Sara

My husband and I are flying to London this Tuesday, arriving in the early evening; a friend is traveling with us. We will be staying at the Doubletree in Bloomsbury, near the British Museum. We need to figure out the best way to get there from Heathrow. Our friend thinks a taxi would be the way to go, but I suspect that would be really expensive. I see there is an express train from Heathrow that leaves every 15 minutes, and takes 15 minutes to get to Paddington Station. I figure we could then get a taxi from there to our hotel (she doesn't want to deal with the underground while we have luggage with us). The tickets are 18 pounds each. Would we save enough money by taking the train (3 fares), then a taxi from Paddington Station to the hotel to make this option worthwhile? Or would 3 people sharing a cab to go directly from Heathrow to our hotel be cost effective? We'll be tired, and I'd like to minimize hassle, but I don't want to pay an unnecessarily exorbitant amount, either. I see from the web site that there is a 5 pound sur-charge to buy the tickets on the train - can you buy them in the station, or are advance ticket sales online only? I'd appreciate any help figuring this out.

janisj

You do not want EITHER a taxi or the train. Not for any reason -- and especially not for where you are staying.

Take either a pre-booked car service like justairports.com or the tube. Since your friend is a pantywaist and doesn't want to take the tube-- use just airports.

It will be much cheaper than either a taxi or the train+taxi.

Sara

Thanks, janisj, I'll look into justairports. I looked at their website, and found it a little confusing; I couldn't figure out how to get a quote. I'll call them in the morning and see if I can find out more. This sounds like it could be a very good option.

dutyfree

You can also buy an Oyster card(which for around 5 pounds discounts using the tube and bus system in London and is reloadable) at the tube station at Heathrow to get you into town. You simply take the Picadilly line nonstop (45 minutes with no changes)and get off at the Russell Square tube station(all elevators to the top so good with luggage).It is quick and easy if you have limited luggage otherwise I would second Janisj's suggestion of justairports for transport-they are reliable and decent for the price.Both of my kids live in the London and Southampton and we have used them numerous times with no problems!

janisj

The site is pretty easy. Click 'On Line Estimates'. The postcode of your hotel is WC1. A "Saloon" is a sedan. An "Estate" is a station wagon. The occupancy/luggage of each is listed under type of Vehicle. If you have a lot of luggage you'll need an Estate. Otherwise a Saloon will do. Click cash and you'll see an Estate will cost £42 (A saloon is £38)

Sara

Thanks, it does sound like justairports is probably our best option. I have one concern - I've been reading about massive delays at customs at Heathrow, depending on what terminal you fly into (I don't know which ours will be). If we book them for a certain time, and customs takes hours, what do they do? I'd hate to think of someone holding a little sign with our names on it, waiting for us to emerge, while we are endlessly delayed in customs. Any idea how they handle this?

janisj

They understand. They monitor arrivals (that's why you give them the flight info).

They will adjust accordingly - the worst that will happen is a small additional "standing charge" (for the car standing --not the guy )

Sara

Thanks, janisj, you have been extremely helpful; I really appreciate it! I will try booking them in the morning.

avalon

Agree Justairports is a great shuttle service, and for 3 people cheaper the HEX and a taxi to hotel from Paddington!

Hooameye

"I have one concern - I've been reading about massive delays at customs at Heathrow,"

"Customs" are unaffected, what you've been reading about are delays at immigration.