Heathrow Airport Shuttle

[samsteele]

This is not about WDW and I apologize in advance as off topic. I'm taking my niece on a UK bus tour this spring and the Heathrow shuttle/airport transfer to the London hotel and then return at the end of the tour is no longer included in the tour package. I'm a bit wary of using uber or a similar ride share service and would be more comfortable sharing a shuttle bus with other passengers. Does anyone have a recommendation for a dependable shared Heathrow airport shuttle to downtown London hotels that they or their family have used? As we will each be lugging a suitcase we probably aren't in a great position to brave the London subway for the first time. I've been looking at a few possibles on the viator (tripadvisor company) website but recommendations would be greatly appreciated. If it's a service you would recommend to your family and friends, then that would be wonderful. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

This is not about WDW and I apologize in advance as off topic. I'm taking my niece on a UK bus tour this spring and the Heathrow shuttle/airport transfer to the London hotel and then return at the end of the tour is no longer included in the tour package. I'm a bit wary of using uber or a similar ride share service and would be more comfortable sharing a shuttle bus with other passengers. Does anyone have a recommendation for a dependable shared Heathrow airport shuttle to downtown London hotels that they or their family have used? As we will each be lugging a suitcase we probably aren't in a great position to brave the London subway for the first time. I've been looking at a few possibles on the viator (tripadvisor company) website but recommendations would be greatly appreciated. If it's a service you would recommend to your family and friends, then that would be wonderful. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Heathrow Airport is about an hours drive from central London. FYI its not called downtown London. Taxis are available outside each terminal but its a VERY expensive way to travel.

The majority of people use either the Tube, Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line OR Heathrow Express Train.

Its very easy to get either the train or tube from Heathrow and they are very frequent. There is space for luggage on both the normal train Heathrow Express , and the tube trains Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line.

Elizabeth Line Tube takes 30 minutes from Heathrow Terminal 2 to London Paddington Station.

Heathrow Express Train takes 15 minutes from Heathrow Terminal 2 to London Paddington Station.

Heathrow Express Train and Elizabeth Line Tube share the same platform, you just follow the signs and the crowd of people walking the same way.

Piccadilly Line goes from Heathrow Terminal 2, 3, 4 and 5. It takes about 50 minutes to Kings Cross Station.

My advice is to take the train or tube to central London, Paddington Station or Kings Cross Station and then take a taxi to your hotel.

 

[hertamaniac]

Not sure if this is relevant, but I will share my experience with Gatwick to London. We took the train to Victoria Station with no issues regarding the timing and luggage. Since our hotel was next to the station (Park Plaza Victoria), we merely walked across the street upon arrival.

That being said, I guess a question might be how close to a tube/rail station is your hotel(s)?

 

[starry_solo]

Even if its not included in the cost of the package, ask if they still have the transfer available and how much it costs if they do

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Not sure if this is relevant, but I will share my experience with Gatwick to London. We took the train to Victoria Station with no issues regarding the timing and luggage. Since our hotel was next to the station (Park Plaza Victoria), we merely walked across the street upon arrival.

That being said, I guess a question might be how close to a tube/rail station is your hotel(s)?

That was the Gatwick Express to London Victoria. Gatwick is only 30 minutes south of central London and is a much smaller airport.

Heathrow is west of central London.

I used to live in London and have lost count f how many times Ive flown into both airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. The travel into central London is not really comparable as they are different sizes, located in different areas and the trains go to different central London train stations.

 

[samsteele]

how close to a tube/rail station is your hotel(s)?

At time of booking, the London hotel is listed as Hilton Olympia Hotel London. But the tour company can and often will change the hotel at the last minute. This moving part is one reason why I liked the idea of a shared airport shuttle as I may not have my London hotel confirmed until 48 hrs or so before my flight. I can certainly google nearby stations in advance in the hopes it stays the Hilton Olympia.

Unfortunately, the agent I booked with will not recommend any airport shuttle service. However, since I booked with the 1-800 number in Canada I've been dealing with a Canadian travel agency who may not be interested in providing any extra information. I'll do some digging and try to speak with Trafalgar/CostSaver directly for a recommendation. Trafalgar is continuing to provide the Heathrow airport transfer for it's more $ Trafalgar branded UK tours. But as of March 1 this year has discontinued for their CostSaver tours. Typically, guests on Costsaver don't stay at the same hotel as Trafalgar guests. However, its been known to happen. If I can get through to Trafalgar directly, I hope to get some answers and possibly a recommendation for a shuttle or whether I can pay to use the Trafalgar guest shuttle if sharing the same hotel.

Thank you all for your information and replies.

 

[hertamaniac]

I found the tube to be insanely easy to use and navigate. My trip was for business (outside of London, Northamptonshire and Grove Wantage) but having the tube proximity to the hotel made the trip so enjoyable. I wouldn't be an ounce concerned about the tube (you used the word brave for a first-time user).

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Hilton Olympia Hotel London.

This hotel is near Kensington Olympia Tube station, which is on The District (green ) line. Honestly, just get the Heathrow Express Train to Paddington and then take a taxi to your hotel. This is the best option if your hotel could be changed last minute.

A shared shuttle service is not the normal way to travel from Heathrow to central London. What you are looking for does not really exist.

 

[starry_solo]

I've used Trafalgar before for escorted tours. They usually will still have it available for a fee. Same with Globus/Cosmos and Gate1.