Heathrow Express
 

I am planning to take the Heathrow Express from the airport into London. What is the cheapest place to buy these tickets?
Also, can I rent a cell phone at Heathrow?
Where can I change US dollars to UK pounds most economically?
Thanks

The Heathrow Express is very very expensive and may not always be all that much faster than other modes of public transport in from Heathrow say the tube. You also have to add on the "inconvenience" of cabbing or tubing from Paddington to wherever you're staying. Yes it's somewhat more comfortable than the tube, I don't question that for one second. But is it worth paying 7 times as much? As far as ticketing, you can buy the tickets from machines or on the train using a credit card.

No need to rent a phone in this day and age. Go to ebay and buy an unlocked gsm or smart phone and upon arrival in London nip off either to a mobile phone dealer (carphonewarehouse or phones4u or a shop of one of the networks. If voice is yor prime reasn to have a mobile phone, you can buy for about $20 US (or the equivalent wherever you are from) on ebay an unlocked gsm phone and pick up a sim card in London. You may even see representatives from Lebara in the arrivals area at Heathrow or on the way to the Heathrow Express or the tube station if you decide to get into London that way.

In the 21st century, you don't exchange US dollars for sterling. You use your ATM card hopefully from a bank which doesn't charge fee for withdrawals from foreign ATM's and stock up with sterling. Loads of them at Heathrow and in Great Britain, you will be shocked to find that as far as credit card use is concerned, London especially is no different than New York. They take credit cards for most everything everywhere including the Heathrow Express, the tube stations, the fast food restaurants, the theatres, the grocery stores (I always stock up on a coke and some chips at a grocery for half time when I attend the theatre or as they call it in London the interval) yada yada yada. Youmight find, as I did just last month, that I spent an entire week in London and never once paid cash for anything and believe me I'm not a high roller. From morning to night, it was my credit card with no foreign transaction fee and a 1% cash rewards (2% for grocery) and came hme with the £10 bank note I withdraW AT hEATHROW.

after ALL, WE'RE LIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY.

Thanks for responding but I could do with out the condescending tone.
I know very well it is the 21st century and I am an experienced world traveler. I have not been to London for many years and was looking for some up to date information which, in my experience, Fodorites offer generously.

The Heathrow Express is well worth the money as far as I am concerned. I have taken it a number of times. It is fast, clean, efficient and easy, all of which are important for a senior traveler. The extra cost is woth it to me; it might not be for you and that is your personal decision. Mine is to take it. I don't like to overpay, however, and so I always look for any discounts that are available and that Fodorites sometimes know about.

As far as a cell phone, both my husband and I need them for business. If I have to "nip off to a mobil phone dealer" to get a sim card I'd prefer to just buy a prepaid phone at that same dealer to use while in London.

As far as cash vs credit card vs ATM card, sometimes cash works better than the options. I've had my ATM card rejected in Europe, for example, for various reasons beyond my control and always like to have some local currency as a back up.

What I asked for in my post were recommendations for the most economical and efficient ways to do the things I know I want to do.

I replied to your other thread.

I agree with the above recommendation. Buy the phone and sim rather than rental. Here's an example: http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mob...lourCode=BLACK

Phone shops are fairly ubiquitous.

Heathrow Express tickets are fixed price. Afaik, there's no way to get them cheaper anywhere. Probably best to buy at the airport either at the counter or at the ticket machine. If that is the most convenient means to transport for you, then by all means. I think what xyz means is that unless you're staying near paddington, it's usually more convenient to either book a car service or take the tube.

Money: ATMs in general are the best places to get GBP . They tend to be more convenient and a much better deal than any other service. There are several in Heathrow. If you need a bulk amount that you can't get at an ATM normally, it might be worth talking to your bank about increasing the limit for a limited time.

The Heathrow Express is very very expensive and may not always be all that much faster than other modes of public transport in from Heathrow say the tube>

rubbish - Heathrow Express is dependably 20 minutes - tube can take an hour - and the Heathrow Express is infinitely more comfy than a crowded tube train - especially with luggage - a relaxed way in vs mobbed tube trip where you may have to change trains.

And pardon some Fodorgarchs 'condescending attitude - it is unfortunately endemic here - sad but tis true.

I'm sorry Sussex....I re-read my reply and don't see anything condescending in its tone. I was just reporting the facts ass others have related. A few years ago, two executives decided to test out the Heathrow Express vs. the tube from central London...the Hex won...by about five minutes. The fact is if yu want to pay the price for the additional comfort, fine. That's your decision. Others might not feel the savings in time are that important.

