Suggestions, please ...

I've had to book a rental car to get from London to the North East next weekend. No public transport available.

I don't know if you will have got sorted yet, BUT, our local council is providing their own licensed cabs with screens face masks and sanitiser. I think I would trust one with a screen between you and driver providing you ask him/her to keep a window open. See if your local council ones are the same rather than just private hire firm.

Could you go by train? That way just a taxi ride to station and from station to new home. If you wear a mask it should be totally fine and better for puss cat too if you have no changes to make but very possible even if you do

No public transport available? Cat in removal van you on coach or train or even on public transport. Coaches have social distancing seating and of course you need to wear a mask. Dogs are allowed on why not a cat in a cage. Otherwise you may well be stuck with a taxi.

Remember to check whether the taxi driver is willing to transport a cat!

Some people are allergic to them, you know.

And the cat is unlikely to be silent all the way.

I hope it goes well. Wear mask and gloves and place the cat basket on a layer of newspaper and a plastic bag in case the cat wees from fright.

I saw an Uber taxi offering a 30 mile journey for £55.00. Your journey is 6 times that length so you could be talking about over £300. Also you could be charged extra for bringing a pet into the taxi always assuming that they would take an animal in the first place.

I can’t believe some are recommending planes, coaches or trains! All of those have air circulation systems which mean you are breathing air from everyone being transported. A cab is by far the safest option, with only one other person accompanying you. As others have said, check company’s Covid procedures . Good luck in your new home.

Could you put a plea out to friends and family for a lift? If you could pay their fuel, people will often help when you
least expect it. Or your local fb group, or even try asking if anyone from a group like round table would help. Finally if you have any link with the armed forces ask SSAFFA for help.

Get one of those plastic face guards to wear over an ordinary face mask which will help you to avoid touching your face and take hand sanitiser with you. I am sure you will be fine and good luck in your new home.

For next week. NOTHING from Heathrow airport to Newcastle (change in London).

I once took my cat wearing a cat harness - the cat, not me - on a long coach journey. She spent most of the time asleep either under the seat or on my lap. A train is even better and much cheaper than the normal fare if you are able to use a split ticket, and even cheaper if you have a rail card. A taxi would be my last resort.

I've tried to book a train. No trains available to book between Newcastle and London. I contacted Trainline and they said operators are only releasing train timetables very near to the date.

I'm probably going to have to rent a car instead

Someone suggested train / coach - cat can go with you in its basket.

I know Uber cars are popular for their cheapness. However there is a reason they can cut prices you will find they are not regulated in the same way licensed private hire and hackney cabs are. Licensed firm’s vehicles have to be tested every six months the drivers are tested and I have to prove that they are insured to carry passengers.

I know many people use them and everything has been fine but what happens if it isn’t ok?

.... and if in a cab, keep the windows open to allow fresh air to circulate. It might be chilly but it's healthier.

Have you spoken to your removal company? You might be able to travel up front with the driver - they are normally well spaced apart from each other and then offer to pay petrol costs for his assistant to follow in a car? It's got to be cheaper than a taxi?
Do you have a friend who has a people carrier where you can sit at the back?

I’d look at the rail option. I’m guessing the trains would be quieter at the moment? If first class is affordable I’d opt for that as more likely to get a seat more socially distanced from others. All the very best for your move!

London black cab..... extremely clean at all times ... bigger than most taxis.... and have a partition.! And to top it all they are very comfortable. Might cost a smidgen more... but it’s what I’d do! Good luck!

Blzzle. Take some antiseptic wipes. Wear gloves to get in the taxi (and a face mask all the way).

Sit in the back. Wipe down all the bits you are likely to touch.

I had to fly 2 weeks ago. I did this on the plane. Doesn't totally eliminate risk but it helps.

Keep the mask on religiously. Masks also stop you from touching your face, reducing the risk even further.

I am sure a taxi would be alright, my daughter has been using one all through lockdown.

Maybe even compare cost of taxi vs 1st class train ?
But I’m sure the taxi driver would be wearing a mask

I'd definitely try and go by train if at all possible. Partly for economy and also because, unless you are very unlucky, you won't have to sit as close to anyone as you will in a taxi.

I wish you happiness in your new home. Hope the cat settles too.

Congratulations on completing on your move.

You could travel by train and take the cat on the train, sedated in a cat box. My sister has done that.
However, that wouldn’t solve your virus concerns.
I think a taxi is the best option.

I also recommend speaking to your vet about sedation for your cat, which will help it to cope with the journey and the upheaval at both ends.

Wishing you and puss happiness in your new home.

When you book your taxi make sure there is a screen between driver and passenger and the driver wears a mask. I believe many taxis are doing this now.

Also, if you can, prepay so no need to speak to the driver more than necessary or handle money.

Can the cat go in the removal van in its cat box and someone meet it the other end, and you go by train or National Express coach? Not sure if removal men are allowed to transport live animals though.