Calling all those helpful Londoners again! The Heathrow Express is 15 pounds one way per person, so with three of us is 45 pounds. A cab to King's Cross would be how much? Any extra charges? 3 passengers allowed? Many thanks to all who have responded to my last query regarding getting trains/buses - and especially Andre who should be writing a book on getting around.

We always use Ray Skinner's London Transfers www.london-transfers.com. It's a flat fee (plus tip) and for 3 of you it will be cheaper and far more convenient then the Heathrow Express.<BR>I've recommended this service a lot and gotten a lot of thanks for it. The drivers are reliable and have nice cars. You probably will need a van, but many of the drivers use vans anyway (but ask just to be safe). I would never attempt trains with luggage after a long trip.<BR>

Last time we cabbed to London from Heathrow it was about $60.00 to Mayfair,it must be more now.

Lori, thanks, Mr. Skinner's service sounds like a great idea. I'm hoping we won't have much luggage but my Mom is the type who likes to pack the coffee pot just in case, so who knows how much we'll have? k - I'm not sure of the exchange rate, but $60 won't be more than the Heathrow Express for 3. I don't suppose you had one of those big black cabs? Thanks.

It was a regular cab at the airport.I really do not remember if it was one of the black ones.Sorry.<BR>You know,(just had a thought!)you might try asking the hotel..if they are nice and helpful,they can give you an estimate.

Shanna<BR>The Heathrow Express is actually &pound;11 each if you purchase online - www.heathrowexpress.co.uk I think thats just under $50 for 3 people. Personally I would prefer to take the train than get a cab, it's so much faster, but then I hate car travel and getting stuck in traffic.

I've used Swiss Cottage Cars (011 20 7600 5999 if dialling from North America). They'll meet your flight, if you send them the details. For three of you, a large sedan might work (or a van). Tell the cab company how much luggage you have and they'll advise you. A regular car is about &pound;26 (+ a few pounds tip) to central London (Regent's Park area).

According to my experience in the 90´s the regular black cabs outside the terminal are the most expensive ones because they have to pay for a licence to be allowed there. <BR><BR>We´ve got much cheaper rides simply by calling a local taxi company. As far as I understand, they are then allowed to come and pick you up. No problems with that, quick and easy. There was an information desk where they helped us.<BR><BR>I´m sure somebody here has more up to date information! Please correct me if things have changed. We moved back home from England in 1997.<BR>

Hi _ I live here in London and use Swiss Cottage too... They are reliable and have good prices. Having them meet you after baggage claim and take you straight into town is great, especially after a long flight. And once you are looking at two or more people, the mini-cab route (like Swiss Cottage) is an economical and pain-saving way to go.

Shanna,<BR>Tell your Mom not to overpack Easier said then done for most of us!! When we've used Ray's driver pick up service he's always had Toyota Previa Mini-vans. If you use him just tell him how many people and approx. how much luggage so they know what kind of car to send. Incidentally, they will meet you as you exit immigration holding a sign with your name on it. It's a quick walk to the parking lot (you take the luggage trolley's with you) and you are on your way! It's 5 pounds cheaper to go back to Heathrow by the way because there are no parking/waiting charges involved.<BR>I hope you have a wonderful time.

Mini-cabs (non-Black cabs) usually offer a flat rate of about &pound;35-40 from Heathrow to the centre. You'd only be saving a few pounds, therefore. Yes, they'd take you straight to your door... but the mini cab drivers don't know London the way the black cabs do - the black cabs have to take a test in The Knowledge - meaning they know practically every destination in London. <BR><BR>Personally, I'd take a black cab for the peace of mind, or the Heathrow Express, which is so fast, and you won't have to wait at all - then get a cab to your hotel. The mini-cabs aren't as comfortable as black cabs, and the odds of getting a more 'erratic' driver are increased. I know it's expensive, but as a Londoner, I'd always take the Heathrow Express.

There was a post once about What would you do again when you traveled,so as not to repeat that last big mistake...taking a cab to the hotel from the airport was on every one! It just is not worth it to deal with trains and luggage at the end of an overnight flight in a strange country!<BR>You can save the money somewhere else,but take a cab,black cabs are the cleanest and largest,I think.