AiIntermediate

Docker MCP Gateway Cheatsheet

Run a single MCP endpoint that fronts many containerized MCP servers for any client.

What it is

The Docker MCP Gateway aggregates multiple MCP servers behind a single endpoint, so any MCP-compatible AI client (Claude, Cursor, etc.) connects once and accesses all your tools.

Installation

Available in Docker Desktop 4.40+. Start the gateway with docker mcp gateway start.

Quick start

docker mcp gateway start

Start the MCP gateway on the default port (8811).

docker mcp gateway status

Check gateway status and connected servers.

docker mcp gateway stop

Stop the MCP gateway.

Common commands

Task	Command	Description
Start gateway	`docker mcp gateway start`	Launch the aggregating MCP proxy.
Stop gateway	`docker mcp gateway stop`	Shut down the gateway.
Status	`docker mcp gateway status`	Show gateway health and registered servers.
Logs	`docker mcp gateway logs`	Stream gateway logs.
List tools	`docker mcp gateway tools`	List all tools exposed by connected servers.

Real-world examples

Start gateway and connect Claude Desktop

docker mcp gateway start
# Configure Claude Desktop to use:
# http://localhost:8811/mcp

Check what tools are available

docker mcp gateway tools

Best practices

Use the gateway in team setups so all members share one config endpoint.
Keep the gateway running as a background service for always-on AI tool access.

Related cheatsheets

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15