Time to get out of Heathrow airport?

[Deleted]

So, I arrive at London Heathrow at 10:45 on Sunday. It appears that the last train out of my terminal is at 11:39. 

Do you think I'll be able to make it? I'm traveling alone and will have 1 piece of luggage to retrieve. 

I'm nervous. An hour seems reasonable for late Sunday night, right? I'm fine with hauling ass across the airport, I just worry about getting hung up on baggage claim/customs. I've never been to London so I have no clue what to expect. I think customs in the past IME has not taken too long but I've never been on a really late flight like that.

Of course any delay from the flight will screw me. I assume I can take cab but it sounds like they are very expensive so I really would rather avoid it if possible.

What do you think? If it sounds impossible I think I can schedule an alternative that may be cheaper than a cab.

[Wanderista]

You can arrange for a licensed mini-cab or airport transfer (do not use an unlicensed one, as the Brits would say those are dodgy). The kind I've used, you can even find by googling and you can arrange it in advance and give them your flight info. They vary in quality, I've had a few bad experiences but mostly good. You can know exactly how much you will pay in advance. I typically paid about £25-30 for one. Someone may have gotten a better deal than me. 

EasyBus doesn't run out of Heathrow but maybe you can google for something like that from Heathrow as well. That's what I've been using when I'd travel through Gatwick. That is cheap. 

At your time of night though, I'd just hire the pre-arranged private cab. I would not just take a black cab. I know that they have a list of cab options at the airport terminal but I wouldn't chance it given the time of night.

Google some companies then Google some reviews and go ahead and Skype call them or something to set it up if you can.

[Wanderista]

Make sure the driver quotes you a price before you book!

[Deleted]

Sept 3, 2013 23:40:36 GMT -5 pagas said:

If you are flying into Terminal 5, it is going to be near impossible.

I am in terminal 3.

[expatpumpkin]

Hmmm, you can probably make it. I was out of T3 last week within 20 minutes of landing, and that's been my normal experience. BUT, I hadn't checked a bag AND I rushed off the plane to be among the first at immigration. It's dicey because if there's an unexpected long line or if your bag is delayed you won't make it Plus, you're going to have to buy your Oyster card, figure things out, etc.

So I'm thinking mini-cab. We use these people: www.allinlondon.co.uk/directory/1070/29523.php

[Deleted]

I would book a car through AddisonLee and give yourself plenty of time. The last few times we've been through Heathrow the immigration lines were ridiculous (thankfully my kids are good at puking and we got moved to the front of the line and it was still at least 1.5 hours from landing to getting to the car.

[hz80408]

I think it's unlikely. I'm not familiar with Sunday nights but anytime I've flown there (or my sister who lived in UK on work visa) it was a minimum hour and a half to get through customs

[Deleted]

That's unfortunate - I wish I would have realized this when I was booking my ticket (though getting in when I do means I get to sight see the next day so that's good).

The places suggested either don't operate that late or are about the same price as what I've heard a cab would cost. So, I'm going to continue to research but it sounds like maybe I can just chance it with the tube and grab a cab if that doesn't work. I don't expect to have an issue finding a cab since a whole flight of people will have just arrived. I just really didn't want to spend $120 on transportation when the tube would be like $7. UGH.

[Deleted]

Not sure where in London you're staying, but you're heading to central London you can take the Paddington Connect it takes you from Heathrow to Paddington in about 30 minutes. The express will get you there in 15 minutes, but is a lot more. This option at least gets you in to central London and you can hop in a cab from there. You could take a night bus too, but I wouldn't recommend it doing it right off a flight especially being unfamiliar with the city.

www.thetrainline.com/buytickets/newhome.aspx?utm_source=Affiliates&utm_campaign=Text

Just because of where I live, normally, I take the tube to Heathrow, but if I need to get out there off hours I'll take the Connect. It's so easy and way cheaper than a taxi. 

