How long will it take?
 

We are arriving in London at 6:55 am on a Tuesday morning (assuming we are on time!). What time do you think we can realistically expect to be at our hotel? We are staying right near Victoria Station and are planning on taking the Gatwick Express from the airport to the station. Don;t really know how long customs might take. Have read on this board that it could take a couple hours. We are trying to plan our first day there and know that we will be tired so it will be an early night. We were wondering just how much time we might have that afternoon. Any suggestions for how to spend that first afternoon would also be appreciated!<BR>Thank you Fodorites!

Sheryl: Customs goes quickly, especially that early in the morning. Getting your luggage from the carousel will take longer! The Gatwick Express runs very frequently and you should be out of the airport and on the train by 8:00. I bet you're checking in by 9:00. Since you probably won't be able to actually get into your room (but do ask--sometimes you get lucky), ask them to store your luggage, go out and explore the neighborhood. Get a feel for the area so that you can find your way "home" easily when you get off the tube each day. Buy some postcards, sit in a cafe and have breakfast while you fill them out (sure you won't have much to say, but you'll be so busy later you might not get that done and this way there's a chance the cards will get home before you do!). Write about what you plan to do. Walk to the post office for stamps and by the time you get back to your hotel you can probably check in, take a BRIEF nap and head out again for dinner.<BR><BR>Many on this board recommend a "Big Bus" tour that first day. You might enjoy it, but I tried it once and fell asleep. Not good for me to sit down for too long that first day!<BR><BR>This always works for us. Have a wonderful trip!

Back in '99 my flight arrived at about 8am and we were checked into our hotel by 10:30am. The Gatwick Express takes approximately 30 minutes. <BR><BR>On the first day I recommend spending as much time as you can outdoors, especially after being on the plane. There is so much to see and do and so many things are within easy walking distance of each other. You also might want to take one of the Hop On/Hop Off bus tours around the city. Have a great trip. <BR>

I second, second second everythimg Mel said.. First you go thru imigration which takes about 60 seconds after you reach counter... then wait for luggage , then customs, you will go thru the Green Line..if youhave nothing to declare and as a visitor you probably won't ., The wak to express 5 minutes then you will be at your hotel by 9 or before...It will probably not be ready so potty , drop off luggage, get some real food and walk in the sun for awhile ..no jet lag that way.. go back to hotel in early afternoon, rest up and start to reallt enjoy!!!!!!!!!

It took us about 1 hour after getting off the plane to walking in our hotel.<BR><BR>We spent most of the day outside walking around in Hyde Park (trying to find the statue of Peter Pan). We also went to Buckingham Palace and strolled aound our neighborhood. Plan on being completely wiped out by 6pm!!<BR><BR>Have a fantastic trip!

I agree with the previous posters with this small additional note ---Don't worry about either figuring out the self-service ticket machines or standing in line for tickets for the Gatway Express. Instead, just board the train and, when the conductor comes through, use your credit card to buy your ticket.