Explore on your own rating
Shuttle to the castle and trains to Canterbury make it easy.
Where ships dock
- Dover cruise terminals (Western Docks)
Getting to town
A hop-on/hop-off shuttle (YMS) runs to Dover Castle and town, about 15 minutes, with tickets from the driver.
Dover Priory station is a 30–40 minute walk; trains to Canterbury take about 17–28 minutes, and London is about 1 hour by high-speed train.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: British pound (£). Contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Entry: U.S. citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling, including on cruises that call at UK ports. It costs £20 on GOV.UK (beware look-alike sites charging more), lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, and since Feb 25, 2026 carriers must refuse boarding without one. Apply on GOV.UK or the official "UK ETA" app. (Checked Oct 2026.)
Top sights nearby
- Dover Castle
- White Cliffs of Dover
- Canterbury Cathedral (train)
Beaches
- Dover seafront (pebbles)
Safety & tips
- The castle is uphill; take the shuttle.
- Bring layers; it's windy on the cliffs.
- UK ETA needed.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
From Canterbury allow 75 minutes back.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.