Getting from Heathrow to our accommodations....
 

Hello,

We (family of four with daughters 19 and almost 16) are scheduled to arrive at Heathrow at 12:15 pm on July 7. I know that getting off the plane, collecting luggage, getting through customs and immigration will take some time. We will each have a suitcase/duffle and a carry on as well. Do you have some recommendations on the best/easiest way to get to our rental in Chelsea? We do need to stop and pick up a key - also in Chelsea. The nearest station is Sloane Square, and it seems like it's a 12-15 min walk from there. Don't really want to drag our luggage that far. Is it reasonable to take the underground to Earl's Court via Hammersmith and get a cab from there?? Would taking a cab from Heathrow be a better/easier plan? Don't want to spend a fortune, but I know that my wife and daughters would appreciate the least amount of them having the carry around their luggage and find room on subways. Seems like the cost of the underground would be cheapest, but when you multiply by 4 and consider the hassle, is a cab from Heathrow a decent option. Am I right in assuming that cab ride is about 60 GBP? That doesn't seem too bad. One more thing, should I exchange some money before we arrive, use an atm at the airport, or do the cabs take credit cards/apple pay? Sorry for the rambling massage and thanks for the advice. I appreciate the help.

Robert

Rather than taking a taxi into London, we book a car service: Just Airports which is a JanisJ recommendation. We've always had good service from them. Others here would be able to advise you on the underground connections if that is your preferred transport. You can get an estimate online:

https://www.justairports.com/?gclid=...IaAi6iEALw_wcB

Don't panic about finding cash, just about everyone takes cards, especially Black Cabs including tips, while car services will take cards. I'd book a car service given that the gang maybe a bit cranky after the flight.

That is a lot of luggage -- unless you can downsize I would not consider the tube. Long walk to the tube station at LHR, stairs in most tube stations - not at the LHR end though, keeping two suitcases per person corralled on a crowded train (assuming by carry-ons you mean normal sized rollaboards). Many people can manage with just a roallaboard and personal item each but if you are stuck taking that amount I wouldn't even consider the tube.

And a taxi would cost a fortune.

Justairports mentioned above is your best option - costs more than the tube but significantly less than a black cab. The amount of luggage means you'd need to book a larger vehicle but they give all the options on the booki.g site

Didn't see bilboburgler's post -- you'll have prebooked justarports so a credit card would be charged at time of booking . . . though they do discount for cash payment on arrival. Even if you opt for cash payment you still must prebook.

cab from LHR to Chelsea would cost more than £60 for sure. Minimum of £75-ish and could be much more if during the day/heavy traffic. The good thing with a car service like Just Airports is its a flat fee no matter how long the journey takes and with London traffic it could take a really long time.

You won't need cash ££ if you pre-pay JA but I do like to have some cash on me. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, where you might have quite a wait for luggage -- LHR can be fast or extremely slow gettin the bags on to the carousels. When using the ATM be sure to decline having the withdrawal calculated in $$ or what ever your home currency is. Always decline that 'convenience' and have it calculated in ££

Another vote for justairports. It is not THAT expensive to western areas of London, like Chelsea.

Thank you very much!

Also, just got back from Japan where my group of 6 brought larger suitcases for a 16 day trip. It's really helpful to cull your items down to a carryon and put toiletries in travel size containers. If your apt has a washer/dryer, can you wash clothes? I got by with 2 pairs of pants and a handful of shirts since my hotels had washing machines, and didn't regret not having more clothes. Just a tip if that helps you make the argument with your daughters, though teens do have more of a wish to look their best, so you may not win the argument. :)

I'd ask the kids to pay for their luggage costs. That might make them think ;-)

I think my explanation of our luggage may be misleading. We all will have a suitcase (purchased yesterday). They are not huge, maybe 25" and the carry on would be a backpack or something similar - not a large suitcase and a small carry on suitcase. Yes, we will have washers available at all but one of our 5 stops, so doing laundry will be easier. With 4 suitcases and 4 backpacks still not a fun way to navigate public transport.

Thanks again - Robert

Oh, yes, your luggage situation is much better than ours was! Good job! One thing I find helpful is to carry an extra, light, packable/crushable bag for those gifts I've bought while on vacation, so by the time I leave, I usually check my suitcase and have a new carry-on. Just something to think about if your teens end up buying clothes or other things while there. Have a great vacation!