The Europe CruiseFor the American voyager

Your voyage begins in Dover

From the airport to the gangway, every way there and back.

Photo: Steffen Fritz, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The short answer

Dover is on the far southeast tip of England, under the White Cliffs. It is closer to Gatwick than to Heathrow. Taxis are scarce in the morning, so book your ride ahead.

I · Arrive by airLGWLondon Gatwick
II · Airport to shipAbout 79 miles (129 km), about 1.5 hours by road (Holland America). The Port of Dover says 78 minutes.
III · Ways to travel4compared below
IV · BoardDovercruise terminal
The timetable

Every way from the airport to the ship

Tap any way for step-by-step directions.

The wayFromTimeCost
Pre-booked taxi or private carLGWAbout 1.5 hoursApproximate: about GBP 275 (Holland America estimate)
Cruise line transferLGWVariesSet by your line
Pre-booked taxi or private carLHRAbout 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on trafficApproximate: about GBP 225 (Holland America estimate)
Train via London St Pancras to Dover Priory, then taxiLHRSt Pancras to Dover Priory about 66 minutes on the high-speed train, plus the trip from Heathrow into LondonNot verified, buy ahead for lower fares
On the chart

Where Dover lies

Antique-style chart of The British Isles with ports markedDoverSouthamptonBelfastCherbourgCobhDublinEdinburghFalmouthGreenockGuernseyHolyheadHonfleurInvergordonKirkwallLe HavreLerwickLiverpoolNewcastlePortlandPortreeStornowayWaterford
Step by step

From London Gatwick (LGW)

About 79 miles (129 km), about 1.5 hours by road (Holland America). The Port of Dover says 78 minutes.

Pre-booked taxi or private car

Time About 1.5 hoursCost Approximate: about GBP 275 (Holland America estimate)
  1. Book before you fly. Holland America warns taxis are limited, especially in the morning, and Uber is not available in Dover.
  2. Give the driver your terminal (Cruise Terminal 1 or 2, Western Docks).

Easiest with bags.

Cruise line transfer

Time VariesCost Set by your line
  1. Book with your cruise line.
  2. Follow its meeting instructions.

Recommended for a same-day arrival.

Step by step

From London Heathrow (LHR)

About 105 miles (168 km), about 2.5 hours by road (Holland America). The Port of Dover says 95 minutes.

Pre-booked taxi or private car

Time About 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on trafficCost Approximate: about GBP 225 (Holland America estimate)
  1. Book ahead.
  2. Allow for London-area traffic.

Long ride. Consider a night in London or Canterbury first.

Train via London St Pancras to Dover Priory, then taxi

Time St Pancras to Dover Priory about 66 minutes on the high-speed train, plus the trip from Heathrow into LondonCost Not verified, buy ahead for lower fares
  1. Get from Heathrow into central London (Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express).
  2. Go to London St Pancras International.
  3. Take the Southeastern high-speed train to Dover Priory (Holland America says hourly).
  4. Take a taxi from the Dover Priory rank to the terminals (about 5 minutes by car; 30-40 minutes on foot).

Several changes with bags. Better done the day before.

Already in town

From the city or your hotel

High-speed train London St Pancras to Dover Priory

Time About 66 minutes (Port of Dover)Cost Not verified

From Dover Priory, take a taxi (rank outside the station). A station shuttle runs only on selected dates.

Holland America London transfer (HAL guests only)

Time Meet at about 10:30amCost Set by HAL

HAL meets guests at Victoria Coach Station, Departures Building, 164 Buckingham Palace Road. Arrive by 10:15am.

The night before

Where to stay

Arrive a day or two early. A delayed flight on sailing day is the most common way travelers miss the ship.

Dover or Canterbury

Short drive to the terminal on boarding day and you avoid London traffic.

London near St Pancras

Direct 66-minute train to Dover Priory.

All aboard

Sailing day

Terminals & docks

Two cruise terminals (Cruise Terminal 1 and Cruise Terminal 2) plus one extra berth, in the Western Docks. Holland America's address for Terminal 2 is Western Dock, Dover CT17 9DQ. Check the Port of Dover cruise schedule to see where your ship berths. Taxi ranks are outside both terminals.

Check-in

  • Arrive in your assigned time slot.
  • On boarding days, the YMS shuttle runs only between the terminal and the train station, and only a limited service.
  • Wheelchair help is available if you asked your cruise line for it.

What trips people up

  • Dover is about 1.5 to 2.5 hours from the London airports.
  • Holland America says Uber does not operate in Dover and taxis are limited in the morning.
  • No luggage storage at the pier (Holland America).

Do this

  • Book your car or transfer before you leave the US.
  • Canterbury Cathedral makes a good pre-cruise night.
Homeward bound

Leaving the ship: back to the airport

The same routes run in reverse. On the last morning everyone leaves at once, so lines for taxis and buses are at their longest. Book flights home for the afternoon or later, and arrange your ride in advance if you can.

The wayToTimeCost
Pre-booked taxi or private carLGWAbout 1.5 hoursApproximate: about GBP 275 (Holland America estimate)
Cruise line transferLGWVariesSet by your line
Pre-booked taxi or private carLHRAbout 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on trafficApproximate: about GBP 225 (Holland America estimate)
Train via London St Pancras to Dover Priory, then taxiLHRSt Pancras to Dover Priory about 66 minutes on the high-speed train, plus the trip from Heathrow into LondonNot verified, buy ahead for lower fares

Before you leave

  • Dover is about 1.5 to 2.5 hours from the London airports.
  • Holland America says Uber does not operate in Dover and taxis are limited in the morning.
Linger a while

Before or after your cruise

Sources & what we could not confirm · 2 sources · checked 2026-11
Still being confirmed
  • Train fares St Pancras to Dover
  • Current Port of Dover station shuttle dates
  • US nonstop flights: not verified for this page; check airline sites