To tube or not to tube (from Heathrow)
 

We will be arriving in London for a 2 week stay in July around 7:30 AM on a Tuesday (from the States), staying in a BandB in Belgravia a couple blocks from the Kensington tube stop. We're planning on each having one rolling biggish bag and a carry-on. We're pretty good walkers. My plan is to buy Oystercards upon arrival and take tube to our BandB. (Even with smoothest connections/customs/luggage pickup, I think we're looking at a 9-9:30 time to leave the airport, so somewhat after early rush). We can get into our room whenever we arrive. I've looked at prices of trains/cabs/vans, etc. I've been to London once and "mastered" the tube(ha--let's just say I'm not too intimidated and I'm aware of frequent stairs).

So--any problems with my plan that you see? About how long will this tube trip take, on average?

(Also, if anyone wants to comment on this extra question--somewhere I THINK I saw something about having to have a picture taken to get the Oystercard. Is that true? Is there much involved with getting the Oyster at Heathrow, for foreign visitors? I'm not offended by having to have pic taken, just wondering about time involved.)

The South Kensington tube station (which is more than a couple of blocks from what is usually called Belgravia, but is in the same general part of town) is on the Piccadilly line so an easy trip in from the airport. But are you sure that is the nearest tube station? Sloan Sq and even Victoria <i>might</i> be closer.

No - you do not need a photo for your Oyster card.

~One hour. No photo needed. They're only required for youth Oysters, because it's sometimes hard for TfL to tell whether the passenger fits the fare category s/he's riding on.

Do post the address of your B&amp;B. (There is actually a B&amp;B called &quot;B+B Belgravia&quot; and it is not very close to the South Kensington tube station.)

The address will certainly help. My SIL lived on Sloan St for several years and I'm also thinking the Sloan Sq Station may well be closer.

Thanks for input; I was in a hurry when I posted this and didn't proof it well; I meant Knightsbridge, not Kinsington (typed a K, kept on going!) The BandB is on Frederic Mews off Kinnerton Street.
Again thanks all!

It's half way between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner - take the exit from Knightsbridge that ISN'T for Harrods, probably about 300 yards walk

Here's a map that illustrates the situation splendidly: http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/Dow...ghtsbridge.pdf

Thank you! I love maps and I hadn't found this website/ information. I'll have to explore this website some more. I think with the input so far I'll stick with my money-saving plan to use the tube.