Expert: Michael - 8/3/2005

Question
Michael - Four of us (all adults no children) will be going to London arriving 12/26/05 for a 10 day stay. We have our accomodations all set in London my daughter took care of that. My primary question is about transportation. I have been told that we would get a better deal on rail passes and other public transportation if we purchase online before we leave because if we wait until we get to London we will pay more. We will be arriving at Gatwick so let me ask what you would suggest as the best means of getting from the airport into London. I am open to any and all suggestions regarding transportation while in London. And for that matter anything at all that you may want to comment on that would make our stay more enjoyable.

Thanks

David

Answer
Hi David,

What a great time to be coming over to England. My family and I always make a trip up to the city during the break between Christmas and New Year. I don't know where in the States you're from, but beware: it can be chilly in December/January! It can, of course, be mild, but if you get a cold day and a northerly wind it can stay below freezing all day. Of course, what difference that makes to you depends on what you're used to!

Certainly, if you are able, then purchase your travel tickets before you fly. There are some great offers about overseas, and invariably, if you buy a travel pass outside the UK it will be cheaper than a domestic pass, and normally comes with discount vouchers for museum entries in the city, and things like that! Well, I say museums - in fact, all of our national museums have fre entry, but obviously the vouchers can get you discounts for many other attractions.

Speak with your travel agent, or contact BritRail about passes. (They have a website at www.britrail.com) They offer great deals if you're planning to travel out of the capital by train on a few days, and I am sure they could fix you up with a city TravelCard  which gives you unlimited use of all public transport in London for 1, 3 or 7 days.

As for travelling from Gatwick, the easiest option is the Gatwick Express (www.gatwickexpress.co.uk) which offers a direct non-stop 30-minute link into the 'London Victoria' station. You can buy a return ticket for around £25, although again, your travel agent may be able to arrange a discount if you purchase in advance. Or, if you're buying a rail travel pass, you may be able to use that to travel on the Gatwick Express free of charge!

I have listed some useful sites for planning your trip, particularly with regards to travel. Hope they help!

Michael

Public Transport in London:
www.tfl.gov.uk

Rail Travel across Great Britain:
www.nationalrail.co.uk

Official London Tourism website:
www.visitlondon.com