Luxury and long-distance transport from Whitstable: executive cars, cruise ports and UK cities

Luxury transport from Whitstable: the executive class

The executive saloon is the car for these journeys. It seats up to four passengers and takes two or three large cases, and it is booked exactly like any other journey: online, by phone, on WhatsApp or by email, at one fixed fare for the car.

For a group, the MPV seats six with four or more large cases, which suits a family heading for a cruise or friends travelling to a celebration together. An estate, with space for three or four large cases, is the middle ground for four people with a lot of luggage.

Long-distance journeys to London and UK cities

From Whitstable, every long-distance trip begins on the A299 and joins the M2 at Brenley Corner, which puts London, the M25 and the national motorway network within reach without a change of trains. Express Travel Kent covers journeys to London and to other cities across the UK, quoted as one fixed fare for the whole trip.

A day in London is where a car and driver differs most from the train: you are dropped at the address rather than a terminus, and collected from it when the day is done, without a late walk to St Pancras or Victoria with shopping bags.

On a long drive, plan the stops before you go. A stop in the booking is part of the fare; one added on the way can be charged, as can a big change of route requested once you are moving. Car parking fees and tolls on the journey, such as the Dartford Crossing or the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels, can be added where they apply.

Cruise and ferry ports: Dover and Southampton

Dover's cruise terminals are the nearer option from Whitstable, and the same port is where ferries leave for the continent. Southampton is a long motorway journey across the south of England and the starting point for many longer voyages. Express Travel Kent covers both cruise ports.

Cruise luggage takes room. Count the cases before you book and choose the car to match: the estate takes three or four large cases with four passengers, the MPV four or more with six. Give the ship's name and the terminal so the drop-off is at the right building, and book the return for the day the ship comes back in.

Ships sail at fixed times and the cruise line sets a window for boarding, printed on your documents. Build the pickup from the start of that window, not from the sailing time, and allow more for Southampton, where the M25 sits between Whitstable and the port.

Hire by the hour or the day

As-directed hire books the car and driver for a period rather than a single journey. It suits a day of appointments in London, viewing several properties, an evening out when you would rather not watch the clock, or a family occasion spread over more than one venue.

Tell us the start time, the first address and a rough plan of the day. The car is yours for the hours booked, so changes of plan within that time are simply part of the day.

Special occasions

Anniversaries, milestone birthdays, a dinner in town or a night at a London show: special occasions are part of the luxury side of the service. An executive saloon arriving at a Tankerton, Seasalter or Chestfield address at an agreed time takes the logistics off the people who are celebrating.

Book the return at the same time, with an approximate pickup, so the evening does not end with a search for a way home.

Planning a long-distance trip from CT5

The fixed fare does not change for traffic, a diversion or a late-night return. It is quoted for the car, so four people sharing an executive saloon pay one fare between them. These details help get the right car and the right timing:

• Every address in order, with postcodes
• Departure time and any fixed arrival time, such as check-in, embarkation or curtain up
• Passengers and large cases, so the right car is sent
• Child seats, with each child's age
• Whether you want the return journey booked as well

Booking and paying

Book online for an instant quote, or speak to someone on 01843 247247. Online payment takes card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna and Revolut, and the code ExpressTravelKent takes 10% off. Bookings are taken 24 hours a day.

Cancel more than 24 hours before the pickup at no charge. Between 6 and 24 hours before, up to half the fare may be charged, and with less than 6 hours to go, or once the car is on its way, the full fare may be due.