Ljyoung

My family of 4 ( 2 adults and 2 girls ages 8 & 14 ) will be dropping our rental car at the Heathrow Avis location ( not quite sure where it is yet in relation to the airport ). Wondering what would be the best way to get to County Hall w/ the girls and luggage. I've thought of pre-booking a car but we will be driving in from Wells and I almost hate to rope us into being there at a specific time. Any suggestions appreciated.

janis

What day of the week/time are you driving in? if it is on a Sunday or in the evening I would recommend dropping the car in central London (near Waterloo would be convenient for your hotel but other areas would work too). That would be by far the cheapest, most convenient way.

But if you are arriving during the middle of a weekday - driving into London will be a hassle. Not impossible - just more hectic.

If driving in doesn't appeal to you, I'd just take the shuttle from the car rental (or sometimes they drive you back to LHR in the same car you are dropping off) and take either the Heathrow Express and then a cab from Paddington to the hotel, or take the tube in to any station along the Picadilly line and catch a cab from there.

You are right - a car service will be difficult because they'll want a firm arrival time. This is one case where taking a regular black cab makes some sense - about £55 plus tip, but that's not so bad for four of you.

Ljyoung

Thanks Janice. Very helpful as always. We wil be coming into town on a Tuesday, probably close to noon.
Is the Heathrow Express a bus or train?The cab might be the way to go - and I've read where the "black cab ride" is something also unique in London. True?

obxgirl

Heathrow Express is a train which (theoretically) leaves LHR every 15 minutes for a 15 minute ride to Paddington Station. I'm not sure why janis would recommend you take the HE as Paddington Sta is not in the direction of your hotel. For the price of four HE tickets, you're close to paying for taxi fare to County Hall from the airport. Maybe she suggested it because it would be faster than the tube.

If it's in the budget, I'd opt for the taxi.

janis

I mentioned the HEX because Ljyoung mentioned two kids and luggage. Children usually love train rides and it is a faster trip in than on the tube. But it would be more of a hassle than either a black cab or driving in to London themselves.