Tilbury Cruise Port Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Cruise
By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated:
15/07/26
The view of the historic London International Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, captured from the upper deck of the Ambassador flagship Ambience
For many cruise passengers, Tilbury Cruise Port is where an exciting adventure begins. Whether you're sailing with Ambassador Cruise Line or arriving on an international cruise, this historic London cruise terminal offers a relaxed start to your holiday, excellent transport links and plenty to discover before or after your voyage.
Our Interactive Map of Tilbury
Located on the banks of the River Thames in Essex, around 25 miles east of central London, Tilbury International Cruise Terminal has been welcoming passengers for more than a century. While many people simply pass through on embarkation day, it's a port with a fascinating history and a fantastic location for exploring both London and the surrounding area.
If you're cruising from Tilbury or visiting as part of your itinerary, here's our complete Tilbury Cruise Port Guide.
Prefer to Watch?
Our Embarkation of AMBASSADOR Ambience
Ambassador is Britain's Newest Cruise Line and Ambience is their flag ship! This VLOG details our Embarkation from Tilbury Cruise Terminal and our first day onboard. We look at Ambassadors Embarkation from Tilbury.
Tom and Dom reflecting at the scenic aft deck of the Ambassador Ambience in Tilbury
Tilbury Cruise Port: London's Historic Cruise Terminal
Tilbury Cruise Port is far more than just a place to board a ship.
The Port of Tilbury first opened in 1886 and quickly became one of Britain's most important trading gateways. Today it handles more than 16 million tonnes of cargo every year, making it one of the UK's busiest ports while continuing to play a vital role in international trade.
The passenger terminal itself has an equally impressive history.
Known today as Tilbury International Cruise Terminal, it has been welcoming cruise liners since 1916. In 1930, a magnificent passenger landing stage was built alongside direct railway connections, creating one of Europe's finest cruise terminals of its time. Today, the beautifully restored Grade II Listed building still retains much of its original character, giving passengers a unique sense of stepping back into Britain's golden age of ocean travel.
Tilbury also became famous as the departure point for thousands of families emigrating to Australia during the 1950s and 1960s. Many of the so-called 'Ten Pound Poms' began their new lives aboard ships such as the RMS Mooltan, making Tilbury a place filled with memories and maritime history.
Today, the terminal proudly serves as the home port of Ambassador Cruise Line, while also welcoming cruise ships from around the world throughout the year.
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Following the signs on the M25 and A13 on the final stretch of the drive to Tilbury
How to Get to Tilbury Cruise Port
One of the biggest advantages of cruising from Tilbury is just how easy it is to reach.
By Car
Tilbury Cruise Port is well connected to the UK's motorway network via the A13 and M25, making it easily accessible from London, Essex, Kent and beyond.
The sat nav postcode for the cruise terminal is:
RM18 7NG
Secure cruise parking is available close to the terminal and can usually be pre-booked before your sailing, making embarkation simple and stress-free.
Approximate driving times are:
Central London – 1 hour
London City Airport – 1 hour
Gatwick Airport – 1 hour 15 minutes
Stansted Airport – 1 hour 15 minutes
Heathrow Airport – around 2 hours
By Train
Travelling by rail is also straightforward.
Tilbury Town station is the nearest railway station and is served by regular c2c services from London Fenchurch Street, with journey times of around 40–45 minutes.
The station is approximately one mile from Tilbury Cruise Port. Depending on your luggage, you may wish to take a taxi, although local buses also operate between the station and the terminal.
By Coach
If you're sailing with Ambassador Cruise Line, it's worth checking whether a coach transfer is available from your local area. Ambassador offers nationwide coach connections for many sailings, taking much of the stress out of travelling to the port.
How to Get from Tilbury Cruise Port to London
One question we see time and time again is:
Can you visit London from Tilbury Cruise Port?
The answer is yes.
