Gatwick to Southampton

Cross-country or motorway?

The shorter route runs west from Gatwick across Sussex on A roads, through Horsham and the South Downs towards the A27 and the M27 into Southampton. It is about 81 miles and passes through villages and market towns, with some single-carriageway sections.

The motorway route goes north on the M23, west round the M25 and down the M3, which is further, at around 90 miles, but mostly motorway. On a quiet day, the cross-country route is usually quicker; when it is busy with holiday or farm traffic, or on summer weekends, the motorway loop can be more predictable. The chauffeur compares them before leaving the airport.

How do you time a fly-cruise day from Gatwick?

Work backwards from the cruise line’s latest check-in time. Allow an hour or more at Gatwick for the border and baggage, around two hours for the drive, and a margin for delays. We suggest landing at least five hours before the latest check-in, and six on a summer Saturday, when both the roads and the port are at their busiest.

For an overnight flight landing at about 07:00, that usually works well for a ship that boards in the early afternoon.

Should you stay a night in Southampton first?

For long-haul arrivals, many travellers do. A night in a hotel near the docks, or in Winchester or the New Forest, removes the risk of a delayed flight or a slow road costing you the ship. The chauffeur will take you to the hotel on arrival, and we can collect you the next morning for the short run to the terminal.

What if the cross-country roads are blocked?

The route through Sussex relies on A roads that are occasionally closed for roadworks, accidents or, in winter, flooding in low-lying areas. When that happens, the chauffeur switches to the motorway loop via the M25 and the M3, which is longer but rarely closed. The decision is made before leaving the airport and adjusted on the way if needed. Your price is fixed, so the longer route does not cost you more.

Travelling as a group of friends or family?

Cruises are often shared with friends or extended family, and several couples may land on the same flight. The V-Class takes up to six passengers, but cruise luggage for six rarely fits in one vehicle; for a group of that size, two cars are usually better. Tell us the number of people and cases, and we will suggest the right combination and time the cars to arrive at the terminal together.

Which terminal does your ship use?

Southampton has several cruise terminals spread along the Eastern and Western docks. Tell us the ship and the sailing date, and the chauffeur will go directly to the right terminal rather than the port entrance. It saves a long walk with luggage and, on busy days, a queue of cars at the wrong gate.

What about cruise luggage?

Cruise lines send luggage tags before departure, with your ship and cabin number. Attach them in the car park at Gatwick before the bags go into the car, so the porters can take them straight to the ship on arrival. With a fortnight’s cruise luggage, two people usually need the V-Class rather than a saloon.

Private car or the cruise line’s coach?

Some cruise lines run coaches from Gatwick to Southampton on embarkation day. They are good value but usually wait for several flights before leaving, and they take everyone to the terminal together. A private car leaves when you are ready, goes straight to your terminal and can stop for lunch on the way if there is time.

When should you fly home after the cruise?

Ships dock early in the morning and disembark in groups. With a two-hour drive to Gatwick and time for check-in, we suggest a long-haul flight no earlier than about 14:00, and later if you can. The chauffeur meets you at the terminal exit and follows the ship’s arrival.

Can you stop on the way?

Yes, if the timing allows. On the cross-country route, the South Downs and towns such as Arundel are close to the road; on the motorway route, Winchester is just off the M3. On embarkation day, we will only suggest a stop if there is a comfortable margin.

Where will the chauffeur meet you at Gatwick?

In the arrivals hall of your terminal, North or South, with a board showing your name and, if you like, your ship. The chauffeur follows your flight and adjusts to delays. The fixed price covers the waiting, the airport parking and the drop-off at the cruise terminal.