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 9:53:17 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

That's unfortunate - I wish I would have realized this when I was booking my ticket (though getting in when I do means I get to sight see the next day so that's good).

The places suggested either don't operate that late or are about the same price as what I've heard a cab would cost. So, I'm going to continue to research but it sounds like maybe I can just chance it with the tube and grab a cab if that doesn't work. I don't expect to have an issue finding a cab since a whole flight of people will have just arrived. I just really didn't want to spend $120 on transportation when the tube would be like $7. UGH.

The nice thing about AddisonLee is you are guaranteed a driver and they come inside the terminal and hold a little sign for you :-) I'd rather know I have a car waiting than have to worry about service at that hour. Plus I think their rates are pretty competitive

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 10:25:11 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

Not sure where in London you're staying, but you're heading to central London you can take the Paddington Connect it takes you from Heathrow to Paddington in about 30 minutes. The express will get you there in 15 minutes, but is a lot more. This option at least gets you in to central London and you can hop in a cab from there. You could take a night bus too, but I wouldn't recommend it doing it right off a flight especially being unfamiliar with the city.

www.thetrainline.com/buytickets/newhome.aspx?utm_source=Affiliates&utm_campaign=Text

Just because of where I live, normally, I take the tube to Heathrow, but if I need to get out there off hours I'll take the Connect. It's so easy and way cheaper than a taxi. 

I'm going to Russell Square area. Is it reasonable to expect cabs available after midnight on Sunday night/Monday morning at Paddington? If so I may go that route. Thanks!

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 10:48:09 GMT -5 @septimus said:

Sept 4, 2013 9:53:17 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

That's unfortunate - I wish I would have realized this when I was booking my ticket (though getting in when I do means I get to sight see the next day so that's good).

The places suggested either don't operate that late or are about the same price as what I've heard a cab would cost. So, I'm going to continue to research but it sounds like maybe I can just chance it with the tube and grab a cab if that doesn't work. I don't expect to have an issue finding a cab since a whole flight of people will have just arrived. I just really didn't want to spend $120 on transportation when the tube would be like $7. UGH.

The nice thing about AddisonLee is you are guaranteed a driver and they come inside the terminal and hold a little sign for you :-) I'd rather know I have a car waiting than have to worry about service at that hour. Plus I think their rates are pretty competitive

I will keep this in mind, thank you It looks like it would be 73 pounds to take a car with this service, so competitive with what I saw quoted for a regular cab but still very expensive IMO. Which I may just have to suck up and deal with, I'm realizing. It just makes me a little sick to think of spending that much on a 45 minute drive, especially after a $1200 plane ticket! This must be why I'm going to Europe for the first time. 

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 10:54:53 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

Sept 4, 2013 10:48:09 GMT -5 @septimus said:

The nice thing about AddisonLee is you are guaranteed a driver and they come inside the terminal and hold a little sign for you :-) I'd rather know I have a car waiting than have to worry about service at that hour. Plus I think their rates are pretty competitive

I will keep this in mind, thank you It looks like it would be 73 pounds to take a car with this service, so competitive with what I saw quoted for a regular cab but still very expensive IMO. Which I may just have to suck up and deal with, I'm realizing. It just makes me a little sick to think of spending that much on a 45 minute drive, especially after a $1200 plane ticket! This must be why I'm going to Europe for the first time. 

It does suck. Are you staying with friends or have you booked a hotel? If you are staying in a hotel you may just want to stay at a Heathrow hotel the night you land and then take the train into central London in the morning. 

[Deleted]

I should add I'm a little off the train right. Last time we booked in advance, prepaid and then it was out of service so we ended up booking a car service.

[Deleted]

Last time I went to London, I booked car service through www.hummingbirdcars.co.uk/ (which is the company my best friend, who lives there, uses). My friend lives in Zone 2 so it cost more to go to central London, but I only paid 37 pounds each way.

