Thinking of flying into Heathrow for one night before heading to Budapest for a river cruise. Since it’s such a quick stopover, instead of heading into London (we were there recently and saw the major sights plus Windsor) we were considering visiting Hampton Court Palace the day we arrive, spending the night in the area, and then heading back to Heathrow the next day for our flight to Budapest. Is this easily doable? Just wondering what is the best way to travel between the 2 places and any estimate of transportation costs. Also any recommendations for places to stay and eat would be great! The Mitre Hotel and the Kings Arms Hotel seem to get decent reviews but we’re open to other suggestions. The timeframe for the stopover is the end of September. Thanks
Posted by
Lake District, England
9434 posts
The best way will be by taxi. That should take around 30 minutes depending on traffic, and cost £40 or so for the 8 mile journey.
The fastest and most direct way by public transit is the least likely. On a double deck red London Bus #111 from the Central Bus Station.
It takes about an hour and runs every 12 minutes, for a standard London bus fare of £1.75 currently.
The first bus back is as early as 0430, arriving at the airport before 0530.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
277 posts
Given all the usual caveats about travel disruptions, I'd just fly into Budapest and have a stroll around and a jolly good dinner.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
34932 posts
If you are going in the off season check that Hampton Court Palace is open that day. Hours and days are posted on their website.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1487 posts
You might consider Richmond as a base - relatively close to both LHR and Hampton Court.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
22257 posts
I think it always makes sense to try and capitalize on layovers, I have done it a number of times and it was the excuse to see what I otherwise would not have done a standalone trip for. Found some great places that way. Oh, and I love London, so thats good. But how long will you be in Budapest before the boat sails? Cause if it is only a night or two and if you havent been here before this would be the place to spend any extra time.
Posted by
OP
USA
12 posts
Thank you everyone for your replies. I’m traveling with a few other family members so I will relay the info to them. I know a couple members of the group are trying to use miles/points to fly so that’s where the whole idea of a stopover came from. Looks like we have a few things we need to discuss. Thanks again :-)
Mr. E - funny you mentioned spending more time in Budapest. I was just reading a few of your posts on that forum last night. Very helpful.