Expert: Michael - 5/3/2009

Question
BACKGROUND:
On Saturday, August. 22, 2009, my husband and I will be taking an early morning flight, via Aer Lingus, from Dublin Ireland to the UK. Aer Lingus gives us a choice of flying into either Heathrow or Gatwick. Once we arrive at the airport, we would prefer to travel by train to Harwich International Port where we will board the Celebrity Constellation, which sails at 17:00 hours.
QUESTION:
Since we want to travel by train to Harwich International Port, do you suggest we book our Aer Lingus flight from Dublin into either Heathrow or Gatwick? Please advise.
Thank you very much for your assistance!
Sincerely,
Jay Gould

Answer
Hello Jay,

I have to say, on the journey you mentioned, there's not a great deal to choose between the two airports. The journey from each airport is likely to take about 2½ hours, with a couple of changes, and including an underground journey.

From Heathrow, you'll need two underground trains to get to Liverpool Street to pick up the Harwich service; from Gatwick it will be a train to London, then a tube across to Liverpool Street to pick up the next train.

You could look at journeys yourself on the National Rail website to get an idea of journey times and changes, although the August timetables won't be available until later this month.

Sorry I couldn't offer any more definitive information.

Michael

www.nationalrail.co.uk