jamikins

The price is for the car, probably 2 people with one piece of luggage each and one hand luggage each. More people require a larger car, but it's incremental not double for 4 for example.

Tipping is not required but probably appreciated...nothing more than a few pounds though.

You pay for their parking, they will give you an approximate amt if you ask.

We use just airports all the time and this is how it works.. You can get free online quotes using your hotel or apartment postal code.

jamikins

Oh and they don't sit for hours waiting. They are familiar with how long it takes to get in and out of immigration etc and allocate their time accordingly. Once we got through and they were just pulling into the parkade. They only pick up from airports so they are good at this.

PalenQ

It does sound like for a couple at least the car service is the best deal for most - not for skinflints - then the 2 quid bus ride or Tube would be the best )i.e. cheapest and take you anywhere in London for the same basic fare from the airport.

janisj

PQ: The last time I was w/ a group there were 6 of us w/ small to moderate luggage and it cost £60 from LHR to St Katharine's Marina in east London. So even w/ a tip it worked out to £11 a person. That is getting close to tube prices when you factor in the slog factor . . . ( and from Tower Hill station to St Katharine's that is quite a slog w/ long stairs)

PalenQ

janis - I am thinking that for 2 or more folks it is a no-brainer to take a car service - and the more the better. Folks with luggage may not realize what a pain in the arse taking the Tube could be, especially if you have to change at a hectic interchange station where you may have to walk a long way and go up and down steps - very few Tube stations yet disabled-access.

For business types on expense accounts or those going to Paddington - especially if taking a train to The West the HEX is fine and I suppose business types are much of their business - though the attractive offers can make it much cheaper than the really high ordinary fares.

Plus going by car and not Underground you actually see something of London en route to your hotel (or B&b in the dread eastern disricts!)

Boveney

Agree totally with PalenQ. Any more than 1 traveler and a mincab ( prebooked car service) is the way to go (unless one is staying right at paddington, eg the. Paddington Hilton). I don't understand the reference to the 'dread eastern districts' but will overlook it!

janisj

Uh - you agree w/ PQ, who came to that realization this morning.

The rest of us have been trying to convince him of the ease and cost savings via car service for, oh maybe ten years

Boveney

Hah! Didn't realise the backstory! Well, you should congratulate yourselves on finally winning him round. Maybe in another 10 years we can convince him to give the East End a chance....

PalenQ

Maybe in another 10 years we can convince him to give the East End a chance....>

Well I have stayed in the East End for years now - where do you get your misinformation from?

As for winning me over - I as a single traveler would find a car transfer very expensive and that has always been my stance - for couples fine - but to me the best way remains taking the HEX to Paddington then the Tube if convenient - no changes - or a taxi from there.

something about being chauffeured around just don't rub me right - I am an on my own traveler and would take the Tube no doubt - not just for price but because I like doing it myself - not being met and driven by some valet - well each to their own - the average tourist who wants to get off the plane and get to their hotel I understand a car service is great - if you have two or more folks.

For others - and I manage to pack light so the Tube is not problem - cars are great but I right away want to jump into the fray of public transportation by the Tube - I would rather take the Tube into London than any other means - joining the live and pulse of the city.

Grindeldoo

As a single traveller and not on an expense account, I wouldn't dream of taking the HEX unless arriving late at Paddington would mean missing my last connection. I always take Heathrow Connect. Basic cost of £9.50 for a single (the adult fare - it's half this for those under 15) and £19 for an open return between LHR and Paddington. As opposed to the normal HEX price of £20 (£10 for children) single, £34/£19.50 return if you use a machine, even more if you pay on board. The 10 minutes difference in train time in relation to the total length of my journey is pretty irrelevant. HEX do seem to be offering special on-line deals at the moment for couples/groups, and for children - perhaps because it's low season.

PalenQ

Yes the HEX is a dedicate airport train designed it seems for the needs of business types so unless you are a couple and can get 25 quid return tickets and Paddington is convenient to you then the Heathrow Connect would be my choice as well - as a single traveler.

bvlenci

I've tried every way except taxi to get into central London from Heathrow, including the coach and the Heathrow Express. I've decided that the tube is the best way. There is a very easy change to the District Line at Hammersmith: just walk across the platform.

I usually stay in the Victoria station vicinity, and can almost always walk to my hotel from there.

The one time I took the Heathrow Express (with a big discount), I got to Paddington and found an interminable line for a taxi. They were encouraging people to share cabs, and I went for that option. There were three other people in the taxi, all getting off at different stops, and guess who was the last to be dropped off. The tube is paradise in comparison.

janisj

Just 'in case' . . . this is a very old thread that was topped by a spammer.