Hello, First trip to London with family. It is me, my husband, our three young adult kids and my 87-year-old Mom (who is thankfully doing great). What is the best way to get from Heathrow airport to our Airbnb near Lancaster Gate metro? Heathrow Express seems fastest but expensive when you get 6 tickets. Then we still have to walk or take the tube to the flat. How easy is it to just grab two cabs off the curb at Heathrow, or call an Uber, or should I pre book a car service? Same question for returning to the airport at the end of the trip. Thanks so much!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11197 posts
This is one solution that has a positive track record on this forum.
No personal experience.
Plug in your specifics and get a quote. If nothing else you have a baseline for comparison to the alternatives.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7388 posts
When’s your trip? The Heathrow Express (aka HEX) offers discounted fares if you book early enough in advance. Download the app, or go online to see options. The cheapest advance tickets for six adults (anyone over 16 years old) would total £90, cheaper than one cab. Going to Lancaster Gate using Heathrow Express will involve taking the HEX to its terminus at Paddington Station, then walking to the Paddington Underground (aka Tube) and continuing on the tube for 3 stops to get off at the Lancaster Gate stop, That will involve some extra walking and escalator riding with luggage, but we did it ourselves 2 days ago (not quite 87 yet) and it worked great!
And a single, big London Black Cab will hold 6 passengers, although how much luggage you’re all bringing could affect the overall carrying capacity of that one cab.
Posted by
Freedonia
15102 posts
A pre-booked car service will have a vehicle big enough for you and your luggage. The driver will meet you as you exit customs, walk you to the car, and drop you off in front of your apartment.
When you book the service you will know the price.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6533 posts
Either the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth Line will take you to Paddington, then get a taxi or two to bring you to the door of your rental. Maybe one taxi for Mom, someone else, and the luggage, and the rest walk. The taxi will cost much less than from the airport.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16353 posts
Dick has an excellent suggestion. Lancaster Gate is only 0.4 miles from Paddington Station—- a 10-minute walk. Grandmother and one adult can take a taxi with the luggage from the stand just outside the station while the rest enjoy the walk.
The Elizabeth line would be slightly less than the advance tickets on the Heathrow Express, but will take a bit longer ( like 15 minutes more). Take your pick.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5331 posts
There is a special DUOSAVER fare for HEX which is a round trip for two adults for £55.50. This would be a one way equivalent of £83.25. Has to be booked at least one day before travel. I would look into car service myself though.