We (two of us) are arriving in Gatwick at 5:15 PM on May 7th, and continuing on to Canterbury to join the RS Villages of South England tour. I don't want to purchase advance train tickets to travel from Gatwick to Canterbury in case the flight is delayed. Walk-up train tickets appear to cost around 45 pounds each. Another travel option would be a car service that would cost just a little more than two train tickets.
Which is the better option - train or car service?
The rail journey will probably involve heading into London and out again, so I'd recommend the car journey instead.
Actually there is a not via London route for £20.90 each that is roughly the same time as going into London and out again on HS1.
I have made my main reply in the transport section.
Since you asked for the best way, consider a private car service. After a long flight, some jet lag, not being familiar with the area, there is nothing better than having your private driver meet you inside the terminal and whisk you to your destination. It is not the cheapest way -- but for two people it usually doesn't cost that much more. We used Canterbury Airport Transfers from Heathrow and were very pleased. They met us inside the terminal, escorted us to the car, and gave us a pleasant drive right to the hotel in Canterbury. We sent an email and they answered us with a quote within 24 hours. The cost about a year ago was 90 pounds and we were able to pay cash at the end of trip but did not have to pay in advance. They will accept credit cards if you like. Email address is [email protected]
You always have to weigh up the convenience aspect - but note that it is more than twice the price, not just a little more as you were thinking where the choice might have been more obvious. The train journey is a bit over 2 hours.
Just to clarify - the walk-up train ticket price would be around 90 pounds for the two of us. The car service is 90-100 pounds including door to door service. We have decided the use the car service.
Thanks for your help.
The walk-up fare for two at 17:15 is not £90, it is £41.80.
I don't necessarily disagree that a private hire car is the wrong choice on convenience though.
