9 hour layover in London Heathrow - stay at airport at a lounge or go into the city to see the Tate Modern?

Question

I'm flying to London Heathrow tomorrow morning and have a 9 hour layover before returning the the States. Is it worth leaving the airport to go to 1 or 2 museums in downtown London? My other option is to sit in an airport lounge with a book and my computer.

Answer 1

Well gosh, going to a museum in London sounds like a lot more fun than sitting in an airport for 9 hours! I would go for it! You may not be able to see a whole lot but if it's something you've really wanted to check out, it'll be worth it. I would just make sure you allow plenty of time to get back to the airport. Have fun! :D

Answer 2

I definitely recommend leaving the airport. There's so much to see in London that you can fit into 9 hours. You can leave your luggage at the 'Left Luggage' service at the airport. Then hop on the Heathrow Express train to get into the city, which takes 15 min. Just be sure to give yourself time to go back through security when you return to the airport.

Answer 3

Well there are three things to consider: are you allowed to leave the airport? Will you need a visa for the UK? It'll take about an hour each way to go into London and back on the Tube. And once you've left the airport, you'll have to check in again which is 3 hours before for international flights leaving the UK. So that gives you maybe 4 hours at the Tate. I'd stay in the airport, go and see Terminal 5!