I'll be ending a cruise in Southampton UK. Looking for a train to Heathrow where I will pick up a rental car. I need a suggestion on which train system is the most convenience. Time is not a factor. It would be nice if it were non stop, but it appears that they are not.
The most important issue is getting to the train station from the port. We can walk if it is a short distance. If not we'll have to do a taxi.
I think I would take the train from Southampton Central station to Woking then the RailAir coach to Heathrow
But if you're just going to Heathrow to rent a car, why not rent from Southampton Airport or elsewhere in Southampton?
Not sure which terminal you will debark at, but it is likely at least a half hour walk. Since you will have luggage, I would suggest a taxi.
For trains, go to the National Rail site. It will show the available trains, then send you to the rail company's website for purchase.
I would suggest taking a National Express bus from Southampton to Heathrow. I’ve done this twice and it works great.
Taxi from port to the bus station was about 8 pounds. Plenty of taxis available on debarkation. Advantage of the bus is very minimal luggage handling, no transfers required, and a lower cost than the train. The driver will load your luggage under the coach and it will stay there until Heathrow. You aren’t schlepping luggage around on transfers.
I don't know the terminal either. QM2 hasn't put that out yet. Yes, luggage so it would be a taxi for either choice.
Will look into the Nat'l Express bus. Would rather do a bus which would negate hassle with luggage on the train.
Thanks so much for the help.
The Queen Mary 2 is using the following terminals this year-
30 May- Mayflower (Berth 106)
6 June- ditto
20 June- QE2- (Berth 38/39)
24 June- 106
15 July- 106
18 July- 106
25 July- 106
15 August- 106
27 August - 106
that is as far as the calendar currently goes out. It is emphatically not a half hour walk from 106 to bus or rail stations. The majority of Brits would walk it.
38/39 is a different matter. That is a long way, but there is a bus to the dock gate and a designated walking path for the 20 to 30 minute walk, but not very ideal. That terminal also has an out of use boat train railway station.
