Problem in London
 

Staying in Bloomsbury hotel, and have second half of a Heathrow Express ticket to get to the airport June 7. Problem: Plane due out at 7:15. H.Express won't have begun trips in time to get me to the airport on time. Also, I hear visa checks at Heathrow are taking up to two hours. Argggh. Can't very well change the flight. Don't want to pay for a taxi to airport. Considering spending last night in London at airport hotel (I assume there is one.) Suggestions?

There is, in general, no passport controls at London Heathrow in leaving the country (every so often if some rat is on the loose they may set them up but in general there aren't any) but security can take a while granted.

I thought the HEX ran 24/7 with fewer trains during night hours but I could stand corrected so if that is the case, the airport hotel would be a solution or pre ordering a car service. (athough expensive for solos and duos).

First train is 5.10am in the morning. How soon before the flight do you have to be at Heathrow? Will you be checking in on-line from your hotel?

Last summer I took HOTEL BY BUS (solo) from a hotel near Westminster Bridge to Heathrow and was quite satisfied.

They are currently advertising at £22.50 to the airport.

Those horrendous queues are for arrivals at Heathrow, not departures. Don't be too worried.

• the HEX starts at 05:10 - do you need to be at LHR before 05:25? BUT -- you do need to get to Paddington and that is too early for the tube, so you need a taxi or night bus.

• yes - there are MANY hotels at the airport

• You have to go through security, not immigration.

• "<i>Don't want to pay for a taxi to airport.</i>" Never pay for a taxi to the airport - if that is the option you choose, use a pre-booked car service like justairports.com

<i>• yes - there are MANY hotels at the airport</i>

There are three hotels at the airport, but dozens more 10-20 minutes from the airport.

But it's actually quicker to go from Paddington to Heathrow - and it's easier to have a good last evening in London

I'd stay right where I am were I you. If you don't want to get an early taxi TO Paddington and still want to stay IN London then consider the Hilton hotel located AT Paddington for that last night.

I wouldn't do it and I wouldn't do a car service out to the airport, either.