How much is a taxi from Gatwick to the city (Mayfair)? How much from Heathrow to same? Thanks.

You're looking at around 70GBP from Heathrow and even more from Gatwick. Use Aircars2000 (www.aircars2000.com) 40GBP and 60GBP for LHR and LGW respectively.

A taxi from either airport is awfully extravagant. A car service from LHR or the Gatwick Express train from LGW are much more practical and cheaper. Don't use a car service from LGW since the train costs less and takes half the time.

Thanks. What about luggage on the train? My wife is not a light packer. Do you check it or is there storage?

Lucien,

You don't check luggage on British trains, you handle it yourself. There are luggage racks at the ends of the cars which may fill up - first come first served. There's also luggage racks above the seats for smaller bags. If the train isn't full, I've seen some folks putting their suitcases on an empty seat.

My traveling companion (my mom) and I are not light packers either - we try but never manage to succeed! - but I've managed to manuever our large bags on and off the trains on our trips to England, sometimes needing to negotiate bag re-arranging with fellow travelers to fit them all in. Thank goodness for luggage trolleys and suitcases with wheels!

OK, thanks. Now more questions: Train from Gatwick is at the airport? How much? Where is the best stop for Mayfair? Where is the price of oil going? (sorry-just kidding)

The Gatwick Express is a direct, high speed (30 mins) train from the airport to London Victoria, cost one way is about £12 I think, from memory. Easy to find, just follow the signs. From there, if you've got a lot of luggage, I recommend getting a taxi (black cab) from the station to your destination in Mayfair, rather than battling with stairs and escalators at the tube stations.

As Kate says -- it is an Express -- no stops except LGW and Victoria Station. Since you are already concerned about schlepping luggage don't even consider taking the tube or a bus from Victoria. Just catch a taxi from the rank out front of the station. Could not be easier.

Here's the website for the Gatwick Express:

http://www.gatwickexpress.com

Has all the current fares and other info. that you'll want.

You can use luggage carts in Gatwick *almost* all the way to the train platform and, at Victoria station almost the way from the train to the taxi stand.

Price of oil? Who knows where it is going, but as of a few weeks ago, petrol in London averaged 84p per litre...that's about $5.80 per gallon, if my math is right. (No kidding, sorry to say).

Dave White
[email protected]

You should check out JustAirports.com for airport transfers. We used them for round trip Heathrow/So. Kens. They were less expensive than a taxi and were there waiting for us exactly as planned. Pay by cash for even a better savings. I booked on line. They emailed a reservation a few days later. It was very easy and convenient. We were a family of 4 and requested an 'estate' (mini van).

If you decide to do the Gatwick Express, don't stand in line for tickets. Just get on the train and someone will come by and sell you a ticket. (Same price as standing in line) You can use cash or credit card. You can also buy a return ticket (round trip) and save a little.