8 Hour Layover In London at Heathrow?
I am flying into Heathrow on BA and have an 8 hour layover past connecting on BA continuing to Cairo. Since I am there I would resembling to "see" London since I have never be.
1. What do I do with my luggage to avoid have immigration hassel me again?
2. How long is the Tube ride to central London?
3. Where should I walk from there inside walking distance?
4. What time should I get fund on the Tube to check back surrounded by to the airport?
5. Is it even worth it or should I just stay at the airport?
Thanks for your facilitate.
Answers: It always feel terrible when you sit surrounded by an airport knowing there's wonderful things 'out there' and you're stuck waiting for a connecting flight. Been there at Tokyo airport and years ago surrounded by Trinidad. ='(
So I'd say 'go for it', as long as
1. Your luggage is booked right through from your starting point to Cairo (that's usual, but do check.)
2. Your stopover is during daytime or untimely evening.
Assuming it's 'yes' to both the above, you have two sensible travel option: the Heathrow Express (overland train) -- lb15 each passageway, takes 15 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. But that brings you to Paddington and you'd own to take a tube from in that to get to any of London's big landmark.
Your second choice is the tube: cash fare lb4 but buy a one-day travelcard if it's any a weekend or after 9.30am Mon-Fri. The journey into medium London takes 40-50 mins -- but it get you right to the heart of things.
Look at the tube map (pdf here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/1108... ) and you'll see Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden next to respectively other in the substance of town. They're only strolling distance from respectively other (have a look at this map and you'll see: http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|Tr... ... why not print it off and filch it with you.)
Piccadilly Circus have the statue of Eros and is the start of two key West End shopping streets (Regent Street and Piccadilly)... Covent Garden have lots of cafes and two fun market, one in the middle of the piazza surrounded by the old Victorian wholesale fruit & veg marketplace (think "My Fair Lady"); the other (Jubilee Market) at the edge of the piazza. Both get rid of crafts, antiques, souvenirs, artwork and collectibles.
There's also the Royal Opera House and a stack of theatres here but, hey, you've got to go off some things till next time!
The best 'potted tour' is probably from Leicester Square station. Walk from nearby to Trafalgar Square (2-3 minutes). Here you've got adjectives sorts of options -- only enjoy the vista; visit the National Gallery; bearing under Admiralty Arch and rove down the Mall to Buckingham Palace; or walk down Whitehall (or hop on a bus if you've get your travelcard) to see the Houses of Parliament and the Thames.
Re timing: ask your airline about check-in time for your Cairo flight. It will probably be three hours up to that time your flight but you might get lucky beside two hours. So to be really, really safe, allow 90 mins for the tube contained by either direction (3 hours total). That still give you 3 hours in London. Up to you whether you surmise it'd be worth it...
... I told myself I'd get posterior to Tokyo and Trinidad, but it hasn't happened nonetheless... =(
Love from a native Londoner. =D
1. I'm pretty sure you won't take your luggage back. The airlines usually maintain it during connections and deal beside forwarding it to your next flight.
2. The Heathrow Express can return with you from the airport to central London surrounded by 15 minutes.
5. Personally, I wouldn't do it. I've never tried leaving the airport between connections, but I own flown to London before and probability are, you're gonna be exhausted and disoriented. I had a 6-hour layover within Heathrow once, before continuing up to Edinburgh, and I of late slept. :-)
1. From experience I doubt you will be given your luggage back, but hand-luggage clever just follow the rules at the airport you be off from, no sharp objects, minimal liquids etc
2. Using the Heathrow Express you get hold of into Paddington in more or less 15 mins, it should cost about for the lb30 train fare (for a return ticket)
3. Paddington station itself is worth a look at, and near are some small attractions nearby - but if I be you I would get on a London tour bus to draw from a brief taste of the city. There is so much to see that this is probably your best bet within the short time that you have. Shopping is other good - nearby are plenty of tourist buys on stalls in the street and if you turn to Carnanby St or Oxford St you can get some amazing buys.
You could other get a tube around if you want to check the sights out yourself - despite what you may hear it is a really efficient system and undoubtedly the best style to travel when in London, a moment ago buy yourself a travel card, as this also allows you on the buses if you want (although I would not advise it!)
4. It take 15 mins to get final again but thats from Paddington and you will need time to carry back in attendance first. You will need to check your train time - and be off plenty of time for check in. Really its up to you.
5. It is worth it if you want to see the City, but not if you want a adjectives tour! It is a wonderful and vibrant place and even though I live only 30 mins away I love coming into the city. But be warn - you will want to come back and call on again!
I hope that helps - soak up your holiday!
1. BA will hold the luggage so you don't need to verbs about it.
2. To receive into London you can take the Heathrow Express which will lift you directly to London Paddington within 15 minutes.
3. Very Close to London Paddington Hyde Park is an amazing attraction where on earth the time will easily slip by. It is amazing to see daylight or night.
4. The Heathrow Express will cart 15 minutes to get to Heathrow so depends whether you want to shop or not.
5. Depends on which Terminal your using. If you flying in the past the 29th April you'll be going out of Terminal 4 which is not that nice so you won't want to spend lots of time there. But, if your flying after the 30th April you will be using Terminal 5 which is definately worth a devout few hours to look around this amazing new building. But, it is not worth staying at the airport for 8 hours though, Heathrow isn't that big.
Enjoy your trip!
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