London Airport Transport? Phillipa will sort you out

So, you’re thinking a little summertime in London might be nice. And you’re right. All those divine parks to walk in, gorgeous summer fashions to buy, and delicious pints of lager to drink outside on a warm evening. Not to mention the fish and chips, mushy peas and spotted dick to eat. (Settle down, it’s a pudding: chocolate sponge log with currants and/or raisins in it, served with custard.)

But before these joys unfold, you have to get into the country. Even trickier, you then have to get out again.

So here a few tips on London airports. I’m afraid this might prove to be fairly joyless because, let’s face it, border security these days is tight and anything but fun. Still… off we go.

Heathrow Airport Transport

Five terminals. Yes, five. Not such a problem coming in, but make sure you know which one you’re flying out of because it can be a bit of a hike against the clock if you get the wrong one and have to move between them.

Even moving within a terminal can be a long, footsore prospect. On arrival, don’t despair – you will eventually find the Passport Control area, even if you walk for nearly half an hour! And departing: there’s signage telling you how long the walk is to each gate and take notice of this. Don’t get so distracted by the fabulous shopping that you have to run to the plane.

Terminal 5 has just opened and is the largest free standing structure in Europe, which may be why they can’t find anyone’s suitcase. After trying to send luggage to the wrong destinations for the first day, they just gave up and told passengers they couldn’t take anything with them. This went down very well with the public and of course gave the British media a chance to use lots of puns around the word Terminal. T5 is dedicated to British Airways flights – use that information as you wish, but I’m sure they’ll fix the problem soon.

After you land at Heathrow, and once you get your luggage (if you get your luggage*) you have a number of choices for getting into London. Read Rod’s blog post — London Heathrow Airport Shuttles & Airport Transport — for a complete rundown.

Either way, check online or by phone that the Piccadilly line or Heathrow Express are running if you are planning on using either. I once got to Paddington Station with my Express timed down to the minute for check-in and the train had been cancelled for the day. As the Tube takes a lot longer, my only option was a black cab. I shared with a stranger I met on the cab rank but it still cost us a fortune. And remember, the Tube can malfunction so leave plenty of time if you’re going out to the airport by Underground.

Heathrow has finally realised that the one piece of hand luggage rule was ridiculous in this era of laptops, so you can now carry two pieces of hand luggage through security. You will most likely have to take off your shoes so wear good socks, and your belt, so wear pants that won’t fall down. And of course the 100ml liquid rule applies with all your bottles in a ziplock bag.

*Actually, I’m being unfair: I have never had any luggage lost at Heathrow. Touch wood.

Gatwick Airport Transport

I prefer Gatwick because it’s less busy than Heathrow. South of London, Gatwick has a North and South Terminal, linked by a free shuttle train. The shopping is not bad, and the general amenities must be fine because a man was recently evicted after living in the South Terminal for five years. He only ever left Gatwick to sign on for his unemployment benefit. He was not trapped a la Tom Hanks, just by bad life circumstances.

Gatwick Airport transport choices:

• Gatwick is not served by the Underground. Strike that idea.
• The Gatwick Express to/from Victoria Station, very central, £17 pounds one way, £29 pounds return.
• Two different overground trains go to Gatwick, either to/from Victoria Station or Kings Cross Station. They also stop at any number of stations on the way.
• The bus goes from the South Terminal is probably your cheapest option and goes to Victoria Station. It can be slow though.
• A private car company. If you have a lot of luggage, this is a great option because many, many London train stations have only stairs so if you plan to catch an overground train, you can end up with arms five inches longer than you started the day with. I speak from bitter experience here. And type from across the room.
• A Black Cab. About an hour and around £70.

Luton Airport Transport

Ah, Luton. How I hate thee. And how often I use it because it is home to cheap airlines such as easyJet and Wizz.

North of London and easily reached by Thameslink train from lots of central London stations: Blackfriars, St Pancras (next to Kings Cross), Farringdon, West Hampstead etc. There is no dedicated express, but some of the trains do miss a lot of stations and make it there fast. Leave plenty of time because, although the trains usually run on time, rain can be challenging to them, as can leaves on the track. I am serious. And yes, that is leaves from trees.

