Felixstowe
UN/LOCODE GBFXT · United Kingdom
Shore leave
Felixstowe is the UK's largest container port + one of Europe's busiest. Post-Brexit UK visa procedure applies — non-Commonwealth crew need a Seaman's Book + shore-leave permission from UK Border Force. Mission to Seafarers Felixstowe operates on-site.
Walking distance and transit
Felixstowe is a small town — the port terminals are within 10-15 minutes of the town centre by taxi. Ipswich is 20 minutes, Cambridge 90 minutes, London 90-120 minutes by train.
Essentials
ATMs: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds in Felixstowe town centreMoney changers: airport arrivals + central LondonHospital: Ipswich HospitalPrayer rooms: Ipswich Mosque; Felixstowe has limited optionsHalal food: limited in Felixstowe; better in IpswichSupermarket: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda in Felixstowe townSIM card: EE, O2, Vodafone, Three at any shop or the airport
Seafarer tips
Do: verify Post-Brexit UK crew-shore-leave paperwork before requesting — rules changed in 2021. Don't: expect a lively town — Felixstowe is genuinely a small commuter town; plan for a functional stop rather than tourism. Watch for: the M25/A14 into London can gridlock; if you have to reach Heathrow expect 3+ hours from Felixstowe.
See also
- · Full port record — Felixstowe — timezone, currency, welfare, PSC.
- · Other port crew guides
- · Crew-change hubs directory
Last verified: 2026-07-01