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London train advice from Heathrow to Strand

Posted by AlanBush on 02/01/26 12:17 AM

Fellow travelers, I am to attend RS London 15 Feb 26. I have plans to fly 2 days early (arrive 13 Feb) to see some world class art.

Of course I can read maps, but sometimes paper doesn't match the reality of feet on the ground. I am asking for any experience/advice for my journey from Heathrow to the Strand.

****(I have reservations at the Strand Palace on the Strand--somewhere close to the Somerset House.)

*******My eye & reading leads me to take the Elizabeth Line as far as I can. I'd like to be as close to Trafalgar Sq or even the Strand as possible. I can taxi from somewhere then. Off the plane, I, a sole traveler, will have my luggage--RS carryon size & RS under seat bag. No busses.
I will Black cab to Washington Mayfair on Sunday

Posted by LIZinPA 🧳

SE Pennsylvania

02/01/26 01:10 AM

3225 posts

My Citymapper app says to take the Piccadilly line to the Covent Garden stop and walk 8 minutes to your hotel.
Perhaps a Londoner will verify in the morning.

Posted by Philip

London, England

02/01/26 02:07 AM

332 posts

Best way to get to the Strand Palace is Piccadilly Line to Hammersmith, then District Line to Westminster. Then take bus 26 or 87 from Parliament Square (near Westminster station) to Aldwych, which is at the end of the Strand near the Strand Palace.

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

02/01/26 02:25 AM

18555 posts

Since you don't want to take buses, then the easiest using public transportation would be to take the Piccdilly line to Covent Garden. From there it's a 5-10 minute walk.

Posted by Volva

UK (London - Chelsea Harbour)

02/02/26 05:58 PM

501 posts

Why no busses? You can see where you are on a bus. Do some sightseeing while travelling. The tube means no views. I don't get it. :-)

Posted by Cat VH

London

02/02/26 07:29 PM

1139 posts

I think everyone here is going to give you a different opinion, so it's up to you what makes the most sense. For me, I would never recommend taking the Piccadilly line to/from the airport as the carriages are very small and there's no place for luggage. It's annoying for both the people with luggage and the other people just trying to get around. Plus, it makes many, many stops. I would take the Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road and from there take the Northern line or (if you prefer) a taxi. It's slightly more expensive than just taking the tube but for me worth it for the convenience/better experience. And you have internet connectivity on the entire line so you can go on your phone!

Posted by AlanBush OP

02/02/26 07:32 PM

106 posts

Reply to Volva---No busses as I will have my luggage & I do need the bus space (for me) hassle. I don't really want to do underground w/luggage either unless I must. But I remain open to opportunities & necessities. Ole man, personal preferences .

To CAT VH: That sounds a better plan for me. ab

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

02/02/26 08:29 PM

18555 posts

I'm going to make another suggestion. The National Express coach from Heathrow to Victoria Coach station. The driver puts your luggage underneath the bus so you don't have to worry about it.

From the coach station, it's a short taxi ride to your hotel.

These are not local city busses but intercity coaches. You will have a nice comfortable seat.