wadden Posted December 26, 2017 #1 Share Posted December 26, 2017 There are 4 of us plus luggage arriving in Heathrow at 9.15 a.m. and departing from Southampton Port later in the afternoon. Is a taxi the best way there and if so, any recommendations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KYteach Posted December 26, 2017 #2 Share Posted December 26, 2017 For 4 of you I would recommend a car service such as Smith's. they are prompt, reliable and convenient. We have also used the National bus. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bull Posted December 26, 2017 #3 Share Posted December 26, 2017 Don't simply hail a taxi from the rank at Heathrow.:eek: Southampton is about 60 miles from Heathrow, and a metered taxi will cost you an arm and a leg. :loudcry: Two main choices, both outlined by KYteach :- Cheapest is by National Express bus at about £25 pp. Book a bus which is scheduled to depart from about 90 minutes after your flight is scheduled to arrive, but (subject to availability) you can change that on-the-spot to an earlier or later bus if things don't go to schedule. You'll need to know your Heathrow arrival terminal - there are Nat Express bus stops at T4 and T5, or the Heathrow central bus station for T's 1, 2 & 3. Book to Southampton Coach Station, it's a direct service. Depending on which cruise terminal, you'll likely need a taxi from Southampton Coach Station to your ship at £5 to £10. https://beta.nationalexpress.com/en The other main option is by booking a private car transfer at something under £100 for the vehicle. With four of you it's probably the best option. Smiths is the operator most-frequently recommended on Cruise Critic but there are dozens of operators. Here's the websites of Smiths & two other operators based at the Southampton end: www.smithsforairports.com www.aquacars.co.uk www.westquaycars.com All are experienced in airport/port transfers. Give them your air carrier and flight number & they're best-placed to know the pick-up time. Do make them aware of the amount of luggage that you'll have, and any young children who might need child seats or booster seats. Two other options. Cruise lines offer their own airport transfer buses. They collect at your airport terminal & deliver you & your luggage to the ship. Price depends which cruise line - from limited background knowledge RCI tends to be expensive, Princess more reasonable. But for four of you, cruise line transfers won't be best value. You can buy through train tickets to Southampton at Heathrow, but your journey starts with an included RailAir shuttle bus from Heathrow to a mainline station, then a direct train to Southampton Central station. Around £40 pp and involves that bus-to-rail switch so a poor choice. But trains are frequent and no need to pre-book, so a useful Plan B if your travel arrangements go belly-up. JB :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wadden Posted December 27, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Thank you so much. I have contacted Smyths taxi company and got a very good price for an MPV... £213 return including parking charges. Same price as the National Express for 4. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wadden Posted December 27, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Thanks so much. Smyths it is! £213 return for 4 of us including parking. ...great price, roughly the same as the National Express. Thanks again for the info. Don't simply hail a taxi from the rank at Heathrow.:eek:Southampton is about 60 miles from Heathrow, and a metered taxi will cost you an arm and a leg. :loudcry: Two main choices, both outlined by KYteach :- Cheapest is by National Express bus at about £25 pp. Book a bus which is scheduled to depart from about 90 minutes after your flight is scheduled to arrive, but (subject to availability) you can change that on-the-spot to an earlier or later bus if things don't go to schedule. You'll need to know your Heathrow arrival terminal - there are Nat Express bus stops at T4 and T5, or the Heathrow central bus station for T's 1, 2 & 3. Book to Southampton Coach Station, it's a direct service. Depending on which cruise terminal, you'll likely need a taxi from Southampton Coach Station to your ship at £5 to £10. https://beta.nationalexpress.com/en The other main option is by booking a private car transfer at something under £100 for the vehicle. With four of you it's probably the best option. Smiths is the operator most-frequently recommended on Cruise Critic but there are dozens of operators. Here's the websites of Smiths & two other operators based at the Southampton end: www.smithsforairports.com www.aquacars.co.uk www.westquaycars.com All are experienced in airport/port transfers. Give them your air carrier and flight number & they're best-placed to know the pick-up time. Do make them aware of the amount of luggage that you'll have, and any young children who might need child seats or booster seats. Two other options. Cruise lines offer their own airport transfer buses. They collect at your airport terminal & deliver you & your luggage to the ship. Price depends which cruise line - from limited background knowledge RCI tends to be expensive, Princess more reasonable. But for four of you, cruise line transfers won't be best value. You can buy through train tickets to Southampton at Heathrow, but your journey starts with an included RailAir shuttle bus from Heathrow to a mainline station, then a direct train to Southampton Central station. Around £40 pp and involves that bus-to-rail switch so a poor choice. But trains are frequent and no need to pre-book, so a useful Plan B if your travel arrangements go belly-up. JB :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acctgtogo Posted February 12, 2018 #6 Share Posted February 12, 2018 I have a question concerning booking the National Express Bus. We are arriving at Heathrow Terminal 5. When I go to book the bus to Southampton, there is a choice for Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5. Is this what I choose? Their website says they pick up at the front of Terminal 5, but the choice has the hotel name with Terminal 5. I just want to verify that this is what I should choose. Thanks, Penny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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