1st visit to London~need validation please!
Jan 28th, 2007, 01:09 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1st visit to London~need validation please!
OK, I've read all I could and here is what I have come up with. Please tell me if this sounds like the best plan.
We are arriving at Gatwick and immediately training to Paris for 5 days then back to London for 3 and a half. I realize an open jaw would have been most convenient but I found r/t tix from LAX to Gatwick for $438 total so this is how we are gonna do it.
What I figured we would do is use the Gatwick Exp (w/the 50% off code, it seems to be the most effecienct and economical deal)to Victoria St. Once we arrive there, we would get a PAG Oyster and load up w/about 10 pounds apiece. Tube to Waterloo and take the Eurostar to Paris. We have already purchased those tickets and just need to pick them up at the station. I have allowed 3hrs and 50mins from arrival at Gatwick to when the train leaves for Paris. Hopefully this will be enough time.
When we arrive back in London at the Waterloo station we will already have our Oyster cards. Now I just need to figure the best way to get from the Waterloo station to our hotel in Kensington. It's the Hilton Olympia at 380 Kensington High St (I know it's not the best location but I rolled the dice w/Priceline!) Anyone know off the top of your head the best way to get there? Tube? Bus? Tube then Bus? I've read that the tube station nearest the hotel is not a main line and doesn't run frequently. There is however a bus stop very near the hotel, just haven't a clue which bus to get on and right now my brain hurts from all the research (especially those damn Oyster cards. Oi!)
Any comments, helpful info and advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time,
Lisa~
We are arriving at Gatwick and immediately training to Paris for 5 days then back to London for 3 and a half. I realize an open jaw would have been most convenient but I found r/t tix from LAX to Gatwick for $438 total so this is how we are gonna do it.
What I figured we would do is use the Gatwick Exp (w/the 50% off code, it seems to be the most effecienct and economical deal)to Victoria St. Once we arrive there, we would get a PAG Oyster and load up w/about 10 pounds apiece. Tube to Waterloo and take the Eurostar to Paris. We have already purchased those tickets and just need to pick them up at the station. I have allowed 3hrs and 50mins from arrival at Gatwick to when the train leaves for Paris. Hopefully this will be enough time.
When we arrive back in London at the Waterloo station we will already have our Oyster cards. Now I just need to figure the best way to get from the Waterloo station to our hotel in Kensington. It's the Hilton Olympia at 380 Kensington High St (I know it's not the best location but I rolled the dice w/Priceline!) Anyone know off the top of your head the best way to get there? Tube? Bus? Tube then Bus? I've read that the tube station nearest the hotel is not a main line and doesn't run frequently. There is however a bus stop very near the hotel, just haven't a clue which bus to get on and right now my brain hurts from all the research (especially those damn Oyster cards. Oi!)
Any comments, helpful info and advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time,
Lisa~
Jan 28th, 2007, 01:19 PM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the C1 from victoria station, or victoria coach station, leaves you at the door if i am not mistaken.
there are two other buses that go there and are great, but i do not remember their numbers right now.
there is a bus map route helper online, which hopefully someone else will give you the website. you can put in the hotel address and find out anywhere to go.
also, the bus information at victoria is great.
they are vey helpful.
you will have no problem at the olympia. it has great bus service and we frankly enjoyed going past the monuments and residential buildings everyday a lot.
in the evenings we always caught a bus at somerset house that took us right to the hotel.
there are two other buses that go there and are great, but i do not remember their numbers right now.
there is a bus map route helper online, which hopefully someone else will give you the website. you can put in the hotel address and find out anywhere to go.
also, the bus information at victoria is great.
they are vey helpful.
you will have no problem at the olympia. it has great bus service and we frankly enjoyed going past the monuments and residential buildings everyday a lot.
in the evenings we always caught a bus at somerset house that took us right to the hotel.
Jan 28th, 2007, 01:21 PM
#3
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
www.tfl.gov.uk - click on journeyplanner
Jan 28th, 2007, 01:23 PM
#4
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to add it also allows you to putany of the London Airports into it as an address so you can use it to go from airport to hotel or vice versa - have a play with the "advanced options"
Jan 28th, 2007, 01:48 PM
#5
Kensington Olympia tube station isn't a backwater or anything. Trains are only a little less frequent that other central London stations - nothing to worry about. Plus as lincasanova says, there is very good bus service right outside the hotel.
