London Airports Guide

For all our benefits, I’ve compiled together a list of travel options to and from London Heathrow Airport to help you plan ahead and budget for any additional costs, and let me assure you that (thankfully) there are plenty to choose from.

Depending on the quality and proximity of your stopover, it’s likely that you will be very tired, physically weak and maybe even a little emotional, so you’ll just want to get to your accommodation as soon as possible to settle your things down and freshen up. Others will be on a strict budget and will want to find the cheapest route to their destination. What ever your priorities are, there seems to be an option for everyone.

If you are landing in one of London’s four other airports, please scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find more information.

First thing’s first – If you are planning on using public transport at any point, this website is like the London Transport Bible, perfect for any newbie Londoners who are unfamiliar with the city and how to get around – http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/. Use it wisely.

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow International Airport, located 15 miles west of central London, is Britain’s main international airport, and there is an abundance of transport options available to get you to your new home, both by road and public transport.

*Please note that the below information has been sourced from the official airport website 

• Buses and coaches
  If you’re traveling in a group or staying at a popular hotel, it may be worthwhile catching a bus or coach. For more information, click here. http://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/buses-and-coaches

• Train
  Heathrow Express trains run every 15 minutes between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington station. It departs from Heathrow Central (for Terminals 1 and 3) and Terminal 5 and takes 15 minutes to reach  its destination.
  This is the fastest journey between the airport and central London, so it’s perfect for those who are short on time.
  For more information on the Heathrow Express please click here.Heathrow Connect trains run every 30 minutes and the journey between Paddington and Heathrow takes about 25 minutes. A single fare from Heathrow to/from London Paddington costs £8.50. For more info please click here.

• Underground
  The underground’s Piccadilly Line provides ‘the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow Airport and central London’.
  Trains arrive approximately every 10 minutes and the total journey time takes almost an hour.
  A single fare will only set you back about £5, but you have the option of purchasing a pre-paid Oyster Card which will definitely come in handy for any future travels.
  For more information including train times and locations, click here.

• Taxis
  Taxis are a great option if you have some extra coin and want to get to your accommodation with minimum fuss.
  Keep in mind that peak hour (Mon-Fri, morning and afternoon) gets very busy on the roads, so it’s likely that a taxi may take longer than a train.
  *Note: If you are flying with any oversize luggage or sporting equipment, be sure to notify the company when booking to ensure that it will fit. You may be charged a little extra if a bigger car is needed, but usually not more than say £10.You have three main options when you arrive at Heathrow.

1. Taxi – You have the option to catch a metered cab from the airport or book in advance for a fixed price. Book Online Here and get £10 off with my promo code: kamila.zaw
2. Private hire Minicab – Fixed-price service and must be pre-booked. Book Online Here
3. Personal Chauffeur Service – There are many to choose from that offer a fixed-price service. The official Heathrow Airport chauffeur service can be booked online here. Here are some other other useful links for taxi/car options:

• http://www.airportscars.co.uk/
• http://www.british-airport-transfers.co.uk/
• http://www.onlineairportcars.com/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2012-02-29-your-flight-begins-at-home
• http://www.exclusiveairport.com/
• http://www.airportcars-uk.com/airports/heathrow-airport-transfer.php

• Car Hire
  If you need a car on your arrival in London for whatever reason, you are able to hire a car from the airport, and drop it off at a later date and at another location more convenient if needed.
  Click here for more information on hiring a car at Heathrow Airport.

If you are arriving at an airport other than Heathrow, I have collected a list of useful links with travel information included for your benefit.

• Gatwick (LGW)
  Gatwick is the second largest airport in the UK and is located 45km south of London.
  For information on getting to London from Gatwick Airport, please visit this official website.

• Stansted (STN)
  London Stansted Airport is the third busiest airport in the UK, located 65 km’s north-east of London.
  For a full list of options of traveling into central London from Stansted, click here.

• Luton (LTN)
  London Luton airport is a large base for low-cost airlines, and is located 35 miles north-west of London.
  For more information on getting to and from Luton Airport click here.

• London City (LCY)
  London City Airport is located 6 miles east of central London and mostly caters for short-haul business travel within Europe and New York.
  Click here for further information on your travel options to/from London City Airport.