Getting Into London
You've arrived in the UK, successfully negotiated your way through Customs & Immigrations, and suddenly you find yourself alone with your luggage and uncertain of what to do next. Chances are you'll be heading in to London, so it makes sense to plan now for how you're going to travel those last few miles to your final destination.
From Heathrow
By Tube - The Piccadilly Line begins at Heathrow Airport (there are stations servicing Termals 1-3, and Terminal 4), travels through the south-western suburbs towards central London, bisects the heart of the city, and then veers northwards towards it's final stop in the northern suburbs at Cockfosters. It should take approximately 45 minutes to reach central London on the Piccadilly Line, with trains running every 3-5 minutes for much of the day. Tickets should be bought at the airport Tube station, either from the automated machines or from the counter (the latter will probably involve a long wait in line).
By Express - The Heathrow Express leaves the airport (from both of the two stations there) every 15 minutes. Travelling non-stop to Paddington in central London, the Express journey time is only 15 minutes and is a more luxurious option than the Tube. Standard adult fares (one way) are £12.
By Bus - The A1 Airbus departs from each terminal for Victoria Station on a regular basis, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Expect to pay more than the Tube, but to have dedicated luggage space. The A2 Airbus heads to Russell Square, on the northern side of the Thames (and close to the Contiki Headquarters).
By Taxi - A taxi into London will cost anywhere up to £40, and will have a similar journey time as the other modes of transport (45minutes to an hour). Black cabs are licensed and therefore a safer (if more expensive bet), while unlicensed mini-cabs operate on a "consumer beware" basis.
From Gatwick
By British Rail & Express - BR links into London leave from the South Terminal, with a Gatwick Express service providing a half-hour journey into London Victoria Station. The Express journey time is only 30 minutes and is priced at £10.50 for a standard adult fare (one way). Allow at least double that amount of time for the regular train link.
By Bus - Various bus services operate from Gatwick, but with London's congested roads you should allow approximately 2 hours to reach the Victoria depot. r London Victoria. Travelling non-stop,
From Dover Sea Port
By Train - Connex SE operate a regular service from Dover Priory to London Charing Cross or Victoria, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours.
By Bus - National Express (amongst others) operate a regular bus service from the docks and Dover town centre for London. The journey time will vary between 2 hrs 20 mins and 3 hrs.
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