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Layover in London

Posted by (Lehi, UT, USA) on

Hi,

Landing in London from the USA around 11:30 am on Monday, July 17th at Heathrow Airport. Plane takes off continuing on to Africa around 7:30 pm (luggage will continue on without us having to pick it up). Have 6 travelling in our group.

First time in London and would love to see the highlights (Buckingham, Pariliament, Big Ben, Westminister, St. Paul's, etc.)

I'm thinking Heathrow Express to Paddington is the fastest way. Then tube to downtown. Not sure how to get from Paddington to the main tourist site area taking the tube. Anyone have some specific directions on how to do this?

Also, any suggestions on the order that makes the most sense to see these sites and if it's possible to see them all in the time we have.

Thank you for any information you can provide for this - much appreciated.

Posted by
2738 posts

Do the math. Even if your plane actually lands at 11:30 with time to disembark, clear immigration (which can vary tremendously) you'll be lucky to be finished by 1-2 PM. Then you need to be at the airport at least by 5:30 for your next flight. You have time for a meal. Maybe you want to spend some of that time commuting to the city for that meal, but sightseeing? I can't see how that is possible.

Posted by
16413 posts

Let's assume your plane arrives on time.

Give yourself at least an hour to walk from your gate to immigration, get through immigration, and then walk to the Heathrow Express. (This could take a lot longer.)

The Heathrow Express will take 15 minutes. The tube will take about 20 minutes. Then add walking time and waiting time so I would give it 45 to 60 minutes each way. And remember on your return journey it will be rush hour on the tube and the six of you may not get on the first train that arrives. So give yourself an extra 30 minutes on the return for safety.

You need to be back at Heathrow two hours ahead of time minimum. And that time of day, it's crowded.

So far, from the eight hours you have from touchdown to takeoff, you have now subtracted five hours. That leaves three hours is you are lucky. Your plane can be late, there could be a problem on the trains, immigration can take longer, and so on.

Not all the sights you mention are near each other. The walk from Buck House to Parliament/Big Ben is about 15-20 minutes. It's two miles from Parliament to St Pauls. (you'd have to take the tube or a cab.), That will take time.

As an alternative, Windsor is not that far from the airport. Take a cab, see the castle, have a meal in a local pub, and then head back to the airport.

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