I am arriving in terminal 5 at Heathrow and my friend is arriving in terminal 3 an hour later. Where is the best place for me to meet my friend and then take the Heathrow Express to Paddington?
Posted by
Preston UK
889 posts
Unless you have secured heavily discounted tickets for the Heathrow Express well in advance it is very unlikely to be the best choice to get into central London. Depending on where your final destination is the Elizabeth line might not be either. If you let us know here your final destination is we can
Posted by
Freedonia
15044 posts
Make sure you know each other's flight information and have a way to communicate in case one of you is severely delayed and plans need to change.
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
992 posts
I would make my way over to Terminal 3. You can stand at Arrivals by the WH Smith store. (You will see plenty of private drivers/tour company reps holding up names for passengers here). This is your spot to wait. If she comes through a little quicker have her wait in this area. I would also use the Elizabeth Line to go into Paddington. The Heathrow Express without advanced tickets will cost you £25 each!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks much for the advice. I have purchased very early discounted Heathrow express tickets and my hotel is very close to Paddington station. In the past I have found the Heathrow Express to be a reasonable and convenient alternative if purchased far in advance. When going to London I usually stay at a hotel close to Paddington Station or I am taking a train that departs from Paddington.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16306 posts
Good planning on your part. The advance Heathrow Express tix (£5.50);are less than half the cost of a ride on the Elizabeth Line (£12.20).
You can amuse your friend by standing near the private drivers and holding up a sign with her name on it. She will see it right away as she exits the green door customs area. My sister did this when we met up at T5 a few years back, and we all had a good laugh.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5525 posts
Another possibility would be to meet your friend at Paddington. There are several food places and a coffee shop on the mezzanine level with seating. You could each take the train from your respective terminals. Whoever gets there first could just get a coffee and wait at a table for the other. It would be more comfortable than standing outside the arrivals area at T3 and you wouldn’t have to bother traveling to T3. Regardless, I’d have a backup plan for where to meet (e.g., at the hotel) if someone’s flight is significantly delayed.
Personally, when I’ve met people traveling on flights we have just met up at the hotel. I think this is far more comfortable than hanging out in an airport. You can also leave a message for the other person at the front desk.