Hi,
We're family of 4 adults staying in London CBD. Just wondering which fixed rate taxi service from Heathrow to London CBD is the cheapest? We will arrive at 4.30pm on Wed. If I do pre-book, what time should I book the taxi? We have 4 luggages (2 big 2 smalls). Thanks!
I wonder how good is Uber over there? Never used one before though…anyone care to comment on Uber?
Cheapest would be just to jump on the Underground. The UG takes you straight there (slowly).
Minicabs would be cheaper than london taxis.
For a family of 4 you will find it cheaper to to actually get a mini cab than use the tube.
Just can't be bothered to take underground after 13 hours flight. Not sure minicabs will take 4 of us with luggage though.
Found this site with a price list outlining the different prices from Airport to postcode.
http://www.expressways.co.uk
http://www.expressways.co.uk/files%5CExpressWays_Airport_Pri…
You'll need to add-on as you will need station wagon (7 pound extra) or people mover (15 pound extra).
It may help to call your hotel, they'll have contacts of the minicabs they've used, are reliable and have deals with. I just used the one recommended by where I was staying. A regular dude just comes in a regular type car generally for a flat rate.
Train\Underground is the way to go. Cheap (especially compared to Sydney), reliable and clean. The station is right underneath the airport - no mucking around. I used it a few years ago when I had a 14 hr layover. Was able to make the most of the day and see most of the major London landmarks.
i think it cost me $32 on the train to Waterloo in 2009 , I thought this is darn dear at the time
edit : looks like it goes to Paddington $39 adult $20 kids —every 15mins approx 30km's
http://www.britrail.net/extras/airport-transport/heathrow-ex…
underground from a/port under 6 pounds
Use addison lee as a standard rate but I'm sure you can find cheaper.
http://www.addisonlee.com/passengers/airport-transfers/
Something to consider (not exactly sure about your itinerary…)
You can buy a multi-day pass which would cover all of London (1-day or 7-day including airport return)… especially if you are visiting all the attractions.
Tube have lifts and escalators on most stations, unlike Paris (which have lots of stairs)
http://www.visitbritainshop.com/australia/travel-transport/l…
the above link is for all transport, you can get one for tube only, less costly
For a family of 4 after long flight assuming not familiar with London, I'd take the mincab over public transport as it take you door to door and don't have the stress of figuring out tube lines, changing train, lugging luggages up and down stairs and need to get direction to hotel from the tube station. You can request for a estate car (station weagon) or even SUV with the minicab which will fit all your stuffs, depends on where you are heading should be around £40-50. A few years back was around £30 to get to SW6.
Tube stations generally have escalator and some have lifts (being the only option). However the last 20 odd steps to the platform are almost certain to be stairs. With the exception of the newish jubilee line and a few selected stations like Heathrow, Hammersmith.
A side note on public transport, just pick up an oyster card at any tube station. It's actually very very smart. Just top it up at any station and off you go. It will automatically apply daily and weekly cap based on your travel.
I still have my Oyster next to my Opal to remind me how much better Opal could have been.
For sight seeing I found the London Pass to be good value, it has access to lots of attractions and included with it public transport as well.
exactly what I had in mind, especially my parents are travelling with us too.
Just look up 'minicab' and you'll be spoil for choice. Minicabs are private cab hire which must be pre-booked. Always much cheaper than black cab. I can't find the number of the driver I used to use. But this site would compare across a number of minicab provider http://www.minicabit.com/
I used to call to make the booking when I get in the immigration queue as flight delays are common and immigration takes forever. If you don't have local sim card, I'd put down an hour or 90 mins from the estimated time of arrival…
A side note, they call station weagon 'estate' car.