mmyk72

There are a lot of helpful suggestions here from the past about what to do with a layover in Heathrow. Thought that'd never happen to me, but here I'm facing an 8 hr layover.

After weighing in past suggestions, I decided NOT to take the Express into Paddington (RT ~US$50 cost too much and saves only ~15-20 min to arrive @ Westminister). I've never been to London before and should have 4 hrs to spend after factoring in getting out of airport and back. Would you please help me with these plans:

1) From LHR, I'll buy a off-peak 1-day card (~US$10) and take the Tube omtpBlue Picadilly line);
** Should I get off at 'S Kensington' stop and transfer to the Green District line to get to 'Westminister', or
** Should I get off at 'Green Park', transfer to Grey Jubilee line to get to 'Westminister', or
** Should I just stay on until 'Picadilly Circus', then walk to Westminister.

2) If I walk say from Covent Gargen to Westminister Abbey, how long is the walk?

3) How about walk time from W Abbey to Buckingham Palace?

I know that I can take buses too for some trips, but I just want to get an idea of distances.

4) How often do the buses come around?

5) Can one enter into the W Abbey & W Cathedral, or are they just sites to see from outside?

6) Are there long lines to enter the Museums (I'm thinking of a short hop into the British Mus or Transport Mus).


Thanks.

Robespierre

1) The easiest transfer to the District Line to Westminster is at Hammersmith. Just walk across the platform to the adjacent track.

2) Walking from Covent Garden to Westminster Abbey would take a half-hour.

3) Buckingham Palace is 15 minutes further on.

4) A specific bus will usually come by every 15-20 minutes. But many routes have numerous buses running on them, so for example to get from Piccadilly Circus to Trafalgar Square, there's a bus every minute or two.

5) Both can be seen inside during certain periods.

6) The only place I've ever encountered a line is at the Tower.

Here is a map you might want to print out and take along:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/pdfdocs/tourist.pdf

RJames

mmyk72 - With only 4 hours in london, you cannot see more than one or two places. What interests you the most?
If you'd like to go to Westminister I would take the Underground to Picadilly Circus and than take a bus to Westminister. Most bus routes in London are frequent.
If you plan on visiting the British Museam take the Underground to Russell Square and then walk to the Museam from there. I have been several times, there has never been a line to get in but the Museam is often very crowded.
It is possible to go into Westminister Abbey.
I would not consider walking from Westminister Abbey to Covent Garden/Buckingham Palace.
Have fun.

henneth

I agree with Robespierre, switch trains at Hammersmith because later along the route the Piccadilly Line goes deep level meaning a change of trains to the District Line will not be across a platform but involve stairs and/or lifts.
Here is one suggested itinerary that will include at least two attractions you would like to visit but no more. Take the District to Westminster station and visit the Abbey from there. There are lines at popular times (weekends especially) and limited access during ceremonies. Once inside allow at least 90 minutes, possibly more, but as you are pushed for time then stroll up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square then on to Covent Garden for a quick lunch and an hour at the Transport Museum then take the Piccadilly Line from Covent Garden back to Heathrow.
This is based on what you would like to see but it'll mean skipping (and in most cases just walking past) Banqueting House, the National Gallery and views of Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Also with 4 hours getting up to the British Museum and justifying a combined visit with that and Westminster Abbey isn't something I would recommend.

mmyk72

Thanks a lot everyone. You've helped me a lot!!