I'm sorry if you thought I was being condescending. I really can be at times but not in this case!

PalenQ...True 20 minutes from Heathrow to Paddington. Then what? If you're staying near Paddington, yes. But what if you're on your way say to Convent Garden area. So now you either have to take a cab, fight through London traffic or get on the tube anyway rather than a direct tube ride on the Picadilly line to Convent Garden.

Like I said, I didn't imply everybody should do things the same way. If it's worth it to you, after all you're on holiday, than fine. That's your decision. Me? I would rather spend my money on other things but you know the bottom line?

When all is said and done given the amount of money you're spending, it probably doesn't make all that much of a difference now does it?

As I have suggested in another thread...the Heathrow Connect is almost as fast and about half the price. It makes a few more stops then the HEX but is much more economical.

Currently Heathrow Express is offering a deal online. You can buy 2 round trip tickets for £ 50. The 2 people must travel together. Just airports quoted £70 round trip from LHR to trafalgar area. Adding cab fare between Paddington and Trafalgar onto the HEX fare may be slightly more expensive than the Just Airports option. HEX may be slightly faster as it will not be affected by traffic between airport and the city.

Let your personal preferences decide.

<i>PalenQ on Aug 9, 13 at 9:08am
The Heathrow Express is very very expensive and may not always be all that much faster than other modes of public transport in from Heathrow say the tube>
rubbish - Heathrow Express is dependably 20 minutes - tube can take an hour - and the Heathrow Express is infinitely more comfy than a crowded tube train - especially with luggage - a relaxed way in vs mobbed tube trip where you may have to change trains.</i>

Ditto PalenQ. My HEX ride was 15 minutes. From Paddington I walked to my hotel. The Tube is overcrowded 16 hours a day. Cabs are nice and roomy. London cabbies are honest and interesting folks.

Just you wait until Janisj sees your questions. You have only experienced the Fodor pussycats so far. Janis will eat you for breakfast for considering the Heathrow Express.

Sussex, look: you're asking about the least expensive way to take an expensive action. The best answer is newtome's, provided that you arrive at one of the terminals serviced by the Heathrow Connect.

The other issue is where you're staying. If near Paddington, all well and good. If elsewhere, a 32-35 quid car service would be more efficient and less expensive than H'Ex plus cab and far less hassle for two senior businesspeople than H'Ex plus tube.

And just because xyz isn't all rainbows-and-lollipops-and-unicorns doesn't mean he was condescending. There's good and useful info in that response re: the phones. There's also dead-on information about cash exchanges. Make sure your ATM is on an international network (Cirrus/Plus) and you ought to be fine. Otherwise, there is no economical way to change money at the airport b/c you'll be subject to airport markups on cash-to-cash exchange.

...ah I see. When I hit the a key on my keyboard, I sometimes hit the caps lock and it seems like I'm shouting. Myh eye sight is not as good as it should be what with cataracts and old age and sometimes I miss that I have done that and it's difficult for me to read my responses before they're posted and then it's too late.

Again, I did not mean to be condescending and I can now see where you might have thought so. As far as the remark about the 21st century, let me put it this way. Since May q, and that includes a European cruise and holiday, I have not spent one cent in cash whether I'm here at home (ever since the Chinese take out place down the street started accepting credit cards)or during my holiday. The ability to do EVERYTHING (caps deliberate) or just about everything via credit card to me is the wayI live in the 21st century.

But I do remember a time when I visited Europe as a student many many moons ago and was told to bring travelers cheques (rember them and remember Karl Malden don't leave home without them) and lined up as I entered each country to exchange for pounds or Frnch francs or guilders or marks or lira or whatever. I just can't imagine going back and living that way. Newspapers? Haven't bought a newspaper in 20 years and read the newspapers every morning on line for frère (even the NY Times despite their silly paywall; it's easy to beat as well as the Wall Street Journal. Again to me this is the 21st century. It is simply not meant to be a condescending remark.

However please bear with an old man with bad eyesight.

xyz123,

You are forgiven.
I am an old lady, married to an old man. I can't read without my reading glasses and have trouble with my knees. My DH can't hear a thing without his hearing aids and can't see past his nose without his glasses. So I know whereof you speak.

That being said, we love to travel and try to do it frequently. We spend on the luxuries that matter to us and save money on those that don't. On this trip we are not paying for our airfare or our hotel thanks to the 2 different credit cards we use for virtually every purchase. But. As I said before, sometimes you need cash. I don't read newspapers online -- I don't enjoy it -- so I need cash to pay for a paper, or a pretzel on the street, or the random bottle of water, and it is often just not worth to effort to pay by credit card.

