ABOUT DOVA
Built on trust,
driven by care.
Dova Travel started with a simple idea: Southampton deserves a private hire service that feels clear before travel day, especially for Chinese-speaking families arranging airport arrivals, cruise luggage or parents visiting from overseas. Every ride is handled with the same discipline: confirm the route, confirm the pickup detail, explain the fare, then keep the passenger updated. No call-centre handoff, just local support from enquiry to drop-off.
Book your first ride with clear pricing, local support and Chinese-friendly communication from enquiry to drop-off.
WHY DOVA
What sets us apart
Chinese-friendly service
English, Mandarin and Cantonese support helps families confirm pickup points, luggage needs and travel-day changes clearly.
Planned before travel day
Airport, cruise and family journeys are checked upfront so pickup time, waiting rules and passenger details are not improvised at the kerb.
Fixed pricing first
Quoteable routes show a fixed fare before payment. If vehicle size or route detail needs review, we say so before you commit.
Southampton-based knowledge
Local airport, cruise terminal and family pickup experience helps reduce wrong entrances, missed handoffs and last-minute confusion.
FAQ
Common questions
How far in advance do I need to book?
We recommend 24 hours ahead, but we can often accommodate same-day bookings depending on availability. For airport transfers, booking at least 48 hours in advance is ideal.
Do you provide child seats?
Yes — child seats and booster seats are available at no extra charge. Just let us know the age of your child when booking and we will have the right seat ready.
What if my flight is delayed?
We track flights in real-time and adjust the pickup when possible. Airport pickups include 30 minutes of free waiting from arrival. If delays become material, message us so we can confirm the updated plan.
What is your cancellation policy?
More than 24 hours before pickup: free cancellation. If the driver has not arrived yet, late cancellations may incur a charge. Once the driver has arrived, the trip follows the included waiting window first, then waiting or no-show charges may apply.
What happens if I add a stop or change the route?
Extra stops or route changes may change the price. Small changes under 1 mile are usually not charged, but larger route differences are quoted before we apply them. Driver detours are not charged to the customer.
How are cleaning or damage charges handled?
We only review cleaning or damage charges when supporting evidence is provided. Serious deep-clean cases require a receipt; if a receipt is unavailable, the driver must explain why before any charge is reviewed.
How do complaints work?
We aim to acknowledge complaints within 2 hours, give a first human response within 24 hours, and resolve standard complaints within 3 business days. Safety-related complaints are escalated for same-day handling.
Can I speak Chinese with you?
Absolutely. We speak Mandarin and Cantonese, so you can contact us in Chinese from booking through to drop-off.
How much does a taxi from Southampton to Heathrow cost?
A private hire transfer from Southampton to Heathrow with Dova Travel starts from £145 for up to 4 passengers. The price is fixed at booking — no surge pricing, tolls or hidden fees. The journey takes approximately 80 minutes.
Do you do cruise terminal transfers?
Yes. We cover all Southampton cruise terminals — Ocean Terminal, City Cruise Terminal and Mayflower Terminal. Transfers start from £15 and include luggage assistance. We also do early morning pickups.
What car do you drive?
We currently use a Vauxhall Insignia estate: a comfortable, well-maintained private hire car with space for up to 4 passengers and luggage. For larger groups or heavy luggage, the quote flow will flag MPV or vehicle review needs before payment.
Are you available 24/7?
We accept bookings 7 days a week including bank holidays and early mornings for airport or cruise transfers. For the best availability, book at least 24 hours in advance.
How do I pay?
We accept card payments online via Stripe (at booking or on completion) and cash to the driver. For airport transfers, you can also hold a card and pay after your trip.