Paula15

What is best way to travel from Heathrow airport to Kensington?

Bpesta

Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station and transfer to the Tube to either the green line towards Wimbeldon or the yellow line towards Tower Hill.

http://www.heathrowexpress.com/Home

http://vlstatic.com/assets/maps/trav...ap_may2010.pdf

Paula15

Thank You!

isabel

Heathrow Express might be a little faster to some areas of London, but it is a lot more expensive and given that you are going to Kensington, it probably won't save you much time at all. And you'd have to change to the tube (or get a taxi, even more expensive) once in central London. The tube (Piccadilly Line) goes straight from all terminals in the airport to Kensington.

PatrickLondon

Just one note of caution - where in Kensington? There are several tube stations that might apply. But taking the Heathrow Express would almost certainly be the most inconvenient way, as well as the most expensive.

If you look up your destination on Google Maps (or Streetmap, to name just one alternative), you'll see the nearest tube station. If it's Earl's Court, Gloucester Road or South Kensington, then take the Piccadilly Line at Heathrow, it will take you straight there. If it's Olympia, then you'll need to change at Earl's Court. Only if it's High St Kensington is there a case for the Heathrow Express - you could take the Circle Line from Paddington; or you could take the Piccadilly Line to Earl's Court and change there to the District Line.

janisj

I do hope our OP comes back and doesn't think the question was answered! It is unfortunate when the first answer is so incomplete and possibly totally incorrect.

Paula15: Where exactly is the hotel (or flat)? That makes a HUGE difference. Many places that say they are in "Kensington" could be in South Kens, Earls Court, or even other places.

And how many of you? Seldom is teh HEX the "best" way to get anywhere except for one person going to Paddington. For two or more a car service is more convenient and cheaper. And depending on exactly whare you are going -- the HEX could be the absolute <u>worst</u> option.

Bpesta

Janisj - The Heathrow Express may not be right for everyone, but I have found it to be the best means when traveling from in from the airport especially when dealing with luggage. Without a doubt, a car service would be most convenient, but figured the person asking was looking for other means.

janisj

BPesta: "<i>I have found it to be the best means when traveling from in from the airport especially when dealing with luggage.</i>"

I can't imagine why you'd think that. A car service meets one as they exit arrivals -- no schlepping luggage at all and definitely easier than walking all the way to the HEX Station. Plus a car service is cheaper than the Hex for 2 or more traveling together.

But that's neither there nor there -- Even IF the HEX was best (it hardly ever is) since we don't know where Paula is actually headed your first post may be totally inaccurate.

Hopefully she will be back to this thread -- otherwise the HEX may be a very expensive mistake.

Bpesta

Janisj - I meant that HEX would be easier than the tube and did say that a car service would be most convenient. My assumption was that the OP figured as much and was looking for alternatives.

janisj

"<i>My assumption was that the OP figured as much and was looking for alternatives.</i>"

The OP posted one VERY short sentence -- not sure how one could "assume/figure" anything . . . Posting a 'definitive' answer w/o getting the details may have sent the poor OP on a totally inappropriate/expensive Journey (or not)

flanneruk

"I have found it to be the best means when traveling from in from the airport especially when dealing with luggage."

Transferring to the Circle Line ( "to...the yellow line towards Tower Hill.") with luggage at Paddington? That really has to be the single worst piece of advice in the history of any travel forum.

1. The transfer suggested takes you AWAY from any Kensington station
2. It is, simply, the most physically dangerous connection - ESPECIALLY - with luggage, on any major metro system in the world.
3. With luggage, the connection to a District Line train to any Kensington station is infinitely easier at Hammersmith from the tube than over the narrow, congested, steps onto the westbound District Line tube platform from a railway train at Paddington

alanRow

4. if it's rush hour then Paddington is one of the worst places to be with luggage (or without for that matter)

Bpesta

Ok, jeez. Sorry! It's what I did before multiple times and it worked for me. I didn't think I'd be lambasted on Fodors for giving advice.

janisj

As I feared -- paula hasn't returned to this thread to see the problems w/ the first response. That's too bad (hopefully topping this will bring it to her attention)

susan300

No wonder she didn't return Janis... your child-like provocative comments was not what she was asking for. This is supposed to be a civil conversation. Keep it that way.