London, a city steeped in history and culture, is calling! This time, my journey to this iconic destination begins at Heathrow Airport, the bustling gateway to the city. Heathrow has a reputation for being notorious for its long queues, lost luggage, and communication issues. I am sure everyone can relate!
Immigration and the Heathrow Express
This trip comes at a time when the British pound is experiencing a weakening compared to the euro. I was a little nervous about immigration, but I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth process. However, I did notice a stricter check when re-entering the UK after a short trip to Germany. Just a friendly reminder to be prepared for some questions.
I was traveling from Kazan on Aeroflot, a Russian airline, and arrived at Terminal 4. Unlike JAL or ANA, which operate from Terminal 2, Terminal 4 was a bit of a journey.
Landing at Heathrow
I can’t deny it, a little wave of nostalgia washed over me as we descended towards Heathrow. This was my first trip to the UK in 10 years, a place that holds special memories for me. I was excited to see how much things had changed!
After landing, the journey to immigration began. I was immediately struck by the long distance I had to walk to get there. It was divided into EU passport and non-EU passport lines, and I had to be careful not to take any photos, as photography is strictly prohibited. Finally, I reached the front of the line and was greeted by the classic question, “What is the purpose of your visit?” I had been expecting a more detailed line of questioning because of the recent economic fluctuations, but my experience was thankfully smooth.
From Terminal 4 to the City
Now, it was time to navigate from Terminal 4 to the city. From Terminal 4, you can take a taxi, the Heathrow Express, or the underground. To take a bus, you will need to go to the Central Bus Station, which is located in Terminal 2. Although the underground is the cheapest option, I decided to stay overnight near Terminal 2 due to my late arrival.
I headed towards the Heathrow Express, and the signage was clear and easy to follow. I used the elevator to get to the platform, and was impressed by the efficiency of the train service. However, I did learn that fares vary depending on the time of day, booking time, and whether you are traveling round-trip or one-way.
A Quick Guide to Heathrow Express Fares
The standard fare for a one-way trip is £25, with a discount of £3 for off-peak times. A round-trip ticket will cost you £37. If you buy a ticket on the train without pre-booking, it will cost you an extra £5! It’s important to note that peak hours are between 7am – 10am and 4pm – 7pm on weekdays.
You can save even more money by taking advantage of the discounts offered for off-peak times and advance bookings. For example, if you book more than a day in advance, you can get a one-way ticket for only £15. If you book 14 days or more in advance, you can get a one-way ticket for even less! The official Heathrow Express website has all the information you need.
Tip: Download the official Heathrow Express app, which is convenient for booking tickets and getting information about the service.
The Journey Begins
The next train was scheduled to leave in 12 minutes. I decided to spend some time exploring the platform. It’s a non-smoking zone, and electronic cigarettes are also prohibited. I couldn’t help but wonder why. Perhaps it’s because they are difficult to distinguish from regular cigarettes or because they contain nicotine.
Before I knew it, the train arrived. It was a modern train with comfortable seats and plenty of luggage space. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the cleanliness of the interior. The seats were even equipped with yellow seat covers to ensure maximum hygiene.
The train had a dedicated luggage storage area that was secure enough for travel. However, unlike the Narita Express, there were no locks on the compartments. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your luggage, especially in a place where travelers from all over the world come together.
The train also had restrooms, which was a welcome sight as I knew I would be in London in less than 15 minutes.
From the Train to Terminal 2
We arrived at Terminal 2 in no time! Terminal 2 and 3 are closely connected, and Terminal 5 is a bit further away. I made my way to the Central Bus Station, which is located conveniently near the London Underground. It’s a good thing because I was planning to take the subway to the city.
I had a large carry bag with me, so I had to use the elevator to navigate the station. Escalators are not allowed for carrying large bags. The station was well-marked with signs directing travelers to use the lifts.
Just as I was about to exit the station, I decided to purchase a ticket for the Heathrow Express. I realized that I still had some time and wanted to see what the ticket office was like. However, I ended up back on the platform to get to the train after all.
To the Bus Station
The Heathrow Express ticket office was easy to find, and I quickly discovered that you can also purchase tickets from automatic ticket vending machines. One of the perks of traveling in London is that you can pay for tickets with a credit card.
I then made my way to the Central Bus Station, which was located in Terminal 2, directly opposite the Heathrow Express. I was struck by the presence of a chapel near the bus station. It’s a welcome sight for travelers of all faiths, especially those far from home.
I used the moving walkway to reach the bus station. It was a bit of a walk, and I had to use the walkway several times to get there.
At the end of the passageway, I reached Terminal 2. The subway was just a short walk to the left, and there was an elevator to the right that went to the top floor.
The Last Stop
As I stepped out of the elevator, I was met with a bustling crowd of travelers. It seemed that many of them were taking long-distance buses that operated at night. I had to find the bus stop for my hotel, which was close to the airport.
I located the bus I needed, and it was very easy to navigate. I recommend taking a quick look at the bus stop before you travel. The bus stops are not always named after the specific location, and the bus route may not always be clear.
My journey from Heathrow Airport to the city was a breeze, and I was ready to start exploring the city!
