Our Greater London Megathread

exiledelbows · 19-11-2014 12:18pm

Also I'd recommend National Express over Easybus. Similar price, much more comfortable and less horror stories.

Vic_08 · 19-11-2014 8:42pm

exiledelbows wrote: »

i'd recommend buying in advance. Gatwick station is always packed with confused tourists who don't know what they're doing, and finding that fare on the ticket machines can be a nightmare. Buying in advance means you just walk up the those machines with a code and your card and you're done.

Good point that, I forgot what a hassle the ticket desks at Gatwick are.

A few points for anyone buying UK rail tickets online:
You must bring the credit/debit card used to buy the tickets with you to collect them from ticket vending machines.

The websites ask you to nominate a specific station to collect tickets from but the ticket-on-demand system is centrally run so you can usually collect them from any machine at any station. (They do this so people do not turn up at stations without ticket machines expecting to collect their tickets)

Do not use thetrainline.com (the one always advertising great savings on TV) they sell the exact same range of fares as the train operating companies websites but they add a booking fee to it so they are never the cheapest.

The booking websites force you to choose specific trains in the booking process and will give you an itinerary, you are not restricted to using these specific trains unless the tickets specifically state this. Standard "walk-up" fares are also sold online and these have exactly the same conditions wherever they are bought.

Tickets labeled "Anytime" "Off-Peak" "Day Return" and a few others are not tied to a specific train and can be used on any service within restrictions.

Tickets labeled "Advance" are tied to specific trains and are usually invalid on any train but the one listed, if caught on the wrong train you will more often then not be charged for a new full fare ticket.

johnire · 21-11-2014 1:43pm

Hi
Just wondering if anyone could recommend a hotel within walking distance(10-15 minutes) of Oxford St/Soho area?
I'm looking for somewhere that's nice that includes breakfast and has free wifi.
Oh....and reasonably priced!!!!
Thanks in advance.

zagmund · 21-11-2014 2:08pm

See the giant London megathread. First things first . . . define reasonable or you will get suggestions ranging up to £500 or more.

z

johnire · 21-11-2014 2:44pm

It's for a Friday and Saturday night for2 people next July.
I was hoping to spend no more than £250.

zagmund wrote: »

See the giant London megathread. First things first . . . define reasonable or you will get suggestions ranging up to £500 or more.

z

Qwerty27 · 23-11-2014 12:05am

Hi folks - looking at booking a weekend trip, say Sat - Mon for 4 adults and a toddler and just wondering what is the cheapest way to get to/from any of the airports to city centre? I was thinking maybe tube from Heathrow but realise this might take longer than train/bus from Gatwick.

Any help appreciated!

Louche Lad · 23-11-2014 12:44am

Qwerty27 wrote: »

Hi folks - looking at booking a weekend trip, say Sat - Mon for 4 adults and a toddler and just wondering what is the cheapest way to get to/from any of the airports to city centre? I was thinking maybe tube from Heathrow but realise this might take longer than train/bus from Gatwick.

Any help appreciated!

Tube from Heathrow might well be quicker if it's more convenient for where you're going - depends what you mean by "city centre".

Lapin · 24-11-2014 4:56am

exiledelbows wrote: »

Also I'd recommend National Express over Easybus. Similar price, much more comfortable and less horror stories.

I used this service earlier this year for the first time and never again. It took almost 2.5 hours in both directions.

It also put me off Easybus or any other coach operator. Its not worth it for the sake of the pounds extra it costs to get a train into Central London (London Bridge) in less than half an hour.

Lapin · 24-11-2014 5:25am

Qwerty27 wrote: »

Hi folks - looking at booking a weekend trip, say Sat - Mon for 4 adults and a toddler and just wondering what is the cheapest way to get to/from any of the airports to city centre? I was thinking maybe tube from Heathrow but realise this might take longer than train/bus from Gatwick.

Any help appreciated!

Tube from Heathrow will definitely be quicker than a bus from Gatwick.

As for costs, The tube is on the Oyster Card so you can include it in your travel budget for getting around London while you're there. The child travels free on all services served by the Oyster.

Bear in mind, flights to Heathrow tend to be more expensive than those to Gatwick, Luton or Stansted so its worth factoring this in to onward travel expenses if cost is an issue.

But as Louche said above, it depends on what you mean by 'city centre'.
The term isn't really used in London as it could include anywhere from Kensington Palace at one end of town to Tower Bridge at the other. A distance of almost five miles as the crow flies.

lc180 · 24-11-2014 11:59am

Lapin wrote: »

I used this service earlier this year for the first time and never again. It took almost 2.5 hours in both directions.

