After arrival, I moved through Heathrow very quickly and there was only a short line at immigrations.
The immigrations officer treats me like a criminal and welcomes me with a host of silly questions.
Why are you visiting London?
Where have you come from?
When did you arrive?
When are you leaving?
Do you know anyone in London?
Where are you staying?
What is the purpose of your trip?
Who are you employed by?
Does this really matter?
I am finally admitted in the country (thank you) and head for baggage claim. My luggage which is labeled “Star Alliance Priority” is one of the first bag to be delivered. Nice.
From baggage claim I follow the clearly marked exit signs and then the signs for the Heathrow Express. The Heathrow Express is an airport express train that runs every 15 minutes and goes directly to Paddington station on a 15 minute journey. It is a fast way to get to central London.
Tickets are only £13 and can be purchased on-board or at a kiosk with cash or a credit card.
Once on the train there is ample space to store luggage and the seats are comfortable and the train is climate controlled.
Once at Paddington you have 2 options...
Underground
- Pros - Depending on where your hotel is, it can be a fast trip. It is also a cheap trip.
- Cons - Many tube stations are a maze of stairs, escalators, tunnels and ramps. If you have heavy luggage that can be difficult! On my trip from Paddington to Kensington High Street, there are no escalators or elevators and I have to drag my luggage up a flight then down a flight. At Kensington High Street I have to go up one flight. The underground is not luggage friendly! I am exhausted.
Taxi
- Pros - Fast and efficient. Taxi's don't have stairs. If you arrive at Paddington on a weekday you can also take advantage of the shared ride service. The shared ride allows you to share a cab to a specific zone in London for a flat rate. Great deal.
- Cons - Cabs can be expensive and you might have to be sociable with the driver.
Well, I obviously choose the cheap route and take the underground. My hotel is just up the street from the tube station and my luggage is on wheels so its not a bad walk.
I finally arrive at my hotel which has a long check in line but when i get to the desk I find that my room was ready for me so I can “freshen up” before lunch.
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