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 10:52:59 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

I'm going to Russell Square area. Is it reasonable to expect cabs available after midnight on Sunday night/Monday morning at Paddington? If so I may go that route. Thanks!

Paddington is a main station so it shouldn't be a problem finding a cab at all. From Paddington to Russel Square a cab should run you no more than £25. At that time of night there won't be any traffic, so it should be a pretty quick ride since it's just a few miles.

As for coming back, as long as you're coming back while the tube is running, you can just take the Piccadilly line (blue) all the way back and you won't have to change at all. Super, super easy. It'll take you about an hour though, so just plan for that. And if you get an oyster card while you're here you can return your oyster card at the Heathrow station for a £5 refund.

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 10:56:22 GMT -5 @septimus said:

Sept 4, 2013 10:54:53 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

I will keep this in mind, thank you It looks like it would be 73 pounds to take a car with this service, so competitive with what I saw quoted for a regular cab but still very expensive IMO. Which I may just have to suck up and deal with, I'm realizing. It just makes me a little sick to think of spending that much on a 45 minute drive, especially after a $1200 plane ticket! This must be why I'm going to Europe for the first time. 

It does suck. Are you staying with friends or have you booked a hotel? If you are staying in a hotel you may just want to stay at a Heathrow hotel the night you land and then take the train into central London in the morning. 

This might be the easiest - thanks for the suggestion. I called my tour company and asked if I can cancel my reservation for the night I get in (I booked it through the tour, but it's actually not a part of the tour, I paid for an extra night). If they'll let me cancel it, I think I'll just stay at the airport in a hotel there. That solves my issue with not being able to eat dinner, too The tour company wasn't sure and is supposed to call me back. The CSA I talked to was surprised the tube doesn't run that late too.

If not, I guess I'll hope they come up with an alternative for me or I'll use one of the suggestions here. Thanks everyone! 

[alleinesein]

Sept 3, 2013 23:18:04 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

So, I arrive at London Heathrow at 10:45 on Sunday. It appears that the last train out of my terminal is at 11:39. 

Do you think I'll be able to make it? I'm traveling alone and will have 1 piece of luggage to retrieve. 

I'm nervous. An hour seems reasonable for late Sunday night, right? I'm fine with hauling ass across the airport, I just worry about getting hung up on baggage claim/customs. I've never been to London so I have no clue what to expect. I think customs in the past IME has not taken too long but I've never been on a really late flight like that.

Of course any delay from the flight will screw me. I assume I can take cab but it sounds like they are very expensive so I really would rather avoid it if possible.

What do you think? If it sounds impossible I think I can schedule an alternative that may be cheaper than a cab.

It looks like the last train for the Heathrow Express leaves T3 at 23:53pm.  You might be able to catch it.  There are a ton of hotels near Paddington station so you could always book something for that area.

What airline are you flying that will get you into London that late at night?  Aside from a few early morning departures from the east coast most flights into LHR out of the US get you in either early morning or mid afternoon.

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 13:22:03 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

Sept 3, 2013 23:18:04 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

So, I arrive at London Heathrow at 10:45 on Sunday. It appears that the last train out of my terminal is at 11:39. 

Do you think I'll be able to make it? I'm traveling alone and will have 1 piece of luggage to retrieve. 

I'm nervous. An hour seems reasonable for late Sunday night, right? I'm fine with hauling ass across the airport, I just worry about getting hung up on baggage claim/customs. I've never been to London so I have no clue what to expect. I think customs in the past IME has not taken too long but I've never been on a really late flight like that.

Of course any delay from the flight will screw me. I assume I can take cab but it sounds like they are very expensive so I really would rather avoid it if possible.

What do you think? If it sounds impossible I think I can schedule an alternative that may be cheaper than a cab.

It looks like the last train for the Heathrow Express leaves T3 at 23:53pm.  You might be able to catch it.  There are a ton of hotels near Paddington station so you could always book something for that area.