It also put me off Easybus or any other coach operator. Its not worth it for the sake of the pounds extra it costs to get a train into Central London (London Bridge) in less than half an hour.

Can I ask what was the reason for the 2.5 hour journey? Was it just typically London traffic?

I've booked the 6pm Easybus from Gatwick this Friday so that's rush hour plus weekend commuters. Does traffic about the time usually be bad in London? I don't fancy a ridiculously long journey into the city so I'm now thinking the train would be the smart move, even if it is expensive. It was only £2 for my bus ticket so no biggie if I don't use it.

Fred Swanson · 24-11-2014 12:03pm

This post has been deleted.

rainbow kirby · 24-11-2014 12:14pm

lc180 wrote: »

I'm now thinking the train would be the smart move, even if it is expensive. It was only £2 for my bus ticket so no biggie if I don't use it.

The train to/from Gatwick is only around a tenner (Southern or Thameslink) - not crazy expensive. Worth it to avoid the traffic.

lc180 · 24-11-2014 12:27pm

rainbow kirby wrote: »

The train to/from Gatwick is only around a tenner (Southern or Thameslink) - not crazy expensive. Worth it to avoid the traffic.

Ah right! My mate told me it was closer to £20 one way. I'll definitely look into it, the train sounds like the way to go. cheers for tip!

rainbow kirby · 24-11-2014 12:29pm

That's the Gatwick Express, which is there to rip off the uninformed! A fast Southern service to Victoria is only around 5-10 minutes slower than the Gatwick express and half the price.

Marcusm · 24-11-2014 2:57pm

lc180 wrote: »

Can I ask what was the reason for the 2.5 hour journey? Was it just typically London traffic?

I've booked the 6pm Easybus from Gatwick this Friday so that's rush hour plus weekend commuters. Does traffic about the time usually be bad in London? I don't fancy a ridiculously long journey into the city so I'm now thinking the train would be the smart move, even if it is expensive. It was only £2 for my bus ticket so no biggie if I don't use it.

MAdness; amongst other things there are roadworks on the M23 immediately north of Gatwick, While a fairly short stretch, it can add 45 minutes currently. At 6am, you could probably do Gatwick to London in 45-50 minutes. t any other stage, you need to assume at least 2 hours. I do this regularly when picking up people (often with mobility issues) from the airport. In a car I can adjust my route, the bus driver will just sit in his route and the bulk of the slow parts don't have bus lanes. A bus from Gatwick is rarely a good idea.

Marcusm · 24-11-2014 2:59pm

Qwerty27 wrote: »

Hi folks - looking at booking a weekend trip, say Sat - Mon for 4 adults and a toddler and just wondering what is the cheapest way to get to/from any of the airports to city centre? I was thinking maybe tube from Heathrow but realise this might take longer than train/bus from Gatwick.

Any help appreciated!

4 adults plus toddler and luggage from Heathrow would imply a minicabl to me. Use a service like Just Airports or BA Transfer (nothing to do with airline) and get a fixed quote in advance. From £30 for West London upwards. MOre expensive than the tube but not by much for 4 paying passengers.

valtra2 · 24-11-2014 9:12pm

Just wondering where to stay for 3 nights. have got a hotel in Kensington would that be okay. All info welcome. its in April

Help!!!! · 24-11-2014 9:22pm

yeah Kensington is pretty central, I suggest you try to walk around as much as you can
otherwise bus or tubes.....get an oyster card when you get there

Lapin · 24-11-2014 11:23pm

lc180 wrote: »

Can I ask what was the reason for the 2.5 hour journey? Was it just typically London traffic?

Others have more or less said anything I was going to say and they are all spot on.

But just to add.

London traffic and roadworks will always slow you down.
We flew up the motorways (M23 and M25), but once we hit Epsom on the edge of London, it crawled the rest of the way, and the bus pulls in at local bus stops along the way too slowing it even further. The word Express in the company's name doesn't live up to it's name.

The bus is undoubtedly excellent value but if you're only visiting town for a couple of days you should decide if its worth spending your time chugging through such delightful places as Sutton or Croydon when you could be taking in the sights and sounds of Soho and Covent Garden.

There are good fares to be had on trains from Gatwick to London Bridge, Blackfriars, St Pancras and Victoria if you book in advance online. But don't get suckered into the Gatwick Express to Victoria. Total rip off.

