London Transportation Tips by morgane1692

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: the nicest way to get to and from London Heathrow and the US is a 777; if you can, try to be in the First Class cabin...the bedsuite seating allows you to be totally prone when you wish, and the UA service and food and beverages and space, they're all very, very nice and posh...

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Phone: 800 538 2929
Website: www.united.com

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: The biiig drawback here, for convenience's sake, is that Easyjet doesn't serve Heathrow itself. This makes using it as a smooth connection from North America just about impossible. But if you're already in Europe, or London for that matter, check this carrier out for some fabulous online deals...it all depends on how popular a route is, how far in advance you book, yada yada yada, and you do have to remember taxes are an addition to the initial quoted fares...but the prices can be amazing, nonetheless...

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Website: www.easyjet.com

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: HEATHROW EXPRESS is a pricey option for getting to/from LHR and the city. But you can't always be more concerned with saving a pound or two in exchange for the thrill of dragging your wheelie and two bags of duty-free-wine with you as you navigate the corridors and stairs of the Underground stations. The added bonus of transferring btwn train lines still doesn't make the meager savings worthwhile. HEATHROW EXPRESS has its city location at Paddington Station, and makes stops at all the LHR terminals. The one-way fare has jumped a bit to 14GBP each way, which is much more than a ticket would cost on the Underground, but again, if you have more than a carryon, you would be well-advised to check out this option. Fifteen minutes, versus an hour, you be the judge! (There are also EXPRESS trains for both Stansted and Gatwick.)

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Phone: 44 (0) 845 600 15 15
Website: www.heathrowexpress.com

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: If you get yourself an inexpensive ticket on Easyjet, then you will likely be showing up at the LUTON customs and immigration counter instead of the more familiar and gargantuan LHR. Luton isn't on the Underground line and it's far enough north of the city that a taxi ride will cost you dearly. There is bus service which will get you to one of the major tube stations in town, but for a couple of GBP more (10GBP o/w) you might want to take the 30min ThamesLink train, a straight shot into London's King Cross station. Beware however, if you arrive at Luton late at night as we did, you will then arrive at King's Cross possibly juuuust after the Underground closes up shop and you will be at the mercy of the cabbies outside. Don't go with the vultures who await you as you step off the train, go outside and around the corner and flag your own cab. Even if perhaps you don't get a better rate this way, you tell yourself you are, and that's what counts.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: I'm all for spending the $$$ and/or GBP when convenience and service warrants it. But the Eurostar isn't that. Perhaps if you have a couple of weeks' advance notice on exactly when you'll need your zippy trip under the English Channel, this method works. But the walk-up fare (for 2nd class too, mind you!!) is ludicrous with a capital L. Go ahead and buy either a one-way from Heathrow to Brussels or Paris on British Midland, or get yourself to one of the other London airports and do the Easyjet thing to continental Europe. Money will be saved. A lot of it, too.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: ...and you are not bogged down with more than carry-on luggage, there's no sense in spending the $$$ on the plush Heathrow Express. As much as you'd like to. It goes to Paddington Station and you need Waterloo, so go ahead and take the tube right from LHR on the Piccadilly line, switch at Piccadilly and drop south on the Bakerloo line a few stops to Waterloo. Then just make your way through the corridors to the Eurostar terminal. And don't let your jaw drop too far when they tell you the ticket prices. Think Hell, I could swim to Brussels or Paris for less, or Why didn't I go ahead and get my British Midland pass back at Heathrow and just be done with it. Then realize you are already at Waterloo, just get your damn Eurostar ticket, and go. And forget the expense. And enjoy your vacation, for crying out loud! ;-)))

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