you adjust after a long flight, but it also gives you a buffer in case of travel delays—and trust us, there’s no shortage of things to see and do while you’re here.

So whether you’re navigating the Tube with a contactless card, sipping tea on a double-decker bus, or wandering past Big Ben on foot, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your pre-cruise stay.

Pre-Cruise Stay in London: Where to Stay, What to Do & How to Get to the Port