A girlfriend and I are heading to London this November, flying into Heathrow. While researching the various economical ways to actually get into London, I found both the Heathrow Express at www.heathrowexpress.com AND Heathrow Connect at www.heathrowconnect.com. It appears these are two separate and totally different methods to get into London. Am I correct?

The Express takes about 15 minutes to arrive at Paddington and costs 14.50 pounds. The Connect takes 25 minutes to arrive at Paddington and costs 6.90 pounds.

We're staying near the Great Portland Street tube stop. I'm thinking we can get a taxi from Paddington for a decent price.

Does this sound like a workable plan?

Marla

Since your emphasis seems to be on the cost, may I suggest abandoning the idea of the train altogether?

The most economical way to get into London from Heathrow is the Tube. If you acquire Oyster Cards with 7-day Travelcards loaded on them, your airport transfer can cost as little as £1.

The least strenuous route would be to ride the Piccadilly Line to Piccadilly Circus, then catch the 88 bus straight to Great Portland Street (ask the driver to give you a wave when Stop F is next). Here's the layout:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaro...spark-2102.pdf

Let me know if I can help with directions to your hotel.

In my opinion, two people taking the Heathrow Express and then a taxi to their hotel for a total cost of 35 or more pounds makes no sense when you can get a car service (just airports, for example) for about 25 pounds that will take you directly to your hotel. This is a "no-brainer" to me.

I'm not familiar with this heathrow connect, but even if the taxi is only an additional 5 pounds (kind of doubtful) that's still about 19 pounds for the two of you. In less time and for a few pounds more you can be met by a car service.

I'd definitely use a car service. Neither the HEX nor the Connect trains make much that much sense. Paddington to Gt Portland St isn't very far - but you still have to schlepp your stuff out to the taxi queue and wait for a cab, or on to the tube.

just get in a car at LHR and get out at your hotel.

Thanks for the information. Cost is important, but not schelping our luggage is imporatant, too! We're staying at the Holiday Inn Regent's Park (which is kinda between the Great Portland Street and Warren tube stops).

We will each have a lightweight backpack/carry-on and one rolling piece of checked luggage.

When considering the tube, we arrive at LHR at 7:00 am and I'm concerned with rush hour crowds and luggage.

The Heathrow Connect price would be roughly 7 pounds to Paddington or 14 pounds for two people + taxi of 5+ pounds. Can you really get car service for 25 pounds? What car service would you recommend? Just Airports?

On a side note Robespierre, what can you tell us about the area around the hotel? Cool map, BTW, I'm studying it and figuring out how to read it. I've been to London a couple of times, but we didn't use the bus, only the tube. Any pointers?

Thanks

Marla

Here's a better street map: http://preview.tinyurl.com/23rq52

The HI is on the northeast corner of Bolsover Street and Carburton Street, two blocks south of GPS Tube.

There are some pictures of the neighborhood here: http://www.boringstreet.com/details.php?image_id=243

Bus stops E and F on Great Portland Street have many direct buses all over London.

Great websites, Robespierre! Thank You! I'm forwarding them to my girlfriend.

Marla