London Transportation?

Question

I've read some opinions of London's transportation system and tourists and they were not favorable. I'm traveling there in 2 weeks to meet someone but we are not getting there at the same time do we can't go to our hotel together. Should I take a taxi? Prior to this evening everyone suggested I do as the natives do and take the tube from LHR because it would be a great experience. I'll have my luggage with me and since the tube is known for being ove rcrowded I think it will be only logical to take a private car or taxi. What do you think?

Answer 1

The transport system actually isn't as bad as most people think.  When it works, it's absolutely brilliant, but it is old, so some train lines do break down from time to time, which makes life difficult.

Taxis here are really expensive so I wouldn't reccomend it, if you're trying to get from LHR to Heathrow the underground (Piccadilly Line) would be fine, except in the rush hours.  Otherwise you can get an express train from LHR to Paddingtown, which takes 15 mins and costs £18 - way cheaper than a taxi.  It might then be easier to get a taxi from Paddington to wherever you're staying.

Answer 2

although I sympathise with being nervous in a strange place, on your own, and with luggage, I would warn you that taking a taxi from Heathrow into London is very expensive ... the airport is quite a distance outside of central London ... I don't know whereabouts in London you have to get to so I can't say whether the tube journey would be straightforward or not, but at the very least do get into London first (e.g. by the Heathrow Express train to Paddington) before getting the taxi to your final destination

the tube system is not without it's problems, but it's certainly not that bad compared to many places I've been

Answer 3

We were there this past October and had NO issues with the transportation other than figuring out the maps.  We used it to get around quite a bit.  You can get an Oyster card for 7 days for a very reasonable amount.

That said, with luggage, I would recommend a car service or taxi.  The reason being is that as I mentioned, the various lines can be confusing, and if you have to interconnect, some of the walks are long between lines at some stations.  Add this in to jet lag and you are looking at a recipe for problems.

On the way back, once familiar with the system, go for it!

BTW, you will Love London ;)

Answer 4

I think if you are carrying lots of luggage and the items in the luggage are of great value, do yourself a favor and take a taxi for the extra British pounds. In addition, carrying many bags of luggage to the tube, up and down stairs is not the way to start a vacation.

On the other hand, if you are carrying very little luggage and not of great value, the tube should be just fine.

I traveled by the tube in 1998 throughout my stay in London and I found no problems.

Just like any other city, stay alert and use common sense.

Which brings to me another point. Safety is not something to skimp about. If you do not feel comfortable taking the tube with your luggage, you will have plenty of opportunities during your stay.

Enjoy the trip and your stay in London.

Answer 5

If you are going into Heathrow, take the Heathrow Express train, it will save you a great deal of time.  In London, the tubes go everywhere but there are some downfalls.  They do not run after 12:30, they break down alot, and, like everything in London, they are expensive.  but not nearly as expensive as the other option you mentioned, the taxi.  Wow, you will need a gold card for that.