I am hoping you can help me with decisions about the best way to go from Heathrow to the flat we are renting in Knightsbridge. My husband and I will each have a back pack and one small-medium size suitcase. I think riding the metro to Knightsbridge tube station and then walking a few minutes to the flat will be fine. We are mid-seventies, but fit. However, I am a small woman and have a couple of arthritic thumbs. So, the single problem would be if there are a lot of stairs from the tube station up to street level. I can pull my bag anywhere and carry it okay on level ground. But, I don't want to carry it up a lot of stairs. Can anyone who has been in that station in the recent past please give me information about this? Thank you very much. Susan
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5326 posts
The current exits from Knightsbridge station both involve around 40 steps or so, in one or two flights There will be a new exit opening in 2020 that will provide step free access, but that might be too late for you.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1803 posts
According to TFL’s avoiding stairs tube guide, the nearby Hyde Park Corner station has escalators to the street.
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/avoiding-stairs-tube-guide.pdf
Perhaps one option is to get off there? Take a short taxi ride if necessary?
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8141 posts
You can take the Heathrow Express to Paddington train station, and catch a short cab ride from there to anywhere in Knightsbridge. As a large facility, Paddington has facilities for the handicapped/elevators.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Yes, I think your best choice will be train to Paddington followed by cab or bus to Knightsbridge. There's no single bus route all the way from Paddington to Knightsbridge to taxi will be easier.
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
112 posts
Thank you all for the helpful information. Apparently the Heathrow Express is quite expensive - maybe because we are flying in a few days. It seems to be much more reasonable if tickets are purchased well in advance. TheHyde Corner station idea will work very well. We will just take a taxi from there. Our Airbnb host has given useful info about cost and directions. I so appreciate the helpful folks on this forum! Susan
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
713 posts
Yes, the Heathrow Express (HEX) is expensive if you miss out on the advance fares.
But there's an option at half the cost: the TfL (Transport for London) train from Heathrow to Paddington. Same route, but it makes some stops along the way. Peak fare for an adult one way is £10.50. More than the Tube, but nothing like £25.00 for the HEX! Fares here: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/find-fares/tube-and-rail-fares/single-fare-finder?intcmp=54716
A single fare on the Underground (or Tube, not called the metro in London) from Heathrow to Hyde Park Corner station is £3.10 - £6.00, depending on time of day and method of payment.
I've taken both the Tube and HEX from Heathrow into London on my visits. (Got the £11 advance fare for the HEX.) If my hotel is within a reasonable distance of Paddington, I prefer arriving there and either walking or taking a cab to my hotel. Paddington is laid out better for people with luggage, including more elbow room and no steps, vs. the average Tube station. If I were staying within a reasonable cab ride from Paddington and missed out on the advance HEX fare, I would take the TfL train instead. It's the same route, just not as speedy, but hey, I'm on vacation anyway and not in a rush. :-) . (Edited to add: I'm just sharing my experience and opinions for consideration. Nobody's "right" for doing it my way, or "wrong" for doing it another way.)
I hope you have a great time in London!
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
112 posts
Thanks, Suz: Your information was great. We will be taking the TfL and also purchasing Oyster cards. Susan