Belgravia, quiet streets, quick departures

How long is the drive to Heathrow?

About 32 minutes off-peak and around 46 minutes in the rush. From Eaton Square or Chester Square, chauffeurs usually take Sloane Street to the Cromwell Road; from the north of the district, Knightsbridge and the A4. Both lead onto the M4 after the Hammersmith flyover.

For long-haul departures, allow around three hours from pickup to take-off. Evening departures on a Friday, when the Cromwell Road and the M4 are at their busiest, benefit from an extra half hour.

Does the Congestion Charge apply in Belgravia?

It depends on the exact street. Belgravia sits on the western edge of the zone, whose boundary runs along Grosvenor Place and Buckingham Palace Road, so much of the district is outside it and the streets nearest Victoria are inside. Our quote is built from your address and the route, and it includes the £18 charge only when a journey actually enters the zone during charging hours.

How do pickups work around private squares?

The gardens in Belgrave, Eaton and Chester squares are private, but the roads around them are public, and the chauffeur can stop outside most front doors for long enough to load. Many terraces have steps up to the entrance and a separate lower ground door; if you would rather leave by the lower door with your luggage, tell us.

Mews houses in Belgravia, such as those off Eaton Place, are often reached through a narrow arch. The chauffeur will usually stop at the mews entrance on the main street and walk in to collect your bags.

Can you collect from an embassy or ambassador’s residence?

Yes. Diplomatic buildings in Belgravia often have their own security staff and procedures, and some ask for the vehicle registration and chauffeur’s name in advance. Give us the building name and any requirements when you book, and we will send the details to you or to the embassy directly.

For official visits and events, we can also coordinate several cars leaving at set times. Tell us the plan, and we will match chauffeurs and vehicles to it.

What about hotels near Belgrave Square and Victoria?

The hotels on the edges of Belgravia, from those near Hyde Park Corner to the quieter townhouse hotels towards Victoria, all have a place where a car can stop at the door. The chauffeur will wait there and come to reception if you ask.

If you are arriving by train at Victoria and flying on the same day, the chauffeur can meet you at the station, and your airport journey starts from there.

How do London City and Gatwick compare?

London City is about ten miles east and takes around 38 minutes, via the Embankment and the Limehouse Link, and about 55 minutes in the rush. Gatwick is about 40 miles south and takes around 68 minutes via Chelsea Bridge and the A3 and M25, or through Brixton and the A23.

For Gatwick, the Gatwick Express from Victoria is a short walk away. For a single traveller with a small case, it is quick; with more luggage, the car from your door avoids the station concourse.

Can you move a household with staff and a lot of luggage?

Yes. Families leaving a Belgravia home for the summer or the ski season often travel with a nanny or a housekeeper, several children and luggage for weeks rather than days. One car rarely takes all of it. We can send two vehicles, usually an S-Class for the family and a V-Class for the staff and the bulk of the bags, timed to leave together and arrive at the same terminal door.

Tell us the number of people, the number of large cases and anything unusual, such as a pram, a dog travelling as cargo or skis, and we will plan the vehicles around it. For private flights from Farnborough or Biggin Hill, the same arrangement works, and the chauffeurs go straight to the handling agent.

Can you arrange a chauffeur who waits for a delayed departure?

Yes. If your plans might change at short notice, as they often do on official business, tell us when you book. The chauffeur will wait at the agreed time, and you can message us to push the pickup back. For an arrival, the chauffeur follows the flight automatically.