As the UK’s busiest ferry port, offering transit for passengers and cargo across the English Channel, the Port of Dover is also a popular starting point for many cruise holidays.
But what are the options for Dover port parking? If you’ve booked a cruise holiday that departs from here and are wondering where the best port parking in Dover is, check out our complete guide to port parking in Dover below.
In our Dover port parking guide, we’ll answer some of your frequently asked questions, such as:
Where are the best places to park for a cruise from Dover?
How to get a Dover port parking space
How to get cheap parking in Dover
How early should I book port parking in Dover?
Where should I park for a cruise from Dover?
When looking for the best Dover port parking for your cruise holiday, you have a few choices: park at Dover Cruise Terminal, book off-site, purpose-built cruise parking or hotel cruise parking, or explore independent parking options in Dover.
Parking at Dover Cruise Terminal
Dover Cruise Terminal could be considered the best port parking in Dover for the convenience and peace of mind it offers. Its secure, on-site, undercover building has more than 1,000 car parking spaces. The car park has full CCTV coverage and regular security patrols, putting your mind at ease when leaving your car here.
This multi-storey car park is next to the Western Docks, making it just a few minutes walk to the cruise terminal building. Porters are also available to help get your luggage to the check-in desks.
To get to this port parking in Dover, use the address Dover Port, Western Docks, Dover, Kent, CT17 9DQ.
It is worth booking in advance to get discounts on port parking in Dover, as you can often save up to 50%! Cruise & Passenger Services (CPS) manage port parking in Dover, so head to their website to make a booking and for more details.
Parking at Dover Cruise Terminal may be convenient, but you do have to pay more for this benefit. However, there are other options when looking for where to park in Dover, which we’ll explore below.
Where can I get cheap port parking in Dover?
If you are looking for cheaper Dover port parking, there are a couple of purpose-built, off-site choices; Relyon Dover Cruise Parking and Dover Port Parking.
Off-site, purpose-built cruise parking
Relyon Dover Cruise Parking is 2 miles from Dover port and provides free shuttle bus transfers to the terminal that take 10 minutes. The car park is secure, with CCTV and regular security patrols.
This car park may be a good choice for those looking for cheap port parking in Dover. Claiming to be the cheapest in the area, it combines affordability with security and the convenience of still being relatively nearby. So, depending on your requirements, it may be the best Dover port parking option.
Dover Port Parking offers a similar secure, off-site option. It is a 15 minutes transfer to the cruise terminal, provided free of charge via their minibus. Port Parking also claims to offer the lowest prices for short- or long-term parking, so it is worth comparing prices for your specific holiday.
As with the cruise terminal parking, booking in advance for these off-site options will also ensure you get the best Dover port parking discounts.
Hotel cruise parking
If you need to travel to Dover the night before, it is worth exploring the parking deals offered by hotels in the area. Some offer parking on their site or at a partner car park as part of a package with a night’s stay at the hotel, providing excellent value compared to booking parking alone.
For example, the Holiday Inn Dover (previously the Ramada) offers a 15-day parking package, where you can park at Relyon Car Park, mentioned above. The Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa also has parking packages, with options to park either at the hotel or with Relyon Cruise Parking.
Independent Dover port parking
‘Where can I get cheap parking in Dover?’ is a frequent question asked by cruise guests, with many seeking to find the best possible savings on port parking.
If you have the time to do some research and are prepared to manage the transfers with your luggage without assistance, looking at independent or non-cruise-specific cruise parking options may bag you the best deal.
Platforms, such as Just Park and Your Parking Space, allow you to explore all the independent parking options in the area. These spaces offer long- and short-term options and can be an excellent way of getting cheap port parking in Dover.
Just be sure to check the reviews thoroughly to verify what you’re getting for your money, as private owners usually run these spaces. Also, remember to include the cost of taxis or transfers to the cruise terminal when deciding whether this is the best port parking in Dover for your requirements.
How early should I book port parking in Dover?
It is undoubtedly worth booking in advance if you hope to save money on your Dover port parking. APH (Airport Parking and Hotels) advises booking six months in advance to get the best deals, with prices spiking most significantly in the two weeks before travel.
If you need to book port parking in Dover for your cruise holiday, don’t let it be a last-minute thought. By exploring all the options, like those outlined in our Dover port parking guide above, and booking in advance, you can ensure you get the best option for your needs.
