Expert: Emoor - 7/15/2009

Question
I am sending a client to London Heathrow in September.  I was wondering what would be the best way for him to get from Heathrow to Manchester and back.

Answer
British Airways and BMI (British Midland) have a number of flights to Manchester from Heathrow.  Cost will be probably in the 80-90 pound range round trip (they call it "return") if you order in advance.  Flight is about an hour.

There are buses which take 6-7 hours, and you can even take a taxi which takes almost that long and costs hundreds of pounds.

Train is a decent way to travel.  You can take the Heathrow Express train from Heathrow to Paddington Staion in Central London.  These trains run every 10-15 minutes and take about 20 minutes.  Taxi (or even tube if you have not much luggage) to Euston Station and take the train to Manchester.  Return trip the same way.  There are over 50 trains a day between London and Manchester so they leave frequently and take about 2 1/2 hours each way. If you buy online in advance, you should be able to get a return (round trip) ticket for about 35 pounds.  A ticket will cost close to 70 pounds or even more if you walk up and buy it.  I have heard of charges over a 100 pounds.