So, I travel with a credit card that does not charge a conversion fee, an ATM card that charges a minimal fee, and cash for those moments when I need/want some. Its a personal choice. As far as the Heathrow express being an expensive option, I agree. It is expensive. But I prefer it to the tube for the convenience and speed and I prefer it to a cab because I don't enjoy sitting in London traffic. Since it is expensive it seems smart to me to try to find the cheapest way possible to travel that way. I spend money on what is important to me but I don't like to pay more than I have to for those things.

It boils down to - there are circumstances when the HEX is the best option but those circumstances are rare

For most people the simplest, quickest and cheapest option is the Tube, for most other people especially groups a car service gives the best overall option

If you are in the remaining set of people then you might want to consider the HEX but if you are arriving early on a weekday then the HEX will put you in Paddington in the rush hour when any other form of transport will be hard to get

One wonders how the over-priced Heathrow Express stays in operation - seems only idiots would ride it. Well it does stay in business because it is a plush fast way into the city especially for those with luggage - get a taxi from Paddington then to where you want to go.

>>Just you wait until Janisj sees your questions. You have only experienced the Fodor pussycats so far. Janis will eat you for breakfast for considering the Heathrow Express.<<

Reporting for duty :)

That should be >>there are circumstances when the HEX is the best option but those circumstances are <B><red>very</B></red> rare<<

If one is staying right AT Paddington - then sure. But why would one stay there? If one is catching a train from Paddington to elsewhere - fine (unless it happens to be to Bath or Oxford which are easier and cheaper just taking express coach right for LHR)

The HEX fare is just the beginning. Then one has to queue for a taxi (and on a weekday AM, queue for quite a long time) to get to where ever you are actually going. Depending on the final destination, there is another £10-£30 cab fare. Plus there is the schelpp at the LHR end.

The HEX is fast - but gets you nowhere. The HEX is comfortable - but a car service is easier. The HEX is expensive. nuff said.

HEX + taxi is almost always more than a car service and the car service usually doesn't take much longer. The HEX as "plush"? Not IMO, it's nice, but I'd I'd never call it plush. The Orient Express is plush.

Why the heck does anyone pay that exorbitant fare to ride a train that takes you nowhere of use - well lots of folk do and that is why the HEX is profitable - oh so so many dupes!

The Heathrow Express is the preferred option of anyone not on a starvation budget - 15 minutes to Paddington, which has superb tube and bus connections to anywhere in London or you can take a taxi and IME the waits for taxis is not so so long and so what - another 10 minutes waiting in queue beats coping with an often mobbed SRO Tube ride in.

So I do, at my peril of being eaten for breakfast by janis for daring to disagree with her/him/it - well that's my take anyway!

Now no doubt to be devoured by janis that is my take.

PalenQ....I take the tube in from Heathrow all the time and do not find the experience horrific. As a matter of fact since Heathrow is the start of the line, getting a seat on the train next to your luggage is not a problem. So let's see...you're heading for Piccadilly Circus...

A one seat ride on the tube. Will take about 55 minutes on the Piccadilly line. HEX..15 minutes to Paddington...a bit of a walk either to street level to catch a taxi and London AM rush hour traffic can be horrendous or the tube anyway...probably a circle or district line train down to Earls Court and down the escalator and short stairways to the Piccadilly line platforms and now really crowded trains (AM rush hour). Ultimately, how much time is actually saved?

Now I agree. There are other considerations. Yes the HEX is somehat more comfortable and you have to decide whether or not it is worth it. If you're going to be using the tube for your local transport in London the add on fare from Heathrow can be only a little over 2 quid for a one seat ride.

But let's not quibble. There are no absolutes. One has to decide in one's own mind if it's worth it. To me it isn'. To others it does...no different than me looking for the cheapest airfare to fly from NYC to Londonor take Eurostar from Paris to London. I wouldn't dream of springing for first class (and first class is great...after a snow storm because it couldn't get me out for two days, I was upgraded by AA to business class)because after all the back of the plane or train arrives at the station only a few minutes later than the first class cabin or coaches but others feel this is their vacation of a lifetime and want everything to be first class. To each his or her own. All I think people should do is present the facts and let the person ultimately decide what is best for them without any disparaging remarks.

PalenQ....I take the tube in from Heathrow all the time and do not find the experience horrific. As a matter of fact since Heathrow is the start of the line, getting a seat on the train next to your luggage is not a problem. So let's see...you're heading for Piccadilly Circus...