Lapin · 24-11-2014 11:29pm

valtra2 wrote: »

Just wondering where to stay for 3 nights. have got a hotel in Kensington would that be okay. All info welcome. its in April

Kensington is a vague description as it covers a large area west of Hyde Park taking in trendy areas like Notting Hill to the North to the ultra affluent South Kensington. It is generally regarded as one of the best areas of London and as such, there are hundreds of small B&B type hotels in areas nearby like Earls Court, West Brompton and Bayswater that classify themselves as being in Kensington.

What street is your hotel on?

ElecKtrA · 25-11-2014 11:36am

Hey guys,

I'm going to London next week for a few days..we will be flying into Gatwick and our hotel is near St. Pancras Kings Cross area.

It appears that the most efficient/cheapest mode of transport is to use the Thameslink train service.

Ideally I would like to pre-purchase these tickets online and pay through Euro...does anyone know if I can do this? When I go into the Thamslink website they only appear to give an option to buy via sterling prices...

Any information on this would be much obliged.

Thanks

enda1 · 25-11-2014 11:40am

ElecKtrA wrote: »

Hey guys,

I'm going to London next week for a few days..we will be flying into Gatwick and our hotel is near St. Pancras Kings Cross area.

It appears that the most efficient/cheapest mode of transport is to use the Thameslink train service.

Ideally I would like to pre-purchase these tickets online and pay through Euro...does anyone know if I can do this? When I go into the Thamslink website they only appear to give an option to buy via sterling prices...

Any information on this would be much obliged.

Thanks

I don't know if it's possible.
However, why do you want to?
The euro price would most likely include a poor exchange rate if there was one so you'd end up paying a similar resultant price in euro.
It might be possible using a ticket reseller such as redspottedhanky or raileurope.

Fred Swanson · 25-11-2014 11:51am

This post has been deleted.

exiledelbows · 25-11-2014 11:56am

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

What he said. Use the direct website as anywhere else will charge you a fee.

http://www.thameslinkrailway.com/tickets-and-fares/

kala85 · 25-11-2014 11:58am

Thinking about being in london to celebrate the new year. Are there any concerts happening in or around the new year?

25-11-2014 12:01pm

Zascar wrote: »

I'm looking at some cheap ryanair flights to London Gatwick. Then I need to get into London - but the Gatwick express is surprisingly expensive! Nearly €80 return for two.

Does anyone know if there is a normal train I can get? I'm not in a major rush.

Thanks

Have a look at London City Airport, easy access straight onto the DLR and hence the underground. Little bit more expensive but great to go through, no need for an extra hour for security, bring a checked bag and all.

exiledelbows · 25-11-2014 12:02pm

kala85 wrote: »

Thinking about being in london to celebrate the new year. Are there any concerts happening in or around the new year?

Not a concert per se, but this is ticketed for the first time this year

http://www.seetickets.com/content/london-nye-fireworks

kala85 · 25-11-2014 12:33pm

thinking about going to london to celebrate the new year. Do you have any recommendations for the new year or information about any concerts that might be taking place.

Fred Swanson · 25-11-2014 12:38pm

This post has been deleted.

ProudDUB · 26-11-2014 11:05pm

Anyone ever used Southend On Sea as a base for doing touristy stuff in central London? The train times & journey length seem fairly doable, but are there any hidden pitfalls I should be looking out for?

I have to stay one night in Southend, as I'll be attending a funeral in the area. Then the next 1-2 days is touristy stuff in London. Can't decide if I should stay in Southend (I got a great deal on 3 nights and free parking) or find something in central London. The prices are a lot higher, but being closer to the action would be great.

Also, I'll have one free morning and afternoon in the Southend area, before I have to head to Standsted for my flight home. I'll have a car with me. Is there anything worthwhile seeing/doing between Standsted and Southend...something Christmassy, such as an Xmas market, or stately home/castle, all dolled up for the holliers, would be nice.

encryptix · 27-11-2014 11:56am

Im heading over at the weekend and was looking at doing a lot of the touristy things which are on the 2for1 rail ticket discounts.

Im confused as to what counts as a valid ticket, does a train to gatwick with southernrailway count for this offer? Even if i buy it now and collect it from a vending machine or do I have to get it from a person?

Fred Swanson · 27-11-2014 11:59am

This post has been deleted.

Vic_08 · 27-11-2014 4:15pm

encryptix wrote: »

Im heading over at the weekend and was looking at doing a lot of the touristy things which are on the 2for1 rail ticket discounts.

