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Help me i'm a tourist?
Hello,
I'm flying to London late September to Heathrow and my wife is flying to Gatwick the next morning. I haven't been to London since 1989 and don't remember anything (long story). We're staying at the Sheraton Skyline near Heathrow (one of my companies preferred hotels). Questions a 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense? 2. Is there anywhere better to stay for ~ 125 GBP that might be a more convenient location and comparable to the Sheraton Skyline? Thanks |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Aug 31, 8:56 pm, Russ wrote:
Questions a 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? From the airport itself there are various reasonable options, but your hotel is outside the perimiter, so you'd have a hard time using any of them. What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense? From Heathrow, the Piccadilly Line. Buy an Oyster Card (£2/journey) or a day Travelcard (£6.70 per day after 9.30am). From the hotel, a quick bus ride to Hayes & Harlington station, where there are 3 or 4 trains an hour to Paddington, and then can catch the tube to wherever. A Travelcard will cover both legs, but Oyster isn't valid on those trains. You're looking at 70-90 minutes door-to-door to reach most places in Central London this way. 2. Is there anywhere better to stay for ~ 125 GBP that might be a more convenient location and comparable to the Sheraton Skyline? Definitely. Heathrow is a long trek from central London by public transport (and by road). Just about anywhere would be better. U -- http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/ A blog about transport projects in London |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Fri, 31 Aug 2007 19:56:45 -0000, Russ
wrote: Hello, I'm flying to London late September to Heathrow and my wife is flying to Gatwick the next morning. I haven't been to London since 1989 and don't remember anything (long story). We're staying at the Sheraton Skyline near Heathrow (one of my companies preferred hotels). Questions a 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense? You have the choice of the Heathrow Express (very expensive), Heathrow Connect (Less Expensive) and the Piccadilly Underground line (Cheapest rail method). The Travelcard gives you unlimited travel on Underground, bus and some National Rail services within the Greater London area, see http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ for details. From the Skyline a combination of bus and underground is probably the best way to go. Try the TfL journey planner. 2. Is there anywhere better to stay for ~ 125 GBP that might be a more convenient location and comparable to the Sheraton Skyline? Have a look at Travel Inn http://www.travelinn.co.uk which is less upmarket but probably comparable in comfort. You will not get a Business facility, for example. -- Terry Harper Website Coordinator, The Omnibus Society http://www.omnibussoc.org |
Help me i'm a tourist?
So where would be a better area and can I get a hotel there for less
than or equal to £125 that's not a dump? What's best for the £ between Marble Arch, Picadilly, Mayfair-Soho, Westminster? On Aug 31, 3:57 pm, Mr Thant wrote: On Aug 31, 8:56 pm, Russ wrote: Questions a 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? From the airport itself there are various reasonable options, but your hotel is outside the perimiter, so you'd have a hard time using any of them. What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense? From Heathrow, the Piccadilly Line. Buy an Oyster Card (£2/journey) or a day Travelcard (£6.70 per day after 9.30am). From the hotel, a quick bus ride to Hayes & Harlington station, where there are 3 or 4 trains an hour to Paddington, and then can catch the tube to wherever. A Travelcard will cover both legs, but Oyster isn't valid on those trains. You're looking at 70-90 minutes door-to-door to reach most places in Central London this way. 2. Is there anywhere better to stay for ~ 125 GBP that might be a more convenient location and comparable to the Sheraton Skyline? Definitely. Heathrow is a long trek from central London by public transport (and by road). Just about anywhere would be better. U --http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/ A blog about transport projects in London |
Help me i'm a tourist?