A one seat ride on the tube. Will take about 55 minutes on the Piccadilly line. HEX..15 minutes to Paddington...a bit of a walk either to street level to catch a taxi and London AM rush hour traffic can be horrendous or the tube anyway...probably a circle or district line train down to Earls Court and down the escalator and short stairways to the Piccadilly line platforms and now really crowded trains (AM rush hour). Ultimately, how much time is actually saved?

Now I agree. There are other considerations. Yes the HEX is somehat more comfortable and you have to decide whether or not it is worth it. If you're going to be using the tube for your local transport in London the add on fare from Heathrow can be only a little over 2 quid for a one seat ride.

But let's not quibble. There are no absolutes. One has to decide in one's own mind if it's worth it. To me it isn'. To others it does...no different than me looking for the cheapest airfare to fly from NYC to Londonor take Eurostar from Paris to London. I wouldn't dream of springing for first class (and first class is great...after a snow storm because it couldn't get me out for two days, I was upgraded by AA to business class)because after all the back of the plane or train arrives at the station only a few minutes later than the first class cabin or coaches but others feel this is their vacation of a lifetime and want everything to be first class. To each his or her own. All I think people should do is present the facts and let the person ultimately decide what is best for them without any disparaging remarks.

Don't know why my post posted wice...I only hit submit once. Sorry.

Two people can take the Heathrow Shuttle into London (directly to your hotel or apartment, etc.) for £28. You book online. Very simple and convenient.

>>Two people can take the Heathrow Shuttle into London (directly to your hotel or apartment, etc.) for £28. <<

That is a shared ride so it can take quite a bit longer than a car service or the tube. Especially if you are the last stop.

Heathrow Connect is Heathrow Express light and is much cheaper - a stopping train rather than the non-stop Heathrow Express.

I took the HEX once and I was sorry I did it. My flight from London left so early the tube wasn't an option, but I should have booked a car service. When I added the cost of the taxi to Paddington plus the cost of the HEX I realized a car service would have cost about the same, but it would have been a lot more convenient. I will not make that mistake again.

Enjoy your trip.

One does wonder how the Heathrow Express stays in business!

1) A lot of business travelers are on expense accounts; 2) Some people actually do want to get to Paddington; 3) Some visitors don't know any better.

I just bought tickets online for the Heathrow Express. Return tickets are 39 GBP if you buy at the airport, 34 if you buy online in advance but if you buy a ticket for two people traveling together and use the discount code DUO12 the cost for a return ticket for two people is 50 GBP -- 25 per person.

To my mind that is not a bad price for a fast ride that does not require me to sit in traffic all the way from the airport. We will then take a cab from Paddington to our hotel -- midday, when we arrive. As I said, much better than the traffic from the airport to the hotel which we would encounter by taxi, car service or shuttle bus. Yes, the tube may be cheaper, but this is faster and less of a hassle, in my opinion.

Just thought I would share the pricing information for anyone interested.

To my mind that is not a bad price for a fast ride that does not require me to sit in traffic all the way from the airport.>

this is a key as to why business types on account will gladly take the HEX over a car service - cars can easily get snarled in London's horrific traffic with no expressways at all into central London - except the West Way which goes to Paddington!

On Fodor's there gets to be a zealous thing attacking something - like Madame Tussaud's, the London Dungeon and now the Heathrow Express - folks take pride in saying how tacky or how awful or how overpriced they are - except ordinary Brits who flock to them - I've taken the Heathrow Express and the Tube and there is no comparison - on tube you may end up squished in your seat clutching your luggage between your legs in oft over crowded tube trains by the time they get into central London and if you have to change - stairs, steps and oft long passageways - and car services can get stuck for eons in traffic - for years I drove vans from central London to Heathrow and back - there was usually obnoxious traffic - I had to get up at 5 am just to be able to bet to the airport guaranteeable by 8 am.

No the Heathrow Express is the best way to get into central London if price is not a factor and then take a cab from there the fastest way guaranteeably from airport to hotel.

PalenQ...I nev said and would never say the HEX is a bad thing and it's like so much else in travel. Everybody has their own definition ofwhat is best for them and I have tried not to put anybody down. But at the same time, I think people should understand the alternatives and what is involved.

