Can anyone summarize the best transportation option and availability of tix in advance? We drive at 0640 and need to meet our group in Canterbury at 1700.
Thanks, Mike
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8392 posts
Your post makes me a bit nervous because it is always just a bit riskier to arrive the day your tour begins. That said, you’ve signed up for a great tour and I know you will enjoy it.
People are going to give you two main options.
1) hire a driver. This is a more expensive option, but some people prefer this.
2) Assuming everything is open, take the Tube to Saint Pancras station in London and transfer to a train going to Canterbury West. I did the tube/train version when I went on this tour and it worked well for me.
You can purchase tickets in advance through the National Rail website.
Posted by
Freedonia
15048 posts
For ease, follow Carol's advice.
Take the Piccadilly Line to KIngs Cross/St. Pancras. (No changes. It will take about one hour.) Then get a train to Canterbury.
Carol is right about travel the same day. If you haven't purchased your air tickets yet, think about going the day before. On my flight over last week, I spoke to a women who's flight was cancelled the night before and she was booked on the morning flight the next day. She was on the phone cancelling all plans for that evening since we wouldn't arrive until after 9 PM London time.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5811 posts
It would be wise not to buy Advance Train Tickets on this route, given the inherent uncertainties over an international flight. Just buy a ticket on arrival at St Pancras.
Yes it will be more expensive, but you would have to do that anyway if your flight is delayed, and lose the pre booked cheaper ticket.
Yes you can get cheaper Advance tickets even before midnight UK time the day before travel, but not worth the risk, as they tie you to a specific train. If you are early don't hang around for an off peak train- there is barely any difference between peak and off peak walk up fares on that route.
In fact as you say 'we' , just for that one journey it would be worth getting a Two Together Railcard for £30 and save 34% off the off peak fares. Arriving at 0640 you are unlikely to make the 0837 from St Pancras so will be on the first off peak train at 0937 anyway.
Not a huge saving, but a saving none the less.