Getting from LHR T4 to Euston rail station

[tuapekastar]

My stepfather is flying to LHR on QF29 later this month. He needs to then catch a train from Euston to Oxenholme (Lake District).

QF29 is scheduled to arrive at 1330, but has something of a chequered recent history as far as ontime performance goes (though no problems the last few days). So I guess whilst we shouldn't assume the worst, it would still be wise to build some 'fat' into the schedule.

There are trains leaving Euston for Oxenholme at 1730, 1830 and 1930 (I think aiming for anything earlier than this may be optimistic). Prices vary by ticket type but easily the cheapest (that I could see) is GBP35.50 for Advance purchase. The problem is that it is valid for the time/train specified only. A change is allowable prior to departure but for a fee (GBP10) and the fare difference (likely to be significant?). More flexible options are available, for a greater price (understandably). I'm unsure (yet to check) how good travel insurance is for missed train connections...

There are also a variety of options for T4 to EUS. HEX, Heathrow Connect and Tube - various combinations thereof. Basically the quicker it is, the pricier it is.

45 - 75 minutes seems to be the rough travel time to Euston, depending on how it is undertaken. I have a bunch of prices, train types, and ticket types in front of me - just got to work out the best fit.

My thinking is aim for the 1930 from Euston with the cheaper, longer tube connection from T4, but happy to be led in another direction.

So:

Any experience out there with this connection?

How long might he expect to take to get through formalities - flying Y, Oz passport, checked luggage - at T4 (would be arriving on a Wednesday)?

Any ideas on the train he should aim for? Better to have to wait around than to miss the train altogether.

Any other suggestions for the connection?

Thanks

[Dave Noble]

Taking the tube will require changing at Green Park and will not be much fun with luggage since , iirc, it will require 2 escalators plus tunnels and will take around an hour

Taking the Heathrow Express to Paddington and then a taxi would be my suggestion if they have luggage whilst the tube would be fine if lightly loaded and can navigate the connection without trolleys

Given that they do not yet have train tickets, I would recommend avoiding Euston entirely.

Take the RailAir coach link to Reading station and take the train from Reading. It will involve a change at Birmingham New Street however that is an easy transfer .

As far as train tickets go.. if they are likely to want to use trains on any other days, I would consider getting a Britrail England Pass. These tickets may be a bit more but are valid for use on all trains for the day ( including the Heathrow Express if they choose to go via Euston ) so no need to worry about which train to go for; they can just get on the next train departing the station.

The Britrail England Flexipass costs USD395 in 1st class and USD265 in 2nd class for a ticket which allows for unlimited travel in England for any 4 days within 2 months of 1st day of use . (approx GBP280 / GBP187 )

1 day outbound plus 1 day inbound and leaves 2 other days. When comparing cost, do remember that the Heathrow Express cost is GBP14/GBP28 oneway which is covered by the pass

Dave

[Mr_Gimlet]

I live near Heathrow and we help lots of visiting aussies on their holidays. Dave's hit the nail on the head, it's a pain to do. There are some alternatives.

Rule of thumb for clearing LHR is an hour.

First, the Britrail pass helps you to get on a train but doesn't tell you if there is space. The 3pm-6pm trains out of London are very, very busy and may be 100% reserved. I doubt if it would be more economical than just turning up at the station, but it's worth considering.

Tube is doable, but the change at Green Park or Leicester Square is a pain. If tube is desired, then go all the way to Kings X and walk from KX to Euston (about half a mile) - but of course there is the walk involved which isn't much good with bags.

HX or HC - HX/HC to Paddington, then taxi for GBP11-12, or tube to KX and walk if saving money.

Reading - this option works until 1740 from Reading, if you miss that then its back through London. I'd probably change at Wolverhampton rather than Brum. Might get expensive as it involves two different rail companies.

Watford - bit of a long way round, but there is a bus that runs from Heathrow to Watford Junction. Unfortunately, your train doesn't! So you'd go from Watford J into Euston and change - and it's no extra ticket cost but the bus charges of course. It's time consuming but avoids walking up and down steps. Also has the advantage that if there were time issues, you could still catch the HX/taxi and your ticket would still be valid for the Oxenholme run.

PM me if you want more specifics.

[laffer]

Heathrow Express is expensive and a waste of time in my view.

I would take the Tube to Kings Cross and either walk to Euston from there (5 mins straight down Euston Road) or swap over and get the Tube to Euston (one stop).

Green Park is a bit of a pain because there are no escalators. The Tube will take about an hour or so.

The Heathrow Express will take you to Paddington and then you are going to have to get the Tube from there across to Euston anyway.

[DJ737]

Hi there

Why not fly from LHR to MAN and take the train from there?

One way MAN a/p to Oxenholme start at £7, change at Preston.

Probably a better way to go, rather than faffing around in London.

Just a thought.

Cheers
DJ737

[Dave Noble]

First, the Britrail pass helps you to get on a train but doesn't tell you if there is space. The 3pm-6pm trains out of London are very, very busy and may be 100% reserved. I doubt if it would be more economical than just turning up at the station, but it's worth considering..

The Britrail pass actually doesn't work out that badly especially if going to use the HEX since it is valid on the HEX. Also it is valid on all trains on all routes regardless of peak/off peak. The off peak price for a return fare from Euston is GBP78.70 with GBP266 for an anytime fare. Add on the GBP28 for the HEX and it is over 50% of the cost of a Britrail pass. If likely to have a use for the other days then it could be of value

From Reading a similar fare is GBP83.10 so similar to Euston.

If not going to have use for the other days, then indeed it would not be the best value ticket

Flying on to Manchester is an interesting idea; on BA there is a 15:15 which would be valid as a connection or 17:00 and takes 1 hour. Good thing there is no need to collect luggage or clear immigration but can do it at MAN. Train is then only GBP17.20 ( for a ticket that isnt tied to a specific train). If the fare to MAN is decent, I would look at that

Dave

[tuapekastar]

Thx all for the great suggestions...haven't had much time over the w/end but have spent a little time checking the initial Reading alternative and will delve into all the ideas sometime today. MAN had crossed my mind when booking airfares, but the ultimate trip destination was different then (Carlisle), and ultimately I'm at the whim of whatever my stepfather decides he wants, even if it is not what I would necessarily do.

PS. There is no rail travel planned other than as part of getting to Oxenholme.

Cheers

[Mwenenzi]

QF have codeshares LHR-MAN (QF3396 15:15-16:15) as a connect from QF29. Proably too late now but booking MEL-LHR-MAN may have been little difference from MEL-LHR. LHR is not the only airport in UK just as SYD is not the only international airport in Au.

[tuapekastar]

Decided to KISS. Booked Advance ticket on the 1830 Euston - Penrith (yep, destination changed again, being picked up, and something to do with works on the rail line - re-opening bit by bit).

So a good connection time, can decide which way to get to Euston from LHR dependent on time available (does want to minimise lugging case about, so HEC and cab looking best bet).

Thx again for the suggestions.