Five things you need to know about getting from the airport (Heathrow or Gatwick) to central London:

1.  London licensed taxis are available just outside each terminal. The cost from Heathrow to central London is approximately £50-60 ($94-113), plus gratuity.   The ride could last an hour, depending upon the time of day and ultimate destination.   (From Gatwick, the airport has partnered with Checker Cars for a negotiated flat rate into the city, at least £80 or $150, before gratuity.  The journey is at least one hour.)      While the cost is high, the benefits are numerous:  a black cab will be available whenever you finalize customs and immigration; the cabs are roomy and can comfortably seat an entire family plus luggage; the cab driver can provide helpful information about the city and its activities (as well as help with bags); and you can go right to the door of your hotel or flat.

2.  If you don’t mind hauling your own luggage, consider taking the train into the city.  The Heathrow Express runs non-stop service between the airport and Paddington Station every fifteen minutes, with the journey lasting 15-23 minutes depending upon your terminal. Tickets can be prebooked, and a roundtrip ticket costs £27 ($50).   Heathrow Connect is a stopping train leaving every 30 minutes.   The trip is longer, but a roundtrip ticket is only £19 ($35).  The Gatwick Express is a high-speed train that takes about 30 minutes between the airport and Victoria Station.   The roundtrip fare is £23.50 ($44).

3.  Even more affordable, the London Underground will get you to Central London from Heathrow via the Piccadilly Line.   A one-way ticket into town runs £6 ($11), but if you get a Visitors Travelcard, you’ll start saving immediately because the tube pass is good unlimited travel for 3, 5 or 7 days.   (Please note that the Terminal 4 Underground station is closed until September 2006.) 

4.  Coach (or bus) service is provided by National Express (http://www.nationalexpress.com/) and can be booked in advance.  The trip takes anywhere between 45 and 90 minutes.

5.  Private car services and limousines can be arranged in advance.  You can book via your hotel or by one of many services available on the Internet.  One such recommended service is provided by Londontown.com (www.londontown.com/transfer/).

All currency conversions are approximates, using today’s rate of exchange.