Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 2/5/2009

Question
Dear Alun, my friend and I arrive Gatwick 0700 5/29 and want to make a train connection to Harwich, spend the night there and depart on a cruise on 5/30.  It's a 2-week cruise, so we'll have a large bag and a roll-aboard each, travelling a bit heavy.  I thought we could do Gatwick Express to Victoria and catch a train there to Harwich, but I'm finding Harwich trains only from Liverpool St. Station to Harwich.  Am I overlooking something?
We are women in our 60s and 70s who are looking for the easiest way to get to Harwich to Gatwick.  Can you advise?
Warm regards and many thanks, Nora

Answer
Hi - happy to help!

There are many train stations in London.

You are correct that to get to London you would take the Gatwick Express to London Victoria (there are other trains, which are slightly cheaper, but they are packed with commuters at that time of day, so do take the roomy and excellent Gatwick Express).

Trains to Harwich only run from London Liverpool St Station - from the Gatwick Express platform at London Victoria you'll see a lift (elevator!) (a large one!) which will take you to a taxi rank - I would suggest you take a London taxi from there to Liverpool St station.

You'll spend less than £20 and get a great view of London on the way! You should see Buckingham Palace and Big Ben -  and you'll see the Thames.

Do book your hotel at Harwich in advance as soon as possible, please - it's a small town!

(Never heard of a roll-aboard - is that a suitcase the size of a house on 2 wheels - I'm guessing!).

Incidentally, when you get to Gatwick, do book train tickets all the way to Harwich - it's much cheaper than buying 2 separate tickets for each part of the journey - the ticket office staff are very helpful and will take credit cards - but do get some UK pounds for the taxi, please!

Do let me know if there's anyway I can help you further, please!

Alun Hill, MCIJ

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