Transportation

When to Go

British summertime lasting (roughly) from the end of March to the end of October is the time when most tourists visit. Rates are lower during the winter months. Rain is heaviest in November (2 1/2 in. on average). Evenings are cool, even in summer. In the winter, it is customary for the British to keep their thermostats about 10° below the American comfort level.

How to Get There

By Air
Long-haul international flights are usually routed through Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The city's other three airports--London City, Luton and Stansted--are used primarily for regional flights and hops to the Continent.

Gatwick Airport
One of London's major international airports, Gatwick (LGW) is 28 miles south of the city center, off the M23. It's a 70-minute drive in normal conditions, but allow extra time for traffic delays.

There are two terminals, north and south, so it's wise to double-check which one your flight is departing from (the newer north terminal is reached by taking a short train ride on an unmanned overhead railway. ) Though extremely busy, the second busiest airport in the U.K. after Heathrow, Gatwick provides a streamlined experience for travelers.

Gatwick Connecting Transportation
Gatwick Express trains are the fastest way into the city. The journey to Victoria Station takes about half an hour, and trains depart every 15 minutes (less frequently between about midnight and 6 am).

Hotel courtesy vans and the Hotelink shuttle are available for arriving passengers. Flightline and Jetlink buses operate between the airport and Victoria Coach Station.

Heathrow Airport
Expanded in stages since its beginnings as a Royal Air Force strip in the 1940s, Heathrow (LHR) is London's busiest airport and the world's fourth busiest. It is located 15 miles west of the city, off the M4 motorway. The drive takes 50 minutes in normal traffic, but allow at least 90 minutes if you're catching a flight out.

Heathrow Connecting Transportation
The Heathrow Express runs high-speed trains every 15 minutes to Paddington Station. The journey takes about 15 minutes . One other benefit: Some airlines let you check your bags at Paddington before your return trip, saving time at the airport. Phone 0845-600-1515. If you don't take the train, the next best option is the Tube. The Piccadilly line serves all four of Heathrow's terminals. Hotel courtesy vans and taxis are readily available.

Bus
Most national and international coaches arrive at Victoria Coach Station, about 400 yds. south of Victoria Station. 164 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1. For schedule information, call 020-7730-3466.

The bus lines to know are National Express (extensive service throughout Britain) and Eurolines (daily departures to the Continent), which share the same phone number Phone 0870-580-8080.