Trains to Hull from Heathrow

Handily, Rani, most of the Piccadilly underground trains have pretty large luggage areas in each carriage because of the travelers going to Heathrow so you should be alright as long as you take your time when you get on. There's a map of all the stops visible from every seat so you can follow your progress.

As you approach Kings Cross get ready. Follow the wheelchair symbols as you get off and you can use the maze of lifts (elevators) which will help you with your luggage on the way up to Hull Trains. This way you should be able to avoid stairs all the way from touchdown until Hull.

enjoy!

Thanks Nigel - that is a big help - being a single woman traveller in her 50s travelling from Los Angeles I am a little bit apprehensive so your response made me feel better.

Rani

First, pack as light as you can, preferably no more than a carry-on bag and a day pack.

Forget Paddington. The Piccadilly Line (London Underground) goes directly from Terminal 5 to King's Cross/St Pancras. The ride takes one hour and the fare is £4.50. The Piccadilly Line starts at Heathrow so you won't have to fight crowds to get on the train. Sit close to a door so you can get off as quickly as possible when you get to King's Cross/St Pancras. While the train may be crowded when you arrive, people will not try to board until everyone has gotten off.

Hull Trains operates trains that run directly from King's Cross to Hull.

For more frequent service you can take an East Coast train to Doncaster and a Northern Rail train from there to Hull. You can get timetables and fares for all these trains on the East Coast site.

Thanks - I guess my concern is the luggage because I will have a backpack and a suitcase since I will be gone for a month ...you are right ...light is the way to go...will check it out and let you know...

Rani

Rani -

I think everyone gives good advise. Having used Hull Trains and traveled much in stations that Hull Trains serve I will advise you to make sure you write down an alternate route.

Hull trains isn't terrible, but it also isn't the greatest in my own opinion. However as Hull is so isolated you may find yourself waiting 2 or 3 hours for the next direct train if they are struggling with service on a given day.

The advise of going to Doncaster via East Coast and then transferring to Northern Rail is spot on and actually sometimes even cheaper. At least know that option and have it in your back pocket if you need it. Trains to Donny are always heading out from Kings X as it is on a main line.

I don't know about which train route is the best but Tim's advice about packing light is spot on! No matter how long I'm gone, I only travel with my carry-on wheelie and a day bag. Most trains (not the Underground trains) I've been on in the UK have "luggage areas" either at the ends of the cars or in the car. I have experienced situations where I ended up in a full car with the luggage areas filled. Another passenger was always kind enough help me lift my wheelie up onto the rack above the seats. I'm not sure what you mean by "suitcase" but I hope it's manageable for you. One thing I learned from those experiences was to be ready to board the train when passengers are first allowed to do so and get a spot for you suitcase. Sometimes you can't always be there early, but if you can, be there.

Also, I took the train from London to Hull a few years ago and had a grand time watching the beautiful countryside as it went by. Hull is an amazing city and I loved every minute I spent there. I hope you have as wonderful a time as I did.

Best of luck to you! :)