Last updated: July 30, 2026
Dover has two cruise terminals — Cruise Terminal 1 (CT1) and Cruise Terminal 2 (CT2) — both in the Western Docks, and the one your ship uses is assigned per sailing by the Port of Dover. Marketed to cruise lines as “Dover (London),” it’s a popular turnaround and port-of-call handling around 110 cruise calls a year. This 2026 guide covers both terminals: where they are, the postcode for sat-nav, which lines commonly sail from Dover, parking, and how to get there — including the fast train from London.
Key facts: Dover cruise terminal
- How many: 2 terminals — CT1 (in the historic 1914 Dover Marine station building) and CT2 (modern facilities), both in the Western Docks.
- Operator: Port of Dover.
- Sat-nav postcode: CT17 9DQ — then follow the port signs for CT1 or CT2 as directed by your cruise line.
- Closest station: Dover Priory, about 1.5 miles away (a £8-ish, 5-minute taxi — too far to walk with luggage).
- From London: High Speed 1 from St Pancras to Dover Priory in about 66 minutes, roughly hourly.
How many cruise terminals does Dover have?
Dover has two cruise terminals, CT1 and CT2, both located in the Western Docks and operated by the Port of Dover. CT1 occupies the beautifully restored former Dover Marine railway station, built in 1914, while CT2 is a modern terminal used by many of today’s lines. The port can handle up to three cruise ships at once — and in May 2026 docked four simultaneously for the first time in its history.
| Terminal | Building | Dock area | Sat-nav postcode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise Terminal 1 (CT1) | Historic 1914 Dover Marine station | Western Docks | CT17 9DQ |
| Cruise Terminal 2 (CT2) | Modern terminal | Western Docks | CT17 9DQ |
Which cruise lines sail from Dover?
Ships are assigned a terminal per call, not fixed by cruise line, so always confirm your terminal (CT1 or CT2) on your cruise-line documents. Dover is used by a wide mix of lines as both a turnaround port and a port-of-call — recent and 2026 callers include Fred Olsen, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Viking, Ponant and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), among others. Its position close to the Kent coast makes it a favourite for Northern Europe, British Isles and Norwegian fjord itineraries.
Where is Dover cruise terminal? (postcode for sat-nav)
Both cruise terminals sit in Dover’s Western Docks, postcode CT17 9DQ — separate from the ferry terminal in the Eastern Docks, so don’t follow generic “Port of Dover” or ferry signs. Enter CT17 9DQ into your sat-nav and then follow the clearly marked cruise-terminal signs for CT1 or CT2 as instructed by your cruise line. The terminals are right beneath the famous White Cliffs of Dover, close to the town centre.
How to get to Dover cruise terminal
By train (including from London)
The nearest station is Dover Priory, about 1.5 miles from the cruise terminals. From London, the fastest route is the High Speed 1 service from London St Pancras, which reaches Dover Priory in around 66 minutes, roughly hourly (slower Southeastern services also run from Victoria and Charing Cross). At Dover Priory there’s a taxi rank outside; the fare to the cruise terminals is about £8 for a 5-minute ride — it’s too far to walk with luggage. A station shuttle also runs on selected cruise dates.
By car
Dover is reached via the A2 and M20/A20 from London and the M25. Follow signs for the Western Docks and the cruise terminals (not the ferry terminal), using postcode CT17 9DQ. From London it’s roughly 75 miles and 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
From Heathrow, Gatwick or London airports
There’s no direct airport train, so most fly-cruise passengers use a pre-booked private transfer (door-to-door certainty for embarkation day) or travel via central London and take High Speed 1 from St Pancras. Gatwick is the closest major airport by road; Heathrow is further but has more long-haul flights. For a full comparison of transfer options, see our airport transfer guides.
Parking at Dover cruise terminal
The Port of Dover offers official on-site cruise parking right at the terminals, which you book in advance through the Port of Dover website. It’s secure and just a short walk from check-in. As with any UK cruise port, pre-book — especially for summer sailings — and compare against off-site park-and-cruise options with shuttle transfers if you want to save.
How early should you arrive at Dover cruise terminal?
Arrive within the check-in slot on your cruise ticket, usually 2 to 3 hours before departure. Cruise lines stagger arrival times to manage queues, so turning up very early can mean waiting. Boarding typically opens around midday and closes 60–90 minutes before the ship sails. Allow extra time in peak summer season when Dover can host several ships on the same day.
Should you fly in the day before your cruise?
If you’re flying in internationally, yes — arrive the day before. Dover is 1.5 to 2 hours from the London airports, and a flight delay or motorway hold-up on embarkation morning can mean missing the ship, which costs far more than a hotel night. Staying overnight in Dover or central London gives you a safe buffer and a relaxed start to embarkation day.
Frequently asked questions
How many cruise terminals does Dover have?
Two: Cruise Terminal 1 (CT1), in the historic 1914 Dover Marine station building, and Cruise Terminal 2 (CT2), a modern terminal. Both are in the Western Docks and run by the Port of Dover.
What is the postcode for Dover cruise terminal?
Use CT17 9DQ for sat-nav, then follow the port’s cruise-terminal signs for CT1 or CT2 as directed by your cruise line. The cruise terminals are in the Western Docks, separate from the ferry terminal.
How do I get from London to Dover cruise terminal?
Take the High Speed 1 train from London St Pancras to Dover Priory (about 66 minutes), then a taxi from the station to the terminals — roughly £8 and 5 minutes. By car it’s about 75 miles via the A2 and M20/A20.
Which cruise lines use Dover?
A wide mix, including Fred Olsen, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Viking, Ponant and HX Expeditions, as both a turnaround port and a port-of-call. Your terminal (CT1 or CT2) is assigned per sailing, so check your cruise-line documents.
Is there parking at Dover cruise terminal?
Yes. The Port of Dover offers official on-site cruise parking at the terminals, booked in advance via its website. Pre-book for summer sailings, and compare off-site park-and-cruise options if you want to save.
Plan your cruise-day travel
- Southampton cruise terminals guide — the UK’s biggest cruise port, all 5 terminals explained
- Airport arrival time calculator — for your flight home after the cruise
- Best time to leave calculator — work back from a fixed departure
- All airport and transfer guides
Terminal, access and schedule details verified July 2026 against the Port of Dover and cruise-line guidance. Terminal assignments (CT1/CT2) are made per sailing and can change — always confirm with your cruise line before travelling.
Reviewed by Muhammad Umar Khan
Founder and editor of TripBuffer. Reviewed against official airport, airline and transport-provider information. For our research standards, see the Editorial Policy.