Go3Team From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3266 posts, RR: 22 Reply 1, posted (8 years 8 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 880 times:
Last time I went, I flew into LGW. The person I was visiting lived in Luton, which looks somewhat close by to where you are going. I am going again in January, but this time, flying into AMS, then catching Sleezyjet into LTN. A lot better than sitting in traffic on the M25 and M1, when you are trying to catch your return flight home.
As for car rental, I would say its a bad idea. Just walking across the street almost got me in trouble a few times, for looking the wrong way first.
Propulsion From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2004, 294 posts, RR: 4 Reply 2, posted (8 years 8 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 875 times:
Heathrow all the way!!! Gatwick is rather poorly located in my opinion, althouh very useful for those living in much of Sussex and surrounding parts of Surrey.
Car Rental is best avoided. It is useful, but watch out for the multitude of parking restrictions, speed cameras and congestion charge if entering London at all. Which Cranfield are you actually referring to?
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
AsstChiefMark From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (8 years 8 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 874 times:
I've driven in the UK several times and once you learn the traffic laws, roundabout etiquette, and road signs, it's easy. Most recently, I drove from Stevenage to Heathrow in about two hours on a Friday morning. The anticlockwise M25 from junction 21 (the M1) to junction 15 (the M4 for Heathrow) wasn't backed up at all.
WindowSeat From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 1307 posts, RR: 59 Reply 4, posted (8 years 8 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 875 times:
ConcordeLoss,
You didn't mention where you are flying from? either way I would suggest Heathrow. The Heathrow Express is a straight shot to the city. If you really feel like it you can haul yourself over to Euston and take the train to Lidlington. Rental car? absolutely not, unless you are traveling into the country for a drive. Public transport in the UK is VERY convenient, safe, and affordable.
cheers
I'm all in favour of keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of fools. Let's start with keyboards.
TheCoz From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (8 years 8 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 870 times:
Hathrow Airport! Definitely. I was on some bus going between terminals when this 747 flew right over head and scared the life out of me. I looked over to see this huge up close airliner rumbling overhead. Coolest airport experience ever. There are also 747's taking off at a constant rate there.
Renting a car is not the best idea in my opinion. Traffic, especially in central London is nuts (through American eyes); they drive super fast. After going on such a long flight you won't be in any condition with everyone driving on the opposite side of the road as the US. It may just detriment to the experience.
I remember when I first went in a car in England it would freak me out seeing people coming in opposite directions. I felt like driving into a ditch. I'm surprised how well they tolerate us Yanks.
Again, IMO take the London Underground transit system. You may talk to some really interesting people who live there while taking your trip. The London Underground connects directly through the Heathrow Airport.
Arsenal@LHR From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2001, 7791 posts, RR: 23 Reply 6, posted (8 years 8 months 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 848 times:
Fly into Heathrow and if you can hack it after a long transatlantic flight, rent a car and drive down the M25 and M1 up to Cranfield, i assume you're going to Cranfield in Bedfordshire? If so, that's the easiest and most convenient option. Depending on what time you arrive, the motorways shouldn't be that busy during late morning/midday time. Avoid the motorways between 4-8 pm though.
Taking the train means you get to see surburban and central London from the train. If you haven't toured London before it might be quite interesting for you.
The bus from LHR will just zing you round the notorious M25 motorway which isn't particularly interesting.
and with that..cabin crew, seats for landing please.
ConcordeLoss From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 386 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (8 years 8 months 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 795 times:
Thanks for all the replies.
I am flying out of CLE, and so far the best deals I've come across are
CLE-CLT-LGW with US for $310 or
CLE-BOS-LHr with CO and VS for $450
Which Cranfield are you actually referring to?
I honestly don't know, but its the one that has Cranfield University.
I am gonna be staying there for 5 days.
"You're not as stupid as you look, or sound, or our best test indicates" Burns to Homer
After the previous thread about the UK, I thought taking the car would have been the recommended solution, especially if you are travelling outside of London.
KYIPpilot From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 1383 posts, RR: 7 Reply 13, posted (8 years 8 months 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 734 times:
What about renting a car outside of London? I have plans of going to the UK in the future, and I think driving might be the best way to go. I would not want to deal with the busy London traffic, but if I get out of London, will it be much easier to drive?
Also, is there a website that gives Americans the basic for how the driving laws and signs work in the UK?
Thanks!!!!
"It starts when you're always afraid; You step out of line, the man come and take you away" -Buffalo Springfield
PPGMD From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 2453 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (8 years 8 months 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 732 times:
If you are only going to London you don't need a car. But if you aren't going alone, get a cab, or shuttle to your hotel it's alot easier than dragging your bag in the tube.
Once you are at your hotel the tube should be more than enough to get around.
Also bring lots of money, it's pretty expensive there.
PROSA From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 5439 posts, RR: 5 Reply 15, posted (8 years 8 months 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 729 times:
1) There's a bus service from LHR (Central bus station) to Bedford that takes about 2 hours. http://www.nationalexpress.com
National Express also runs buses into central London from LHR. A decent way for first-time visitors to see some of the city, especially if you sit in the top level.
"Let me think about it" = the coward's way of saying "no"
Arsenal@LHR From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2001, 7791 posts, RR: 23 Reply 16, posted (8 years 8 months 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 727 times:
If you're going to spend all your time in London, public transportation is the easiest, most convenient way of getting around. If you want to venture out of London, then do hire a car, you'll be able to go places and do things at your own time and own pace.
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