UK Private Driver?

[dinanaw]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any information on hiring a private driver in the UK?  In-laws are looking to take a private car from Manchester to London and we're looking for suggestions. Thanks so much in advance! 

[SPacificbound]

1 hour ago, dinanaw said:

Hi all,

Does anyone have any information on hiring a private driver in the UK?  In-laws are looking to take a private car from Manchester to London and we're looking for suggestions. Thanks so much in advance! 

https://www.mmatransfers.com/transfers-manchester-to-london/

 

It will be longer by car then it is by train. 

[dinanaw]

2 minutes ago, SPacificbound said:

https://www.mmatransfers.com/transfers-manchester-to-london/

 

It will be longer by car then it is by train. 

Thanks, My inlaws have some mobility issues, so they want to avoid taking the train. This info is very helpful. 

[John Bull]

 

Most specialists in airport transfers can link transfers to the airport with transfers from the airport -  bear in mind that an operator won't be able to do this with a Manchester to London transfer, so the cost will reflect not only the 200-mile transfer but also the 200 empty miles back to Manchester. So the cost will be very high.

I have no reason to doubt MMA Transfers (linked by SPacificbound), but since this will be an expensive journey you certainly need 3 or 4 quotes to ensure that the service and cost of whichever operator you choose is in the ballpark.

 

I have no specific knowledge of private hire services in Manchester, so if it were for me I would google "Private hire taxi Manchester UK".

Manchester's a very big conurbation, so there'll be a lot to scroll through but there should be enough detail to figure those which specialise in long-distance (it's about 200 miles. 4 hours).

 

MMA's website says it's payment with booking - that's hundreds of pounds which you'll be entrusting to them (so only pay by credit card) and there's always the possibility that for whatever reason the in-laws might have to cancel the trip (so check cancellation terms). I doubt any operator will accept a booking with payment in full on the day, but competitors' terms may be more flexible or you might be able to come to some arrangement with MMA for a decent deposit and then the balance on (or before) the day.

And TripAdvisor may be more useful than Cruise Critic.

Always seek reviews, in any industry there are sharks.

 

I'm aware that train travel in the USA is quite fraught (lots of steps from platform to train, etc), but in the UK and most of Europe it's much easier - just one modest step, or even level boarding.

Major stations are also wheelchair-friendly, tho it can be awkward in smaller stations. So even if your in-laws are wheelchair-bound (I get the impression they're not) train travel isn't a massive problem.

Check google images for "Avanti West Coast train carriages in station"

 

For comparison against private transfer quotes, the train takes  just over 2 hours from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston, and advance tickets (available from about 10 to 12 weeks out) can cost as little as £37 per person.

To that you'd need to add something for taxis to Manchester Piccadilly and from London Euston.

 

JB 🙂

 

  

[wowzz]

What about flying to London with BA ? Depending on the flight time, it can be just over £100 pp including luggage .

 

[Harters]

Major taxi companies in Manchester will happily drive you to London. My brother in law used to drive a cab and loved such trips, as it was always extremely profitable (ven though the company would have agreed a rate with the customer). The in-laws will, presumably, know the major operators in their area of the city and I'd suggest that be the first contact.

 

FWIW, StreetCars is a major operator in the south of the city and holds an official contract with Manchester Airport. I've regularly used them for trips from home to the airport but have no experience of them for long journeys.

https://streetcarsmanchester.co.uk/

 

As already mentioned, this will be an expensive option and I would seriously look at the train option.

[Globaliser]

14 hours ago, dinanaw said:

My inlaws have some mobility issues, so they want to avoid taking the train.

 

1 hour ago, Harters said:

As already mentioned, this will be an expensive option and I would seriously look at the train option.

 

Trains are pretty wheelchair-friendly, and train operating companies offer assistance to those who need it (preferably pre-booked to guarantee availability, but this is not essential). So if the passengers in question don't even need wheelchairs, the train should be feasible. But it wouldn't have the door-to-door convenience that a car could offer.

[dinanaw]

7 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

Most specialists in airport transfers can link transfers to the airport with transfers from the airport -  bear in mind that an operator won't be able to do this with a Manchester to London transfer, so the cost will reflect not only the 200-mile transfer but also the 200 empty miles back to Manchester. So the cost will be very high.

I have no reason to doubt MMA Transfers (linked by SPacificbound), but since this will be an expensive journey you certainly need 3 or 4 quotes to ensure that the service and cost of whichever operator you choose is in the ballpark.

 

I have no specific knowledge of private hire services in Manchester, so if it were for me I would google "Private hire taxi Manchester UK".

Manchester's a very big conurbation, so there'll be a lot to scroll through but there should be enough detail to figure those which specialise in long-distance (it's about 200 miles. 4 hours).

 

MMA's website says it's payment with booking - that's hundreds of pounds which you'll be entrusting to them (so only pay by credit card) and there's always the possibility that for whatever reason the in-laws might have to cancel the trip (so check cancellation terms). I doubt any operator will accept a booking with payment in full on the day, but competitors' terms may be more flexible or you might be able to come to some arrangement with MMA for a decent deposit and then the balance on (or before) the day.

And TripAdvisor may be more useful than Cruise Critic.

Always seek reviews, in any industry there are sharks.

 

I'm aware that train travel in the USA is quite fraught (lots of steps from platform to train, etc), but in the UK and most of Europe it's much easier - just one modest step, or even level boarding.

Major stations are also wheelchair-friendly, tho it can be awkward in smaller stations. So even if your in-laws are wheelchair-bound (I get the impression they're not) train travel isn't a massive problem.

Check google images for "Avanti West Coast train carriages in station"

 

For comparison against private transfer quotes, the train takes  just over 2 hours from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston, and advance tickets (available from about 10 to 12 weeks out) can cost as little as £37 per person.

To that you'd need to add something for taxis to Manchester Piccadilly and from London Euston.

 

JB 🙂

 

  

The train would be a wonderful option, but there are some mobility issues that are affecting my in-laws' choice in transport. They do not want to hire a car, but feel it is the only option necessary. 

[dinanaw]

4 hours ago, wowzz said:

What about flying to London with BA ? Depending on the flight time, it can be just over £100 pp including luggage .

 

I will suggest that to my in-laws, but not sure if they want to go that route. With some health and mobility issues, they feel a car may be easiest. 

[wowzz]

4 minutes ago, dinanaw said:

I will suggest that to my in-laws, but not sure if they want to go that route. With some health and mobility issues, they feel a car may be easiest. 

I agree, but just thought I would give the option.

[dinanaw]

24 minutes ago, wowzz said:

I agree, but just thought I would give the option.

It's a great option, thanks. If I were with them, we would be taking the train (or a flight). Although they've traveled the world, they are nervous travelers and do not enjoy solo navigation. 10 years ago, maybe, but unfortunately not this trip. 

[Bob++]

My wife, who is wheelchair-bound while travelling, regularly uses the train. She books the tickets for her choice of train and then contacts the assisted travel people for the relevant train company.

 

It usually works very well and the staff are always most helpful.

 

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/accessible-train-travel-and-facilities/

[wowzz]

3 hours ago, dinanaw said:

It's a great option, thanks. If I were with them, we would be taking the train (or a flight). Although they've traveled the world, they are nervous travelers and do not enjoy solo navigation. 10 years ago, maybe, but unfortunately not this trip. 

OK - another thought.  Megabus, direct from Manchester to London.

 

[SPacificbound]

We spent a few days in Manchester some years ago, then train to London. Would not even consider a car, plane, or bus, but that's our comfort level. Everyone has their own needs. I hope the OP's inlaws are able to work out what is best for them.