Flying into Heathrow...What to do?

Hey Guys,

I am going to be flying into Heathrow on the 2nd/3rd of May, and I have a nine hour stop-over, so I was wondering if there is anything I could entertain myself with during that period. I haven't done much research on the area, is Heathrow actually in London or is it outside of London? If so, whats the fastest, cheapest way to get into London, I hear there is a tube stop, but I wasnt sure. Anyways, suggestions on nearby, cheap (as cheap as you can get in London) entertainment would be much appreciated. Thanks!
-Janelle

Heathrow is outside of London, but the Piccadilly Line goes right there. Assuming that you clear customs and re-check your luggage, you could conceivably go elsewhere for a quick look-see.
Be advised, however, that there are many constraints:

The queue getting back in though Security can be horrendous.

The cheapest way (London Underground) takes about an hour in each direction. The fastest way (Heathrow Express) ain't especially cheap.

Also, you will be suffering from a wee bit of jetlag + lack of sleep, which means that the best laid plans can go astray.

On the other hand, spending nine hours stuck at LHR is my idea of hell.

Tricky - I would play it by ear - you are pushing it a bit to get into central london and out - but you are relatively near to Hampton Court - on a bus route from memory - which will at least get you out of one of the world's worst airports and show you one of the more impressive stately manors of Europe - oh and you can spend the whole day there easy!

Thanks for the responses guys! I think you're right about playing it by ear. There seems to be a consensus on the nightmare that is Heathrow, pray tell?

I've never found Heathrow that bad, but yes, 8 hours ought to be enough to do something in the city. Be back 3 hours in advance to accomodate potentially long security lines (I've never had any trouble, but last time my parents flew out of Heathrow, they had to run to make their flight after checking in 2.5 hours in advance). An hour each way on the tube leaves you with a good 3 hours to wander around a bit. Pick one thing that interests you, go see it, and then go for a walk around the city.

Had a connecting flight out of Heathrow. There was a massive security line made worse by the fact the portable xray machines were out of order, so they HAND CHECKED carry on luggage. They were taking people out of the line to catch their flights. Yes, it was THAT bad.

Don't even talk to me about the nightmare that is a one way ticket to Heathrow, arriving to be given the third degree.

Did I mention my luggage got lost on the way from my NY connection to philly? It was a really fun trip, that one.

What I've done in similar situations, and suggested others to do as well (with good reports from those who did) was to take the Heathrow Connect to Paddington, then the Hop-On/Hop off bus tour of London.

Google "HEX discount codes" or "Heathrow Express Discount Codes" and you'll find a few that will take a few pounds off the Heathrow Express price. Since you're playing it by ear, I would keep that in mind as an option IF you get there later than expected (or, have a massive need for a nap upon arrival and less time in central london than expected but still an equally massive desire to see it). The HEX will get definitely you to central london in 15 minutes...at a price. If you chose to or have to use it, having the discount codes handy will take a little of the sting out of the cost.

The "Heathrow Connect" is another option...more expensive than the tube, but half the cost of the HEX. Takes about 25-30 minutes one-way, goes to Paddington. For people in your situation, that's usually what I advise.

The tube will take at least 45 minutes to an hour each way from Heathrow to the Picadilly Circus tube stop in central london. Something to think on--sure, whilst it's cheaper, it will kill two of your 8 hours there, so it MAY be worth it to go the Heathrow Connect route, or splurge on the HEX).

IF you just want to see London, once you're at either Paddington or Picadilly, I'd suggest the hop-on/hop-off bus tour. It sounds touristy, but it will take you by all the "attractions" in London you'd want to see, giving you the freedom to hop off at places you want to briefly explore, or just see it all. If you're arriving on a morning flight into Heathrow, get to either Paddington or Picadilly and get on this bus, you'll likely be at Buckingham Palace right at "changing of the guard" time. I also suggest this for when people have a few days in London and want to spend their first day "scoping out the whole area", getting that first overview of things.

Ambien will help you sleep on the overnight flight (works way better than tylenol Pm or any other benedryl-based sleep aid, since you get a good solid sleep and aren't foggy on waking).