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Getting into London from Heathrow Airport
- One of the easiest ways to enter the city is through a pre-arranged car service (approximately 40 minutes to the inner city). City Transfers UK is well respected, though many companies provide this type of transportation and the experience is rather similar across operators. Booking a rental car in advance represents a cost-effective choice especially for families of 4 or more people. Larger vehicles can accommodate bigger groups. A one-way trip from Heathrow to the city center or vice versa will cost around £75.
- London Taxis (40 minutes) are notoriously pricey. Costs will fluctuate depending on time of day and number of passengers, but walking out the entrance of the airport and hopping in a cab service will almost assuredly cost more than arranging rented transport.
- Underground transit (45 minutes) is the most cost effective option. The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow to central London, with station halts at every airport terminal. If your hotel is not directly on the Piccadilly line, a transfer will be needed. The underground does not have dedicated space for luggage, so if you have a lot it will be troublesome (and there are staircases to navigate at the London end.) A single journey on the underground will cost between £3 and £6 depending on the time, with lower fares available using an Oyster card purchased at the airport.
- The Heathrow Express train service (15 minutes) may be an advisable choice if you’re lodged near Paddington Station. Otherwise, it merely proves expensive – and necessitates an additional tube or taxi journey to arrive at your accommodation or destination.
The Best Hotels at London Heathrow Airport
- Crowne Plaza – Connected by covered walkway to Terminal 4. Fitness center; dining options include a brasserie, tea room, bar, and impressive breakfast buffet.
- Holiday Inn Express – Basic but cozy accommodations, free breakfast buffet. Connected to Terminal 4 via a covered walkway.
- Premier Inn – Directly attached to Terminal 4 via covered walkway. Comfortable beds, on-site restaurant and bar.
- Hilton Garden Inn – Connected to Terminal 2; within easy walking distance of Terminal 3 via pedestrian underpass. Fitness center and rooftop bar.
- Aerotel Heathrow – Nothing extravagant, but beds are cozy and it’s situated directly within Terminal 3, an easy walk from Terminal 2.
- Staybridge Suites – Situated about a mile from Heathrow, with free airport transport. All rooms feature small kitchens.
- Radisson Blu Edwardian – Situated a 5 minute drive from Heathrow Airport, this luxury hotel offers beautiful amenities, fine dining, a gym, and spa in a convenient location.
Getting into London from Gatwick Airport
- The simplest means between Gatwick and London is the Gatwick Express train service (30 minutes in each direction). It`s the most economical and fastest choice, with little reason to use another mode of transportation. Trains run every 15 minutes among Gatwick Airport`s South Terminal and London Victoria Station. One way fares are £29 for adults and £15 for children ages 5 to 15. Save money and hassles by booking in advance online.
- If you want to take a taxi, do yourself a favor and prearrange a hired vehicle in advance and cut the cost in half.
The Best Hotels at London Gatwick Airport
- Sofitel – Connected to Gatwick’s Northern Terminal by a brief, covered passageway, and by monorail to the Southern Terminal. Refined dining, rooftop bar, fitness center, exceptional service.
- Hampton by Hilton – Directly linked via covered walkway to the North Terminal and accessible to South Terminal via monorail. On-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center; free breakfast buffet from 4am.
- Bloc Hotel – Modern, proficient, and comfortable accommodations located right inside the South Terminal.
- Maple Manor – Comfortable and home-like small hotel located 2.5 mi from the airport’s South Terminal. Garden setting, excellent restaurant and breakfast, on-site parking are available.
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