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Going to try to get to London for a couple of days. Which airport is better? I want convenience to getting into the city. I am coming from the USA. I am not a big fan of mass transportation because I have little experience in it since I live in an area with NO mass transportation!! However, not about to rent a car in London...that would be even more scarier!
Thanks...~Luv2fly
I'm afraid that you're going to have to become intimately involved with public trans. There may be other ways to see London (and the rest of Europe) but there are none cheaper nor easier nor faster.
Depending on your airline/flight you'll probably arrive at LHR. And Depending on where you're staying will depend on which line you take. But most are cross-connected anyway. If you are staying around London Paddington then take the Heathrow Express. The other option is the Piccadilly Line that makes numerous stops. You'll probably arrive in the morning so the train will be crowded.
First determine what hotel you're at and then find out what tube stop is closest. Then pull up a map on the internet to determine your route. There are tube maps available in nearly every guidebook and are usually available at most stations.
Your first trip on the tube may be a little daunting but once you use it you'll fall in love with subways and could never think of using anything else no matter what city you visit. Just study your map and follow the signs. Also, think of it as an adventure. If you get lost, so what? Just backtrack and start over. It'll make you all the more familiar.
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Why don't you take a day trip to EWR, ORD, BOS or DCA and get to know their mass transportation. So when you do go to London you will be more comfortable. DCA would be my first choice as the station is located in the airport. All signs are well marked and you can get to the mall quickly.
Randy is correct. Once you get comfortable with mass transportation you will be loath to rent a car in any big city. Last time I went to Chicago I watched as the El I was in passed miles and miles of backed-traffic. As I got from the airport to downtown in a lot less time then they did.
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ack...DCA...that is a scary system!! (I live close to DC, actually my husband uses the system quite often since he works in DC) The few times I have used it, I always have one of my sons with me to be sure we are getting on the right line! I will say Randy..love that orange line in Chicago, so simple!! I have become a real pro using the orange line and tell ppl at work how simple it is to get to downtown Chicago from the airport. I have done it 3 times in the last 2 months!
I will take your suggestion Coyne...I am heading to St Louis in a couple of weeks, I was going to chicken out and rent a car, however, I have reconsidered that after your response and maybe I will try to get comfortable with the mass transportation. Thanks for your responses, always helpful :-) ~Luv2fly
Isn't air travel mass transportation?
Live dangerously.
Most mass transportation isn't difficult; just follow the signs and don't be afraid to stop and ask questions. People are quite helpful if you approach them in the right way. You'll get the hang of it.
good luck!
Hi Luv2fly
There's nothing like a map to help calm the nerves. <a href="http://www.londontransport.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.londontransport.co.uk/</A>
Have fun and "mind the gap". http://www.nonrev.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
Keep'em flying
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Hmmm...very true MK :-) I am a sign reader...so hopefully I won’t have too much trouble!
Thanks Migflanker for the link :-)
Very helpful :-)
~Luv2fly
I've flown into Gatwich (GTW) many times. There is a train that leaves from the terminal to Waterloo station in London for I think about $10-15 one way, then you can use the underground to get around.
The first time my wife and I did this it was really simple to figure out, and fun!
If you do chose to rent a car, Gatwick is about 30 miles south of London proper, so you have some non-city driving time to get used to driving on the "wrong side of the road" if you've never driven on the left hand side before.
But I don't recommend a rental car if you are just seeing London. London is great fun and so easy to get around in just using the underground, buses, and the occasional taxi.
Have fun!
Cary
if you fly into LGW, take the train to Victoria station. It's roughly $10 one way. You'll be in the city within a half hour, with no stops. Very close to Buckingham Palace.
Matt
[quote]Originally posted by MK:
Isn't air travel mass transportation?
I guess that would depend on the size of the airplane you're in.