Heathrow Express - is it worth it?

Due to go to Berlin mid April from Heathrow Terminal 1.

I will be travelling from Liverpool Street (work) during evening rush hour (about 16:30)

Is it worth going via the Heathrow Express? - I do have my AU upgrade vouchers.

Seems that by the time I have got from Liv St to Paddington etc, I may as well have changed on the tube at Holborn and gone straight there on the Picadilly line - which would be cheaper anyway.

Is the 'experience' any better?

Thanks

I haven't ever bothered with the Express before. I find the tube adequate. I usually come into Kings Cross as well so it actually would mean hauling my bags up and down more stairs to change trains than just getting on the Piccadilly line sitting down and going straight there.

You could also use the Heathrow Connect from Paddington - half the price of thw Heathrow Express.

The HEX is 15 mins and costs £ 18 single (not inc time to get to Paddington)

The LHR Connect takes 32 mins and costs £ 8.50 (ditto)

Tube takes ~ 60 mins from liverpool st and costs £ 4.50 (peak hours oyster)

By the time you have got to Paddington from Liverpool Street you might as well have stayed on the tube.

[Nottingham Nick]

I have never used it for the exact same reason as lisanaomi87.

Yes, the Piccadilly Line is slow and noisy, but going into King's Cross / St. Pancras, I would sooner only make one change.

Nick

Thanks everyone - looks like the Picadilly line wins ( even though I can use my train Season Ticket to get a 34% discount on the HEX). Get a seat and have an hour doze.

Still got to fork out for a taxi for Mrs S to get to the airport though as she is coming from home. M25 during the rush hour. Doh!!!!

I haven't ever bothered with the Express before. I find the tube adequate. I usually come into Kings Cross as well so it actually would mean hauling my bags up and down more stairs to change trains than just getting on the Piccadilly line sitting down and going straight there.

Ditto. took me about 3 years to work this out, but its right. so now I do the same - Tube is best: the Tortoise beat the Hare, every time!

I have never used it for the exact same reason as lisanaomi87.
Yes, the Piccadilly Line is slow and noisy, but going into King's Cross / St. Pancras, I would sooner only make one change.
Nick

interesting, I'm trying the kgx to LHR on Saturday and have decided taxi to paddington then hex.
However have bags, mini and snr in tow..
If just the two of us would of tried different but hassle free is priceless in this instance..!

interesting, I'm trying the kgx to LHR on Saturday and have decided taxi to paddington then hex.
However have bags, mini and snr in tow..
If just the two of us would of tried different but hassle free is priceless in this instance..!

Ah, the Piccadilly Line on a Saturday at Kings Cross. How many times have I thought "sh*t I wish I'd chosen another route". It often has to bear the overflow of other closed lines at the weekend, and can be an unpleasant experience. You've made a solid decision IMO.

Paul

Was on the Heathrow Express last night and in First Class, using my Flying Club vouchers when everyone came through from standard to get off as I was in the front carriage.

Its a reliable service and the staff are generally friendly but the underground is solid.

HF

I see that today's Groupon is HEX one-way ticket for £7.50. Worth it at that price IMO, I personally would usually opt for the tube for the reasons that others have given.

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/london?n ... ign=Varies

[Darren Wheeler]

I used it last October and found it OK. Loads of room and with my First upgrade voucher I had a carriage to myself. We passed the Connect train and it was rammed.

Perhaps I am a bit of a snob here, but I have only taken the tube to heathrow and back once; and that was to meet someone - and never with my luggage.
Usually, as I travel from Romford it doesnt work out too bad for me to buy a ticket (£17.50 with my 18-25 railcard), and it may cost that bit more but the underground makes me cranky.
When I went Sweden last October we decided that we should pay for the HEX one way, and then get the tube home.
However on arriving back at Heathrow on the Sunday night we took one look at the tubemap, and strolled over to the Heathrow Express counter and happily stumped up the money.

In my opinion its a small price to pay for that little more comfort, which after the roaring of an aircraft is more than welcomed.

Kev.

I have done both the HX and the Picadilly line many times. I too come into London at KX. As many others have said the extra hassle of changing at Paddington then getting another (expensive) ticket is not worth it, especially if you have to lug a bag up and down the steps at the circle line.

I now always take the Picadilly line. Its slow moving and can be packed to start but overall the elapsed time is very similar.

If you live near Paddington then it will be a different story.

If you live near Paddington then it will be a different story.

Many thanks to Mr T earlier for the Group On info - I've bought 8 for some upcoming trips and saved a lot of cash! Living one stop up from Paddington, it's a no brainer for me.