wdiamond

Arriving Harwich from cruise. Please advise best train route to Hilton London Olympia Hotel...two adults, two luggages...first time in England...any tour suggestions welcomed. Will be there for 3 days then train to Paris but that's a different topic.

Thanks

ron

The National Rail website suggests train to Manningtree, simple cross platform change there for train to Stratford (London). London Overground train from Stratford (London) to Kensington Olympia. About 5 minute walk to the hotel. Total time about 2½ hours.

jamikins

There are direct trains from the Harwich port I believe so you may not have to change trains before Stratford.

PatrickLondon

The only regular trains serving Olympia are on the Overground line, and there aren't any trains from Harwich that stop at Stratford (the most straightforward point of connection to the Overground). Any other option, short of a direct car service, and who knows what that might cost, is just too complicated.

flanneruk

" there aren't any trains from Harwich that stop at Stratford "

There are during the not too early morning rush hour.

The real choice is:
- change Stratford for Overground to Olympia (c 0700-0830)
- change Manningtree for Stratford then Overground (other times)
- change Manningtree for London Liverpool St (main London terminal on this line), then taxi (slightly quicker, and about £20 dearer, than the Overground connection. No need to schlep to hotel, though)

PatrickLondon

If you're going to Liverpool St anyway, you might as well get the direct train from Harwich to there.

janisj

I'd take train to Liverpool Street myself (unless you can make the short early morning time window flanner mentions) But -- doesn't your cruise line offer transfers? It might cost a bit more -- but be easiest by far.