Heathrow Express
 

Hi, just looking for info on buying tickets for the Heathrow Express. The ticket machine seem set up for pre-bookings only.I would rather pay cash when I get there, so does this mean I'm likely to join a long line to the ticket counter.

And why do we need to wait one hour to collet the ticket. Usually when you buy a ticket anywhere you get the ticket right away, not an hour later especially after a long flight.

I've no idea what you're looking at merrin, but you just walk up to one of the many machines, put your money or, more likely, card in, and it spits out a ticket. End of story.

I suspect what Merrin may have lloked at is the website on which you can reserve HEX tickets. As I recall the instructions are that after you reserve on line you have to give the system an hour to ensure the reservation has been processed and would be recognized by the machine when the tickets are picked up.

Merrin: I honestly don't think there is any need to pre-reserve (which I have done in the past). You can simply buy tickets at the machine on the platform when you arrive..it only takes slightly longer, if really any longer, than having a reservation number in-hand to collect tickets.

I have taken the Heathrow Express lots of times and I have never had to wait in a long line for a ticket. Just follow the signs and you will see the ticket office - buy it on your way to the platform. It has never been a problem.

If you use your credit card - using the machines on the platform, you can only use your credit card once. Make sure you buy all the tickets you need at the same time. I bought one ticket,to make sure it worked, before buying the other members of the family. I had to then use another card which I fortunately had, the first transaction was through Visa and then I had to use my AMEX.I have no idea why they limited your card to once a day use. No waiting involved, straight off the plane and on to the platform. Not sure about actual hard cash as such.

The first time I used my CC to buy a ticket, I picked up the slip of paper & went into the carriage - then ralised I had the receipt but not the ticket. Luckily, the machine was right outside the carriage & the ticket was still in the machine. They look identical. Just be careful esp. when jet lagged!

Also, for 1 or 2 £'s more you can buy on the train.