How to get here
London has 4 airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted. It is most likely you will arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick; both are a long way from the city centre. Some hostel owners and host families will arrange for you to be collected from the airport. If this is so, make sure they know your flight number and airline in advance as there are several different terminals at each airport. Do not accept lifts with anyone unless you know the driver.
Heathrow
If you arrive at Heathrow, near Slough, there is a regular underground service into central London (cost around £4.00 single journey) follow the underground signs and buy your ticket at the station. The train is slow and it takes about half an hour to Hammersmith. There is also a ‘Heathrow Express’ which is a fast train going directly into London Paddington station. This runs every 15 minutes and the journey takes 15 minutes. (Cost around £15.00 single journey) – you pay for the speed. Taxis are plentiful at the airport, but a trip into central London may cost more than £30.00, so take the tube! Regular London taxis have signs over the windscreen, which are lit when they are available for hire, they also have meters inside, so you can see how much the journey is costing, drivers are allowed to add extras to the fare, for additional passengers and for luggage.
Gatwick
This airport is located south of London. There is a fast train service into Victoria, which takes about half an hour and costs around £10.00. When you get to Victoria, you can take the underground or a bus to your final destination. Best to avoid taxis unless you are staying somewhere nearby.
Luton
Luton airport is in Bedfordshire about 50 miles north of London. There is a shuttle bus to the train station and trains into London. There is also a coach service from outside the arrivals door, which goes to Victoria. It may take a bit longer than the train but is cheaper and easier.
Stansted
This airport is a long way from central London and you need to get a train then the underground.
These details were correct January 2006. You should always verify information for yourself. Kensington and Chelsea College cannot take any responsibility for errors, omissions or changes to information given about ourselves or third parties.
