Heathrow to Portsmouth

Which route does the chauffeur take?

From Heathrow, the car heads south on the M25 and joins the A3 near Wisley, then follows it through Guildford and the Hindhead Tunnel, across the South Downs and down to the coast, where the M275 leads into Portsmouth. It is about 69 miles, and most of it is fast dual carriageway.

The alternative, via the M3 and the M27, is a little longer and sometimes quicker when the A3 is busy around Guildford. The chauffeur chooses on the day.

Which terminal do you need?

It depends on your journey. Cruise ships and ferries to France and Spain use Portsmouth International Port, at the northern end of the city. Isle of Wight car ferries leave from their own terminal near Gunwharf, fast passenger catamarans run from Portsmouth Harbour, next to the railway station, and the hovercraft to Ryde leaves from Southsea.

Tell us the operator and the sailing time when you book, and the chauffeur will go to the right terminal, not just to the port.

Crossing to the Isle of Wight after landing?

It is a popular plan for visitors and for islanders coming home: land at Heathrow, drive to Portsmouth and take a ferry or a fast crossing to the island. For a foot passenger crossing, the chauffeur will drop you at the passenger terminal with your luggage. Allow at least four hours between a long-haul landing and a booked sailing, to cover the border, baggage and the drive.

If you would rather travel all the way to your island address, the car can cross on a vehicle ferry with you, if space is booked; ask us when you book, and we will tell you whether it is practical for your date.

How much time should you leave for a cruise?

Cruise lines give a check-in window, and the ship will not wait. We suggest landing at least five hours before the latest check-in time, and more on a summer Saturday, when the A3 and the port are both busy. For long-haul arrivals, a night in Portsmouth or Southsea before the cruise removes the risk and lets you see the waterfront.

Attach your cruise luggage tags before you set off, so the porters at the terminal can take the bags straight to the ship.

What if the crossing is cancelled because of the weather?

Isle of Wight crossings, and particularly the fast catamarans and the hovercraft, can be disrupted in strong winds, and longer ferry crossings to France and Spain are occasionally delayed or cancelled in storms. If the weather looks poor on your travel day, check with the operator before you land. If your sailing is cancelled while you are on the way, the chauffeur can take you to an alternative terminal, such as the car ferry instead of the fast craft, or to a hotel for the night. Tell us what the operator advises, and we will adjust the plan.

What about ferries to France and Spain?

Foot passengers on the ferries to Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, St Malo, Bilbao and Santander check in at Portsmouth International Port. The operators set check-in deadlines, which are earlier for longer crossings, so check your ticket. The chauffeur will drop you at the foot passenger entrance.

Visiting the Historic Dockyard or Gunwharf?

Some visitors land at Heathrow and head straight for Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, or spend the afternoon at Gunwharf Quays before sailing. The chauffeur can drop you at the dockyard entrance and take your luggage on to a hotel, or hold it in the car if you are only visiting for a couple of hours before a sailing.

Where will the chauffeur meet you?

In the arrivals hall of your Heathrow terminal, with a board showing your name, and if you like, your ship or ferry. The chauffeur follows your flight and adjusts to delays. There is no Congestion Charge on this route, and the price is fixed before you fly.

Coming back to Heathrow?

Ships and overnight ferries usually arrive early in the morning. After disembarkation and the drive, we suggest a long-haul flight from Heathrow no earlier than about 13:00. The chauffeur meets you at the terminal exit and follows the ship or ferry’s arrival.