Port of Tilbury is London’s dedicated cruise terminal located 22 miles east of central London on the River Thames. Facilities include 348-metre (1,142 ft) floating landing stage, multi-storey car park and direct rail connections to London Fenchurch Street (45 minutes). Terminal handles ships up to 294 metres (965 ft) with full passenger facilities. Primary operator is Ambassador Cruise Line with Mediterranean, Baltic and Norwegian itineraries.
I have to say, Tilbury was much easier than I expected for a London departure. The drive from the M25 was straightforward, plenty of signs and you can’t really miss it. Parking was dead simple too, right there at the terminal in a proper multi-storey car park, not some muddy field miles away. The terminal itself is quite compact, which I actually prefer. No endless trudging about with heavy bags like you get at some of the massive airports. Check-in was pretty quick and the staff were helpful when I got a bit muddled with the paperwork. What I really loved was being able to pop into London beforehand. Caught the train from Tilbury Town station, takes about 45 minutes to Fenchurch Street, then you’re right in the heart of things. Had a lovely day wandering around, then just hopped back on the train to the ship.
Want to know more about other cruise ports in the UK? Read our full Cruises from the UK guide.
Ambassador Cruises has made Tilbury their main home base, and it’s easy to see why. Most of their Mediterranean, Baltic, and Norwegian cruises depart from this handy London gateway, which works brilliantly for passengers across the south. The deep-water berth means ships can dock right at the terminal, no messing about with tenders, while the decent parking and straightforward facilities fit perfectly with Ambassador’s no-nonsense approach to cruising. Plus you can easily pop into London beforehand if you fancy it.
Getting to Port of Tilbury
By Car
The A1089 leads directly to the port from Junction 30 of the M25. It’s properly signposted too, which makes a change from some cruise ports where you’re left guessing. The journey from central London typically takes about an hour, though I’d allow extra time during rush hour. From the M25, it’s only about 6 miles to the terminal.
Here’s something most people don’t realise: there are two different routes from the M25 depending on which direction you’re coming from. If you’re approaching from the west (anticlockwise), Junction 30 is your exit. Coming from the east (clockwise)? You’ll want Junction 31, then follow signs for A1306 towards Tilbury.
By Train
The rail connection is honestly brilliant and something that sets Tilbury apart from other UK cruise ports. C2C operates regular services from London Fenchurch Street to Tilbury Town station. The journey takes about 45 minutes and trains run every 30 minutes during peak times. From Tilbury Town, it’s a short walk or quick taxi ride to the cruise terminal.
Pro tip: if you’re staying overnight before your cruise, buy your train tickets in advance online. You’ll save a few quid and avoid the queues at Fenchurch Street.
Parking at Tilbury Cruise Terminal
The multi-storey car park at Tilbury is genuinely impressive for a cruise terminal. It’s right next to the terminal building, so you’re not lugging bags across windswept car parks. According to Forth Ports, the facility can accommodate over 1,200 vehicles across multiple levels.
| Parking Duration | Approximate Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | £70-90 | Multi-storey, covered, CCTV |
| 10 days | £90-120 | Direct terminal access |
| 14 days | £120-160 | Pre-booking discounts available |
Book your parking in advance, especially during peak cruise season. The car park does fill up and turning up on the day hoping for a space is a gamble I wouldn’t recommend. The booking system is straightforward and you’ll get a confirmation email with all the details.
Something that caught me off guard the first time: make sure you’ve got your parking confirmation and cruise booking reference handy. Security at the barrier will ask for both.
Tilbury Cruise Terminal Facilities
Don’t expect Heathrow Terminal 5, but the facilities are perfectly adequate for what you need. The terminal building is compact and functional rather than flashy. There’s a small café, basic shopping and comfortable seating areas. The toilets are clean, which after some ferry terminals I’ve endured, feels like luxury.
The floating landing stage is quite clever engineering. It rises and falls with the tides, so there’s always level access to the ships. No precarious gangways at low tide like you sometimes get at other ports.
- Check-in desks with clear signage
- Security screening area
- Departure lounge with seating
- Small retail area
- Café serving basic refreshments
- Accessible facilities throughout
- Free WiFi (though don’t expect lightning speeds)
Embarkation Process
Tilbury’s embarkation is quite straightforward. Check-in usually opens around 2pm, though this varies by cruise line. Ambassador Cruise Line passengers will find dedicated desks with staff who actually seem to know what they’re doing.
The security process is similar to airports but generally quicker. Liquids don’t need to come out of bags and you can keep your shoes on. Small mercies.
Hotels Near Tilbury Cruise Terminal
Accommodation options near Tilbury aren’t extensive, but there are some decent choices if you want to arrive the night before your cruise. I always recommend this for morning departures, it takes the stress out of early starts and potential travel delays.
| Hotel | Distance from Terminal | Why I’d Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Inn Thurrock East | 8 miles | Reliable chain, good breakfast, reasonable price |
| Holiday Inn Express Dartford | 12 miles | Modern, decent facilities, parking included |
| Travelodge Thurrock M25 | 10 miles | Budget option, basic but clean |
Most cruise passengers end up staying in Thurrock or even back towards London. The journey next morning is still manageable and you’ll have more dining options for your pre-cruise meal.