Im confused as to what counts as a valid ticket, does a train to gatwick with southernrailway count for this offer? Even if i buy it now and collect it from a vending machine or do I have to get it from a person?

All standard national rail tickets are valid for the 2for1 offer. Tickets issued in person and those collected or posted from internet sales on all websites are all issued in the same format. a few odd non-standard types including certain Airline issued promotional tickets and Irish issued sail-rail tickets are not valid.

Basically if it has the National Rail logo on it and is valid for the date it is fine.

One big anomaly is that Oyster is not valid, tfl issued travelcards are not valid but the same price travelcard issued from any National Rail ticket office or machine is valid. Tfl and NR issued travelcards have the exact same validity for Rail, Tube, Bus, DLR travel it is just the 2for1 offer that discriminates.

This means if you are traveling over on a Fri and returning Sun a monthly return ticket Gatwick-London would be valid for the offer on the Fri, Sat, Sun but 2 singles would only be valid on the Fri and Sun they are issued for. In this case the best option for the Sat would be a National Rail issued travelcard not oyster.

In the case of the ticket you linked above, if you are going to and from Gatwick 2 anytime (monthly) returns at £19 each would be cheaper and give you access to the 2for1 attractions for the duration of you trip, just make sure to keep both parts of the return ticket.

encryptix · 27-11-2014 6:17pm

Vic_08 wrote: »

All standard national rail tickets are valid for the 2for1 offer. Tickets issued in person and those collected or posted from internet sales on all websites are all issued in the same format. a few odd non-standard types including certain Airline issued promotional tickets and Irish issued sail-rail tickets are not valid.

Basically if it has the National Rail logo on it and is valid for the date it is fine.

One big anomaly is that Oyster is not valid, tfl issued travelcards are not valid but the same price travelcard issued from any National Rail ticket office or machine is valid. Tfl and NR issued travelcards have the exact same validity for Rail, Tube, Bus, DLR travel it is just the 2for1 offer that discriminates.

This means if you are traveling over on a Fri and returning Sun a monthly return ticket Gatwick-London would be valid for the offer on the Fri, Sat, Sun but 2 singles would only be valid on the Fri and Sun they are issued for. In this case the best option for the Sat would be a National Rail issued travelcard not oyster.

In the case of the ticket you linked above, if you are going to and from Gatwick 2 anytime (monthly) returns at £19 each would be cheaper and give you access to the 2for1 attractions for the duration of you trip, just make sure to keep both parts of the return ticket.

Thanks for the info, im actually flying in to a different airport and coming home from gatwick. I was hoping that ticket linked would allow me to do a few of the 2for1 attractions on the monday before I leave. I planned on using an oystercard for all other travel

exiledelbows · 27-11-2014 7:04pm

If you're stuck, buy a cheap train ticket (eg, Cricklewood to St Pancras is about £3/4) and then collect it from your nearest station rather than Cricklewood and then use that.

Longford Lass · 27-11-2014 11:56pm

Hi all.
Love this thread for the great help you're all willing to give!
I'm flying into Gatwick tmrw morning bright and early!
Have already bought a return ticket to Reading for approx £28. Direct. For future reference are there any cheaper options available to me?

Fred Swanson · 27-11-2014 11:58pm

This post has been deleted.

Longford Lass · 28-11-2014 12:02am

Thanks Fred!
The whole rail system around London causes me rife confusion tbh!
At least I know I'm not doing too bad with the fare I've got.

ElecKtrA · 28-11-2014 1:06pm

Hi guys,

Going to London next Weds until Sat.

We are flying into Gatwick and our Hotel is near Paddington station (we originally had a hotel booked near St. Pancras, but changed our minds).

What's the most efficient way to get to Paddington Station from Gatwick?

Thanks

Fred Swanson · 28-11-2014 1:22pm

This post has been deleted.

zagmund · 28-11-2014 2:40pm

Or train to StPancras and then tube (haven't got a map to hand but should be circle/district) to Paddington. It means you should spend less time on the tube and more on the relatively comfortable train.

z

Vic_08 · 28-11-2014 2:52pm

zagmund wrote: »

Or train to StPancras and then tube (haven't got a map to hand but should be circle/district) to Paddington. It means you should spend less time on the tube and more on the relatively comfortable train.

z

Circle/Hammersmith and City. wouldn't be a huge difference in time on the Underground by either route tbh.

If going that way it would be better to transfer at Farringdon, shorter walk and less busy.

