Some journeys are simply easier by car. A cruise holiday means several large suitcases that need to reach the terminal before embarkation closes, and Southampton and Dover are both awkward from south west London by train. Eurostar passengers need to reach St Pancras with time to clear security and border checks. Weddings, funerals and shooting weekends in the Cotswolds, Sussex or Norfolk often involve venues miles from the nearest station.
A long distance chauffeur booking is priced as a fixed amount for the vehicle, so a family or group shares the cost and the price does not change with traffic. The driver plans the route and any comfort stops, and for cruise returns the pick-up is timed around the ship's disembarkation schedule. For very long trips, operators may factor in the driver's return journey and rest time, which is why distant destinations can cost more than mileage alone suggests.
What is included
- A fixed price for the vehicle agreed at booking
- Door-to-terminal drop-off at Southampton or Dover cruise terminals
- Collections timed around ship disembarkation or train arrivals
- Room for large cruise luggage, with a people carrier for groups
- Comfort stops on longer journeys
- Transfers to Eurostar at St Pancras and other main stations
- Journeys to country house venues, events and other UK cities
- Help with luggage at both ends
Who it is for
- Cruise passengers sailing from Southampton or Dover
- Families travelling with lots of luggage
- Eurostar travellers who want a direct run to St Pancras
- Guests heading to weddings or events at rural venues
- Business trips between cities where working en route matters
- Older travellers who want to avoid train changes
How much does it cost?
As a guide, an executive saloon from Wimbledon typically costs about £200 to £320 to Southampton and £220 to £350 to Dover one way, and about £60 to £100 to St Pancras. Longer UK journeys are often priced on mileage and time, and people carriers or luxury cars cost more. See our full cost guide.