Although Tilbury is often referred to as London's cruise port, it's worth remembering that it's located around 25 miles east of the capital.
For many cruise passengers, that's actually an advantage. You avoid the congestion of central London while still being close enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
The quickest way into London is by train from Tilbury Town station to London Fenchurch Street.
Once you arrive, you'll be within easy walking distance of some of London's biggest attractions, including:
Tower of London
Tower Bridge
The City of London
The Monument
Sky Garden
From Fenchurch Street, London's Underground network makes it easy to continue to destinations such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye.
If your cruise ship is only visiting Tilbury for the day, many cruise lines also offer organised London excursions, providing transport, sightseeing and the reassurance of returning to the ship on time.
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Stepping through the historic doors of the Tilbury Cruise Terminal to begin the embarkation process
Best Things to Do Near Tilbury Cruise Port
If you don't fancy travelling into London, there are still plenty of interesting places to explore close to Tilbury Cruise Port.
Tilbury Fort
Without doubt, the area's biggest attraction is Tilbury Fort.
Originally built by Henry VIII before being strengthened over several centuries, the fort was designed to protect London from attack via the River Thames.
Today, visitors can explore its impressive bastions, tunnels and historic gun batteries while enjoying fantastic views across the river.
It's also famous as the place where Queen Elizabeth I delivered her legendary speech to the troops before the expected invasion by the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Gravesend
Just across the Thames lies the town of Gravesend.
When operating, the local passenger ferry provides a quick crossing, allowing visitors to enjoy riverside walks, independent cafés, traditional pubs and maritime history.
Thames Riverside
Sometimes the simplest activities are the most enjoyable.
Watching enormous cargo vessels, ferries and cruise ships sail along the Thames offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's busiest waterways.
For anyone interested in ships—as we certainly are—you could easily spend an hour just watching the river traffic.
A spectacular water salute welcoming our ship to the historic Port of Tilbury on the River Thames
Why We Love Cruising from Tilbury Cruise Port
Having sailed from a number of UK cruise ports, one thing immediately stands out about Tilbury—it feels refreshingly relaxed.
Unlike some of the larger terminals, embarkation is generally smooth, queues are manageable and the historic terminal building gives your holiday a real sense of occasion.
There's also something incredibly special about sailing down the River Thames.
Standing on deck as the ship slowly makes its way towards the North Sea, passing historic landmarks and busy shipping lanes, is a wonderful way to begin any cruise.
If you're sailing with Ambassador Cruise Line, Tilbury feels especially welcoming. As their home port, everything is designed around making embarkation as easy as possible, whether you're arriving by car, coach or train.
For us, Tilbury combines convenience, history and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it one of Britain's most enjoyable ports to sail from.
Whether you're beginning a once-in-a-lifetime voyage or simply ticking another cruise off your bucket list, Tilbury Cruise Port offers a fantastic start to your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Tilbury Cruise Port?
Tilbury Cruise Port is located in Essex on the River Thames, approximately 25 miles east of central London. It is officially known as Tilbury International Cruise Terminal and is London's main cruise terminal.
2. How do I get from Tilbury Cruise Port to London?
The easiest option is the c2c train from Tilbury Town station to London Fenchurch Street, taking around 40–45 minutes. Taxis and organised cruise excursions are also available.
3. Is parking available at Tilbury Cruise Port?
Yes. Secure on-site cruise parking is available close to the terminal and can usually be booked in advance, making embarkation quick and convenient.
4. What cruise lines sail from Tilbury?
Ambassador Cruise Line operates the majority of cruises from Tilbury as its home port. The terminal also welcomes a variety of international cruise lines throughout the year.
5. What are the best things to do near Tilbury Cruise Port?
Popular attractions include Tilbury Fort, Gravesend, the River Thames waterfront and, of course, central London. Whether you're interested in history, sightseeing or simply watching ships pass by, there's plenty to enjoy before or after your cruise.
About the Authors
We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.
Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.
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