Last minute questions before we leave to London

Regarding walking everywhere, it depends on what you want to visit! For example, from Paddington to the Tower of London is a LONG walk or around 5 miles. Personally, I find the tube so easy and comprehensive that it is worth using, especially if you only have a few days.

Heathrow connect is fine, although the service is slower and less frequent (but cheaper) than Heathrow Express. You can also catch the tube with one change (I wouldn't recommend it if you have a lot of luggage to lug but it is fine if you only have carry on).

1. For the Express same price with ordinary tickets online and from machines, more if you pay on train. If you fall into one of the deals categories (eg 2 people) buy online. If you happen to be travelling on Saturday in May or the Bank Holiday it is only £10 if paid in advance.
2. You are advised to be at the airport three hours before; in practice expect it to be somewhat less than that.
3. Pass
4. No 1 is the best option but is pricey as a one-off visitor
5. You will be worn out if you walk to central attractions before you get there (well I would be). Paddington to Westminster will take over an hour for example cutting across the parks. Your choice though.

thanks so far! i'm keeping notes here to make sure our vacation is smooth because of your knowledge and opinions!

WE stayed next to Paddington for several years and now stay near Marleybone station. Regardless, we always take the tube to Trafalgar Square which is Charing Cross tube station. You can walk along and across the Thames, to Buckingham Palace, to Covent Garden, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery, London Eye, 10 Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade, and St. Pauls are easily walkable. WE use the metro in Paris as well to get to distant locations (we stay adjacent to Notre Dame in the heart of things) and the tube in London is easier to use and will save you time and shoe leather. WE always get Oyster cards for use on the tube.

1. Connect
2. Yes
3. Can't answer never flown out of 3
4. Save your money wait at gate
5. It IS a walkable city if you like meandering. However, as Emma has noted the Oyster Card is your best friend. The Underground is amazing. Use it. However, if you do like to walk you can easily walk from your hotel to Marble Arch and then along Regent Street or walk over to and through Hyde Park past The Serpentine to the Albert Memorial. I find that in walking I see a bit more of every day London life. Lastly, once you've unpacked, freshened up and are ready to see the sights head off to the Paddington Underground station and peruse the large wall map. Then take the Bakerloo line ( brown) one stop to Baker Street ( enjoy the tiles with Sherlock Holmes profile which dot the walls of the tube stop) and grab a train on the Jubilee line ( grey) to Westminster. Quick ride. Third stop is Westminster. Mind The Gap and exit the train. Exit the station at Parliament Square. Signage is easy to follow. You'll definitely know your in London then! Have a wonderful trip. Bon Voyage.

London is big and sights are scattered around. I can't think of any point (certainly not Paddington) that is going to put you within walking distance of the V&A Museum, The British Museum, Parliament, St. Paul's, and Trafalgar Square, just to name a few. Use google maps to see some estimated walking times from your hotel to the sights on your list.

Find out what bus lines are near your hotel. Often buses will get you closer to places than the tube and they are more pleasant. You can use the Oyster card on buses and on the tube. The great thing about the Oyster is it calculates the optimum rate so you never overpay, as you would if you were using single tickets.

I have stayed in the lounges. But, I was on a Business class AA ticket and so didn't pay. The lounges are quieter. The serve some "free" food and the drinks--soft and alcoholic--were "free." My flights home were usually afternoon and so I definitely had my lunch there. I also felt that I could leave my carry on in the lounge and do some last minute shopping.

I will add to the chorus and say don't walk everywhere in London! In NYC there are some people who will walk from the Metropolitan Museum of art down to the 9/11 site, but they only do it once! It's a long way to walk and like London, you are not the only person on the side walk. So, in London take the tube and if you come to NYC take the subway!

Pam

1. The only time I took the Connect was during a.m. Rush hour before I learned to travel with a carry on. Everyone was polite, but I took up too much room. Last time we got online, senior rate, round trip tickets on the HEX.

2. It depends on your comfort level for being on time. Two things I do know: LHR takes security lines very seriously and as the economy is improving, more people are traveling.

3. Take Emma suggestion and run your planned itinerary through the tfl website she listed. That way you will know buses as well as tube options. We divide our itinerary into sections so we are not backtracking all over town.

Have a great trip!