My wife and I haven't been to Europe in many years, so despite Rick Steves' very sensible packing checklist, let's assume we'll have a large and a medium suitcase between us, and a backpack apiece. We need to get from Heathrow to the Cable Street Inn (232 Cable Street, London E1 0BL) on a Saturday (and return to Heathrow the following Wednesday). (Sounds like a short trip but we will actually have been on a 10-day organized trip around the countryside which ends by dropping us at Heathrow.) The Inn owner spelled out the public transport (Piccadilly Line to Holborn, change onto Central Line, travel to Bank Station and change to DLR, going one stop to Shadwell) which sounds daunting with our luggage. Thoughts on how we might get from Heathrow to the Cable Street Inn? Thanks very much!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Changing from the Piccadilly to the Central at Holborn is a particularly bad idea with luggage, as you have to ride an escalator almost up to the surface and then another one back down again. My personal suggestion would be: Piccadilly to Hammersmith - level cross-platform change to District Line District Line to Whitechapel - change to London Overground, a couple of flights of stairs unfortunately
London Overground to Shadwell - short stairway up from platform to elevator lobby, then elevator to street.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA, USA
419 posts
Splurge and take a taxi. You will be tired and in new surroundings. Do you really want to drag luggage on and off tube trains? Hop into the taxi, let the driver handle the luggage and settle back for a stress-free ride to your hotel.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5433 posts
A stairless route (but not escalatorless) is: Piccadilly Line to Hammersmith District Line to Monument Monument to Bank (travelator) Bank to Shadwell (DLR) There is even a route where all the changes can be done by lifts: Piccadilly Line to Green Park Jubilee Line to Canning Town
Canning Town to Shadwell (DLR) - but this takes an extra 20 mins!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
"Just Airports" has a good reputation for shuttling from Heathrow into London and would be less than a cab. Check their website.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Just Airports offers a discount for paying cash. The cash fare for a Saloon (sedan) from Heathrow to anywhere in postal code E1 is £39.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33556 posts
If you're staying way out in the East End it is possible that budget considerations may rule out the taxi or private car. The routes suggested by Marco are inexpensive and, while not as fast as a car might be on a Saturday but likely as fast as a car might be on a Wednesday depending on the time, are efficient and not difficult. While you are in Cable Street can I commend the mural for your viewing and reading up on the history of the area, particularly the history between the wars and post war changes would be very informative. If you have a chance to go slightly afield a visit to St Dunstan and All Saints church at Stepney Green would be very informative.
Posted by
OP
Goffstown, NH, USA
2 posts
Thank you all for your helpful and prompt replies. This is my first experience with an internet forum and I am so happy to see that civility and helpfulness are very much alive and well here! I am leaning toward a hired car at this point, and will look through other messages for recommendations. Just Airports sounds good - if anyone knows of another that will offer a discount for cash I'd like to know about it as well. Thanks again, and happy travels to all!