getting from Heathrow to London with family
 

We will arrive early in the AM, with my 80 year old father. Should we take train in, or taxi? Any price info? Thank you.

Oh oh oh...arrange for a car/driver ahead. I assume there are at least 3 of you, with the requisite luggage. The train is not cheaper for 3 or more, the underground will be a logistics nightmare if your accommodations aren't near a stop, plus you have to get from either Paddington (from Heathrow) or Victoria (from Gatwick) to your hotel. Taxis are a bit cheaper, but there's nothing like having a chauffeur to meet you and your luggage. A couple of years ago, Gatwick to London, 6 person van, about $60. Simon met us at the exit from customs, he helped us with our luggage to the (curbside) van, and took us directly to our accommodations. I alone or with another insane travel companion, the train or underground. More than that (numberwise or emotionwise), a taxi. Extra "baggage" - be it valises or people? oh yeah a hired car/driver.

thank you for the quick response and advice - driver service it is - I saw that there is one called Swiss cottage an another to check out. Thank you.

Never never never take public transportation in from the a/p. (My opinion only, but we abide by it) use a driver pick up service. We use Ray Skinner's service. www.london-transfers.com. It's a flat fee (plus tip) and they pick you up as you come out of immigration (holding a sign with your name on it) and take you to your hotel. You cannot beat door to door, weather you are 8 or 80! Tell them how many there are of you and approx. pieces of luggage. They use mini-vans mostly, that's what we've always had. Check the website for prices, it's about 35 pounds total (for 2-3 people) and that includes the 5 pounds waiting charge. Going back to Heathrow it is 29 pounds because there is no parking involved. Please don't subject your father to trains and dragging luggage around (I don't subject us to that and we're considerably younger). The best way to start your vacation is the convenience of door to door! Enjoy your trip. (I've recommended this driver service many times and those that have used it were pleased).

For a price comparision can also highly recommend London Car Hire - joseph@euro-chauffeur<BR>We have used them several times and were more than pleased on each occasion.<BR>They will also meet your plane and transport you wherever you need to go.

I agree with organising a car. I used Swiss Cottage 44 207 431 2700 - no web site however and they were wonderful. After a long flight you do not want to be worrying about public transport, trudging miles dragginh cases or anything else. They collected me in a Mercedes and I just sat back and was delivered to the door of my hotel. It cost 29 pounds into London and 20 pounds out. The best money I spent on the entire trip!

We just used Ray Skinner last week from London to Heathrow and it was wonderful to sit back and not heave luggage (we really didn't have that much) from taxi or train. We were told it was cash only, so have some GBP with you. Ray Skinner sub-contracts out the transfer service at great prices in hopes of getting private sightseeing trips. Great service. We also used a private transfer company coming from Southampton to London off a cruise ship. RGBcars does private transport south and west of London, homebase is Arundel.

When we used London Transfers last year, our driver had no problem making an extra stop at an ATM so we could get cash; no need to hassle getting it before the trip.

Thank you for the responses.<BR>I have enjoyed checking these messages and the others; it is like talking to someone while waiting for a flight. <BR>We will arrange pick up.

stopping for money enroute???? There are plenty of ATMs at the airport which should be your first stop after immigration, whether or not you use a car service.

Just booked Swiss Cottage for two and it's 26 pounds this week into London and 21 to Heathrow.

Just returned from London. Swiss Cottage car service was GREAT. Used to and from Heathrow, and next day to Paddington Station. No doubt I would use again. Well worth the money.

Do you tip the limo driver? If so, how much? And would that very depending on the number of persons and the amount of luggage?

I plan on using Ray Skinner's service, but I have no clue how to book it. I wrote an email and they wrote me back saying to book it at their website. Three other people besides myself have looked and cannot find the link to book it. Any ideas or help? Thanks

I'm not sure what you mean by not being able to find the link -- I assume you have the URL okay? (www.london-transfers.com) <BR><BR>If so, you can click on "online reservations" which is right on the left bar of the homepage towards the bottom. A reservation form comes up if you do that.

Thanks for the help. I guess for some reason my browser here at work doesn't show that online booking link. I will try it at home!