Getting to London from Tilbury
This is where Tilbury really shines compared to other UK cruise ports. That direct rail link to London Fenchurch Street puts you right in the City. From Fenchurch Street, you can walk to Tower Bridge in about 10 minutes or hop on the Tube to anywhere else.
The C2C trains are modern and comfortable. Not quite first-class luxury but perfectly pleasant for the journey. Services run roughly every 30 minutes during the day, more frequently during rush hours.
If you’re planning a pre-cruise day in London, buy an Oyster Card or use contactless payment for onward travel from Fenchurch Street. The station connects to Tower Hill (Circle and District lines) and Tower Gateway (DLR) within easy walking distance.
Cruise Lines Operating from Tilbury
Ambassador Cruises is the main operator from Tilbury and they’ve really made it their home base. The line focuses on no fly cruises with itineraries covering Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and occasionally some longer voyages.
Other cruise lines do use Tilbury occasionally, particularly for repositioning cruises or special charters. It’s worth checking if your cruise line provides any specific guidance about the terminal, as procedures can vary slightly.
Insider Tips for Tilbury Departures
Here are the things I wish someone had told me before my first Tilbury cruise:
- Arrive early for parking: The multi-storey fills up from the bottom. Arrive early and you won’t be hauling bags down from level 6.
- Download the C2C app: Live train times and mobile tickets if you’re using the rail connection.
- Pack a small bag for embarkation day: Your cabin might not be ready immediately, so keep essentials handy.
- Check tide times: While it doesn’t affect boarding, low tide offers better views of the Thames mudflats if you’re into that sort of thing.
- Bring a jacket: The Thames estuary can be breezy even on calm days, especially on deck during departure.
Money Matters
There’s a cashpoint in the terminal, but it’s one of those independent ones with hefty charges. Sort your cash out beforehand. The terminal café takes cards, but having some cash for tips or small purchases never hurts.
What to Expect on Departure Day
Departure from Tilbury is genuinely scenic once you get going. The Thames gradually widens as you head towards the sea, passing through some fascinating industrial landscapes. Keep an eye out for the Thames Estuary wind farms as you head into the North Sea.
The pilot boarding area is about an hour downriver from Tilbury. This is where the local Thames pilot who guided your ship out hands over to the sea pilot or the ship’s officers take full control for the ocean passage. It’s quite interesting to watch if you’re on deck.
Nearby Attractions
If you arrive early or fancy exploring the area, there are a few things worth seeing. Tilbury Fort is literally next door to the cruise terminal, a 17th-century star fort with genuine historical significance. It’s where Elizabeth I gave her famous speech to rally troops against the Spanish Armada.
The Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury is another historical site, though it’s a bit of a walk and probably not worth it if you’re laden with cruise luggage.
For new to cruising passengers, the area around the terminal offers a good taste of what Thames-side England looks like beyond the tourist areas of central London.
Weather Considerations
The Thames Estuary can be windy and exposed. Even in summer, bring layers for embarkation day. The walk from car park to terminal isn’t long, but it’s completely open to the elements.
Winter departures can be properly bracing. The good news is that you’ll be inside the terminal quickly and modern cruise ships handle Thames weather without any drama.
Final Departure Tips
Tilbury works best when you don’t overthink it. It’s a functional port that does its job well without any frills. The staff know their business, the facilities cover what you need and the London connection is genuinely excellent.
For Mediterranean cruises departing from Tilbury, you’re typically looking at a day or two of sea time before reaching your first port. Use this to settle in, explore the ship and adjust to cruise mode.
One last thing: if you’re collecting someone after their cruise, the mobile phone reception in the multi-storey car park is patchy. Better to wait in the terminal building or outside where you can actually receive calls.
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I store luggage at Tilbury terminal before check-in opens?
No, there are no luggage storage facilities at the terminal. If you arrive very early, you’ll need to keep your bags with you until check-in opens around 2pm.
Is there a shuttle service from nearby hotels?
Most hotels don’t provide cruise terminal shuttles, but taxis are readily available. Expect to pay £15-25 from hotels in the Thurrock area.
What happens if my train to Tilbury is delayed on embarkation day?
Cruise lines monitor local transport and C2C delays are communicated to the terminal. However, always allow extra time and consider staying nearby the night before if you’re relying on public transport.
Can I buy duty-free goods at Tilbury terminal?
The retail facilities are very limited compared to airports. There’s basic shopping but don’t expect a proper duty-free experience until you’re on the ship.
Is there disabled access throughout the terminal?
Yes, the terminal is fully accessible with lifts, accessible toilets and level access to ships via the floating landing stage.
Can I walk from Tilbury Town station to the cruise terminal?
It’s about a 15-20 minute walk with luggage, mostly along roads without pavements in places. Most passengers take a taxi, which costs around £8-10.
