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Testing in London (Paddington Station)

Can anyone who has traveled to London recently tell me if there is a relatively cheap testing location near Paddington in London? I have been checking into whether I should take Binax tests with me or if I should just test there (if the testing requirement is still in effect when we return in June).
But what I am seeing with most of the testing sites are that they range from $85-100. Is this a reasonable cost expectation or is this high and I am not doing a great job of searching? Thanks in advance and sorry if this is a repeat question.

Posted by
16 posts

Did notice there are other posts to this question. I have looked through them now. Looks like cost is all over the place. Sorry for reposting!

Posted by
70 posts

The cost is quite prohibitive all over. We just returned yesterday and used the proctored Ihealth testing. very easy to test and results are released real time.

Posted by
8906 posts

There is a Boots Pharmacy at Paddington that the website says offers testing.

I think that the advantage of Binax proctored home test is convenience. My plan is to bring several over the counter tests (free from library) and use them every 3-4 days. If one comes up positive, I’ll immediately use the Binax test to confirm and officially document. That way I’m starting the clock for getting a certificate of recovery.

Posted by
531 posts

We are having a different problem…we need antigen test 7/2 and every option at Heathrow and Paddington have no more appointments for that date. Our flight back to US is 7/3 @ 8:30 am.

Posted by
16 posts

Chris- I noticed when I checked the Boots appts that they don't schedule them past 30 days out. Is it possible those dates just aren't available yet?

Posted by
1891 posts

How about at St Pancras? It’s a short tube ride away and has lateral flow antigen tests for £40 or £32 with a discount code. Works out to about 52/41 USD.

https://www.collinsongroup.com/en/covid-19-testing

I’m flying on Virgin Atlantic and noticed them listed on VA’s website with discount code.
https://help.virginatlantic.com/hk/en/covid-19-testing.html but it appears that Collinson has partnered with British Air, Virgin Atlantic, American Air and others. I have no idea if they ask for proof of flying on those airlines to use the discount code.

Posted by
531 posts

Carol, Rocket, and NDTeach...we are not leaving until June 16th. We have considered taking the proctored tests with us...however we have never used them and even though many have .. ..for some reason my anxiety level goes up that I may mess the test up in some way.

I had looked at Express Test Antigen Lateral Flow that are offered at Paddington and Heathrow..however neither are showing availability past June 24. I'm not sure if test appointments will be released 28 to 30 days out since their calendar seems to be from April 26 to June 24. Interesting to note is if I look for appointment for 4 hour PCR test then it shows up for 6/25. I have filled out contact forms asking these questions and still waiting...

Looked at Boots as well but you have to resgister and send your identity info i.e a passport to buy the test first and get confirmation code and then you get to search for a Boots that may have your test.

Things seem to be a lot more complicated in England then when we went to Paris.

Posted by
2692 posts

Just did my fit to fly test at Collinsons, St Pancras upper level. Booked a couple of weeks ago, worked out to around $40 US. Got there 10 minutes early, out shortly after that. Within 45 minutes I got my negative result. I chose this location as I am spending my last day here at the British Library and Museum, about a 15 minute walk away. For an 8 day visit I tested myself twice, days 3 & 6.