We had a great transfer company we referred but he sold his business and since then things have NOT been the same. We received this email from him when we asked if there was anyone else we could use for this service. If you want to set up a transfer contact this man directly. There is no connection with B&K, we make no commission or referral just trying to give you a good source for transfers. We cannot be responsible in anyway for whether this works well or not.

"As to the transfers, yes there is one of my closest colleagues who can organise journey's for you. He used to Chauffeur The Saudi Royal Family and is happy to run at the same transfer rates as I did, his details below. I'm sure you are aware of so many so called' Chauffeur Companies' and sadly alot of them fall short of the mark and many are not registered, but some of us continually strive to provide a good professional service and I know he won't let you down.

Brian Higginson
higginson@lakewood3853.fsnet.co.uk

Just got the costs from Regent for their transfers.

Cost per person:

To/from Dover - London USD $150 (compared to $335pp by car)

Wow! Can't believe Regent is charging that kind of money for a bus trip into London. Are you sure the car/van (not thru Regent) is $335/per, or is that for the car/van? Either way, I'm glad we took the post cruise at the Goring with private car and a tour. What seemed very expensive doesn't seem so any more. We're going to see Mamma Mia the evening of the 13th as well.

For those wanting private transfers from Dover to London, or either of the airports try www.acxtransfers.com. Found that one on Google and the prices are much less than those talked about so far. For instance, Dover-London in a 6 pax van is $210. Don't know anything about them, but you can contact them online.

The acxtransfers price is in pounds, not dollars. However, that's still much better than other prices I've seen here. It converts to $378, but that's for 6 pax in a van. Smaller vehicles are less.

You may want to double check your conversion rate. Unfortunately, the British Pound is a little stronger than usual (or you can say that our dollar is a little weaker).

Expect close to 2:1 conversion while in the UK. The van will be a tad north of $400.

That's still pretty good for 6 people, compared to the other quotes. Ngaire has apparently already taken care of things for all the folks, using a different company anyway.

Yes, unfortunately I agree with John. We just came back from London and average exchange rate was 2.05

As I posted in a different thread , we were very satisfied with the transport company we used. Their website is:

www.centralchauffeur.com

I had tried to book a cheaper service also recommended to me, Eddie Manning, but he was fully booked for my date. His website is:

www.limo.co.uk

My daughter is living in England now, and e-mailed me some time ago when the pound went over $2. She cannot believe how expensive it is there, and she doesn't even live in London!

By doubling up, you can always beat Regent's pricing for most transfers, even with paying what seems a high price. Just takes a little extra works and personal rec's to assure good and reliable service.

I booked an 8 person van at 199 pounds per van about $400 per van. We are going to be 11 using the two vans as I bet we need that space for luggage.

http://www.adlg.co.uk/dover.htm

They have been very responsive and professional but I have never used them before.

Ngaire, when we were on VJ7 in 2004, Marcie arranged for a van for 8, (she can't remember the company we used), she requested a "trailer" for all of our luggage, and there was a LOT of it. Van showed up, but no trailer for luggage! You will be fine with two vans. Somehow, they managed to get all of our luggage crammed in, and we had a great "post-cruise" into London, where Jes and I got tickets at our hotel to Mama Mia, one of my all time favorites, and had some reasonably priced dinners in Chinatown abutting the theater district! No reservations, just walked around after the play the first night.

Olivia; Lynn and I are going to see Mamma Mia on our post-cruise at The Goring. On the way into London we're doing The Best of London by Car and Boat.

I have had that experience too Olivia, promised luggage trailer, then NO trailer. I never fill a van up anymore got to have "Plan B"

VJ7 and no trailer...it was amazing!!!! He got all the luggage into his van - Marcie, Olivia, Joanna, Anne and SO others - VERY tight squeeze but it worked -

So, is there some reason for not using Portcullis? That is, Frank Gelder? Just wondering, since they were so good to us last year.

Frank retired and sold the business and moved out of the Dover area completely. He was SO GOOD. I would have recommended him without any hesitation.

Portcullis is still in business but Frank did email me and told me things were not the same and referred me to the man who wont email me back. Who knows? I know several couples booked with Frank a long time ago whose bookings now stay with Portcullis. We will see how it goes for them. I think Portcullis is probably still fine.

I decided to try someone different since Frank had taken the time to email to use someone else. Looked on Google (where I first found Frank). I emailed about four services, the one I selected came back the fastest, had the best price, and answered some back up questions efficiently, so I decided to try them. I have my fingers crossed. I wanted one you did not have to pay in advance. Nothing worse than paying in advance and then no one shows up.

I looked at the web sites and compared. Not everything you need to know is on all websites. I would like to find the best all around choice as this is the one location you really need to have a private transfer. Did not check Portcullis.

There are so many services out there and probably all of them would do a good job. Anyone still looking here is a quick overview of the ones mentioned on this thread.

The one that cruiseluv used was more money and also had an 8% surcharge for credit cards. 245 pounds. Caravelle. 6 -8 pax with 8 in each I BET you wont get luggage in here. Could not tell if you had to pay in advance. We know she was happy with them which is sometimes worth extra.

http://www.centralchauffeur.com/

The one I am using is is 199 pounds and a 6.5% surcharge for credit cards. Caravelle. 6 -8 pax
with 8 in each I BET you wont get luggage in here. Can pay at time of service. I found discrepancies in pricing on their web for the 8 passenger vans. Some higher some lower. Either the web was not correct or these are all different vans.

http://www.adlg.co.uk/dover.htm

The service Cruiseluv tried to use but was booked may be the best at 175 (6) or 195 ( 8 pax bigger vehicle) pounds and NO surcharge for credit cards. They use different types of vehicles and state less luggage. Probably being more honest about that. No charge for waiting and late arrivals. Sounds the best value and they were recommended to her. Might try them next time and book earlier. Could not tell if you had to pay in advance.

http://www.limo.co.uk/

The one Doug referred is 230 pounds for an 8 pax van. 3 pound fee for paying in advance by credit card and a 10% surcharge for a credit card if you pay at the time of service. 8 passenger vans must be paid in advance.

http://www.acxtransfers.com

So many different prices but all pretty much in the ballpark. So probably there isn't much difference in any of them.

Portcullis is the one I had booked for Paul and I, and they responded right away. Now, however, I tried to get a quote for a bigger vehicle and even after two e-mails over 3 days they have not responded. I am not happy! :mad: I think I'll check with one of these others.

Judy and John, you are still wanting to share a ride I assume?

Susan

What time should we schedule the private pick-up in Dover? Alot of companies charge a waiting time after 45 mins. Is 8:30 good?

Heard back from Portcullis. They will supply a Mercedes Viano for 205 pounds. This is inclusive of VAT.

Susan

Susan, I wrote you separtely. Peter and Mark are joining us. If we can get a large van that will take 8 they seem to have the best price. I wrote them for a quote and availability. If not, we will go with Peter and Mark. But, a large van for 8 would be perfect and save all of us some $$$. Judy

If you don't mind driving on the other side of the road, Alamo/National car rental has an office a couple of blocks from the dock in Dover.
Jim