Heathrow to Euston
 

My husband and I arrive Heathrow (British Airways) at 8:30 on a Sunday morning in September. We need to be at Euston to catch a train north, leaving Euston at 13:05. We've not done this before, but we're considering the tube from Heathrow to Euston. We'll each have one not so big checked bag and one daypack. Does anyone know which terminal BA arrives at from the US and about how long, once we clear customs, it would take to get to Euston? What tube route(s) is it to Euston from the airport? Is this a crazy idea to save money? Better suggestions? Thanks for the help!

Most comfortable: a car service, which may well turn out cheaper than the speediest but not cheap solution, which would be Heathrow Express to Paddington and then Circle/Metropolitan Line to Euston Square.

But given the timings, and if there's no delay in your flight, you've plenty of time and taking the tube all the way isn't a crazy idea (allow about an hour).

BA from the US arrives at Terminal 4. From there, while they're working on the tube station, there's a replacement bus to Hatton Cross tube station, and from there take the tube. You need to change to get to Euston, either at Green Park to the Victoria Line or at Leicester Square to the Northern Line. You might have a bit more of a walk between platforms at Green Park; you might find Leicester Square a bit more crowded (though unlikely on a Sunday morning, I'd have thought).

Terminals vary, depending where in the US you're coming from. Most likely to be T4, so you need to get the frequent free bus from there to Hatton Cross for the tube. From T1 - where flights from California land, it's a short walk along the underpass to the tube station

It's normally about an hour from LHR to Euston. Logic says change at Green Park. This is a pain with luggage, so don't. Easiest to go to Kings Cross and change for a westbound Victoria Line tube.

You'll probably get several dozen alternative suggestions, but in your shoes I'd do almost what you're doing.

HOWEVER: it may be quicker and less painful to get a bus from LHR to Watford Junction station and pick the train up there. Check LHR-Watford buses on the National Express site, and check on the Virgin (I assume) site for your train stops.

I believe I saw an announcement somewhere that the T4 tube station is due to re-open in mid-September. You might check out the underground's website.

Since you are arriving on a Sunday morning there should be very little traffic to worry about, therefore I would elect to get a car service to pick up at LHR and go to Euston. It will cost more then the tube but you will go "door to door". Car services are flat rate (plus tip) and if think you will have jetlag it is well worth not having to deal with public transportation (and luggage). As for what you may/may not have in the way of luggage, check BA constantly about what is allowed. They have different regulations for flights into the UK and out of the UK to the US.

Just my thought - sometimes "saving money" can be more stressful then it is worth. If you do not mind changing trains, carrying luggage around, have an idea where you are going, and won't have jetlag then go by tube, but if you want to start this trip with a little comfort take a car service.

If you were ever going to take the Tube into the city from the airport, Sunday morning would be ideal. It is not a crazy idea if you wish to save the money and is really not that hard to do. Have fun on your trip.

If I was on my own I'd take the tube - mostly because I know it like the back of my hand and only travel w/ one small carry-on sized suitcase.

But if I was traveling w/ someone and had full sized luggage, I 100% agree w/ Lori. A car service would be more expensive than the tube - but on a Sunday morning would probably be faster (other days/times it could be much slower).

But to have someone waiting for you in arrivals, help w/ the luggage and drop you right at Euston -- instead of schlepping on/off buses and tube cars and transferring between tube lines after a probably sleepless overnight flight?? Book a car service.

We've always taken the tube from Heathrow into the city and never had a problem (other than hitting rush hour once), however on our last trip we took a mini cab from Islington/Hackney out to the airport (too lazy to walk up to the tube stop). After going the mini-cab route, I think we're going to stay with it - despite the fact that going on the tube isn't that painful, the car option is just so much more comfortable/convienent.

From Hatton Garden or Heathrow you can take the Piccadilly Line to South Kensington, then cross the platform to the train for Euston Square. There you can climb two flights of stairs to pavement level, and walk 200 yards to Euston Station.

Ben Haines, London
[email protected]

&quot;<i> . . . . you can climb two flights of stairs to pavement level, and walk 200 yards to Euston Station</i>&quot;

Ben is a dear and provides tons of wonderful advice on here - but I think he has just illustrated WHY a car service would be better :)

Lots of wonderful food for thought. What a great site! Well, we're not getting any younger 55-60, and even though our trip to the UK is for a 2 week walking tour, I'm now tending toward the car idea. There is no doubt we will have jet lag! So, what are the recommendations and particulars on a car service from Heathrow to Euston? Thanks so much.

We always use Ray Skinner at www.london-transfers.com but www.justairports.com is also good. There are other services as well, just do a search. We have never once felt it was not money well spent and we use a service to/from Heathrow when in London. Enjoy your Trip !!!!!!