jent103

Since it looks like next week's Tube strike may be officially on, I'm figuring out how to get to my hotel in Bloomsbury from Heathrow next Thursday without it! I thought I had read here that the strike this week had also affected the Heathrow Express (which surprised me, since I thought it was just a Tube strike). Is that the case? If not, it looks like I could take the HEX (or actually, Heathrow Connect would be half the price) and then bus #7 from Paddington to Bloomsbury, if I'm reading my maps right. If there's a better way I'd love suggestions.

I'll be by myself, so the thought of paying £60 for a car service is less than appealing!

TDudette

justariports.com is a bit cheaper if you want to check them out online (soon if the strike is a go). Just allow time to get through customs. It's so nice to go from door to door after a long flight.

janisj

Not only isn't the HEX on strike next week - they are laying on extra staff. But I agree - use a car service. It will likely take longer because of the extra traffic . . . but is it door to door and will cost less.

justairports won't cost £60 -- probably more like £35 or £40.

jent103

Thanks, TDudette - I actually checked them this morning, and will swear up and down that a rough estimate to my hotel leaving LHR at 10am was £60, but I just plugged it in again and it says £40! That does sound better, though I'd love to spend that extra £25-30 on something more fun.

I've done the car service when I've been with a group, and you're right, it is nice! Looking forward to stealing some of your London ideas!

jent103

Thanks, janisj, we were posting at the same time. Good to know about the HEX! Just curious - how would it cost less for one person? I was going to get an Oyster (so the bus would be "free") so that just leaves me the Heathrow Connect ticket, which is listed at £9.90 on LHR's site. Am I missing something?

http://www.heathrowairport.com/trans...athrow-connect

janisj

I meant less ££ than the HEX + a taxi.

But even w/ the Connect + a bus being cheaper, I'd use a car service. The door-to-door and not having to slog public transport during a strike would be worth a million bucks to me. The buses will be absolutely packed so even small luggage will be a hassle.

janisj

To give you an idea here are photos (tube/bus/pedestrians) during the strike. http://photos.denverpost.com/2014/04...ube-strike/#11

Especially look at photo #11 - that is just one queue (at Waterloo - but Paddington would be as bad or worse.)

PatrickLondon

Last time, the Piccadilly Line was running from Heathrow to Earl's Court, and IIRC the District Line was also running. If that holds again, it would be possible to use the tube (changing at Hammersmith) to get to Embankment, at which point a taxi becomes a reasonable option, or (if the Victoria Line is running) from Victoria to Warren St or Kings Cross, which should be within walking distance of where you want to get to. Though changing at Victoria, with luggage, wouldn't be my favourite option at the best of times.

However, the point is that the strike, if it goes ahead, is still unlikely to be 100%, so there may be options available using the tube. Keep an eye on the status updates on the TfL website before you commit yourself.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube-dlr-overground/status/

jent103

Thanks so much, Patrick! That's what I was hoping and wondering, but last week I didn't think to pay attention to the other lines, so lost my chance to look at alternative routes until this strike actually starts. I'll just have a carryon size suitcase (and am a very good walker), so I'm not that worried about changing lines even if it is somewhere like Victoria (or walking above ground a ways). Thanks to all of you!

jent103

Sounds like the strike is off - and there is much rejoicing! I'm sure more from Londoners than from me though. janis, hope you made it safely (and uneventfully)!