We have a 6:40 am flight out of London and chose a hotel on The Piccadilly line for what I thought would be an easy tube trip to Heathrow. But after checking first and last Tube times I'm realizing it doesn't arrive at Earls Court till around 6 am...too late for us! Any comments or suggestions for a reliable way of transportation to Heathrow in the wee hours??
We've done it two ways with the last being the most hassle free. You can arrange an early taxi, say at 0400 and the drive to Heathrow is essentially traffic free. It is rather costly, don't remember how much exactly. Lately we prefer to stay at Jury's Inn, quite close to Heathrow, terminal 5 I think. The hoppa bus starts quite early and it's only about 5 minutes to the terminal. Staying close to Heathrow has proven to be practically stress free and quite relaxing the evening before our flight home to the US.
The N9 runs 3 times an hour along Kensington High Street, so a little way away from Earls Court station, but still in the general area. A car service would be my choice though.
At that time of the morning, I would book a taxi. We just got back from London and I booked us a 9:20am flight so the Tube was a perfect option. Any earlier, though, and I would have cheerfully taken a cab. I'm a maniacal penny-pincher, and the price is worth the peace of mind, IMHO.
A private car service will be much cheaper than a taxi. Just Airports offers a discount for paying cash.
Thank you all so much for your advice, It has helped us immensely!
Book a mini cab. Very reliable and not all that expensive. It sure beats having to schlepp your bags through the tube system anyway.