travelfool

I know you can take the train from Cardiff to Reading and then a bus from Reading to terminal 3 at Heathrow. Since we are flying American (from terminal 3) I thought this might be our best option. Has anyone done this route or do you know a better way?

Patrick

It sounds like you've already done your homework. I can't imagine a better way than that. By the way, if you don't have a cell phone, you can book seats in the "quiet" car on the train from Cardiff -- what a pleasant relief from the usual chatter on those cell phones on most trains!

travelfool

I was wondering if anyone has taken the train from Cardiff to Reading and then transfered to the bus? Can you let me know how this might work? Is there a better way? Any suggestions or comments would be helpful. Thanks in advance...

Roger

I did the trip, but from Heathrow to Cardiff. After a lot of checking I figured it was less hassel to take the Express train to Paddington and the train from Paddington to Cardiff. I have not done the Reading bus but would like to try it if only for a change.

ron

I have done the transfer from the bus to the train at Reading numerous times -- it is so easy. From the train platform you would follow the signs into the terminal building. Short walk, main exit is on your right. Go left instead, shops on each side, to a 2nd exit on your right. Down a couple of ramps to the street, where the bus stops. There is a waiting room there if you have to wait or if the weather is nasty.

jsmith

This info from the Heathrow website might help:

http://www.baa.co.uk/main/airports/h...air_frame.html

travelfool

Thanks for the additional information. The directions you list is very detailed. Thanks Ron. The web site was really helpful. Thanks JSmith. All of this should help us have an enjoyable trip. Does anyone know if our BritRail pass will cover the bus portion of the journey? The trainline.com lists First Great Western as operating the train and the bus. Also do you think I can trust the schedule or should we take an earlier train to make sure we can make our flight at Heathrow?

ron

Unless they have changed the rules in the past couple of years, your Britrail pass will not be valid on the bus from Reading to Heathrow. In that case, you may want to take the train into Paddington and the Heathrow Express out to the airport.

Train reliability in the UK is 75% to 80%, so one in four or five trains on average will be late. I would take one train earlier than needed to account for this possibility.