London Tilbury Cruise Port Taxi Transfers

London Tilbury: A Grade II Listed Terminal With Real History

The London International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury isn't just functional — it's a genuinely historic building. Built in 1930 and now Grade II listed, it served as the departure point for thousands of British emigrants to Australia (the "Ten Pound Poms") and, most significantly, welcomed the SS Empire Windrush in June 1948, carrying the first generation of post-war Caribbean migrants to the UK — a moment now commemorated with a permanent plaque inside the terminal.

Today Tilbury is the home port of Ambassador Cruise Line, with Viking, Oceania, Ponant and Emerald Cruises also sailing from here. It sits around 25 miles east of central London on the north bank of the Thames.

Vehicles for Cruise Passengers

Cruise passengers typically travel with more luggage than a standard airport trip. Our recommendations:

• 4-seater car — 1–2 passengers with standard cases, from £60
• 6-seater MPV — couples or small groups with multiple large cases, from £90
• 7–8 seater minibus — larger groups or heavy luggage, from £90

If you're unsure which vehicle suits your group and luggage, contact us before booking.

Not Actually in London

Despite the name, Tilbury is in Essex, roughly an hour from Heathrow and around 45 minutes from London City Airport — a detail that catches out plenty of first-time cruisers who assume it's a straightforward London postcode. A pre-booked transfer removes that guesswork entirely; you're taken directly to the terminal without needing to navigate the A13 or work out where "London" actually means on this particular booking.

Early Morning & Late Night Sailings

Tilbury's smaller-ship departures often run outside standard daytime hours. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year, so your driver will be waiting whatever time your sailing departs or returns.