ABOUT DOVA
Built on trust,
driven by care.
Dova Travel started with a simple idea: Southampton deserves a private hire service that treats every passenger like family. As a local, bilingual driver, I know the frustration of unreliable transport — especially for Chinese families navigating a new city. Dova was created to bridge that gap.
Every ride is personal. Whether it is a school run, an airport transfer, or helping grandparents get to a medical appointment, we bring the same level of care and punctuality. No call centres, no strangers — just a driver you can trust.
WHY DOVA
What sets us apart
Bilingual Service
Fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We make Chinese families feel at home.
Always On Time
We arrive early, every time. Your schedule is our priority.
Fixed Pricing
No surge pricing, no hidden fees. The price you see is the price you pay.
Local Knowledge
Born and raised in Southampton. We know every shortcut, every route.
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 £120 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 drive a Vauxhall Insignia — a spacious and comfortable saloon with room for luggage and up to 4 passengers. Smooth ride, reliable and well-maintained. Licensed by Southampton City Council (PHV licence #0139).
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.