Expert: David Stewart White - 10/25/2009

Question
Our ship docks in Dover and we have to get to Heathrow for a 2:10 flight.  Should we go by train or bus?  Or private car?

We are in our 70's and will have at least two large suitcases.  Can we go by train without difficulty?  

Answer
There are several ways to get from Dover port to Heathrow, but the only direct way is to use a shuttle or car service. It takes about 2 hours to make this trip by road, depending upon conditions.  A private car service is not cheap--plan on £250 for the trip.  Here's a possible resource:

      http://www.centralchauffeur.com/AirportTransfers.htm

A shared van service is somewhat more economical--about £60 per person.  Here's another possible source:

      http://www.adlg.co.uk/shared_cruise_transfers.htm

The other options are to take a bus/coach, train, or rent a car.  The bus and rail options all require transfers in London to reach Heathrow.  The bus goes to Victoria coach station, then you will have to catch another bus to the airport (or a taxi or the London Underground).  It takes almost 3 hours just to go by bus from Dover to central London.  I don't think this is practical for you, but here's the link if you want to explore:

      http://www.nationalexpress.com

The train takes about 2 hours to go from Dover Priory station (taxi ride from port required) to London's Charing Cross station.  Then you need the Underground or taxi to Heathrow, and another hour plus.  Again, hardly practical (but a link nevertheless):

      http://www.transportdirect.info

One final note.  You indicate a 2pm flight.  If that's international, you will need to be at Heathrow by 12 noon.  Depending upon when you ship docks, this will also influence your choice of transport, I'm sure.

I hope this is helpful.

David White