What to do with 5 hour layover in London?
Jul 24th, 1998, 07:17 AM
#1
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What to do with 5 hour layover in London?
My husband and I are going to Italy in mid-Oct. We have a 5 hour layover at Heathrow. Do we have time to take a train (or cab, or ? )into London and get back in plenty of time for the flight? If so, how much time and what do you suggest we see, do, eat? <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kym
Jul 24th, 1998, 05:40 PM
#2
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Well, since there is now a tube connection between Heathrow and central London I suppose you COULD make a quick trip into town--but I personally wouldn't try it. I'm assuming that, like most of us, you'll be arriving around 8 or 9 a.m. London time and, believe me, after that six- to nine-hour overnight flight, you'll both be ZONKED. There's plenty to keep you occupied at Heathrow (quite aside from having to walk long distances between planes)--all sorts of interesting shops and food places. I'd just stay right there so as not to risk missing my on-going flight--and make better plans next time so that I wouldn't have to skip London. <BR> Have a good flight! Joan
Jul 24th, 1998, 07:23 PM
#3
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It takes about 45 minutes from Heathrow to central london (Picadilly Circus). If you've got the stamina I suggest giving it a go. First find out when you have to be back to the airport, then go from there. You might want to head to Wimbledon which might be closer to you then central london. Write me if you have more questions I can give you more detailed answers. <BR> <BR>
Jul 27th, 1998, 09:26 AM
#4
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There is a fast train from Heathrow to Paddington station---15 minutes, 10£. However, 5 hour layovers are never really 5 hours, and the train could break down, or you could get lost, or any number of other things. I personally wouldn't risk it. We used our 5-hour layover in Dublin to sleep on the nice comfy couches they have all over the airport. Don't know if they have comfy couches at Heathrow.
Jul 28th, 1998, 11:49 AM
#6
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<BR>Unfortunately a 5 hour layover is not 5 hours in reality. It will take 30 min to an hour to get through immigration (I assume that you will have checked your bags all the way through and won't have to wait for those). You will need to return atleast an hour before your next flight departs. So now you are down 3 hours. The tube into London will be 45 minutes one way, depending on the traffic a taxi could be longer and much more expensive. So you are not left with a lot of time to see London. <BR> <BR>If you must get out of the airport go to Windsor. See the castle, or walk in Windsor Great park and stretch your jet lagged legs. Tthere are some cute shops there and across the river is Eton where prince William is attending and Prince Harry will be attending in the autumn. You can be there in 20 minutes by taxi (and there are plenty of taxis outside of Heathrow.) <BR> <BR>Incidentally, the high speed rail link from Paddington to Heathrow does not actually 'link' you to the airport. You must catch a bus from the train terminal to take you a couple miles to the airport! The total journey time is similair to the tube.
