Ashford to Dover

[cadreamer]

We will arrive in Ashford headed for Dover for a cruise. Can we expect to find taxis at the Ashford station to take us to Dover? What is the likely cost?

Do the Eurostar trains run fairly reliably and on time?

Thanks so much for any help.

[John Bull]

Yes, there'll be taxis ranked-up at Ashford station.

But it's about 22 miles / 30 mins to Dover, and since the taxis at the rank will be metered, for this sort of distance it would be a lot cheaper to pre-book a private-hire taxi at a set price.

Here's a couple frequently used by CC members:

http://www.dovertaxis.com/

http://www.folkestonetaxi.com/

As a guestimate, expect to pay about £35 to £45.

There are a few rogues out there - I found one quoting £137 !!!!!

 

Alternatively, take the local train direct from Ashford to Dover. About 3 trains per hour, journey time also about 30 mins, no need to pre-book, fare about £10 pp. Pay in sterling or by credit card.

http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search

Your journey is from "Ashford International" to "Dover Priory"

You will then need a taxi from the rank at Dover to the cruise terminal or any local address at about £10. Most will accept either USD or Euros (at a poor rate) or credit card, but check first.

 

Eurostar is generally timely & reliable, but there's always the risk of the system being thrown into chaos, for instance by extreme weather or a breakdown at a pinchpoint such as the channel tunnel, which is also used by frequent car shuttle trains & freight trains.

 

Do pre-book Eurostar soonest - it does sell-out, and it is a plan B for air & ferry travellers so any problem with either puts pressure on Eurostar capacity.

Also bear in mind that although Eurostar trains from Brussels or Paris to London are frequent, only a few stop at Ashford.

 

JB :)

[handfordr]

When you come out of the cruise terminal at Dover there is a board which states the taxi fares that you should be charged by licenced taxi's on the taxi rank in front of the terminal..

It currently says £40 for Ashford, £180 for Central London, £150 Gatwick Airport