We're departing on a Celebrity cruise from Dover next summer, and are making our own air arrangements, arriving in London a few days before the cruise. What's the most convenient (and cheapest) way to get from London to Dover? Thanks.
Just take the train from the airport to Victoria Station. There is a train from Victoria Station to Dover. I remember it taking about 90 minutes or so. I think it was about 80 quid (pounds) (roughly $120) round trip for two, as I remember. You can use your visa or mastercard to purchase your train ticket and get the very best exchange rate. That was in 2000, so prices may have changed somewhat. I doubt they have changed a great deal, however.
There are elevators in Victoria Station. Don't be stupid like us, and carry your bags up the many flights of stairs from level to level.
In Dover, be sure to take the double decker bus tour around town and do spend some time at the castle. It is beautiful and most interesting. There are a lot of B&Bs very close to the train station in Dover. Often the proprietors of the B&Bs will take you to the cruise terminal in their personal cars. Otherwise cabs are available.
There are some wonderful pubs in Dover. Please have a pint for me. Cheers!
Please e-mail me at palmc@attbi.com, should you have further questions. You are also free to call me at 360 604-7041 and I'll be glad to tell you more.
Do what Chuck says and the enjoyment will begin when you arrive in England. This is one time checking bags through to the ship pays off.
If you're not comfortable with that, you might consider one of the services that ship your baggage from your home to your room on the ship and back. A bit expensive but you don't have to fool with luggage during any part of the journey and you know it will get there.
I agree. I just love taking the trains in Britain. They're clean, convenient, cheap, and comfortable.
Wise decision to spend a few days in London before the cruise. That way you can get over jet lag, and enjoy the many, many sights and attractions London has to offer.
Cheers,
Michelle B.
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Now posting as MichelleP.
As a londoner take the train from London Bridge to Dover Priory(closest station to port). There is a free bus connection to the port. A month return ticket is about £30 each
Hope you're not just posting that to advertise for that taxi company because you would need to have at least 6 people to put in the taxi, which obviously is not going to happen. They are the most expensive way to get from Dover to London, so it's only for those who have alot of money to spend. Taxis run about $200 plus gratuity (figured another $20 - $30) one way whereas a train takes less time and only costs $35 per person. You can also do a bus or the cruise line's transfers for less money than a taxi.
Pete
__________________ 45 Cruises & Counting! Favorites: Paul Gauguin to Tahiti: Uniworld River Cruises in Europe; any of the Celebrity Solstice-class ships; Holland America for 12-nights in the Baltics & Russia; RCCL for 14-night Greek Isles, Turkey, & Croatia; Holland America for 14-day Alaska cruisetour; 10-night Canada/New England cruise; 21 days in Hawaii including a 7-night NCL cruise; Oceania for 25 days in Asia; & 3 months touring Europe by train. And many days spent in all-inclusive resorts!
Also most cruise lines have shuttle buses that will take you from several points in London direct to pier. Good if you have extra luggage.
Pete, there are taxi's and there are taxi's. What you say may be true for London taxi's that would take you to Dover, but there are 'out of zone' taxi companies that are very reasonable. If you use Dover taxi over London taxi it is probably a fraction of the cost. For example, I like to stay in Windsor. If I take a London taxi from the airport it will cost an arm & a leg, but if I arrange pick up by Windsor taxi it is very reasonable. I'm guessing it's the same for Dover taxi and a good choice especially for couples with bags that would prefer the convenience.
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Pete, there are taxi's and there are taxi's. What you say may be true for London taxi's that would take you to Dover, but there are 'out of zone' taxi companies that are very reasonable. If you use Dover taxi over London taxi it is probably a fraction of the cost. For example, I like to stay in Windsor. If I take a London taxi from the airport it will cost an arm & a leg, but if I arrange pick up by Windsor taxi it is very reasonable. I'm guessing it's the same for Dover taxi and a good choice especially for couples with bags that would prefer the convenience.
Actually, it was the Dover taxi I was quoting at $200. MUCH higher than taking the train. Don't know what any of the non-metered taxis would be. We just took the train and found it comfortable, quick, and easy.
Pete
__________________ 45 Cruises & Counting! Favorites: Paul Gauguin to Tahiti: Uniworld River Cruises in Europe; any of the Celebrity Solstice-class ships; Holland America for 12-nights in the Baltics & Russia; RCCL for 14-night Greek Isles, Turkey, & Croatia; Holland America for 14-day Alaska cruisetour; 10-night Canada/New England cruise; 21 days in Hawaii including a 7-night NCL cruise; Oceania for 25 days in Asia; & 3 months touring Europe by train. And many days spent in all-inclusive resorts!
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