Expert: Michael - 11/26/2007

Question
QUESTION: Please i need some information. How do i do to arrive in Harwich from Gatwick International airport?
I 'd like to go by train, because i think it's cheaper an easy.

Thank you for your attention

ANSWER: Hi Fatima,
You haven't said whether you are seeking to reach Harwich town, or the international port for onward travel. However, both journeys are similar from Gatwick.

There is a rail station at the airport in the South Terminal. From there, you can take a direct train to London Farringdon. At Farringdon, you should take the underground along to London Liverpool Street mainline station, where you can get direct train services to both Harwich stations.

You can look up specific train times to match your journey times at the National Railways website at
www.nationalrail.co.uk

If you wish to book tickets, you can visit a website such as www.qjump.co.uk which will also confirm times for you.

I hope that that helps.

Feel free to email me if you have any further questions.
Regards

Michael

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi Michael, thank you again.
Actually i have a reservation in a Cruise(Harwich Port), but from Brasil the air companies prefer to stop in Gatwick airport because they told me it's easiest than Heathrow airport. they told me too i need to take a train.
But sincerely, i don't know anything in United Kingdom, so I'm afraid to be lost.
I intend to arrive in Harwich, and find a hotel there for one night and the day after i go to the port.
In your answer i need to change the train. Is it easy? How much time every trip? How much is it? Can i buy when i arrive in the airport?

thank you again, and I'm sorry to many questions.

Kindly,

Fátima

Answer
Hello again Fatima - no need to apologise for your questions. That's exactly what we're here for!

Firstly, your airline is correct - Heathrow is quite difficult for onward travel by train, since there is no national rail station at the airport. Gatwick has a much better service.

The two changes are relatively straightforward in London. At London Farringdon, the railway line is directly next to the underground line - you just walk over a bridge to reach the other line. It is only a few steps on the underground to Liverpool Street station where there are plenty of staff to advise you which platform to go to and which train to take for Harwich International.

You can buy your ticket from the train station at Gatwick Airport. I would advise you not to buy your ticket in the arrivals hall (where they have small ticket desks) but rather go to the main railway station office. It is signposted from all around the airport. There, there is a travel office where they have very helpful staff (I know, I used to be one of them!) who can sell you a ticket, and explain your full journey in detail for you.

The ticket price for a single ticket is around £33 (approximately 125 Brazilian Reais)
The journey time from Gatwick to Harwich International is about 2h45.

I hope this answers your questions, but once again, feel free to ask further questions if you need to.

Best Wishes
Michael