I plan to use the Heathrow Express next week to Paddington Station. Then I need to get to Bloomsbury.
Expedia has $58 round trip tickets. Should I buy them now on the internet? Also does the Express have any relationship to Oyster or Travelcards? Thanks!
The Express is a train service, not part of the underground. The Oyster card and Travelcards are for underground and bus services. The express is not all that expensive and you don't need reservations. If you wish, just buy you ticket on board. If you have a BritRail pass, it is valid on the Express.
According to the Heathrow express website an Express class roundtrip ticket is 28 pounds (about $56) and first class is 46 pounds($92), if purchsed on their website. The tickets would be 1 pound more if purchased from a ticket machine or office and 2 pounds more if purchased on board. What about the tube?
I forgot to add the Heathrow connect. New trains running from Heathtrow to Paddington. They make a couple of stops along the way so it takes 25 mins. Cost round trip 12.90 pounds about $26.
Along with the tube, bus, and Docklands Light Railway, Oyster cards and travelcards are good on some National Rail trains. The Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect are NOT included.
If you're going to Bloomsbury, you can easily take the tube all the way for £4. Go to www.tfl.gov.uk to download and print a tube map.
Wait until you get to Heathrow to either buy an Oyster card, a paper travelcard, or to load a travelcard on Oyster.
Thanks to all you world travelers for taking time to share your advice.
