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Train vs Taxi - Thinking outside the box

Posted by Mike Tipton (Ozarks of Arkansas) on 07/04/18 07:54 AM

This morning, four of us, two couples, are traveling from Plymouth, England to London Heathrow airport. My original plan had been to take a taxi to the train station and then the train to Heathrow. This would have involved a change at Paddington station to the Heathrow Express. The cost would have been 328 GBP plus the taxi fare to the train station in Plymouth. One of my more frugal traveling companions found that we could take a taxi directly from our hotel In Plymouth to the front door of the Sofitel at Heathrow for $280 GBP. Cheaper and infinitely less hassle!

We realized that a taxi might be an option when we explored Southern Devon by taxi. When split 4 or 6 ways a taxi fare becomes quite reasonable.

Posted by Chris F

Basel, Switzerland

07/04/18 08:50 AM

8889 posts

For future reference, it is not necessary to go all the way to London Paddington. There is a bus from Reading to Heathrow, and Reading is the last stop before London for long distance trains. The bus is designed to be a connection with the trains. Probably wouldn't have made much difference to costs.
Split 4 ways a taxi starts to become economic, especially if you did not buy rail tickets early enough. Either method, it is a long journey. You will want the taxi to stop for a break.

"$280 GBP" - do you mean $280 or GBP 280? (same as £280). $ is not used as a symbol for pounds.

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

07/04/18 09:38 AM

33821 posts

For others who are able to plan ahead, Advance tickets are available some time before travel. For a random date a few weeks ahead I see Advance tickets from Plymouth to Reading as low as £21pp or £39pp. That would be £84 for the group plus the bus to the airport, or £156. 1/3 off for a groupsave discount for the 4, or with a railcard, so as low as £55.44 for the 4.

I wonder how fast a taxi can drive from Plymouth via Exeter all the way to Heathrow. The train as far as Reading is just under 3 hours. I expect, with no traffic, if would take me around 4 hours...

Posted by Mike Tipton OP

Ozarks of Arkansas

07/04/18 02:17 PM

286 posts

I am at the airport. The trip was roughly 3.5 hours. Door to door. And yes, the “$” was inadvertent.

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

07/04/18 05:25 PM

33821 posts

happy flying... don't forget to flap your wings

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