Flying to London

[roscove 0]

Hello,

My wife and I are going back to Ireland in October for my parent's anniversary. While we are there we are going to go to London for a few days. The cheapest flight from Ireland to London I can find takes me to London Gatwick although there is a close 2nd which goes to Sandsted. The most expensive is going to Heathrow.

We would be taking the train into London from the airport. I have no problems with going to big cities for the first time or using subways etc having lived in Japan, Germany & Boston. So I am basically looking for some advice on which one is the most convenient getting to and from via the train. We have not booked a hotel yet but will be staying in Central London close to the usual touristy stuff mounting up some major credit card bills considering the current state of the $ versus the Pound.

Thanks,

Dave

[no name 1]

Hello,

My wife and I are going back to Ireland in October for my parent's anniversary. While we are there we are going to go to London for a few days. The cheapest flight from Ireland to London I can find takes me to London Gatwick although there is a close 2nd which goes to Sandsted. The most expensive is going to Heathrow.

We would be taking the train into London from the airport. I have no problems with going to big cities for the first time or using subways etc having lived in Japan, Germany & Boston. So I am basically looking for some advice on which one is the most convenient getting to and from via the train. We have not booked a hotel yet but will be staying in Central London close to the usual touristy stuff mounting up some major credit card bills considering the current state of the $ versus the Pound.

Thanks,

Dave

Gatwick is far easier I think!

https://www.gatwickexpress.com

[SteveLaura 0]

I'd concur re: Gatwick. Use the Gatwick Express shuttle. Runs every 15mins, I think. No hassles.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Concur on Gatwick (but not necessarily Gatwick Express) having used it on a visit to London in 1999.

The train station is just an escalator ride down, and you can purchase a same-day-return (I paid £ 6.80 for such a ticket to Clapham junction, barely glancing at it; the one-way price then was £ 7.00) ticket upon boarding the train.

Of course, the advantage of the Gatwick Express is that it does a one-stop to Victoria Station where you can purchase London Train/Underground pass for the time (and zone) needed.

[almaty 19]

My vote gatwick

[SteveLaura 0]

Concur on Gatwick (but not necessarily Gatwick Express) having used it on a visit to London in 1999.

The train station is just an escalator ride down, and you can purchase a same-day-return (I paid £ 6.80 for such a ticket to Clapham junction, barely glancing at it; the one-way price then was £ 7.00) ticket upon boarding the train.

Of course, the advantage of the Gatwick Express is that it does a one-stop to Victoria Station where you can purchase London Train/Underground pass for the time (and zone) needed.

I suppose it depends on whether cost or convenience is your priority. I lived in London for 5 years, but I would still take the Express after a long flight. I believe you can even buy a ticket onboard. For me, it was worth the higher cost.

[roscove 0]

Thanks everyone.

[Mags 112]

Concur on Gatwick (but not necessarily Gatwick Express) having used it on a visit to London in 1999.

The train station is just an escalator ride down, and you can purchase a same-day-return (I paid £ 6.80 for such a ticket to Clapham junction, barely glancing at it; the one-way price then was £ 7.00) ticket upon boarding the train.

Your prices are way outdated.

First Class Single - £22.50

First Class Return - £42.00

Express Class Single - £14.90

Express Class Return - £26.80

First Class Cheap Day Return - £28.00

Express Class Cheap Day Return - £15.20

I do prefer Gatwick myself, however Heathrow is on a London Underground line.

Edited August 13, 2007 by Mags

[Fandango 1,440]

Concur on Gatwick (but not necessarily Gatwick Express) having used it on a visit to London in 1999.

The train station is just an escalator ride down, and you can purchase a same-day-return (I paid £ 6.80 for such a ticket to Clapham junction, barely glancing at it; the one-way price then was £ 7.00) ticket upon boarding the train.

Of course, the advantage of the Gatwick Express is that it does a one-stop to Victoria Station where you can purchase London Train/Underground pass for the time (and zone) needed.

So, when in the 70s did you take the Express?

Edit: whoops, Mags beat me to it.

Edited August 13, 2007 by LisaD

[no name 1]

Concur on Gatwick (but not necessarily Gatwick Express) having used it on a visit to London in 1999.

The train station is just an escalator ride down, and you can purchase a same-day-return (I paid £ 6.80 for such a ticket to Clapham junction, barely glancing at it; the one-way price then was £ 7.00) ticket upon boarding the train.

Your prices are way outdated.

First Class Single - £22.50

First Class Return - £42.00

Express Class Single - £14.90

Express Class Return - £26.80

First Class Cheap Day Return - £28.00

Express Class Cheap Day Return - £15.20

I do prefer Gatwick myself, however Heathrow is on a London Underground line.

Singles are under a tenner....? I just looked on nationalrail.co.uk & it was 8.50. Not Gatwick Express but normal trains to Clapham Junction.

Edited August 13, 2007 by devilette

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I'd drive.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

...[/b]in 1999[/b].

...same-day-return (I paid £ 6.80 for such a ticket to Clapham junction, barely glancing at it; the one-way price then was £ 7.00) ticket upon boarding the train.

Your prices are way outdated.

First Class Single - £22.50

First Class Return - £42.00

Express Class Single - £14.90

Express Class Return - £26.80

First Class Cheap Day Return - £28.00

Express Class Cheap Day Return - £15.20

I do prefer Gatwick myself, however Heathrow is on a London Underground line.

You did notice that I had already mentioned it being eight years ago.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

So, when in the 70s did you take the Express?

Never did actually take the Gatwick Express; despite of my feelings of closer commonality with Brits than with Yanks/Canucks, I haven't spent more than 21 calendar days (including transits through Heathrow) in UK.

[no name 1]

...[/b]in 1999[/b].

...same-day-return (I paid £ 6.80 for such a ticket to Clapham junction, barely glancing at it; the one-way price then was £ 7.00) ticket upon boarding the train.

Your prices are way outdated.

First Class Single - £22.50

First Class Return - £42.00

Express Class Single - £14.90

Express Class Return - £26.80

First Class Cheap Day Return - £28.00

Express Class Cheap Day Return - £15.20

I do prefer Gatwick myself, however Heathrow is on a London Underground line.

You did notice that I had already mentioned it being eight years ago.

I used to take that Clapham Junction - Gatwick train all the time - if you see above I noted your prices are not far off!

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I'd drive.

Do you happen to have an amphibious boat/car that will work for the OP to drive from US home to London? :lol: