Explore on your own rating

London is reachable by train, but it is a trip each way.

Where ships dock

  • London International Cruise Terminal, Tilbury

Getting to town

Tilbury is on the Thames in Essex, about 25 miles east of central London. Tilbury Town station is about a 20-minute walk from the terminal.

c2c trains run from Tilbury Town to London Fenchurch Street roughly every 30 minutes, about 43 minutes. Taxis and ship transfers are available. The terminal has pre-bookable parking for cruises that start here.

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

  • Tower of London (near Fenchurch Street)
  • Tower Bridge
  • St. Paul's Cathedral
  • Tilbury Fort (near the terminal)

Beaches

  • None.

Safety & tips

  • Fenchurch Street is a short walk from the Tower of London.
  • Contactless cards work on c2c and the Tube.
  • For cruises starting here, book parking through your line.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

From central London, start back at least 2 hours before all-aboard.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Shore excursions that get you back on time

Prefer a guided option in London (Tilbury)? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.

Find London (Tilbury) shore excursions on Viator ↗

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick answers

Can you explore London (Tilbury) on your own?

Yes, with some planning (rated Moderate). London is reachable by train, but it is a trip each way.

How far is it from the cruise dock to town in London (Tilbury)?

Tilbury is on the Thames in Essex, about 25 miles east of central London. Tilbury Town station is about a 20-minute walk from the terminal.

Do I need a passport for London (Tilbury)?

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.)

When should I head back to the ship in London (Tilbury)?

From central London, start back at least 2 hours before all-aboard.

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📚 Sources