I plan on taking a trip to Dublin in late March with my adult daughter. She has expressed a desire to visit London overnight. Can I get some ideas on the best way to travel a side trip like this? Getting to Dublin will probably entail flying from the US to Heathrow, then transferring planes to Dublin.
I had considered staying in London for two days on the outbound trip, but that would entail schlepping luggage to a London hotel, then back again to Heathrow and on to Dublin.
You don't say how long this trip will be or if you plan on going elsewhere in Ireland, but I would certainly recommend a "side trip" to London. You can fly directly to Dublin from many airport hubs in the US without a connection through London or you could fly open jaw, meaning flying into Dublin and then flying back from London to the US. This would require a separate flight from Dublin to London on a European carrier (such as Ryan Air, Aer Lingus, or BA). This is very easy to do. Many on the forum are "carry on" only type of packers and this works well for getting through London on trains/tubes with luggage. You will see people all the time doing this. However, I will mention that if you book on a European carrier with a US-size carry-on - it will likely need to be checked. (luggage size is very restrictive and strict) Again, no big deal you just have to know this before booking your Dublin to London ticket. I would encourage you to put London on the itinerary for at least two nights if time and budget allow. London is a safe and impressive city with lots to see and do.
Margaret
Heathrow is not the only London airport that has flights from Dublin. In fact they all do. Depending on where you're staying in London, London City airport might be a better idea as it is closer in to London than Heathrow
My suggestion is to book a multi city ticket USA-London-Dublin-USA.
There are plenty of non-stop flights between the US and Dublin.
Can you share a little more about your situation and plans? What US or Canadian airport would you start from? How long would you be able to stay in London without sacrificing too much of Dublin? If "overnight" means just one night, then it may not be worth the trouble.
I agree with others that "open jaw" (multi-city on airline websites) would be the way to go, no point backtracking. And London is served by four airports, at least two of which (probably all four) have service to Dublin. But if you're thinking about just a side trip to London during your longer stay in Dublin (as your post title suggests), then I'd suggest a separate round-trip flight on Ryanair or another budget carrier with just enough carry-on luggage for one night, letting your Dublin hotel store your main bags while you make this overnight trip. Even though that would be a short flight each way, you'd eat up a lot of time with airport logistics. In my mind it wouldn't be worth that time to spend just one night in London. Both cities deserve a long enough visit to really appreciate them.
If you are going to see London you are going to have to “schlep ” luggage to a hotel in any case. It is not a big deal. You can take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station (a 15-minute ride in a comfortable train with step-free access and space for luggage). Book a hotel near Paddington ( lots to choose from, but check the Pilgrm for a nice place very close to the station) and “Bob’s your uncle.”
Buy your Heathrow Express tix well in advance for the best price——like the £5.50 price for tix purchased 90+ days ahead.
From Paddington you can take the Tube anywhere in London you want to go, or walk through Hyde Park like we do (ver enjoyable) or walk to the stop for the 148 bus which will take you to Westminster Abbey and the attractions in that area.
Here is an overview of US cities having flights, including non-stops, to Dublin.
You can also use skyscanner to find Dublin-London. I use skyscanner because it covers European regional airlines. Once you choose a flight, book directly with the airline.
The advice about multi-city itinerary is good. Again, book directly through an airline site if possible. Use these sites to do the planning rather than trying to sort out routes by yourself.
Easier still, stick to Ireland without the brief but time-consuming hop to London. Each city is worth a separate vacation.
My daughter wants to see the Royal Jewels. We were inn London together twenty years ago when she was just out of high school. With all of the hoopla regarding the Queen and the tv shows regarding the crown, she wanted to see the jewels with a bit more understanding. We are flying from ORD. We plan on landing in Dublin, then driving to Limerick,sp[end a night, then drive either to the North, or to the South, as weather dictates and our feelings run. The whole trip will be for eight days in country total, so a prolonged London stay would be not a good idea.
I flew American from ORD to DUB last spring, and I'm glad I took a bus instead of trying to drive after an overnight flight, especially on the left side of the road. I was safer and so were all the other drivers. Citylink has bus service directly from DUB to Limerick, takes 2.5 hours, it would get you there comfortably and safely that afternoon. Your biggest problem would be whether to enjoy the scenery or nod off in your seats. But allow plenty of time for passport control at the airport.
The best way to see the Crown Jewels is to show up as soon as the Tower of London opens in the morning, and head straight for them, saving the rest of the Tower for after. The lines can be very long, especially now because your daughter isn't the only one thinking about the jewels at this point.
