London Transportation Tips by Pawtuxet

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: When moving around London, the trains are fascinating, busy, and plentiful. We stayed outside the city, so we had lots of experience with coming and going both day and night. No problems. Also liked their buses. Used one from the airport out to the family we stayed with. Everyone was staring of course...we were sleeping...suitcase in tow...terrible jet lag. I don't fly well.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: Americans are often routed through Heathrow when travelling to destinations around Europe and Eastern Europe. On my last trip, I tried flying daytime rather than over night...and I would highly recommend it. Jet lag was much less because I had a normal night of sleep on both ends. (cannot sleep on the flight) I pampered myself terribly by staying overnight at the hotel in the airport before continuing on. Height of luxury.
HOWEVER... I really wasn't happy with Heathrow. It's huge, poorly planned, and definatelyl NOT user friendly. You walk for miles for everything. Hallways with people movers are dismal and in great need of paint. The general maintenance of the airport is poor. When you are transported within the complex on a bus...the route takes you through the most twisted unappealling areas you would ever imagine. I understand they are trying to expand the airport again because their ratings are slipping. I say they had better clean up what they already have.
The main terminal area is dominated by retail sales and passengers have minimal uncomfortable seating ... none of which is restfull. Corridors are too narrow to accomodate the crowds. Restrooms are minimal. There is one quiet room provided with a couple of computers and it is like being in a 1955 closet. Next trip I will use another airport for my connecting flights...for sure.

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