Personally, and I emphasize personally, I don't find the tube ride from Heathrow objectionable I ish tfl would splurge and install a/c on the Piccadilly line carriages (I was shocked, really shocked in June to get on a Hammersmith & City line train at St. Pancras and lo and behold, it had functioning a/c...unreal but that doesn't mean I abandon the tube and yes I know there are 23 steps up at my destination station and sometimes, at my advanced age, that is a problem with even just one suitcase on wheels (but I always get some nice person to help me). Others are repulsed by the thought of riding with the masses on a subway train sometimes for fear of what you described although there are times when it is the best and fastest way although surely not as comfortable.

But then again, this is why first class exists, as I said, on airlines and train. Why spend $2,000 or more for a single fare on a flight from NYC to London when yu can sit in the back of the plane for 1/3 of the price. True you don't get such a nice meal or constant wine but in general the back cabin arrives at pretty much the same time as the front. And the same holds for train travel. Why splurge on an hour and twenty minute trip on Eurostar from Paris to London. Others feel they are either on expense accounts or are on the holiday of a life time and if they're spending the money for a once in a lifetime trip across the pond or whatever, why let a couple of thousand dollars make a big difference. And that's what keeps these conveniences offering premium services but they make their money, much like the White Star Line did in 1912 on steerage.

Of course saving money has its limits too. I wouldn't dream of sleeping on a park bench but I certainly wouldn't pay $300 a night for a hotel room. Taking the tube in from LHR, and that's my only point, is not the worst thing and for many, certainly not all, a viable alternative.

I took it once and the taxi ride from paddington to St. Paul's took longer than the train ride...so depending where you are going be when it may or may not be the best option...

Taking the tube in from LHR, and that's my only point, is not the worst thing and for many, certainly not all, a viable alternative.>

How many times have you take the Tube from the airport to London?

Once, twice - I have taken it many times and especially going out it can be hard to get your baggage and self on trains let along sit down - ever try boarding at the hectic Victoria Tube station?

Not saying every Tube trip is a trip from Hell but sometimes Tube trips with luggage - that is the thing - bulky luggage in a packed Tube car can indeed by a nightmare IME. At least coming from the airport you get to board first before the Tube gets mobbed approaching central London - and it is fine then IF you do not have to change - changing can be a nightmare with luggage and luggage is the whole issue here - just a passenger sure the tube is a snap even if you must stand for a spell but moving heavy luggage around, etc is something not everyone would want to do.

https://www.heathrowexpress.com/tick...iscounts-deals

And why pay full price - lots of deals - like 50 pounds for return tickets for two people - total - that's sbout 12.5 pounds per person per ride

and kids under 15 - two of them go free with any paying adult

Groups - 3 or more are entitled to 1/3 off

See the link above for deals - everyone talks about how expensive the HEX is but with these discounts it can be really cheap!

I prefer comfort and convenience over money for the tube and HEX! Justairports takes my bags as I leave the arrival area and takes them out of the car for the doorman ay my hotel. We have never been held up in traffic coming in or retuening to airport. Drivers are always polite and get us there quickly. The older I get the more I appreciate convenience!!

I've taken the tube in and out from LHR at least 30 or so times so you're talking to the wrong person on that. For me, it's the best way but I'm not saying it's for everybody.

I do think some people have an inclination not to take the tube for any of their local transport but again it comes down to their feelings that this is a holiday of a lifetime and they don't mind splurging on taxis!

In five years' time, the best option for journeys from Heathrow to Central London will be via the new Crossrail line. This will terminate in the west at Heathrow and at Maidenhead and in the east at Abbey Wood and Shenfield. In Central London it will stop at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf, making connections with both tube and main line trains.

Using full-size fast electric trains, with air conditioning, the line will run through central London in deep tunnel, which is currently being bored. It will be substantially faster and more comfortable than the current Piccadiily line tube.

Chartley we are counting the days! It will cut our travel time from Heathrow to Woolwich arsenal from 2 hours to 45!!!!

>>use the discount code DUO12 the cost for a return ticket for two people is 50 GBP -- 25 per person.

To my mind that is not a bad price for a fast ride that does not require me to sit in traffic all the way from the airport. We will then take a cab from Paddington to our hotel -- midday, when we arrive. <<

Depending on your final destination the cab ride could add £25 or more on top of that and you'll be sitting in the very same traffic you complain about w/ a car service. But if you want to schlepp to the HEX, schlepp to the cab rank, and pay more for what will likely end up taking just about the same time door-to-door -- go for it.

and you'll be sitting in the very same traffic you complain about w/ a car service.>

no that is a gross distortion for some reason - the traffic snarls are on the way in from Heathrow not once you get in Traffic Calmed central London where the congestion fee for vehicles has kept traffic way down - not sure what janis' aim is to denigrate the HEX at any costs but in this case it does cause one to wonder.