OK, I think I found it. City Inn Westminster, looks like it has
raving reviews, and is only £109/night including breakfast. Can't beat that!!!! On Aug 31, 7:32 pm, Russ wrote: So where would be a better area and can I get a hotel there for less than or equal to £125 that's not a dump? What's best for the £ between Marble Arch, Picadilly, Mayfair-Soho, Westminster? On Aug 31, 3:57 pm, Mr Thant wrote: On Aug 31, 8:56 pm, Russ wrote: Questions a 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? From the airport itself there are various reasonable options, but your hotel is outside the perimiter, so you'd have a hard time using any of them. What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense? From Heathrow, the Piccadilly Line. Buy an Oyster Card (£2/journey) or a day Travelcard (£6.70 per day after 9.30am). From the hotel, a quick bus ride to Hayes & Harlington station, where there are 3 or 4 trains an hour to Paddington, and then can catch the tube to wherever. A Travelcard will cover both legs, but Oyster isn't valid on those trains. You're looking at 70-90 minutes door-to-door to reach most places in Central London this way. 2. Is there anywhere better to stay for ~ 125 GBP that might be a more convenient location and comparable to the Sheraton Skyline? Definitely. Heathrow is a long trek from central London by public transport (and by road). Just about anywhere would be better. U --http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/ A blog about transport projects in London |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On 31 Aug, 20:56, Russ wrote:
Hello, I'm flying to London late September to Heathrow and my wife is flying to Gatwick the next morning. I haven't been to London since 1989 and don't remember anything (long story). We're staying at the Sheraton Skyline near Heathrow (one of my companies preferred hotels). Questions a 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense? 2. Is there anywhere better to stay for ~ 125 GBP that might be a more convenient location and comparable to the Sheraton Skyline? Thanks Hello, The hotel you are staying at is located on the Bath Road, which runs alongside the airport. If you arrive at Terminals 1,2 or 3 you can get a bus number 285 from the airport bus station and it will stop near to the Sheriton Skyline. This bus should be free as no charge is made on the buses from central area of airport as far as Hatton Cross station. Another way to get to Central London from the Sheriton Skyline is to buy a TravelCard and get the 285 bus from the Bath Road and stay on the bus to Feltham station, where you can get a fast train to central London -Waterloo station, (near the London Eye and Westminster). If you want to stay in Central London and not pay too much try Travel lodge hotels,link below. http://www.travelodge.co.uk/find_a_h...4_c3#searchbox Your wife when she arrives at Gatwick airport could take the airport link bus to Heathrow and then meet you at the Sheriton Skyline. Hope you and your wife have a pleasant stay. John |
Help me i'm a tourist?
"Russ" wrote in message
oups.com... OK, I think I found it. City Inn Westminster, You'll find it very basic in comparison to the Sheraton Skyline. Ian |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On 1 Sep, 09:50, wrote:
On 31 Aug, 20:56, Russ wrote: We're staying at the Sheraton Skyline Sheriton Skyline Sheriton Skyline Sheriton Skyline You've written "Sheriton" three times, when you had "Sheraton" right in front of you, and you must have only seen it seconds before! |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Fri, 31 Aug 2007 19:56:45 -0000, Russ
wrote: Questions a 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense? This largely overlaps with other responses: tube is the cheapest but there are a lot of stops, and it isn't well laid out for people with a lot of luggage. Of the tourist destinations that you've listed, Buckingham Palace (you could walk from Green Park) and Trafalgar Square (walk from Piccadilly Circus) are reasonably close to the Piccadilly Line. To get to the others by tube from Heathrow, you would need at least one change of train. Heathrow Express is the most expensive, and the quickest to get into Central London, but may not be particularly quick door-to-door if your destination isn't close to Paddington Station. Heathrow Connect is a bit slower and a bit cheaper than Heathrow Express, but still runs to Paddington. Unless your stay is very brief (in which case it may be better to get one-day or three-day travelcards) I would recommend that you get an Oyster card (smart card used for ticketing) when you arrive. Regarding your questions in other threads: tube platforms are generally signed as northbound, southbound, eastbound and westbound. The final destination is shown on the front of a train and on dot-matrix displays on the platforms. This is important, for example, when going to Heathrow as a westbound train on the Piccadilly train might have Heathrow as its final destination, or might be going to Rayners Lane or Uxbridge. Going from Leeds to Gatwick I'd second the advice to take a Thameslink train from Kings Cross to Gatwick, rather than to get the tube frrom Kings Cross to Victoria. Two hours from arriving at Gatwick station to the plane taking off should be sufficient, but it's not generous. In particular, the rail station at Gatwick is directly connected to the south terminal, so I'd be inclined to allow a few more minutes if your flight out is from the north terminal. I did once arrive at Gatwick Airport station just an hour before take-off from the north terminal - and caught the plane - but I don't recommend the experience:-( Martin |
Help me i'm a tourist?
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Help me i'm a tourist?
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Help me i'm a tourist?
