Entry from into London Heathrow (LHR):

  • Terminal 5
    • Expect anywhere from 10 minutes to 80 minutes through border control (They call it "Border Force").
    • SIM cards are available starting from 20 GBP and up to 40 from 5 major companies.
      • You can buy them from SIM card vending machines after Border Force and before exiting customs. They're also available directly after exiting through customs.

Entry into London via the Heathrow Express (LHR Express).

  • A train departs every 15 minutes to London Paddington Station
  • Costs 22.50 GBP each way at most. (22 flat off peak)
  • Total trip time from the moment of departure is approximately 15 to 17 minutes.
  • The trip could take up to 30 minutes if you just missed the train basically.
  • Depending on where you're traveling to, it may only save you a minimum of 10 minutes over the tube, up to 30 minutes maximum if perfectly executed.
    • Usage examples:
      • If traveling to St Paul's Cathedral, you'll probably only save 10 minutes over the TUBE via Piccadilly and Central lines.
        • If traveling to Mayfair, you'll save 20 minute to 25 minutes over the Piccadilly line.

Entry into London via the Tube

  • A train departs every 10 to 20 minutes typically
  • The Piccadilly Line will take up to 62 minutes to reach Russel Square, if perfectly executed where perfect execution means you waited no time for the train, entered the train and the doors close immediately behind you. Reasonably expect a 75 minute trip from station to station.
  • The cost is 5.10 GBP (This is a great deal. In NYC, the MTA ride cost is $7.75 or approximately 6 GBP including the $1 cost of the card and will take approximately the same travel time).

 

  • Summary:
    • If time and comfort matters, take the LHR Express. 
    • If money matters, take the TUBE.

 

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