My big issue is you may not have allowed enough time to get to Waterloo for the Eurostar. Especially if you are checking luggage. You will have to clear immigration - which could be short or could be very long, and wait for your bags, the walk down to the platform and wait for the next train. Then queue for a taxi at Victoria, get to Waterloo international, retrieve your tix and check in 30 mins prior to your train time.
Your 3:50 certainly could be long enough. But if your flight is only 30 mins late, and/or if several long haul flights land about the same time and immigration lines are looooong - you are cutting it close.
My big issue is you may not have allowed enough time to get to Waterloo for the Eurostar. Especially if you are checking luggage. You will have to clear immigration - which could be short or could be very long, and wait for your bags, the walk down to the platform and wait for the next train. Then queue for a taxi at Victoria, get to Waterloo international, retrieve your tix and check in 30 mins prior to your train time.
Your 3:50 certainly could be long enough. But if your flight is only 30 mins late, and/or if several long haul flights land about the same time and immigration lines are looooong - you are cutting it close.
Jan 28th, 2007, 02:08 PM
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you have all your transport nailed down, really key to a great trip. And I have done that before -- Home-London-Home with another city in between, although I would have stayed in London a couple days on both sides of the Other City. Doesn't matter though.
The District Line goes to "Kensington Olympia" (a "3-minute" walk to the Hilton) and you'd have to change at Embankment or Westminster depending on which line you take out of Waterloo. I always ride the Tube but maybe you'd prefer the bus. It's pretty easy and fun no matter which you choose.
Congrats on the $438 tix and have a blast in Paris and London -- look at you!
The District Line goes to "Kensington Olympia" (a "3-minute" walk to the Hilton) and you'd have to change at Embankment or Westminster depending on which line you take out of Waterloo. I always ride the Tube but maybe you'd prefer the bus. It's pretty easy and fun no matter which you choose.
Congrats on the $438 tix and have a blast in Paris and London -- look at you!
Jan 28th, 2007, 02:16 PM
#7
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<<< The District Line goes to "Kensington Olympia" >>>
It's a spur line from the District Line and generally you have to change at Earls Court - plus it's only used when there's an event on at Olympia
It's a spur line from the District Line and generally you have to change at Earls Court - plus it's only used when there's an event on at Olympia
Jan 28th, 2007, 02:51 PM
#8
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's the bus map of all lines that serve Victoria: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/spiders/...toria-2277.pdf
As suggested above the C1 will get you close - or the 52. If they both go by your hotel, I'd choose based on where you board.
As suggested above the C1 will get you close - or the 52. If they both go by your hotel, I'd choose based on where you board.
Jan 29th, 2007, 03:00 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Victoria to Waterloo: 211 or 507 bus (507 is likely to have more room for luggage) - taxi if the timing doesn't look promising.
Waterloo to Olympia:
By tube - Jubilee Line to Westminster, District Line to Earl's Court, wait on the same platform for an Olympia train.
You could do it by bus, but it would involve getting your luggage around the outside of Waterloo Station to a stop opposite the IMAX cinema, and there isn't a lot of luggage room on most buses: 139 to Trafalgar Square (the far side, stop T), walk ten yards to stop S for the number 9 to Olympia.
You will probably become very familisr with the number 9 bus while in London:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/spiders/...ympia-2145.pdf
Waterloo to Olympia:
By tube - Jubilee Line to Westminster, District Line to Earl's Court, wait on the same platform for an Olympia train.
You could do it by bus, but it would involve getting your luggage around the outside of Waterloo Station to a stop opposite the IMAX cinema, and there isn't a lot of luggage room on most buses: 139 to Trafalgar Square (the far side, stop T), walk ten yards to stop S for the number 9 to Olympia.
You will probably become very familisr with the number 9 bus while in London:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/spiders/...ympia-2145.pdf
Jan 29th, 2007, 05:05 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
District Line trains have run every day to Kensington Olympia for several years. The story that they only run during exhibitions is very out of date. From central London, you normally have to change trains at Earl's Court. From Waterloo, take the Jubilee Line to Westminster, then the District Line to Earl's Court where the train to Olympia leaves from the same platform.
