As I think of our arrival in 2 weeks, I'm not overly keen right now on using the tube. I know Heathrow Express is faster, but basically the same idea. There are 4 of us. I saw another poster mention Simply Airports (?) for car pick-up, but I couldn't find anything on them. We're staying near Waterloo station. I know cabs are quite expensive - any other options that won't cost us more than the Heathrow Express (about 74 pounds for the return trip)?

Here's the problem. It's called "justairports.com"
And it should cost somewhere between 25 and 40 pounds for the four of you for a private car to meet you and take you directly to your door. WAY better and cheaper than the Heathrow Express plus a taxi.

Thanks, Patrick. I'm checking out their site now. The prices are by "postcodes". What would the postcode be at Waterloo?

That should be SE1

Note that there seems to be a significant difference in price if you pay cash rather than credit card.

Thanks again, Patrick. Did you pick up the cash vs. credit info from the website? I didn't see it. I'm guessing that the prices they list are per car and not per person. Have you used this service and are happy with it? I'll email them also to verify everything.

Some other car services to check are:

www.london-transfers.com
http://dolphintransfer.com
www.premierairportcars.com

Hmmm. To be honest I haven't used justairports. I always used to use SwissCottageCars, calling them ahead. But since they added a website, their prices seem to have gone way up. There have been enough positive posts here about Justairports, though, to make me recommend it with confidence. And I have yet to see any of the others that seem very competitive in price with just airports.
I was thinking the cast deal was clear on their website, but I haven't looked at it for awhile. Maybe that's changed?

Ah, I just went to their site and did a quote from Heathrow to W1 (my area). When I clicked cash for method of payment it came up 24 pounds. When I did the same thing but clicked credit card it came up 43 pounds. That's a lot of difference!

Their email is slow (I suspect they're extra busy!), so I called and made reservations. It's 61 pounds for the four of us round-trip - cash price. All we do is go to the Hertz counter and watch for a person with our name. Less money than Heathrow Express, and way less hassle. Thanks for the help Patrick!

I used justairports in June and they were a godsend. My plane was late and the gentleman was kind and patient. They charged me what they quoted on the phone and yes, cash is best. On the ride back to the airport, the gentleman was prompt and courteous as well. It was significantly cheaper than my daughter and I taking the bus to the Heathrow Express from Terminal 4 (international flights) due to the work on the tube. And my hotel was not easy to find because the area had buildings that all looked allke for several streets. I really appreciated having a driver and a little "tour guide" conversation during the drive.

I lived in London for a year last year and used justairports at least a dozen times roundtrip to both Heathrow and Gatwick. They were always exactly on time to pick me up, waited if I was late, charged (in cash) exactly what was on the website. The cars were always impeccable and the drivers pleasant. I would highly recommend.

laurie_ann: This thread is 3 years old and nagulan topped it just to flog his websites . . .

nagulan: Advertising in not allowed on Fodors . . . . . Registering to top an old, mouldy thread is a dead give away. (I personally wouldn't book w/ someone so dumb he can't read the rules before posting - who knows where he'd drive me)