Getting back to Heathrow for an early flight
I'm staying in central London (Islington, EC1V). I have an international flight from Heathrow (terminal 2) that leaves early Sunday morning (07:50). I'm overwhelmed with all the options. Here's what I'm looking for:
- safe, reputable service
- minimal time walking alone in London before dawn
- arrive by 06:20
- £80 budget, preferably cheaper
- pay in cash / use Oyster card (I also have an American debit card on the Plus network, but keep in mind that using it will incur extra exchange fees)
- book in advance
What services meet these criteria? Is there a cab or minicab service I should use? Would it be cheaper to take a cab to Paddington and buy a Heathrow Express ticket?
Best Answer
One very cheap option will be to take two night buses, one to Aldwych, and then the N9 to Heathrow.
Looking at the Aldwych night bus map, all the buses from the part of the world you're staying in stop at stop S, and the N9 leaves from stop R, which is immediately adjacent, so your walking will be minimal, and there'll be plenty of people around whatever time of night it is. The N9 takes a good hour and a half mind, and only runs three times an hour.
Be aware that many people will have vague, distant, but strongly negative memories of night buses. They are a lot better than they used to be!
Pictures about "Getting back to Heathrow for an early flight"
How do you get to Heathrow for early flight?
Travellers can choose to get to London Heathrow airport during the early hours of the day using The National Express coach services, The Tube, bus or the train. However, the easiest way to travel to the Heathrow airport during the early hours is by hiring a taxi or minicab.Do I need a Covid test before I fly from Heathrow?
Heathrow's test providers offer a range of testing options to keep you flying safely. Please note that these tests need to be pre-booked, and fees apply. Some countries require passengers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within specific timeframes of departure.How early should I get to Heathrow for an international flight?
We advise to arrive three hours in advance for all flights (European and intercontinental).Can planes land at Heathrow before 6am?
Around 80% of the night flights at Heathrow are between 04:30 - 06:00 with an average of 16 aircraft arriving each day between these hours under normal pre-Covid conditions. Heathrow has a voluntary ban in place that prevents flights scheduled between 04:30 - 06:00 from landing before 04:30.FLYING ALONE INTERNATIONALLY FOR THE 1ST TIME (as a minor)
More answers regarding getting back to Heathrow for an early flight
Answer 2
At that time of day, your only real options are to take the bus (which will accept your oyster card), hire a taxi, or catch a ride from a friend.
You could also use bus or taxi to get to Paddington station, then take the Heathrow Express, which starts at 5:10am, even on Sundays, with regular ticket prices starting at £21, or as low as £6.99 if you book 90 days in advance.
The metro doesn't start running until after 5:00am, which would not get you to the airport in time for your flight.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Sohel Patel, Kelly, Ron Lach, Maarten van den Heuvel