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Editor’s Note: This is the second in our “airport transport & airport shuttles” series. We’ve asked Viator’s own hardcore travelers — the people who travel month in, month out — to write brief insider guides to airport transportation at major airports around the world. The following is by Alesia Stochel, the manager of Viator’s Las Vegas office. Alesia, she knows Las Vegas, baby!

Fabulous Las Vegas Airport Transport

Welcome to Las Vegas, the beckoning of slot machines greeting you the moment you exit your flight. Now it’s time for more sensory overload as you make your way towards baggage claim, with ample time to take in the advertisements for the hottest Vegas shows, clubs, dining and tour experiences. But be warned: From the airport, it looks like the Vegas Strip is mere steps away, but it’s just far enough away to require an airport shuttle, taxi, limo or your own rental car. The good news is you have choice transportation for the most part 24-7-365! A few guidelines that should help you match your transportation with your Vegas style:

Las Vegas Airport Transport: Grab a Cab

Your average Las Vegas visitor simply grabs a cab. Queues for the cabs are located right outside of baggage area (directly past the car rental counters, and one last restroom stop). Cabs range from $12 to the south end of the Strip to $25 downtown. Usually queues move quite frequently — don’t be dismayed by the looks of the long line. Always good to have a map or an idea of where your hotel is located from the airport (south end, center, downtown, off-strip). No longer rides than necessary, right?!

Las Vegas Airport Transport: Show me the savings!

Save your money for a Vegas helicopter tour

Are you an “all About the value” kind of person? The type of person who would rather save money for a show, a great dinner, or may we humbly suggest a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon? Either way you’re in luck, pre-book your Las Vegas airport shuttle ahead of time and beat the crowds, beat the lines, and spend as little as $10 for Strip hotels and $15 for downtown hotels. This is especially useful if you are arriving on a Friday or Saturday evening, which are high traffic days. Cabs and limos can be costly during this tine.

Las Vegas Airport Transport: DIY Las Vegas

Are you an explorer? Or maybe you want to look good in a convertible? Either way all major car rental companies are available at the airport. Cost during the week starts around $65 per day, on weekends from $30 per day. There is often complimentary valet parking at the major hotels (don’t forget to tip), as well as plenty of free public parking available. You will definitley get your exercise from the hotel parking lot to check-in. Wear comfy shoes!

Las Vegas Airport Transport: Almost famous

For the party-until-you-drop people (don’t waste a minute – sleep is overrated) – private sedans are available at the airport for $40 per person. Not quite the high roller, but feeling extra special!

Las Vegas Airport Transport: Famous enough not to care

Welcome to Las Vegas, Mr & Mrs High Roller. You have two options in Las Vegas: a limo or a stretch limo. Both are readily available at the airport for walk-up customers (bottom level of the airport - ask information at the airport to direct you, or follow the signs). The cost is $50-$60.

Las Vegas Airport Transport: So famous…

… your personal assistant is reading this.

For the highest of high rollers you will need to reserve an H2 Hummer Stretch Limo ($100 - $125). You may want to keep it for 1-2 hours to show a VIP is on-board. This is always a great alternative when traveling with a small group of 6 to 8 people. Or maybe you’re what’s known as a “Whale” — one of those high-dollar gamblers who always travels free to / from by private sedan / limo / stretch (the best)… good for you, but remember that nothing is really free in Vegas, baby – but always a good time.

–Alesia Stochel

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Las Vegas tours & things to do in Las Vegas, from Vegas shows to helicopter tours from Las Vegas to Las Vegas airport transfers.

Editor’s Note: Viator’s founder, Rod Cuthbert, is a frequent traveller to London. He wrote the following after being asked (one too many times, apparently) how to navigate London Heathrow’s airport shuttles, trains and taxis. Airport transport to London? Rod has your answers below. So please stop pestering the man.

Getting to Heathrow? That’s the easy part.

Heading to London Heathrow? The easy part is finding a flight. The tricky bit is getting from Heathrow into London itself. That’s something we know a little bit about here at Viator, and we’ve decided to share it with you, unbiased, unvarnished, warts and all. Take a few minutes to check out the options.

Heathrow Airport Transport: Piccadilly Line

The London Underground (a.k.a. The Tube) is a good option if you’re comfortable with public transport. On the plus side it is cheap (about £4 per person). There are also a few negatives. First of all, check your hotel’s address and see if it’s near to a tube station, and if so, what line.

If you’re near the Piccadilly line that’s good, but you still need to deal with the fact that the Underground was designed for commuters with briefcases, not travellers with kids and two pull-along suitcases. If you’re arriving at peak time — i.e., 7 through 10am, or 4 through 7pm — be prepared for lots of crowds and jostling. That could be an unpleasant experience; if you have a family group with you, consider other options.

In any case note that the Tube stops at all stations, and your ride into London will take an hour or so, depending on your exact destination. Transfers to other lines can be simple, just a few steps onto another platform, or excruciatingly long journeys down passages, along corridors, and up so many stairs you’ll think you’re in France.

Verdict: Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Heathrow Airport Transport: The Heathrow Express

The Heathrow Express is a superior public transport option, but a lot more expensive at £15.50 per person. You’re paying for a fast train that runs every 15 minutes, and takes only 15 minutes into Paddington Station. There are stops at Heathrow’s Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5; and a quick connection is available from Terminal 4.

The Tube from Heathrow is cheap, but not fast

Once again you need to feel comfortable with public transport, but the upside here is that the whole service is designed for travellers, so there’s no worries about luggage or being jostled by crowds of commuters.

From Paddington you can walk to your hotel if it’s nearby, transfer to the Tube, or grab a taxi from the well-organised taxi stand at the station. Maybe I’ve always been lucky, but using Heathrow Express I generally find I can be at my hotel 45 minutes after I clear customs, at a cost around £25, including the cab.

Verdict: Fast, civilised, good value.

Heathrow Airport Transport: London Airport Taxi

This might be the best option for a group of three or four, but don’t forget you need to fit your luggage in there as well. The fare depends entirely on your hotel’s location and can run as much as £70, which might be a bit of a shock for your first expense on UK soil.

The benefit of this option is it’s door to door; the downside is you may hit traffic and sit on the motorway for an hour when you’d rather be in your room and taking a shower. There are well-managed taxi stands at each terminal, and cabs are plentiful so you’ll be off and going quickly without having to lug your bags and children up stairs and down passageways. Personally? I never take a taxi either to or from the airport because I’d rather just get into the city quickly, and you can’t beat Heathrow Express for that. But I can certainly see that a family group might have a different view.

Verdict: A good option for families and groups of three or four. Bring cash.

Heathrow Airport Transport: National Express Bus

It’s London, after all, of course there’s a bus. And if your hotel is near Victoria Station, maybe this is even the best option. The bus picks up from Terminals 1, 2 and 3; from Terminals 4 and 5 there’s a free train link. Three to six buses run every hour, it’s a cheap option at £4 per person, and the trip to Victoria takes about an hour. Some people can hack riding the bus, and some can’t. I can’t say much more; I’ve never tried this service and I never stay near Victoria, so that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

Verdict: Staying near Victoria? Like the bus? On a budget? This one’s for you.

Heathrow Airport Transport: Shared Airport Transfer Shuttles

A shared London airport transfer from Heathrow is a decent alternative to a London taxi and public transport options. It’s good value at around £19 per person, so it’s perfect for one or two people travelling together; three or four might be better off in a cab. You do have to put up with the annoyance of stopping at other people’s hotels. (I don’t know about you, but whenever I use services like Supershuttle I am always the last to get dropped off.) Of course another way to look at this is you get to see some more of London at no extra cost. There are well-located desks at Terminals 1, 3 and 4; and a meet and greet service at Terminal 2. Like the taxi option this will take about an hour, but then add the extra 15 to 30 minutes drop everyone else off.

Verdict: Good value door-to-door service for one or two.

Heathrow Airport Transport: Private Airport Transfer Services

If you’re envious of the people who are met on arrival by their own driver, holding a sign and carrying bags and so forth, a private London airport shuttle is for you. It’s pretty good value, too: £50 total for one, two or three people; £60 total for four to six people; and £78 total for seven or eight. It has all the benefits and shortcomings of a London taxi, but add the nice feeling associated with being met on arrival.

Verdict: For many travellers this is the best option, but it still may be slower than the Heathrow Express.

–Rod Cuthbert

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s London tours & things to do in London, including a range of private and shared London airport transportation from Heathrow and Gatwick.