Wondering whether to drive and park at Southampton Port or take a taxi? We crunch the real numbers for a 7, 14, and 21-night cruise.
The eternal question for Southampton cruise passengers: drive and park, or take a taxi? The answer depends on your group size, cruise length, and how far from Southampton you live. Here's the honest breakdown.
The Cost of Parking at Southampton Port
Official CPS parking rates (2025/2026):
- Short breaks (1-3 nights): £15/day
- Week cruise (7 nights): £18/day = £126
- Fortnight (14 nights): £15/day = £210
- Three weeks (21 nights): £13/day = £273
These are pre-booked online prices. Walk-up parking is considerably more expensive. Plus, you'll need to drive to Southampton and back.
The Real Cost of Parking
Add fuel costs both ways. For someone 50 miles away, that's roughly 100 miles of driving = £15-25 in fuel each way. So add £30-50 to your parking cost.
**7-night cruise from 50 miles away:**
- Parking + fuel: £126 + £50 = £176
Southampton Taxi Service: £90 return (50 miles, 2 passengers)
For 2 passengers, the taxi is cheaper and you don't lose a day to driving.
When Parking Wins
- Solo traveller or couple on a long (21-night+) cruise
- You live very close to Southampton (under 20 miles)
- You have 4+ passengers — a taxi for 4 people from 80+ miles away may exceed parking cost
When Taxi Wins
- 2 passengers, under 100 miles away
- Any group where stress-free travel has value
- When you want to have a drink before your cruise without worrying about your car
- When your journey involves a motorway where parking at a service station is needed
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