On September 27 I will take the train from Bath to Heathrow in the early evening, and fly back to the USA on American Airlines (from Terminal 3, I think) at 12:15 pm on September 28. I thought it would be easiest to stay at a hotel right at the same terminal but none of the hotels seem to be right at Terminal 3 and some terminal hotels are pretty expensive. I don't understand where to get off the train, how to get to a hotel, and how to easily and quickly get to the terminal the next morning. I see various busses and shuttles mentioned but I'm confused about how long they take and how much they cost and where the stops are. I'm trying to plan ahead to minimize stress on my return trip and would really appreciate advice.
Posted by
California USA
3948 posts
This hotel advertises itself as the only hotel in terminal 3. Aerotel
Posted by
OP
Indianapolis, IN, U.S.A.
16 posts
I really hope to spend less than $250 a night for 1 person if possible.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2813 posts
There are several Premier Inns at Heathrow which are cheap, all quite nice, and at least a couple of which are located along Bath Road - less than 10 minutes by taxi to Terminal 3. Rooms are are typically around USD$120 or so.
We stay at one of the PI's ourselves whenever we're spending the night at the airport - most recently at the one near T5 in March of this year.
You really can't beat the stress-free convenience of a taxi or Uber when transiting between the hotel and the terminal - especially if you're horsing luggage around. They typically cost around USD$20 and can be arranged by the hotel.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8340 posts
Here is how I would do this a little differently. I would take the national Express Bus direct from Bath to Heathrow Central Bus Terminal which is located between terminal 2 and 3. Less having to haul luggage around and on and off trains or tube. Landside transfer between terninals is easily done by Underground at no charge. You still use your card but you won’t be charged.
I agree that a quick taxi ride to a nearby Premier Inn is the way to go.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1802 posts
There’s a Hilton Garden Inn at T2. It’s a 10 minute walk to T3 by way of indoor corridors. It’s an easy walk that’s well marked by signs. I’ve stayed there and for a quick overnight it’s fine.
From a previous forum post there’s also an HGI at Hatton Cross. It’s a quick tube ride to the terminals and apparently the tube stop is within the heathrow free travel zone. Never stayed there so can’t comment on it.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5679 posts
You get off the train at whichever of the 3 stations - T2/3 (for the Central Bus Station), T4 or T5 suits you.
But, yes, better advice would be to use the Nat Ex coach direct, rather than the at least 1, probably 2 or 3 changes (depending on route taken) which the train has.
Taking the train would be the chance not to go into Heathrow itself as one of the train change points is at Hayes and Harlington- several of the hotels (including at least one PI) are very close to that station.
That is why Heathrow has the Hotel Hoppa Bus service network- https://www.hotelhoppa.co.uk/
Timetables and departure points are quite clearly laid out on the website, and quite obviously at each hotel the bus leaves from the hotel itself, not some kerbside location. Tickets are either bought on the website/app ahead, on the bus or at kiosks at many of the hotels served.