What airline are you flying that will get you into London that late at night?  Aside from a few early morning departures from the east coast most flights into LHR out of the US get you in either early morning or mid afternoon.

It's odd, I've had several different times quoted - a friend who lives in London told me 12:20 was about the last train, I saw 11:39 listed, the tour company saw something more like 11:30 when I called earlier today. I'm so confused about what's right. I already have a hotel booked for that night but I'm hoping to change it. 

I am flying American Airlines out of Chicago. My flight leaves at 9:05am. I thought it was nice because getting in late means I can sleep overnight and have the whole day free the next day (the alternative was flying overnight and getting there in the morning, and I can't sleep well on planes). But I didn't realize that there would be an issue with the tube when I booked (the tour company lists that as the way to get from the airport to the hotel, so I just assumed it was fine). 

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 13:27:15 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

It's odd, I've had several different times quoted - a friend who lives in London told me 12:20 was about the last train, I saw 11:39 listed, the tour company saw something more like 11:30 when I called earlier today. I'm so confused about what's right. I already have a hotel booked for that night but I'm hoping to change it. 

Technically the tube stops accepting new fares at midnight and they start shutting the gates around 11:30 (depending on the station), but once in a while I'm able to get on a tube a little after midnight. The tube stops running altogether no later than 1am.

[alleinesein]

Sept 4, 2013 13:27:15 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

Sept 4, 2013 13:22:03 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

It looks like the last train for the Heathrow Express leaves T3 at 23:53pm.  You might be able to catch it.  There are a ton of hotels near Paddington station so you could always book something for that area.

What airline are you flying that will get you into London that late at night?  Aside from a few early morning departures from the east coast most flights into LHR out of the US get you in either early morning or mid afternoon.

It's odd, I've had several different times quoted - a friend who lives in London told me 12:20 was about the last train, I saw 11:39 listed, the tour company saw something more like 11:30 when I called earlier today. I'm so confused about what's right. I already have a hotel booked for that night but I'm hoping to change it. 

I am flying American Airlines out of Chicago. My flight leaves at 9:05am. I thought it was nice because getting in late means I can sleep overnight and have the whole day free the next day (the alternative was flying overnight and getting there in the morning, and I can't sleep well on planes). But I didn't realize that there would be an issue with the tube when I booked (the tour company lists that as the way to get from the airport to the hotel, so I just assumed it was fine). 

I checked the times on the Heathrow Express website. 
www.heathrowexpress.com/timetable-schedule/heathrow-london/terminals1-3-london-paddington

First and Last trains for the Picadilly Line
www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/first-and-last-piccadilly.pdf

Be prepared to walk when you land at LHR.  It can easily take 10-15 minutes to get to customs and immigration.  We never really had to wait long for our bags when flying into T3; by the time we got off the plane and through immigration bags were already on the carousel. 

My last trip into London I flew into T5 and landed at 7:30am and I was in central London by 9am BUT I did not have to deal with baggage claim and I did have to drop my carry-on off at the luggage service desk and buy my tube ticket so that took up about 15 minutes of my time.

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 13:41:25 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

Sept 4, 2013 13:27:15 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

It's odd, I've had several different times quoted - a friend who lives in London told me 12:20 was about the last train, I saw 11:39 listed, the tour company saw something more like 11:30 when I called earlier today. I'm so confused about what's right. I already have a hotel booked for that night but I'm hoping to change it. 

I am flying American Airlines out of Chicago. My flight leaves at 9:05am. I thought it was nice because getting in late means I can sleep overnight and have the whole day free the next day (the alternative was flying overnight and getting there in the morning, and I can't sleep well on planes). But I didn't realize that there would be an issue with the tube when I booked (the tour company lists that as the way to get from the airport to the hotel, so I just assumed it was fine). 

