London Airports

drivedrive72

Hi folks,
Could you please help with regards to picking an airport to fly too, Stansted or Luton for South London, Balham?
We are planning to arrive late at night, just after 11pm and will need to get by public transport to Balham.
One option is to fly to Stansted and home from Luton, price wise it ain't cheap but I'm trying to figure out my public transport options (and their cost!).
Considered the Stansted Express but there seems to be no real savings on single journey v return, is that the same for all London airport public transport routes?
Thank you.

Tefral

Heathrow!

Get the plane to heathrow, then get the 285, 555 or 490 bus to feltham train station and then get the train from Feltham to Balham.

makeorbrake

If your heading to south london, gatwick would be a better option.


I don't suppose that there's a whole world of difference between Stansted and Luton. Luton is geographically closer I guess. As regards transport options, in addition to train, easybus is available from all 3 airports. Alternatively, National Express (£15 return) possible from Stansted & Luton to Liverpool St./Victoria (and maybe gatwick also...you'll have to check).

Jimoslimos

Gatwick definitely. Further away but far less changes required - straight up to one of the London termini and then a train/tube direct to Balham. At that time of night you don't want to sitting around making lots of changes

Riskymove

Both Luton and Stanstead are to the North of London.

Gatwick is to the south

I think some airlines now also fly to Southend to the south of London

Heathrow in west London but actually close to Balham



There is a train direct from Luton which heads south of London

Balham is on the Northern line so you could

1. travel into Liverpool st from stanstead airport and go on tube to Morden or Bank and get northern line rest of the way to Balham

2.you can a thameslink train form Luton airport into London and connect up with the tube

3. you can thameslink from luton all the way to Tulse Hill or Steathem which are not tto far from balham



your issue will be the late hour I guess


There is a London area Journey Planner you maybe able to try

http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/user/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en

Riskymove

I just tried the planner for 2330 tonight and it says get Train from Luton Airport to Kentish town and then tube to Balham - duration 1hour 20 mins

tibor

Fly to Gatwick.
Get Southern Rail train to Balham (one change at East Croydon).
Takes about 35-40 mins, costs about £8/£9.

drivedrive72

Thanks for getting back so quick folks.
Good to know that Gatwick and Heathrow are closest.
Think we'll go for Gatwick, thanks again.

Marcusm

Gatwick would definitiely be best. Luton should not be ruled out if there's a major price difference as First Capital Connect cold get you to Herne Hill/Tulse Hill which isn't that far.