On Fri, Aug 31, 2007 at 07:56:45PM -0000, Russ wrote:
We're staying at the Sheraton Skyline near Heathrow (one of my companies preferred hotels). Then you have my sympathy. Heathrow is just about the worst place they could possibly pick for you to stay. 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? It will be a pain in the arse. 2. Is there anywhere better to stay for ~ 125 GBP that might be a more convenient location and comparable to the Sheraton Skyline? No idea what that hotel is like, but you'll be able to find cheaper places around, say, Bloomsbury, Lancaster Gate, or in Southwark, which are perfectly acceptable. Of course, being a Londoner I never stay in hotels here, but I'm told by people who've come a-visiting that those are good places to find decent cheap accomodation. -- David Cantrell | London Perl Mongers Deputy Chief Heretic Perl: the only language that makes Welsh look acceptable |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Sep 3, 9:29 am, Martin Rich wrote:
From Kings Cross to Gatwick by Thameslink is perhaps five minutes' walk along Pentonville Road from the main Kings Cross station to the Thameslink station, then a 45 minute train ride. The best route from King's Cross to King's Cross Thameslink is via the Victoria Line platforms. It's not directly signposted - you have to go into the tube station and follow the signs to the Victoria Line, then from there follow the Thameslink signs on the platforms, but it's still easier than walking along Pentonville Road (and I'd think it's roughly the same distance), and involves about the same number of steps and escalators as taking the tube to Victoria. U -- http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/ A blog about transport projects in London |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Sep 3, 3:29 pm, David Cantrell wrote:
On Fri, Aug 31, 2007 at 07:56:45PM -0000, Russ wrote: We're staying at the Sheraton Skyline near Heathrow (one of my companies preferred hotels). Then you have my sympathy. Heathrow is just about the worst place they could possibly pick for you to stay. 1. How easy/costly is it to get from Heathrow airport area to the touristy things like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Aquarium? It will be a pain in the arse. 2. Is there anywhere better to stay for ~ 125 GBP that might be a more convenient location and comparable to the Sheraton Skyline? No idea what that hotel is like, but you'll be able to find cheaper places around, say, Bloomsbury, Lancaster Gate, or in Southwark, which are perfectly acceptable. Of course, being a Londoner I never stay in hotels here, but I'm told by people who've come a-visiting that those are good places to find decent cheap accomodation. -- David Cantrell | London Perl Mongers Deputy Chief Heretic Perl: the only language that makes Welsh look acceptable Go somewhere else, the Tube'll probably be on strike! Neill |
Help me i'm a tourist?
In article . com, Mr
Thant writes The best route from King's Cross to King's Cross Thameslink is via the Victoria Line platforms. It's not directly signposted - you have to go into the tube station and follow the signs to the Victoria Line, then from there follow the Thameslink signs on the platforms, but it's still easier than walking along Pentonville Road (and I'd think it's roughly the same distance) It's about 40% longer (and, yes, I do have access to maps showing where the various tunnels are). I can't see why people are so bothered about a brief walk along Pentonville Road, unless they're scared of walking past Starbucks. -- Clive D.W. Feather | Home: Tel: +44 20 8495 6138 (work) | Web: http://www.davros.org Fax: +44 870 051 9937 | Work: Please reply to the Reply-To address, which is: |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Sep 4, 11:27 am, "Clive D. W. Feather" cl...@on-the-
train.demon.co.uk wrote: It's about 40% longer (and, yes, I do have access to maps showing where the various tunnels are). I can't see why people are so bothered about a brief walk along Pentonville Road, unless they're scared of walking past Starbucks. But it's not just a walk down the street, in the way say West Hampstead is. Crossing York Way isn't fun given the buses swerving in from the right, then you have to work out whether Pentonville Road is the one on the left (it is) or the right (Grays Inn Road), then you've got to remember to cross the road before you get to the station entrance, because there are railings for a quite a long way outside it. Sure it's no problem if you've done it a few times, but for everyone else the underground route is easier. U -- http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/ A blog about transport projects in London |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Fri, 31 Aug 2007, Mr Thant wrote:
On Aug 31, 8:56 pm, Russ wrote: What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense? From the hotel, a quick bus ride to Hayes & Harlington station, where there are 3 or 4 trains an hour to Paddington, and then can catch the tube to wherever. A Travelcard will cover both legs, but Oyster isn't valid on those trains. Or rather, *Oyster pay as you go* isn't valid. It's also possible to get period travelcards put on an Oyster card, and those will be valid. I mention this because if you're staying for more than a few days, a secen-day travelcard might be better value than pre-pay or a string of dady travelcards, and you can get that on Oyster (is there still a choice of paper or plastic for 7DTCs?). tom -- Thinking about it, history begins now -- sarah |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Mon, 03 Sep 2007 07:51:30 -0700, Mr Thant wrote:
The best route from King's Cross to King's Cross Thameslink is via the Victoria Line platforms. It's not directly signposted - you have to go into the tube station and follow the signs to the Victoria Line, then from there follow the Thameslink signs on the platforms, IIRC the signs directing towards Thameslink start in the tube ticket hall, at the top of the escalator to the Victoria Line. |
Help me i'm a tourist?
