Ferry & Cruise Connections
We run direct services to Southampton as well as other destinations across the country with nearby ferry connections
Reach Your Ferry & Cruise Connections with CrossCountry
The CrossCountry network operates direct services to a number of UK towns and cities with ferry and cruise ports, making your journey extra easy! If you're heading off on a holiday or even just a day trip to nearby destinations, start your journey with CrossCountry.
Southampton
From the port at Southampton, you can catch ferry services running directly to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This ferry service takes around half an hour, with a range of ticket types available to suit your visit. The quay is just over a mile away from Southampton Central Station, taking less than 25 minutes to walk from the train station to the quay. With services to Southampton from all over the UK on CrossCountry trains, you can kickstart your visit to the Isle of Wight with ease.
Nearest CrossCountry station: Southampton Central
Lymington
Not far from Brockenhurst, you can hop on the Lymington to Isle of Wight ferry. This journey is fairly similar to the Southampton to Cowes ferry, but ports in Yarmouth on the North West side of the Isle. You can reach Lymington pier, where the ferry departs from by taking any CrossCountry service to Brockenhurst station, followed by a short connecting train journey of 11 minutes.
Nearest CrossCountry station: Brockenhurst
Newcastle
If you don't mind taking the scenic route, you can hop on a ferry to Amsterdam from Newcastle! Taking just under 17 hours, and with plenty of entertainment and eateries on board, sailing to Holland is an alternative way to reach your destination in style. You can also book onto a mini-cruise, where cruise accommodation and dining is included in your journey. You can get to the ferry terminal from Newcastle station with a simple tram journey taking around 45 minutes - or a 25-minute drive in a taxi. CrossCountry trains to Newcastle operate across the UK.
Nearest CrossCountry station: Newcastle
Plymouth
If you're heading off on a European holiday, why not take the ferry to France or Spain? From Plymouth, you can board ferries to Spain and France, taking around 20 hours and 8 hours respectively. You can get to Plymouth from a wide range of locations across the UK, including Edinburgh, Birmingham, and York. From Plymouth station, you can get to Plymouth port with a 25-minute bus journey or a 28-minute walk.
Nearest CrossCountry station: Plymouth
Poole
From Poole, ferry services operate to Guernsey, Jersey, and France. The ferry from Poole to Cherbourg takes around 4.5 hours, the ferry to Guernsey takes 3 hours, and the ferry to Jersey takes 4 hours. Although you cannot reach Poole directly on the CrossCountry network, it is only an 8-minute connecting train journey away from Bournemouth station. From Poole station, it is a 22-minute walk or a 17-minute bus journey to the harbour.
Nearest CrossCountry station: Bournemouth
Travel Advice
If you're catching a ferry or cruise liner following a journey with CrossCountry, we advise you to plan your journey so that you arrive at your terminal two hours before the latest check-in time. Please consult your ferry or cruise operator for further travel advice.
In line with the National Rail Conditions of Travel, we have published detailed luggage advice outlining what you can take on our trains. When you travel, you'll find dedicated luggage storage areas on all CrossCountry trains - please use these for luggage storage and do not store luggage in seats, aisles, or in areas dedicated to wheelchairs.