I checked the times on the Heathrow Express website. 
www.heathrowexpress.com/timetable-schedule/heathrow-london/terminals1-3-london-paddington

First and Last trains for the Picadilly Line
www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/first-and-last-piccadilly.pdf

Be prepared to walk when you land at LHR.  It can easily take 10-15 minutes to get to customs and immigration.  We never really had to wait long for our bags when flying into T3; by the time we got off the plane and through immigration bags were already on the carousel. 

My last trip into London I flew into T5 and landed at 7:30am and I was in central London by 9am BUT I did not have to deal with baggage claim and I did have to drop my carry-on off at the luggage service desk and buy my tube ticket so that took up about 15 minutes of my time.

Ok - so it looks like 00:14 is still considered "Sunday", right? It looks like the last trains leaving out of Heathrow from t1-3 are at 0014 and 0026. Which should be plenty of time, but do those run to all the stops listed or how do I know how far they go? The last stop at Russel square appears to be earlier than that so should I assume the tube won't go back to Russel square after the last stop (or is that just the last time they allow you to get on?).

I feel stupid that I don't understand this. I am not used to taking public transportation! I've ridden the metra in Chicago area many times but I feel like the train schedule is more clear. 

[alleinesein]

Sept 4, 2013 14:26:54 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

Sept 4, 2013 13:41:25 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

I checked the times on the Heathrow Express website. 
www.heathrowexpress.com/timetable-schedule/heathrow-london/terminals1-3-london-paddington

First and Last trains for the Picadilly Line
www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/first-and-last-piccadilly.pdf

Be prepared to walk when you land at LHR.  It can easily take 10-15 minutes to get to customs and immigration.  We never really had to wait long for our bags when flying into T3; by the time we got off the plane and through immigration bags were already on the carousel. 

My last trip into London I flew into T5 and landed at 7:30am and I was in central London by 9am BUT I did not have to deal with baggage claim and I did have to drop my carry-on off at the luggage service desk and buy my tube ticket so that took up about 15 minutes of my time.

Ok - so it looks like 00:14 is still considered "Sunday", right? It looks like the last trains leaving out of Heathrow from t1-3 are at 0014 and 0026. Which should be plenty of time, but do those run to all the stops listed or how do I know how far they go? The last stop at Russel square appears to be earlier than that so should I assume the tube won't go back to Russel square after the last stop (or is that just the last time they allow you to get on?).

I feel stupid that I don't understand this. I am not used to taking public transportation! I've ridden the metra in Chicago area many times but I feel like the train schedule is more clear. 

If you arrrive sunday night you need to look at the schedule for Monday for anything after midnight. It looks like there is one that leaves at 12:03am.

Public transportation in London is really easy to navigate.  They do have a trip planner on the website that is easy to use. www.tfl.gov.uk/

There are also buses at 12:30am and 1am that can take you to the nearest rail station and you can hop on one of the First Great Western trains to Paddington.

[Deleted]

Is London pretty safe at night? What about buses? I'm getting nervous.

I talked to my tour company and they will not let me change my hotel reservation. I'm going to try to make it on one of the trains, but it will be cutting it close. I also apparently can't buy tickets ahead of time since I won't be able to pick them up at Heathrow and it's too late to have them mailed to me. This is such a headache.

Worst case I guess I'll just get a cab. I appreciate the suggestions for car services but looking them up, it looks like they are about the same cost as a cab anyway. I'd rather not commit to paying that kind of price ahead of time on the chance that I can make the train. Sounds like it won't save me anything to book ahead so hopefully I can just move fast.

[Deleted]

You can buy tickets for the Heathrow Connect on the train. I've done it before. They even have a hand held card machine if you want to pay by card. For the Heathrow Express there are usually (uniformed) people standing around with hand held ticket machines that can sell you a ticket on the spot. They're usually standing right at the bottom of the escalators as you get into baggage claim.

London is safe at night. I walk around by myself at night and have never felt unsafe. Busses are fine, but it's going to be a pain in the ass and a long ride from the airport into central London. If it's the choice between a bus and a taxi I'd suck it up and pay for a taxi just for convenience. Since you won't encounter traffic a taxi from LHR to Russel Square should run you just over £100.

