How long from Buckingham to Heathrow on a Tuesday?
 

I am wondering how long it will take to drive from my hotel by Buckingham Palace to Heathrow, on a Tuesday morning at 9am. I need to get out there to pick up my rental car for my countryside excursion, but am wondering if I should leave at 8am instead because of traffic. My goal is to get the car and visit Salsibury before heading to may hotel in Castle Combe. Thanks.

You ask how long it will take to "drive" from your hotel ... but you won't have your rental car yet? Do you mean how long for a taxi ride, or via public transportation?

Ray Skinner transfers is picking me up at 9 am at Rubens-at-the-Palace hotel. So by car...

Ray knows how long the drive will take - but I think your plans need adjusting. Getting to the car rental agency (they are not on the airport) and completing the paperwork will take at least until 10:30AM<BR><BR>I would arrange to pick up my car by 8:30 or 9AM at the latest. That way you will have a full day to tour Salisbury/Stonehenge and maybe Avebury before going on to castle Combe.<BR><BR>Not getting on the road until around 11 AM would really eat up your day.

Don't you think Ray would be the best person to answer this question -- he's the one that drives hundreds, if not thousands, of Fodorites between central London and Heathrow every year?

Traffic can vary as you probably know from traffic patterns in your own home town. I'd say an hour is enough time, but who knows! We've gotten from Central London to Heathrow in less then 45 min. too (using Ray's service). It simply depends. If you are just picking up a rental car I doubt if it matters much if you arrive at 10 am or 10:15, the car will be there for you. Enjoy Salisbury, it's a nice town (spent a week there once) and Castle Combe is a lovely little community.

Thanks. I agree with you Janis, and will have the rental car ready for 9 am. I will have Ray pick us up at the hotel at 8am. Europecar who we are renting from said they were located at the terminal, is that wrong Janis?

They have a desk at the terminal - but the cars aren't there (unless they bring the car to you - which is a possibility). Most of the rentals depots are between 2 and 5 miles off the airport and use shuttle buses to get you there.