Jan 30th, 2007, 01:49 PM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is an alternative to faffing about with the tube/bus from Victoria to Waterloo.
Ignore the Gatwick Express and take a First Capital Connect (the new name for the old Thameslink franchise) train to London Bridge (there's 4 every hour and get a ticket to London terminals). Get off at London Bridge and wait on the same platform for the next train to Charing Cross (usually just a 2-3 minute wait). Take this train to the next stop Waterloo East (a 3 minute ride) and its then a step-free very short walk and escalator ride to the International Terminal at Waterloo. After trying the full range of routes over the last few years, I find this one the easiest - particularly if you have luggage.
Ignore the Gatwick Express and take a First Capital Connect (the new name for the old Thameslink franchise) train to London Bridge (there's 4 every hour and get a ticket to London terminals). Get off at London Bridge and wait on the same platform for the next train to Charing Cross (usually just a 2-3 minute wait). Take this train to the next stop Waterloo East (a 3 minute ride) and its then a step-free very short walk and escalator ride to the International Terminal at Waterloo. After trying the full range of routes over the last few years, I find this one the easiest - particularly if you have luggage.
Feb 1st, 2007, 09:11 PM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all the great info! I think I can figure it out now that you all have given me the basics I need.
janisj~ I AM concerned about making the train but the tix are already bought. Just crossing my fingers now. Flying Delta... wonder what their on time percentage is?
Fidel~ Thanks for the encouragement
We love to travel but live on a pretty tight budget so I have learned to search for the best prices.
Brighton~ Thanks for the tip. It's more expensive but I figure the peace of mind it will bring is worth a few extra pounds.
Thanks again for all the help and info!
janisj~ I AM concerned about making the train but the tix are already bought. Just crossing my fingers now. Flying Delta... wonder what their on time percentage is?
Fidel~ Thanks for the encouragement
We love to travel but live on a pretty tight budget so I have learned to search for the best prices.Brighton~ Thanks for the tip. It's more expensive but I figure the peace of mind it will bring is worth a few extra pounds.
Thanks again for all the help and info!
Feb 1st, 2007, 11:01 PM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You will get where you need to go. I went to Europe about 14 years ago. London was my favorite place for sights and for kind people. I will admit, I was homesick for some native English speakers! But you will be fine . Londoners are incredibly nice and, my goodness, English people are civilized . If you get confused, ask someone. They will help you. They helped me and I was just some dumb teenager. Have a wonderful time!
. Londoners are incredibly nice and, my goodness, English people are civilized . If you get confused, ask someone. They will help you. They helped me and I was just some dumb teenager. Have a wonderful time!
Feb 3rd, 2007, 06:19 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I belive that the C1 bus will take you from Victoria to your hotel door. It really depends how must luggage you have if you intend to tackle a bus or tube train. A good recourse that may help is www.londonvacationguide.com Good luck.
Mar 14th, 2007, 10:44 AM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm back with another question. I've read through all you very informative posts here about how we should get from GTW to Waterloo but I still have a problem. Brighton and others agree that First Capitol is the way to go. Sounds easy enough but we need Oyster cards. We can't get them at GTW so the fact that we will have to leave the platform to go buy these make this route any easier? Should we just do the GWK Exp? Should I purchase either of the tix in advance or is it simple (and quick) to buy them once we arrive? I'm still confused & really appreciate your input. Thanks all!
Lisa~
Lisa~
Mar 14th, 2007, 10:56 AM
#19
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TfL anticipates your every need! You can now buy public transit products aboard the Gatwick Express.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/press-cent....asp?prID=1072
Scan the travel groups to find 2-for-1 GX ticketing codes. This makes the ride cheaper than 1stCap (GX terminates at Victoria, but that's no big deal).
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/press-cent....asp?prID=1072
Scan the travel groups to find 2-for-1 GX ticketing codes. This makes the ride cheaper than 1stCap (GX terminates at Victoria, but that's no big deal).
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Daydreamer
Europe
6
Apr 26th, 2006 04:03 AM
