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Travel within London for short visit

Posted by (Lemon Grove, CA, USA) on

Hello! I'm part of a group of four people. We'll be arriving at Heathrow around noon on May 22 (on United, so Terminal 1 or 2, I believe). We need to get to our hotel on Cartwright Gardens (in Zone 1, near St. Pancras/King's Cross). We'll be leaving London on the 24th (by train) from King's Cross. My questions are:

  • What are the alternatives to get from Heathrow to the hotel? I've heard Heathrow Express is too expensive. We're open to taking the Tube, but not sure how long it would take from Heathrow to Russell Square or St. Pancras. Heathrow Connect seems like a possible compromise between expense and time. And what about a taxi?

  • We plan to do a lot of sightseeing in London, all three days, all in Zones 1 and 2, starting early and going until late (jet lag permitting). Should we get Oyster Cards, or paper Travelcards, or what? It's so confusing!

Thank you!!

Ernie

Posted by
58 posts

We always take the Tube from Heathrow. It is very simple. It might take less time than a taxi because of surface traffic. Be aware that some of the older tube stations have many stairs. (I once threatened to leave my luggage in Marble Arch station before I learned to pack more lightly!)

You should probably buy the 3 day passes as there is a fee(refundable) to get an Oyster card. Just buy the 1&2 card. Pay separately for your trip from Heathrow. If you come in during the day, the info at the Heathrow Tube station is staffed by helpful people.

Travel in London is easier than public transportation in the US.

Posted by
1455 posts

Last year we stayed at Heathrow Sheraton and had an 11: am Eurostar train. We left by tube to Heathrow at 9:30 and got to St Pancras with plenty of time to spare, including getting coffee.

When you get to Kings Cross/ St Pancras, you'll see signs directing you to the Eurostar (if that's your destination)

The Oyster card tops off after a certain pound amount, while the Travel card is used per day, regardless of the number of times you use the public transportation. Meaning, if you use the tube only 2 times, the Oyster card will save you money. The Travel card is paid for, regardless if you use it on the day (as its only valid for X number of days)

If you're only there for 3 days, I'd get the Oyster. At the airport there is a kiosk you can ask questions.

Posted by
264 posts

The tube ride to Russell Sq or St Pancras on the Picadilly line is about 1 hour. It should be fairly easy. The picadilly line is full of people just like yourself with luggage at the start of the trip. Although you should not be at a busy time so that is good also.

www.tfl.gov.uk will give more information on transport in london.

Posted by
17 posts

Hi All, I find the difference between travel cards and oyster cards confusing! We will be arriving London 17Aug and leaving 21 Aug. using the tube betweeen LHR and Kings Cross.So we have 3-4 days of site seeing in central London, some tubes , some walking, some bus, no set plans. Do we buy a 7 day travel card or an oyster card to a certain value? Which is best, someone please explain, or is it just a few pounds difference we talking about? thanks

Posted by
1829 posts

It is confusing and I'm not sure I fully understand all the ins and outs. I think for you the main difference will be if you want to take advantage of 2 for 1 ticket offers at sights in and around London eg the Tower of London. These savings should more than cover any difference in costs.

http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/attraction-types/2for1london.aspx

If so, you will need to buy paper travel passes, with the National Rail logo, from any national railway station ie not Tube stations. St Pancras/Kings Cross sound like your nearest stations. These passes are also sold by zone and are good for the tube and buses.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/faresandtickets/1055.aspx

Posted by
8700 posts

Ernie and Steve,

I'll piggyback on Linda's comments. If you want to both take advantage of the 2-for-1 deals offered by National Rail and get the best fare for LHR to London and back, you could do this: Buy Oyster cards at Heathrow, load some pounds on them, and use them as pay-as-you-go cards. When you return to Heathrow you can get a refund on any unspent money, plus your deposit. The Oyster computer will automatically give you the best fare. You will never pay more than 50 pence less than the cost of a one-day travelcard for the zones in which you travel that day, no matter how many rides you take.

Buy one-day, zone 1-2 paper travelcards at any National Rail station for each day you want to use 2-for-1 vouchers. Don't use your Oyster cards on those days.

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you all for the tips! I have a better picture of the alternatives now. Looking forward to it....

Posted by
5 posts

Hello! have read all your posts, but am still slightly confused- There are 4 of us including 2 children 11 & 15 in London from the 2nd of June to the 6th.
do we buy a Travel Card when we land?
Do we buy a Brit rail pass for travel to bath & oxford for same day journeys? (I believe there is a group save 4 thing on )
would you recommend a 2 for 1 for attractions and where do we buy that from..
Thanks

Himani Verma
Delhi, India

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