Hello fellow Fodorites -- My two teenage boys, husband and I are visiting London late March and will be in the Kensington/Earl's Court area for a week. Our flight back to Chicago leaves Heathrow at 8 am on a Sunday. What is the best way to get to the airport by 5 am? Nearly missed our flight back from Istanbul last year because of the long lines at the airport on a Sunday and want to make it to LHR in good time. I understand the tube only starts at 5 am. Looked for car options but car services seems to only operate from Heathrow into the city. Help please! Any insights are greatly appreciated.

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Well - I personally wouldn't go to LHR at 0500 - I'd be be happy getting there by 0545/0600. But that is just me.

In any case, the only practical way to get there would be a pre-booked car service. justairports.com or www.london-transfers.com/ are two good ones.

On a Sunday the Tube starts at around 6:30 from Earls Court so it's not an option anyway.

As said for a flight at that time on a Sunday a car service - or several buses - are the only options

Like janis, we used justairports and the service was fantastic!

A car service seems to be your best option - should not cost more than approx. GBP 35.00 from Earls Court for all of you.

As pointed out, there is no need whatsoever to be at LHR at 05.00 h in the morning for an 08.00 h departure. Driving time that early on a Sunday morning should be about 20 min. only. Your hotel should be able to assist you with the arrangements.

Definitely find out what time the check-in desks open - no point in showing up at 5am and then standing around for an hour until the check-in desks open...

Ah but think of the queues when the desks do open - if OP is at the head of the queue then they'll have more time to shop.

If they can they should see if they can do on-line check-in then there's just the queue for the bag drop to worry about.

Another vote for justairports; they definitely picked us up exactly on time and took us from London to LHR. And we arrived about 5:30 for a similar flight back to ORD, found a line already formed at AA desk but did get through all things necessary in plenty of time and even found time for some breakfast.

Thanks all for your feedback...I will connect with justairports.

I would get there at 5 to 5:15. The airlines and airports say 3 hours for an international flight and I take them at their word. They have more experience in this than I. I would rather sit on the other side for 1 hour than be in a line stressing if I will make it in time. Remember, if the flight leaves at 8:00, the boarding of the plane can stop at 7:30 or 7:45. A car service would be the best bet. How much luggage do you have? If a lot, it might be more for the car service and at a point, you might need two cars if you have as much luggage as some people I have seen.

"<i>you might need two cars if you have as much luggage as some people I have seen.</i>"

Well hopefully there isn't that much luggage - but in any case for a party of four, it wouldn't require 2 vehicles. Justairports or London Transfers will ask you how many bags and will send a larger car if necessary.

BTW - I'd get a quote from both justairports and London Transfers. Both are good but one will be cheaper on some routes than the other.

Or pop for a Priceline hotel room or two at Heathrow and go out the evening before. Usually you can get quite decent rooms for well under US$100; might be cheaper than an abbreviated night in Kensington/Earl's Court.

They'd have to bid on two rooms on Priceline. (or use Hotwire to get a room for 4).

A LHR hotel really won't save that much time. On a sunday early AM there will be little to no traffic. From an LHR hotel you'd have to wait for the Hoppa bus schedule or get a taxi -- so <i>at most</i> save 10-15 minutes. I'd stay put myself.

I found some travelodge rooms around Heathrow from 29 Pounds. Go the night before and stress less.

Thanks all. We are renting an apartment for a week so do not want to pay for a hotel near LHR as well the night before departure. Since we will have washer and dryer facilities we will be traveling light. So one car should suffice. Will get quotes from the two companies you mentioned, janisj.

We have a choice of.apartments...one near Pimlico (Westminster) or S.Kensington, right by the tube station. The latter is quieter and walking distance to Victoria/westminster cathedral. The latter with more eateries and closer tube access. We want to see all possible sights.What do you guys recommend?

We love Justairports and have used them quite frequently. Last year when my son moved to London we had 3 persons with 7 huge rolling duffles and 3 carryons. They sent a big minivan and it was wonderful!

"<i>one near Pimlico (Westminster) or S.Kensington, right by the tube station. The latter is quieter and walking distance to Victoria/westminster cathedral. The latter with more eateries and closer tube access</i>"

I think you mean the <u>former</u> is quieter/walking distance . . .

Both areas are good. Where are they specifically (post code or a link to the flat's listing)?

I usually prefer to stay in Pimlico myself -- but that is mostly because I've stayed there so many times and it 'feels like home'. Many people would recommend S. Kens because of the tube connection to LHR and being close to the V&A, Parks, Harrods etc. Parts of Pimlico have a more neighborhood-y feeling and I like being close to Victoria, Tate Britain, and the river. But again -- the exact location could make a differene.

Janisj...you are right I meant the Pimlico area is quieter. The apartment is on St George Drive and the agent said it is a quintessential English neighborhood. I find the proximity to the river and Victoria attractive as well as the character of the neighborhood. But not sure how many restaurants etc are close by. With two always- hungry boys that is always a consideration. Can you shed some light? Thanks for all your help.

One end of St George's Drive is near Victoria Station/Elizabeth Street/bridge - the other end is at Lupus Street not far from Pimlico station. 1/2 a block from the Lupus street end of St George's Dr. is Goya which is a Spanish restaurant -- tapas bar on the ground floor and down stairs a full menu restaurant. Not sure when your trip is -- but in nice weather the tapas bar has outdoor seating. tapas are good for kids because there is bound to be something they like.

Just up the street the other direction there was a fish & chips take away (but it has been 18 months and things do change). There are a few other decent places w/i a short walk -- a Pizza express, Grumbles, Seafresh, a few Chinese/Indian/Thai places.

Plus there is a casual cafe and a posh restaurant in Tate Britain.

All in all there are more choices near S Kens, but you wouldn't starve in Pimlico

Hi Janis

I did connect with just airports and they got back to us promptly. We are all set with the trip back to
LHR at dawn on the return. Thanks so much for the tip.