Train connections in London
Jul 4th, 2007, 04:02 AM
#22
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I do realize the challenges of air travel - but getting out of Heathrow, kids in tow, 2 changes - just thought if we travel light enough and take a flight out of Heathrow, it might be less stressful. Going through the list of options on trains alone is giving me a headache!
Jul 4th, 2007, 06:27 AM
#24
If one is leaving from central London - then of course the train makes most sense. Easy to get to the station, and a restful ride north.
However, when one is already at LHR like the OP - to trek across London to get to Kings Cross is really inconvenient.
However, when one is already at LHR like the OP - to trek across London to get to Kings Cross is really inconvenient.
Jul 4th, 2007, 06:31 AM
#25
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There really is no painless way of getting from Heathrow to KX.
In fact the journey from the airport to the station almost always takes longer than the flight from Heathrow to EDI, except when Mrs F's doing the driving - and being a passenger with her at the wheel is very, very unpainless.
You'll see lots of scenery driving back, and anyone who thinks there'll be no security hassles travelling into London or getting on the train has a great deal more confidence in their ability to forecast than they've any right to have.
From central London to Edinburgh, the train wins almost every time. From Heathrow, it's barmy.
In fact the journey from the airport to the station almost always takes longer than the flight from Heathrow to EDI, except when Mrs F's doing the driving - and being a passenger with her at the wheel is very, very unpainless.
You'll see lots of scenery driving back, and anyone who thinks there'll be no security hassles travelling into London or getting on the train has a great deal more confidence in their ability to forecast than they've any right to have.
From central London to Edinburgh, the train wins almost every time. From Heathrow, it's barmy.
Jul 4th, 2007, 06:58 AM
#26
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Here is my opinion. I can't wait to get off the plane and the last thing I want to do is to endure getting to the check in point and have to wait around for for a couple of hours. Trust me, once on board the train is far more relaxing. What I would do is to hire a private taxi firm, like "Just Airports" to pick you up and take you direct to Kings Cross. Prepurchase your ticket on-line with reservations. It is just not a big deal. Should you require help a lot of knowledeable people here will be glad to help you.
Jul 4th, 2007, 07:29 AM
#27
rogerdodger: I know you love the trains - I like riding as well. But to drive across all of greater London is nuts IMHO. One can be through security and boarding the plane to Edinburgh before the car sets you down at Kings X.
Then there is a 4+hours on the train. Restful to be sure - but if the OP needs rest, they can be checked in at their Edinburgh Hotel taking a nap if need be before the train is even a 1/3 the way to Edinburgh.
As mentioned - from a starting point IN London the train is brilliant. But not starting out from LHR.
Then there is a 4+hours on the train. Restful to be sure - but if the OP needs rest, they can be checked in at their Edinburgh Hotel taking a nap if need be before the train is even a 1/3 the way to Edinburgh.
As mentioned - from a starting point IN London the train is brilliant. But not starting out from LHR.
Jul 4th, 2007, 07:55 AM
#28
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Janis may be right, but I repeat, after a 10 hour flight from SFO to LHR I do not want to get into another line, wait around when in the same amount of time I can get to Kings Cross, board the train and then relax with a whisky, newspaper and enjoy a much better view than what one can see at 30,000 feet. Again, normally I go no futher than a couple of hours out of london for the first night, but I have gone futher on from time to time. Perhaps the fact that I have done it so often makes it a lot more easy.
Jul 4th, 2007, 08:03 AM
#29
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Remember ahmedhaff has kids and luggage to shepherd around. He's already at Heathrow, maybe can check the bags through to Edinburgh. Then it's just a matter of changing terminals. I enjoy train rides too, but I'd probably sleep through this one after an overnight flight.
Jul 4th, 2007, 09:50 AM
#30
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If the luggage can be checked through then they'll be able to use the Flight Connections Centre to get to their next flight - note they'll have to pass through immigration & a security check. If not they'll have to pass through immigration, collect luggage and recheck it before going back though security to their departure gate.
In the latter case it's as much hassle as getting the Tube into town & the train up to Edinburgh
In the latter case it's as much hassle as getting the Tube into town & the train up to Edinburgh
Jul 4th, 2007, 10:06 AM
#31
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By the way - it's not two tube changes to King's Cross. It's zero changes - a straight shot from Heathrow on the Piccadilly Line.
Personally, I'd ride the Tube to the train - but then, I loathe airports and queues and departure taxes.
Personally, I'd ride the Tube to the train - but then, I loathe airports and queues and departure taxes.
Jul 4th, 2007, 09:54 PM
#32
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Thank you all - you guys are wonderful!
I too, prefer trains generally. We arrive at LHR at 1:30 PM - train or plane, that day is lost, because we will arrive in Edinburgh by 9ish, or later depending on train connection. Despite the hassle at the airport, it seems likely that we can make the 4:30 flight and as such arrive in Edinburgh at our hotel by 7ish. That is desirable, because we can eat a quick bite and head for a long night's rest before we start the holiday the next day.
I too, prefer trains generally. We arrive at LHR at 1:30 PM - train or plane, that day is lost, because we will arrive in Edinburgh by 9ish, or later depending on train connection. Despite the hassle at the airport, it seems likely that we can make the 4:30 flight and as such arrive in Edinburgh at our hotel by 7ish. That is desirable, because we can eat a quick bite and head for a long night's rest before we start the holiday the next day.
Jul 5th, 2007, 12:22 AM
#35
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And apart from anything else, it's still close to impossible to get from the tube at KX to the platform without going up flights of steps.
Great exercise for me when commuting, and doubtless good for the waistline. Not most people's idea of painless with luggage and children after the hour's lesson in global warming the Piccadilly Line in summer provides so starkly.
Great exercise for me when commuting, and doubtless good for the waistline. Not most people's idea of painless with luggage and children after the hour's lesson in global warming the Piccadilly Line in summer provides so starkly.
