If arriving at Heathrow from Chicago, and then having to take the tube to KingsCross, would it be wise to buy a flexi-railpass in advance? Is there a certain time that I have to be at the train station? How long should I give myself in all to go through customs, etc at the airport, and tube travel? Or is it better to buy a railpass once I get to KingsCross the day of? I aprreciate any help/advice. Thanks. :)
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Are you asking about buying a train ticket? or a reservation? or a railpass? These are not the same thing, but I think you are asking about a ticket for a specific trip.....You can buy either a ticket or a railpass in advance on the internet, or you can buy a ticket at the train station after you arrive.....Early ticket purchases save money......The last few times I've landed at Heathrow about 7am, I've been able to get to the KingsCross station by Tube about 9am. It can take longer. The Tube ride is ordinarily about an hour, unless you are talking about weekend travel. Because of ongoing weekend construction projects, Tube or train travel can be delayed/detoured.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You cannot buy a BritRail Pass in Britain. You must buy it before leaving home. Seat reservations are optional on most trains in the UK. When you get to Kings Cross you can validate your pass at a ticket window and then simply get on the next available train. You should plan on up to an hour to clear immigration/passport control and another hour to get from the airport to Kings Cross on the Tube. If I remember correctly from your earlier thread, you will be taking the train to York. While there is no 10:00 train, throughout most of the day there are two trains/hour departing on the hour and on the half hour.
Posted by
OP
D Pere, Wisconsin, USA
4 posts
Thank you both for helping me with my questions. It is very nice to be able to talk to people who have experience in traveling. Cheers!