Tom Anderson wrote:
I mention this because if you're staying for more than a few days, a secen-day travelcard might be better value than pre-pay or a string of dady travelcards, and you can get that on Oyster (is there still a choice of paper or plastic for 7DTCs?). All LU ticket offices and other ticket offices with Oyster equipment issue 7DTC on Oyster only. All other National Rail ticket offices still issue them on paper. -- Olof Lagerkvist ICQ: 724451 Web: http://here.is/olof |
Help me i'm a tourist?
What's the best mode of transportation for the least expense?
From Heathrow, the Piccadilly Line. Buy an Oyster Card (£2/journey)... Where'd you make up that number from? It says here http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...April-2007.pdf that a single ride with OysterCard varies from £1.50 within Zone 1 (i.e. Central London) to £3.50 if you go from Zone 6 (i.e. Heathrow) to Zone 1. or a day Travelcard .... With an Oyster card you pay whichever is cheaper, the single fares or a "capped" price for the day. Others here will be more familiar with the details. -- Mark Brader "I'm not good in groups. It's difficult to Toronto work in a group when you're omnipotent." "Deja Q", ST:TNG, Richard Danus |
Help me i'm a tourist?
Mark Brader wrote:
From Heathrow, the Piccadilly Line. Buy an Oyster Card (£2/journey)... Where'd you make up that number from? It says here http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...April-2007.pdf that a single ride with OysterCard varies from £1.50 within Zone 1 (i.e. Central London) to £3.50 if you go from Zone 6 (i.e. Heathrow) to Zone 1. It also says that that same journey will cost only £2 outwith the hours of 07:00 to 19:00 on Mondays to Fridays. -- Bob |
Help me i'm a tourist?
Mark Brader:
Where'd you make up that number from? It says here http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...April-2007.pdf that a single ride with OysterCard varies from £1.50 within Zone 1 (i.e. Central London) to £3.50 if you go from Zone 6 (i.e. Heathrow) to Zone 1. Bob Wood: It also says that that same journey will cost only £2 outwith the hours of 07:00 to 19:00 on Mondays to Fridays. So it does! Thanks, I hadn't heard about that reduction. Still, there's a large time interval when the higher fare applies. -- Mark Brader | "This is a moral that runs at large; Toronto | Take it. -- You're welcome. -- No extra charge." | -- Oliver Wendell Holmes |
Help me i'm a tourist?
"Mark Brader" wrote in message
... Mark Brader: Where'd you make up that number from? It says here http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...April-2007.pdf that a single ride with OysterCard varies from £1.50 within Zone 1 (i.e. Central London) to £3.50 if you go from Zone 6 (i.e. Heathrow) to Zone 1. Bob Wood: It also says that that same journey will cost only £2 outwith the hours of 07:00 to 19:00 on Mondays to Fridays. So it does! Thanks, I hadn't heard about that reduction. Still, there's a large time interval when the higher fare applies. -- Mark Brader | "This is a moral that runs at large; Toronto | Take it. -- You're welcome. -- No extra charge." | -- Oliver Wendell Holmes PMFJI with a twist on the tourist question. I have a Chicago Card Plus which is similar to an Oyster Card. I can use the one card for two people, as long as I tell the operator (whether bus or Rapid Transit) who has the card reader charge my card appropriately. Nowhere in Oyster's literature do I see this addressed. So, would/can someone tell me if I can use one Oyster Card for two people at a time, please? Thank you. Rich |
Help me i'm a tourist?
In article ,
mookie wrote: PMFJI with a twist on the tourist question. I have a Chicago Card Plus which is similar to an Oyster Card. I can use the one card for two people, as long as I tell the operator (whether bus or Rapid Transit) who has the card reader charge my card appropriately. Nowhere in Oyster's literature do I see this addressed. So, would/can someone tell me if I can use one Oyster Card for two people at a time, please? Thank you. No, you can't (at least with PAYG - I doubt Oysters with Travelcards loaded are any different though). Oysters don't work like a prepay card for buying single tickets - it's more complicated than that. It functions as a set of prepaid singles up to a point, and then caps the charge, so all your subsequent journeys that day are free. As a result, passing it back would be like using the same one-day travelcard for two people, i.e. fare evasion. I suspect if you tried this in practice, by passing your Oyster back to comeone else, it simply won't let them through the gate if done within several minutes of you entering (this is what happens with paper travelcards). If it did, then your entry would suddenly look like an unresolved journey and you'd get charged the maximum 4 pounds single fare. |
Help me i'm a tourist?
