I've just received my Packet 4 and my interview is in under two weeks so I'm looking for the best way to get to London in time for my 9am appointment.

The train would have been my first option, BUT they want £220 from Leeds to Kings Cross in Economy class!!!!!! Ridiculous!

As I could get a return FLIGHT from Leeds to London the day before and get a night in a hotel within walking distance of the US Embassy cheaper than this all inclusivel, (£217 for a four star hotel and return flight), I was wondering is anyone has any experience of any hotels in the area?

Why is the rail service in the country such a rip off at times? I booked a return trip to London for my medical a few weeks ago (about the same distance between booking and travelling, and it was £57 then, so why is it well over £200 this time round).

Environmental concerns aside, is it any wonder people are flying domestically in such a small country when the trains are so overpriced?

What about http://www.megatrains.com ? I just looked up a pretend journey from Leeds to London and it was on average £1-£5 per seat. You could go the day before, get a hotel in London, go back the next day.

Blimey, that is cheap.... to be honest, I'd not even considered going via bus before, but I definitely will now. (the return trip is only £3.50 on top too!)

Because everything will be hectic around that time I might just do one of the flight and hotel deals off lastminute.com or Expedia though - I've seen some for little over £100 including flights and decent accommodation. I'd expect the hotel alone would be around £70 of this, so I might pay the small premium for an hours flight rather than a five hour bus ride.

You've definitely giving me food for thought though, thanks for taking the time to reply... I'll definitely consider this option.

I most definitely WILL NOT be paying the rail prices though, that is extortionate.

Parkwood Hotel. Hyde Park area.

It's really a B&B. We liked it a lot. Old but clean. Ensuite, too.

September 05 paid 75 quid.