Also worth noting is that there are 2 different Underground stations at Paddington, the southern Circle along with Bakerloo and District lines are at the front of the mainline station with access on Praed Street as well as the main station concourse whereas the Hammersmith + City/northern Circle station is at the rear of the main station with street access to the north.

schemingbohemia · 28-11-2014 4:07pm

Just a heads up for anyone in London on Monday, there's strike action planned for the Northern Line of the Tube, might well impact on other lines.

London Underground employees belonging to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) are expected to participate in strike action on 1 December.

The industrial action will affect the Northern Line. The London Underground has stated that it will attempt to continue services, but some disruptions are nevertheless likely.

It is currently unclear what time the walk out will commence or how long it is expected to last.

The latest RMT-led industrial action against London Underground comes in response to a dispute over the dismissal of a union member.

Attempts to divert the strike by the Acas conciliation service failed to deliver a resolution. Significant disruptions to London Underground services should be anticipated on the affected day.

Precedent suggests that additional alternative transport services will be implemented as a contingency measure by Transport for London.

Clients planning travel in London on 1 December are advised to monitor local media for developments and information on the upcoming strike. Please visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ for further information regarding the industrial action and alternative forms of transport.

We will continue to monitor this situation and advise you of any further updates received.

Louche Lad · 28-11-2014 5:05pm

ElecKtrA wrote: »

Hi guys,

Going to London next Weds until Sat.

We are flying into Gatwick and our Hotel is near Paddington station (we originally had a hotel booked near St. Pancras, but changed our minds).

What's the most efficient way to get to Paddington Station from Gatwick?

Thanks

Train to Victoria, then Victoria Line tube to Oxford Circus where you change to the Bakerloo Line.

At Oxford Circus, the Victoria and Bakerloo lines are next to each other so you don't have to go up any stairs etc. - you just cross over. Much quicker and easier.

Lapin · 29-11-2014 4:15pm

ElecKtrA wrote: »

Hi guys,

Going to London next Weds until Sat.

We are flying into Gatwick and our Hotel is near Paddington station (we originally had a hotel booked near St. Pancras, but changed our minds).

What's the most efficient way to get to Paddington Station from Gatwick?

Thanks

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

^^^ Fred's is the most hassle free option in my humble opinion.
Straight forward with no need to change tubes. Seven stops. Takes about 15 minutes. Less of a walk from train to tube at Victoria than St Pancras. And the Circle Line is nearer to the surface than any other so cuts out a lot of hassle lugging yourself and your bags up and down escalators.

Marcusm · 30-11-2014 10:29pm

Although the Circle line service has improved in regularity since the circle was broken a few years ago, the line is still shared with (for this journey) 2 branches of the District Line. As a result, Circle Line trains run around 6-8 times an hour at best, i.e. approx 10 minute gap between services. That can lead to frustrating waits (even when not in a rush).

yunyunde · 01-12-2014 7:24am

love london

maximo31 · 02-12-2014 4:33pm

So I have booked a flight in to Stansted to arrive at 8.10 on Saturday morning of the 20th of Dec.
We are staying at Park International Hotel in Kensington.
We are to fly home on the Monday at 16.35.
Should I book train / tube tickets in advance?
What would be the best way/route for us to get from the Airport to the Hotel and vice versa excluding using taxis?
Would we need to leave much time for the return journey?
Would an Oyster card be handy for us for the 2 day trip?
Thanks for any advice in advance!

Louche Lad · 02-12-2014 4:44pm

maximo31 wrote: »

So I have booked a flight in to Stansted to arrive at 8.10 on Saturday morning of the 20th of Dec.
We are staying at Park International Hotel in Kensington.
We are to fly home on the Monday at 16.35.
Should I book train / tube tickets in advance?
What would be the best way/route for us to get from the Airport to the Hotel and vice versa excluding using taxis?
Train to Liverpool Street, then Circle Line to Gloucester Road tube, then about 7-8 minutes walk. (The TfL site suggests changing at Tottenham Hale, but that would involve an extra train, though quicker).
Would we need to leave much time for the return journey?
I've always found the tubes and Stansted Express train to be reliable, but you never know.
Would an Oyster card be handy for us for the 2 day trip?
Yes, though depends what you're doing. You can hang onto it or give it to someone else for another trip even if you don't end up using it.
Thanks for any advice in advance!

Some answers in bold above.

rainbow kirby · 02-12-2014 4:58pm

I would leave plenty of time to get to the airport at that time - all routes to the airports are extremely busy in the days running up to Christmas. Shouldn't be too many problems unless we get weather like last year though.

Our Greater London Megathread

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