Heathrow to Premiere Inn County Hall with two kids

Since County Hall is not near Paddington, I wouldn’t bother with the Heathrow Express. Just take the tube the whole way, or order a car.

Tom, can I order a mini cab if I don’t know my exact time of clearing customs? Or do you mean an Uber?

"can I order a mini cab if I don’t know my exact time of clearing customs?"

Yes. Remember these are airport pickup minicab services, which deal with this all the time.

I have no personal experience, but three companies that are often recommended are Blackberry Cars, Just Airports, and Simply Airports. If you go to their websites and put in all your particulars (exact address, cash or credit, size of car you need), you can get an exact price quote.

I agree that with three tired and jetlagged people, your hotel not being anywhere near Paddington Station (so the Heathrow Express doesn't make sense), and your not being familiar with London, using a minicab is the most sensible way.

You can book a car service (Blackberry is widely recommended) and give them your flight number so they can monitor the arrival. We have not done this, but you can check on the website for the fare. I have seen quotes from £40 to £50.

The one time we used a car service from Heathrow it took 90 minutes to get to our apartment, but that was close to Tower Bridge.

I cannot imagine using the Tube after a long-haul flight with 2 children and luggage. The Piccadilly Line does not go anywhere near County Hall so you would have to change lines and go to Westminster or Waterloo. Either one would involve a 10+ minute walk through a crowded area. Cost for the Tube on single tix would be £12 for the three of you. One adult fare and two at 50%.

The Heathrow Express would be £14.30 if you buy your ticket 30+ days in advance. The children are free. It is 15 minutes to Paddington. From there you could take a Black Cab from the taxi stand right to your hotel front door. It would be fun and you get a bit of sightseeing on the way. Cost? Uncertain, but when we have done longer journeys than that from Paddington to our lodging, the fare has been £15-18. Maybe a local can give a better estimate.

I took a cab from Paddington to County Hall recently and it was 20 pounds if that helps. I agree that an arrival transportation other than the tube is a great idea when one is so tired and new to London.

Thank you everyone for your help. I booked a car with Blackberry for £44 flat rate.

Excellent choice. Have fun in London. Your hotel is in a great location; lots of casual cafes along the Thames pedestrian path once you get through the scrum around the London Eye.

We prefer the Golden Jubilee pedestrian bridges (attached to but separate from the Hungerford traffic bridge) for crossing the river. The Westminster Bridge is very crowded with tourists and hustlers, and you are close to the traffic. The Jubilee bridge (the next bridge downriver) will connect to quiet streets to the Horseguards Parade/St. James Park area, or a few blocks further to Trafalgar Square.