Transportation from Gatwick to London

Old Jun 17th, 2000, 01:35 PM
  #1  
Beth Y.
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Transportation from Gatwick to London

I have done a search and still need help. We need to tranport 4 people (including a two year old with carseat) from Gatwick to downtown London (Euston/Regents Park area) around 6:30am. We want a car/cab service, as we will be wiped out. I have checked with www.chauffersuk.com (London Airport Transfers) and they quoted me 72 pounds, which seems high. Is it? I can't seem to get on the "Just Airports" website. Any other suggestions by people who have used other services?
 
Old Jun 17th, 2000, 04:59 PM
  #2  
Joan Doyle
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Dear Beth: I come and go via Gatwick each time I visit Britain--and you have my sympathy. You all will indeed be almost comatose from jet-lag when you arrive. Have you considered taking the train from Gatwick to Victoria (I think it is). That's a main-line station and will have LOTS of cabs available at the station entrance. I agree that 72 pounds is a bit steep--but I predict that you'll settle for your combined weight in gold just to get to your hotel and get to bed. DO TELL THE HOTEL BEFORE YOU ARRIVE that you'll be arriv- ing quite early and that you will want your accommodations READY. Otherwise you might have to wait until afternoon. God luck--and a good trip! Joan
 
Old Jun 17th, 2000, 06:21 PM
  #3  
Lori
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Fodor's is acting up and I've tried to post this twice - here goes again. 72 pounds is a fair price for a driver service from Gatwick - it's quite a ways from London. We pay 30 pounds when we use a service from Heathrow to the Regent's Park area, but that's for 2 of us in a regular sedan car. You will need an estate car (station wagon) or minivan and they cost more. This is the going rate and WELL worth it believe me. Do not attempt the train with luggage and a 2 yr old. The price of the train will come out to almost the cost of the car -- trust me the car service is 100% better any way you look at it.

You may have a big problem trying to check in so early (about 9:30 I would imagine when you get into town) at the hotel. Not many places allow check in before noon so you had best contact them. I would imagine they may ask you to pay an additional day if you want the room reserved for you at that time of the morning. It's rare to find anyplace that allows check in that early tho so be forewarned. I do not think there is any hotel in the U.S. that would allow 9 a.m. checkin either for that matter. Frankly, I'd pay for an extra day to ensure I had a place to go when I got that. If you do not want to do that check your bags with the hotel (they all have storage places) and go out for breakfast and a walk in the neighborhood. Don't go too far or do anything too strenuous, but stay outdoors, it does wonders for jet lag.
We fly from the west coast (10 1/2 hr flt) but arrive about noon so it is easier to adapt. We stay awake till about 8:30 p.m. and then go to bed. No jet lag - ever - the next day. The key to it is staying outside in the daylight, eat a good dinner and get to bed early. (Well maybe the 2 year old can nap .. seriously, with a samll child I'd think twice about reserving a room for the night before just to have it when I got there.
 
Old Jun 17th, 2000, 07:41 PM
  #4  
Cyrano
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We used an estate car last fall from Gatwick to Knightsbridge are of London for about 60 pounds. It took 1 hour 15-30 minutes to make the trip each way. The Gatwick express costs 9.5 pounds per person, and takes 30 minutes from Gatwick to Victoria. I much prefer the Gatwick Express because of the time. After the long flight we were not ready for another long drive in another cramped vehicle.
 
Old Jun 17th, 2000, 08:51 PM
  #5  
Dave
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I've done it both ways. The train is much quicker and lots cheaper. It will be crowded and one or more of you might have to stand. But to my mind that beats crawling along in rush hour traffic in car. The train is easy to find at Gatwick and you get into Victoria Station in about 30 minutes and there are lots of cabs just outside the main entrance. But a small one you have to decide whether you want a half hour that may be quite unpleasant or a slightly more pleasant but longer journey (probably well over an hour at that time of day --I'm remembering over an hour and a half). I'm convinced that Gatwiock is not a real place -- or if it is it's not anywhere near London.

Yes, you probably won't have a room ready. And you'll want a shower more than anything else in the world. The first day is hell, but it gets better, much better.

Envy you even with a 2 year old.
 
Old Jun 18th, 2000, 04:24 PM
  #6  
Beth Y.
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Thanks everyone for the great advice. Actually, we have already got the early check-in thing covered. Made that mistake in Italy, never again. I looked pretty funny at our hotel in Lugano sleeping fully clothed on a chaise by the Lake! Yes, it was clear I was a tourist.

I am still deciding whether to do car or cab, but would appreciate hearing any recommendations on cab services. Thanks.
 
Old Jun 19th, 2000, 05:16 PM
  #7  
Beth Y.
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Still looking for recommendations on cab services from people that have actually used them. Thanks.
 
Old Jun 19th, 2000, 06:28 PM
  #8  
Lori
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Beth,
We've used www.chauffer.com with no problem. Also used a company called Ambassador (they don't have a web site) - an acquaintance in London recommended them and we used them to out out to Heathrow from London. Right on time, good driver, etc. Another is London Transfers - a friend uses them and said they are fine. Hope this helps!
 

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