NCL cruiseline is putting us up here Aug 27 & 28 can someone tell me a little about the area. Because we only have 1 day (arrival day), I don't think we can do much on the 28, the bus for Dover might leaves by 10a to 1200.<BR><BR>Can I have some suggestions on what to include in such a short time. We arrive at the airport at 8am.<BR><BR>How long would it take for customs? How do we get to the Gatwick Express to take us into London. Thanks

Getting through customs at Heathrow will definitely be chaotic, as new stringent regulations have been instituted at major airports worldwide as of today. You will need to allow a couple of hours for immigration and baggage, as well as a good 45 minutes getting into London by taxi or Underground. The best way to see London in an overview is to take the 'Hop-On-Hop-Off' bus tour which you can pick up at many locations in London. you pay one price and can get to see the entire city. Buy a 24 hr. ticket, say in the afternoon of day 1 which will be good until the afternoon of day 2. take the tour and then on the 2nd day just take some short hops on and off to see whatever sights you want. I am an American now living in the UK and when my friends come to stay a short time in London, they always enjoy the bus tour. it's very good value and a good introduction to London.<BR>While touring a nice break is to go to Fortnum and Mason and have afternoon tea in their restaurant. Also, get discount tickets at Leicester Sq. for a show in the evening. As a New Yorker, I can say that London theater is terrific. Enjoy and happy traveling.<BR>

Sorry, meant Gatwick - not LHR.

I thought the hold up at airports was LEAVING to get on to the plane. Thanks for the tips that customs will be that long and I like the idea of the HOP ON tours. Thanks<BR><BR>

We arrived at Gatwick in June 2001 and it did not take long to get through customs at all - maybe 10 minutes. However, that was prior to Sept 11 so things may have changed. The Gatwick Express takes about 30 minutes. Allow about 10 minutes to buy the tickets for the train because there are usually lines there. Since the Gatwick Express arrives at Victoria station you will need to take a taxi to the Thistle Marble Arch but that shouldn't take long at all. <BR><BR>The bus tour does sound like a good idea unless there is something you would specifically like to see such as the Tower of London. Do recommend getting tickets to a show unless you think you will be really jetlagged. I've gone to a play the day I landed before and it was kind of hard gettng through the play because I was so tired.<BR><BR>

It is generally Immigration (passport control ) that will take the longest time.<BR>If you do not have a UK or passport from a EU member state then you will need to fill out a landing card (handed out at check in or in flight) and the queues will be longert than fro those with UK /EU passports. <BR><BR>Once you collect your bags then yoiu gio through the Green customs channel ( nothing to declare and generally a straight walk through)) or Red (something to declare) then follow signs to Trains for the Gatwick express.<BR> <BR>For the Gatwick express ( every 15 minutes) and taking 30-35minutes you can buy the tickets on the train ( saves having to queue) although if you travel on the other lines you need to get a ticket in advance or pay a penalty fare.

Wow! Gregory thanks for the directions. We live in Las Vegas, NV USA.<BR><BR>Kitty, thanks also, I really didn't know what to do after we got to Victoria Station. Going to try and see a play and the address for the 1/2 tickets. Not sure what I want to see. <BR><BR>To the GATWICK EXPRESS: is it a short walk or bus?<BR><BR>WHAT ABOUT stairs for two seniors lugging roller suitcases will we have them at both stations? <BR><BR>

The Gatwick express is a short walk from customs in the South Terminal.<BR><BR>There is a lift and escalators at both Victoria and Gatwick airport to platform level.