My husband and I have never been to London/Paris and are enjoying this board immensely -- we are learning so much!

It seems no one takes a taxi from Heathrow to their hotel -- we are staying in Knightsbridge. Our travel agent told us a taxi ride is not prohibitive in cost. Handling our bags is a problem healthwise, and taxi seemed better than private car.

What's the consensus? I was told it will cost approx. 35 to 40 pounds.

I am afraid you TA knows not of what she speaks.

You could of course take a taxi - but it would cost almost twice what a car service would. Plus you would have to schlepp your bags to the outside taxi stand, whereas a car service will wait for you right in the arrivals hall and carry your bags to his car - and for at least £20 less than a black cab.

The two most often recommend here are Ray Skinner and Swiss Cottage - but there are other good ones too. Swiss cottage will be a little less expensive - but they don't have a website so you have to phone them.

Both services are mentiond often here - do a search and you will find their contact info . . . .

I would definitely agree with the idea of arranging for a transfer as opposed to taking a taxi. We are using Ray Skinner for our arrival and departure in November and he has been immediate with his responses to the booking over the internet. People here continually rave about his service (and people have also highly recommended Swiss Cottage Cars, too) but we decided to use Mr. Skinner since we could arrange/book over the internet. Regarless, after a long flight into a new place it is always nice, and worth it, I think, to know someone is going to be there to meet you. Good luck.

When oh when will so many travel agents who don't know what they are talking about stop making stupid suggestions? Shouldn't they have to learn about things they are giving information about???
There is NO reason I can imagine to pay almost double to take a taxi, when you get better service (and help with luggage in addition) from a car service for half the price.

Plus, the car service will quote you a fixed price, while (I hear that) taxis will of course just keep the meter running and running while they are stuck in traffic.

We have booked with Ray Skinner to pick us up and return us to the airport for our December trip to London. Haven't used his service before, but feel confident based on all the glowing reports here. His site is:

www.london-transfers.com

As Intrepid said, he e-mailed quickly and making arrangements on the net were easy,fast and smooth.

Yse it will cost you about 45 pounds for a taxi...my husband and I have taken taxis, private cars and Heathrow Express before - I don't care to schlep my bags through Heathrow Express so we usually take a cab or a car...it is just more convenient after a long flight - we usually travel with four so it is more econmical to take a taxi ro arrange a car.

I've recommended Ray Skinner so many times on this forum people probably think I'm a relative of his Not So!! Ray provides a great service at a reasonable price. It is well worth it to have someone meeting you, helping you with luggage and driving you door to door after a long flight. The 35 pounds (from Heathrow), plus tip is less then a taxi would be -- particularly if you get caught in traffic (always a possibility) and the meter is ticking.

Travel Agents in general don't have a clude about this sort of thing. I avoid them like the plague and have for years and years . Most really are not up on much of anything and sell tours and packages. Trust what you hear on this forum.

I seem to remember the cab fare to and from the Washington Hotel in Mayfair costing closer to 60 pounds (I can't make that little pound thingee) but since then, we have taken a car service because we rent flats.
My daughter on a fixed budget even took a car service over the taxi.
Maybe you should ask your TA if she has ever been to London.

We used Ray Skinner's services this July for pick up and drop off at Heathrow. Just wanted to say that we were delighted with his service, ( Ray is a character, very charming and reliable, too!) and it was great not having to deal with all the luggage ourselves after a long flight.

Good luck!

Just returned from London yesterday. Used Ray Skinner and was very much satisfied.
Traffic was backed up approx. 8 miles going into the city from Heathrow due to a bad accident. Imagine the meter running on a cab!!!
Luckily we were departing and traffic was light. By all means use a car service!!!

I would not recommend taking a taxi from Heathrow, traffic in London can be terrible. I have never used a car service, I usually use a shuttle company (Hotellink, if I remember correctly) simmilar to Super Shuttle in the US. The shuttle will take you from the airport to hotel and the shuttle drivers always help with the baggage. In September we had paid GBP15 each to get to our hotel in Knightsbridge. If you would like to take the shuttle you need to go near the car rental counters at the airport, the hotel shuttle counter is in this area.

Hi
since you have a disability, take the car service.
The K'bridge tube stop is a straight run from Heathrow, but there are stairs to climb on either end of the trip, plus whatever distance to your hotel from the Tube stop.
Last time I did it I traveled with a 22" carry-on type suitcase, I am in good health, and I found the Tube a chore with the suitcase, as I have before. Additionally, the Tube becomes quite crowded on weekday mornings as you travel from H'row into town.

Paddington Express train is easier and faster, but you'll still need a taxi from P'ton Station to your hotel.