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Harwich International Port is at Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex (postcode CO12 4SR), about 85 miles north-east of London. It handles cruise ships and the Stena Line ferry to the Hook of Holland. From London you can take a direct train from Liverpool Street, drive via the A12 and A120, or book a transfer to the terminal door. This guide covers each option, plus parking for cruise and ferry passengers.
Harwich International Port: key facts
- Address: Harwich International Port, Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex CO12 4SR.
- By train: Liverpool Street to Harwich International, about 1 hour 20 minutes; the station is next to the ferry terminal.
- By road: about 85 miles from London via the A12 and A120.
- Cruise parking: follow the signs to the designated cruise car park, with a courtesy bus to the cruise terminal.
- Easiest with luggage: a pre-booked transfer from your London address to the terminal.
Where Is Harwich International Port?
Harwich International Port is at Parkeston Quay, west of Harwich town on the Essex coast. It has a ferry terminal, a cruise terminal and a car terminal. Stena Line sails from here to the Hook of Holland in the Netherlands, and the port also welcomes cruise ships, so check your booking for which terminal you need.
How to Get to Harwich International Port from London
| Option | Route | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Greater Anglia from London Liverpool Street to Harwich International | About 1 hour 20 minutes; station next to the ferry terminal |
| Car | A12 and A120, then follow signs to the International Port | About 85 miles; cruise and ferry parking are separate |
| Pre-booked transfer | Your London address to the terminal | No changes; room for cruise luggage |
London to Harwich International by Train
Greater Anglia runs trains from London Liverpool Street to Harwich International station, which is at Parkeston Quay next to the ferry terminal.
- Journey time: about 1 hour 20 minutes on average, from 1 hour 16 minutes.
- Frequency: up to one train an hour on weekdays. Weekend and bank holiday times can differ, so check the timetable for your travel day.
- Step-free: the station has lifts and step-free access to all platforms.
- Tickets: there's no ticket office at Harwich International, only a ticket machine, so buy your ticket in advance or at Liverpool Street.
Driving to Harwich International Port
From London, take the A12 north-east towards Colchester, then the A120 towards Harwich. Follow the signs to Harwich International Port.
- Cruise passengers: follow the signs to the designated cruise car park. Staff are normally on hand to guide you and help with bags, and a courtesy bus takes about 5 minutes to the cruise terminal.
- Dropping off cruise passengers: you can drive directly to the cruise terminal to drop passengers off.
- Ferry and rail passengers: the Park and Pay car park has number-plate recognition barriers, and you pay by card at the machine before you leave. It isn't intended for cruise passengers.
- Charges: Park and Pay charges are set by the port and can change, so check them before you travel.
Taxi from London to Harwich International Port
Harwich is a long way from central London, and on sailing day you'll have luggage to manage. A pre-booked transfer takes you from your London address straight to the terminal. It's usually the easier choice when:
- you have a week or two of cruise luggage;
- you're travelling as a family or group;
- you'd rather not change trains with heavy cases;
- you're staying in a London hotel before you sail.
Book a London to Harwich transfer
- Door to terminal: cruise port transfers from any London address to Harwich International Port, with TfL-licensed drivers.
- Room for cruise luggage: estates, MPVs and 16-seaters in our fleet.
- There and back: book your pickup for when you return in the same booking.
- Fixed fares: see the fare for each vehicle before you confirm. Add your ship or ferry details when you book. Get an instant fare quote.
Getting Back to London from Harwich
Trains run from Harwich International back to London Liverpool Street, but disembarkation times can vary, so leave some flexibility or book a transfer that collects you from the terminal. From Liverpool Street, you can book a train station transfer for the rest of the journey home.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Travelling light on the ferry: the train to Harwich International, next to the ferry terminal.
- Driving yourself on a cruise: follow the signs to the cruise car park and take the courtesy bus.
- Lots of luggage, a family or a group: a door-to-terminal transfer; see group transfers.
Sailing from another port? Read our Southampton cruise terminal guide or our Tilbury cruise terminal guide.
Harwich International Port FAQs
CO12 4SR. The full address is Harwich International Port, Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex CO12 4SR.
About 85 miles north-east of London, via the A12 and A120.
About 1 hour 20 minutes on average from London Liverpool Street, with Greater Anglia. Up to one train an hour runs on weekdays.
Yes. Harwich International station is at Parkeston Quay, next to the ferry terminal, with step-free access to all platforms.
Follow the signs to the designated cruise car park. A courtesy bus takes about 5 minutes to the cruise terminal. The port's Park and Pay car park is for rail and ferry passengers, not cruise passengers.
Yes. The port says you can drive directly to the cruise terminal to drop off passengers.
Stena Line sails from Harwich International Port to the Hook of Holland in the Netherlands.
Yes. We run transfers from any London address to Harwich International Port. Choose Round Trip when you book to add your return pickup, and add your ship or ferry details to the booking.
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