Don't count on a taxi taking a card, so you'll need to stop by an ATM before exiting the airport if you want to take a cab. I've gotten into a cab with the CC signs in the window, confirmed with the cabbie that a card is fine only to have him tell me once getting to the airport that he can't take a card.

[Deleted]

I just looked up the fare to Russell Square (WC1) on the website I posted above and it would be 44 pounds.  That sounds really close to the Heathrow Connect + cab from Paddington, and would be much easier.  

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 16:34:46 GMT -5 v said:

I just looked up the fare to Russell Square (WC1) on the website I posted above and it would be 44 pounds.  That sounds really close to the Heathrow Connect + cab from Paddington, and would be much easier.  

That's odd because I did look it up and I think it quoted me 66 pounds. I wonder what the difference is there? I agree 44 pounds is pretty similar and would be preferable. 

Maybe I'm losing my mind I'll try it again, thanks!

ETA: Never mind. It said it was $79 which I guess is the equivalent of 44 pounds. I guess the 66 number was a different company. When I clicked from the first page it went to the 44 pound quote. I'm need to learn how to read better. 

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 16:25:03 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

You can buy tickets for the Heathrow Connect on the train. I've done it before. They even have a hand held card machine if you want to pay by card. For the Heathrow Express there are usually (uniformed) people standing around with hand held ticket machines that can sell you a ticket on the spot. They're usually standing right at the bottom of the escalators as you get into baggage claim.

London is safe at night. I walk around by myself at night and have never felt unsafe. Busses are fine, but it's going to be a pain in the ass and a long ride from the airport into central London. If it's the choice between a bus and a taxi I'd suck it up and pay for a taxi just for convenience. Since you won't encounter traffic a taxi from LHR to Russel Square should run you just over £100.

Don't count on a taxi taking a card, so you'll need to stop by an ATM before exiting the airport if you want to take a cab. I've gotten into a cab with the CC signs in the window, confirmed with the cabbie that a card is fine only to have him tell me once getting to the airport that he can't take a card.

Ok this is good to know - thank you. I was all set to buy my ticket until it told me I couldn't   I think I should be able to make this train since it's almost 1.5 hours after my plane lands. Fingers crossed, at least.

ETA: I thought a taxi would be about 70 pounds? Do you mean $100 american? 100 pounds is like $160, which is nuts IMO. I hope the train option works out!

[Deleted]

Sept 4, 2013 16:42:52 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

Sept 4, 2013 16:34:46 GMT -5 v said:

I just looked up the fare to Russell Square (WC1) on the website I posted above and it would be 44 pounds.  That sounds really close to the Heathrow Connect + cab from Paddington, and would be much easier.  

That's odd because I did look it up and I think it quoted me 66 pounds. I wonder what the difference is there? I agree 44 pounds is pretty similar and would be preferable. 

Maybe I'm losing my mind I'll try it again, thanks!

ETA: Never mind. It said it was $79 which I guess is the equivalent of 44 pounds. I guess the 66 number was a different company. When I clicked from the first page it went to the 44 pound quote. I'm need to learn how to read better. 

79 pounds may have been round-trip -- they tend to quote round-trip whether or not you ask them to.  But the one-way should be 44 pounds (around $66-70 dollars).

[emilyinchile]

I don't have anything to add, but I suggest that when you arrive, if you're asking people about where to go to catch, you call it "The Tube" for the underground/subway, Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect, as applicable. Since you'll be close on time, it could make a difference in terms of where people direct you, since to be honest I am not even really sure which one you were originally looking at. Not trying to be nitpicky, just trying to save you a minute or two that might end up being crucial!

Also, do you definitely need to check a bag? It might be worth the hassle of doing some bathroom washing of socks and underwear partway through the trip to avoid the hassle of trying to get a checked bag quickly in order to make your train.