Heathrow to London Travel

With four people, the Heathrow Express becomes much more affordable. They can geet a "Group Saver" ticket that brings the fare down to 12.50 GBP each. So I "second" Larry's recommendation of the Heathrow Express to Paddington, then taxi to the hotel.

With four people, you might want to consider a car service. This will get you "door to door" and will likely cost less than the Heathrow Express option. Many people on this site recommend Just Airports.

Thank you.

We would not want to drive ourselves.

The least expensive way of course, is the underground. However, with a tube change, up and down stairs and a short walk to your hotel, I would definitely rule this out. I would suggest the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station. From there, you take a taxi to the hotel. This routing is more expensive but its a much easier and more comfortable method of getting to your hotel.

The car service is a limo type service, not a rental car.

Just Airports gives a discount for paying cash. St. Ermin's Hotel is in postal code SW1. The cash fare for an Estate (station wagon) to anywhere in SW1 is £36. The cash fare for a MPV (minivan) is £46. Unless you're packing super light, you'll probably need a MPV. You'll get door-to-door service - and for a lot less than the Heathrow Express plus a taxi.

Wouldn't you add a sizeable tip to that 46 GBP? Especially for handling all the luggage? I don't think it will be all that much less than the group fare on the HE. And I believe the HE is considerably faster (although one would have to add the extra taxi time).

Thank you all so much. This will be my first overseas trip and since we will only be in London for two nights, I want all the kinks ironed out in advance.

I think the difference in terms of both time and cost between a car service and Heathrow Express plus taxi is going to be pretty minimal for a group of four. It really boils down to what the OP thinks would work better for their party. 1) With a car service, you will book in advance. They will tell you where to meet the driver in the arrivals area (generally, the driver is holding a sign with your name on it just after you exit the secure area). You will walk to the car and be driven to your hotel. The whole thing should take about an hour unless you hit congestion. This will be the less expensive option, even with a tip of 10%. 2) With the Heathrow Express, you need to book online in advance in order to get the group saver rate of 50 GBP for four. You will walk to the Heathrow Express station that serves your terminal. You may then have to wait for the train (up to 15 minutes). The train ride is very comfortable and only takes 15 minutes. You will then walk from the platform to the taxi rank and wait in the queue. The taxi ride will take about 10 to 15 minutes and cost about 10 GBP. If everything is timed perfectly and there is no queue, you might get there ten minutes faster.