What's the most efficient way to get to Heathrow (late morning flight) from a hotel near Russell Square on a weekday morning? One adult and one child are travelling. Any advice would be appreciated.

Efficient can mean many things .. money wise, time wise, comfort wise. <BR>for me it's comfort when dealing with liggage. We always use a driver pick up service and it is great. We use www.london-transfers.com and have been very pleased. Ray Skinner is the owner and very good to deal with. With a child and luggage I would not deal with public transportation at all if it were me. Ray charges a flat fee door to door so it is very convenient.<BR><BR>Other then that, I guess a taxi to Paddington Sta. and then the Heathrow Express, but it would probably cost almost as much as having a driver pick up service. I'd avoid the tube with luggage completely.

Lori, Thanks for your input. Not hugely worried about expense but about time. I've used Ray Skinner's service before and agree it was excellent but was a little concerned about morning traffic jams.

Russell Square is on the Piccadilly line so direct tube line connection - 50 minutes I think, but no changing at Paddington etc. Luggage may be a bit of a hassle - if you get a 10am tube, should be OK just with the 2 of you.

I've stayed in Bloomsbury while in London and have simply taken the tube. But I travel light - a 21&quot; rollaboard and tote bag, partly for this very reason. There are no traffic jams on a subway, so it is invariably cheaper than any ground transportation. And of course, it is cheap.<BR><BR>You will be late enough to avoid the commuter crush? Then the tube is a great option. Russell Square to Heathrow, no transfers involved.

Lori is right about a car service (London Transfers and Swiss Cottage are two of the best but there are many others). <BR><BR>But the tube is actualy a viable option from Russell Square. Much easier and/or cheaper than getting to Paddington and the train. Russell Sq. is on the Picadilly line so there are no changes - you get on at Russell sq and get off at LHR. If you are smart and traveling with light luggage I would probably opt for the tube - about 55 minutes. If you are lugging a ton of stuff, a car service would be better - about 35 to 45 mins dependin on traffic but much more expensive. <BR><BR>Part of my recommendation depends on how young a child - a toddler in a stroller and lots of luggage = car service for sure. A 10 year old w/ his own small bag = the tube.

Oops, that should have been *quicker* than any ground transportation....

Marie, we used Ray Skinner to take us to Gatwick in May. It was raining quite heavily but Ray arrived at our hotel on time at 6:45 AM. He knows a lot of &quot;shortcuts&quot; so he had us safely at Gatwick in about 40 minutes. I imagine he has a few shortcuts to Heathrow too! Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time; if you get there early like we did, just do some last minute shopping!

I was typing while everyone else was posting so I only saw Lori's response. Did not mean to slight the others . . .

It depends on how early. The trains do not start running until about 6am.<BR><BR>If you need to leave before 6am and your hotel has a concierge service, have them arrange a car for you the night before (they can probably even pay the driver for you and charge it to your room account.)

We've used Ray's company for late morning flights at Heathrow many times and had no problem whatsoever time-wise. Traffic has always been heavy coming into London in the a.m. but that is normal. Ray (and his drivers)knows short cuts too! We've usually gotten out to LHR in about 45 min. or even less. I think you will be just fine if you allow yourself a little extra time &quot;just in case&quot;.<BR><BR>

Thank you to all for such great information. You've really helped me sort out my options. Child is 11 so the tube sounds workable. We will each have a 21&quot; rolling suitcase. Hiring a driver also sounds quite feasible. I guess I'll see if money or comfort wins out!<BR><BR>The flight is at 11:30 am and the Virgin Airways sight says to allow 3 hours for check in. If I do the math correctly, sounds as if we need to be in transit by 7:30 am at the latest. <BR><BR>Thanks again. This is a great forum!<BR>

3 hour check in sounds a bit excessive - unless someone can say Virgin are really tough at moment. I would have thought 2 hrs would suffice.

Check-in time for flights to the USA from the UK is now 3 hours. Passengers to the US may be subjected to more intense security screenings. If you're not sure about check-in times for other flights from the UK, contact the airline for the most up to date info.

xxx,<BR><BR>I am a bit confused by your posting. I contacted the Virgin Airways site which is where I got the info to check in 3 hour before flight time. What were you responding to?

I go to London frequently, and stay near Russell Square. Coming from Heathrow I always take the Piccadilly line straight to Russell Sq.from the airport. However, when returning to Heathrow, I have found that the Airbus 2 is really terrific and so efficient.<BR>It makes a stop on the south side of Russell Square, where I pick it up, and I think also across the square in front of the Russell Hotel. Their bus signs are clearly marked, and and they have printed schedules which you can pick up at various places. I think they run about every 1/2 hour, and was about 6 pounds. The Russell Square stop is one of first stops, so you can get a seat up front on the second deck - fun, and very relaxing. I believe it was about an hour to the airport. Great way to go!

Nick - no, 3 hours is not &quot;a bit excessive&quot;. It really doesn't take that long but most of the transatlantic carriers are now advising 3 hours at LHR. Virgin has been 3 hours for at least the last 6 years. VS told Marie 3 hours so why would you suggest otherwise? MYOB

I'm with Sue about taking the Airbus A2 to get from Russell Square to Heathrow on a weekday morning -- I use it nearly every visit, and it's cheap, efficient, and comfortable. As she says, the stop is on the south side, near the entrance to Bedford Place. The problem with the Russell Square tube station, especially on a weekday morning, and especially if you have luggage, is that it can be extremely crowded and uncomfortable.<BR><BR>Q.P.