Heathrow to Premiere Inn County Hall with two kids

Posted by Melissa (Tennessee ) on 04/05/19 03:35 AM

I am traveling as the sole adult three weeks in Europe with my 12 year old girl and 13.5 year old boy. I will have a rolling carryon (16 lbs) and the Veloce crossbody. My son will have the RS backpack (14 lbs). and my daughter the RS Appenzell backpack (10lbs). We arrive via BA at 10:30am to Heathrow.

Looking at transportation options, the Heathrow Express and tube seem cheaper, but an Uber would be a little bit more cost, yet more convenient. Our flight is a US domestic then the transatlantic, so a very long travel time. Would we three fit in a regular Uber with our luggage? I’m willing to splurge a bit for convenience. Or would traffic backups drag our the transport to be just as long as the HE and tube? I’ve never used an Uber before.

ETA: arriving May 28, Tuesday @ 10:30 BA from Philadelphia (starting point Memphis).

Posted by Melissa OP

Tennessee

04/05/19 03:56 AM

41 posts

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

Posted by Harold

New York, NY, USA

04/05/19 04:19 AM

11294 posts

"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.

Posted by Lola

Seattle, WA

04/05/19 04:31 AM

17562 posts

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.

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

04/05/19 05:12 AM

8913 posts

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.

Posted by Melissa OP

Tennessee

04/05/19 01:39 PM

41 posts

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

Posted by Lola

Seattle, WA

04/05/19 03:33 PM

17562 posts

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.