Marylebone, from the clinic door to the terminal

How do pickups from Harley Street clinics work?

Tell us the clinic, the appointment time and, if you can, the likely finishing time. The chauffeur will wait near the entrance and come inside to help if you would like. Many buildings on Harley Street and Wimpole Street have steps up to the door; if the passenger needs help with steps, or uses a wheelchair or crutches, say so when you book, and we will send a suitable vehicle and allow extra time.

Appointments often run late. The chauffeur will wait, and if you are heading straight to a flight, we will tell you honestly whether the delay puts the departure at risk so you can decide early whether to change it. For patients recovering from a procedure, the S-Class gives the smoothest, quietest ride, and the seats recline further than in most cars.

Can you meet patients arriving from abroad?

Yes, and it is one of the journeys we run most often here. The chauffeur follows the flight, waits in the arrivals hall with a name board, helps with the luggage and brings the patient and their companions straight to the clinic or to a nearby hotel. If there is time before the appointment, the chauffeur can take the luggage on to the hotel while you go into the clinic.

For repeat visits, we can keep a note of the patient’s preferences, such as the car, the entrance and any mobility needs, so that each journey is the same.

What should patients plan for when flying home after treatment?

Two things beyond the car. First, every UK airport offers free special assistance for passengers who need help getting through the terminal, from a wheelchair at the kerb to help boarding the aircraft. It is arranged through the airline, ideally at least 48 hours before the flight, and we can drop you at the assistance point rather than the general departures door if you tell us.

Second, time. After a procedure, rushing is the last thing you need. We suggest leaving a little earlier than you normally would, so that the drive, the assistance handover and security all happen at an easy pace. If your consultant has given you advice about travelling, such as keeping a leg raised, mention it, and we will choose the car and the seating to suit.

How long does it take to reach Heathrow?

About 38 minutes off-peak and around 55 minutes in the weekday rush. The usual route runs west along the Marylebone Road, over the Westway and along the A40, joining the airport’s northern side via the A312. Some chauffeurs prefer Park Lane and the Cromwell Road to the M4, especially for Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

The Marylebone Road is one of the busiest roads in London in the morning and evening, and it is the part of the journey most likely to vary.

Which part of Marylebone is inside the Congestion Charge zone?

The southern part. Everything south of the Marylebone Road, including Harley Street, Marylebone High Street and the streets around Manchester Square, is inside the zone. The Marylebone Road itself is a free boundary route, and the area north of it, towards Lisson Grove and Regent’s Park, is outside.

A journey that starts inside the zone during charging hours incurs the £18 daily charge. When it applies, it is part of your fixed price.

Is Luton a good choice from Marylebone?

For some flights, yes. Luton is about 36 miles north and takes around an hour via the Edgware Road or the A41, the North Circular and the M1. Chiltern trains from Marylebone station do not serve Luton, and Thameslink from St Pancras requires a transfer at the airport’s Parkway station, so a car is often the simpler option with luggage.

What about London City and Gatwick?

London City is about ten miles east and takes around 37 minutes along the Marylebone and Euston roads and through the City, or about 54 minutes in the rush. Gatwick is about 42 miles south and takes around 77 minutes, through Hyde Park Corner, Vauxhall and the A23 or the A3.

How do hotel and residential pickups work?

The hotels around Portman Square and Marylebone High Street all have a place where a car can stop at the entrance. For residential streets, parking is resident-only and many roads are one-way, so the chauffeur will pull up as close to your door as possible. The mansion blocks on the edge of Regent’s Park often have a porter who can let the chauffeur know you are on your way down.