Hi all!
We will be arriving in London from Chicago at 10:45 PM. So I am trying to figure out the best way to get from the airport to the hotel at that time. We are staying at Copthorne in Kensington. There are two of us. I have used the Heathrow Express before. I know it's expensive but I like the speed and comfort. Do we ride that to Paddington and then get a cab?
Also, do you check in with the American embassy when you travel? I haven't when I've been to London before but had heard it's a good thing to do.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2775 posts
Yes, I would use the Heathrow Express then take cab. We never check in with the American Embassy.
Posted by
Cincinnati
79 posts
Before you travel internationally enroll in STEP; it's on the US Government Passports and International website. I've never traveled to London, hope to someday.
Posted by
Land of La
8669 posts
Yes, take the comfortable and speedy Heathrow Express to Paddington. Then follow signage to where the cabs are located.
Been visiting London since 1972. Have never checked in with the Embassy. Walked by it more than once. Great eagle on top. Don't know where it will go when the new Embassy opens.
If it makes you more comfortable then stop in.
Enjoy your visit.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
It depends how long it takes you to pass through immigration and collect baggage. The last Heathrow Express train leaves Terminal 5 at 2342 and Terminals 2 and 3 a few minutes later.
On Friday and Saturday evenings the Piccadilly Line runs all night to central London - you can get off at either Earls Court or South Kensington and get a bus or cab. On other evenings the last trains run again at around 2345 and if you miss them you need to get a cab all the way which would be expensive.
Given that you're arriving so late from a transatlantic flight it might be better to stay that first night at an airport hotel and travel to London in the morning.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4044 posts
Philip's advice mirrors my own experience recently, although not late at night. The Earl's Court station is only one stop away from the High Street Kensington Tube stop on the District Line, a 3-minute ride, and the hotel is one block south of that station. Tube runs until at least midnight or a little later. Bus ride can take five minutes or substantially longer depending on the route. You can make your plans here: https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/
(Note that there are three stations with the name Kensington; you are going to High Street Kensington. A pleasant and very efficient hotel, by the way.)
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you all for your help! We are arriving on a Tuesday. I will have to think about the idea of getting another hotel near the airport since I know it can take a long time to get through the airport. How much would a cab cost?