We are planning a trip to London in March. 1.Any recommendations as to how difficult it is to get from a London hotel to Heathrow to make a 9:00 am flight on a Sunday? 2.Is a cab possible and how early should we leave? What is the cost of the cab? We are a party of 4.
3.Is the tube a good idea assuming we are near a tube station and do the subways run at early hours on a Sunday? What is the expected delay for customs and security for a flight departing from Heathrow at that time? Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5332 posts
The first Piccadilly Line train from Central London on a Sunday arrives at Heathrow around 7:50am which will be too late for you. There is the option of the Heathrow Express (first train arrives about 5:25am) or the Night Bus (N9) but without knowing where you are intending to stay it isn't clear whether either would be feasible. Car service looks the likely best option - need someone else for recommendations. Not sure what you mean by customs - are you looking to make a VAT refund? There are no emigration formalities to go through, usually. Outbound security hardly ever takes me more than 15 mins, again under normal circumstances.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
For a flight across the Atlantic you should be at Heathrow a full three hours before your scheduled departure time. A private car service will cost much less than a taxi. Just Airports gives a discount for paying cash. With four people you'll need either an Estate (station wagon) or a MPV (minivan). It all depends upon how much luggage you'll have.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Ask your hotel if they offer a car service to the airport. I paid 18 pounds for a ride (don't know if that's pricey or cheap) but I was leaving London on a Sunday morning and didn't want to worry about Tube line closures (that's a possibility, esp. on weekends) or other issues. I stayed in Bayswater and the ride to the airport was between 45 minutes and an hour.
Posted by
OP
Hamilton, NJ, USA
11 posts
Thanks to all for your replies. It has been really helpful.