"Sarah Brown" wrote in message
... In article , mookie wrote: PMFJI with a twist on the tourist question. I have a Chicago Card Plus which is similar to an Oyster Card. I can use the one card for two people, as long as I tell the operator (whether bus or Rapid Transit) who has the card reader charge my card appropriately. Nowhere in Oyster's literature do I see this addressed. So, would/can someone tell me if I can use one Oyster Card for two people at a time, please? Thank you. No, you can't (at least with PAYG - I doubt Oysters with Travelcards loaded are any different though). Oysters don't work like a prepay card for buying single tickets - it's more complicated than that. It functions as a set of prepaid singles up to a point, and then caps the charge, so all your subsequent journeys that day are free. As a result, passing it back would be like using the same one-day travelcard for two people, i.e. fare evasion. I suspect if you tried this in practice, by passing your Oyster back to comeone else, it simply won't let them through the gate if done within several minutes of you entering (this is what happens with paper travelcards). If it did, then your entry would suddenly look like an unresolved journey and you'd get charged the maximum 4 pounds single fare. Appreciate your answer. Thank you. |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:48:38 GMT, Sarah Brown
wrote: No, you can't (at least with PAYG - I doubt Oysters with Travelcards loaded are any different though). Oysters don't work like a prepay card for buying single tickets - it's more complicated than that. It functions as a set of prepaid singles up to a point, and then caps the charge, so all your subsequent journeys that day are free. As a result, passing it back would be like using the same one-day travelcard for two people, i.e. fare evasion. For similar reasons, an Oyster loaded with a travelcard can only be used by one person. Oysters which are only loaded with prepay value can be shared, but cannot be used by more than one person at a time. Presumably they can't be used by more than one person within one day, but I can't find this stated definitively from a cursory look at the TfL website Martin |
Help me i'm a tourist?
"Martin Rich" wrote in message ... On Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:48:38 GMT, Sarah Brown wrote: No, you can't (at least with PAYG - I doubt Oysters with Travelcards loaded are any different though). Oysters don't work like a prepay card for buying single tickets - it's more complicated than that. It functions as a set of prepaid singles up to a point, and then caps the charge, so all your subsequent journeys that day are free. As a result, passing it back would be like using the same one-day travelcard for two people, i.e. fare evasion. For similar reasons, an Oyster loaded with a travelcard can only be used by one person. Oysters which are only loaded with prepay value can be shared, but cannot be used by more than one person at a time. Presumably they can't be used by more than one person within one day, but I can't find this stated definitively from a cursory look at the TfL website Assuming you mean pre-pay, of course they can. They are valid for use by the holder, whoever that may be on the specific journey. Oh, You're worried about capping, well there no way that they can enforce that, is there? This would seem to be a perk of the system. tim |
Help me i'm a tourist?
"tim....." wrote in message
... "Martin Rich" wrote in message ... On Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:48:38 GMT, Sarah Brown wrote: No, you can't (at least with PAYG - I doubt Oysters with Travelcards loaded are any different though). Oysters don't work like a prepay card for buying single tickets - it's more complicated than that. It functions as a set of prepaid singles up to a point, and then caps the charge, so all your subsequent journeys that day are free. As a result, passing it back would be like using the same one-day travelcard for two people, i.e. fare evasion. For similar reasons, an Oyster loaded with a travelcard can only be used by one person. Oysters which are only loaded with prepay value can be shared, but cannot be used by more than one person at a time. Presumably they can't be used by more than one person within one day, but I can't find this stated definitively from a cursory look at the TfL website Assuming you mean pre-pay, of course they can. They are valid for use by the holder, whoever that may be on the specific journey. Oh, You're worried about capping, well there no way that they can enforce that, is there? This would seem to be a perk of the system. tim I appreciate all the answers. It has also dawned on me - takes me awhile - a good reason why the difference: Chicago's Transit System (CTA) charges a fixed rate per ride regardless of distance. One block or cross town. London is a zone system so multiple card users would/could be difficult. |
Help me i'm a tourist?
On Fri, 7 Sep 2007 09:36:57 +0100, "tim....."
wrote: Oh, You're worried about capping, well there no way that they can enforce that, is there? This would seem to be a perk of the system. It's not really any different to people passing around One Day Travelcards and (I think) weeklies. This is practically impossible to enforce. Given this, I don't understand why they don't just make them de-facto transferrable. Neil -- Neil Williams Put my first name before the at to reply. |
Help me i'm a tourist?
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