kdd

What is the best way to get from Heathrow airport to a rental apt in Kensington? We have 4 big suitcases, 2 medium sized bags and 3 carry ons, plus a stroller. I don't see them fitting into a single standard cab and hiring 2 cabs might be an expensive option. Is it possible to get a minivan type of cab? If so, how do we go about doing this? Any other choices?

Also, how do we go about hiring a cab from our rental apt to go to the airport? Is there a number to call ahead of time to book?

Thanks

TimS

A private car service will be your best and cheapest option. Many Fodorites recommend www.justairports.com. There is a sizeable discount for paying cash. Book a MPV (minivan).

TimS

And, if at all possible, pack lighter! Eliminate at least one big bag.

jean253

are you aware that when you are departing Heathrow you are only allowed 1 small carryon each that includes purses cameras etc? they are very strict on this.

janisj

No you definitely do not want a cab or 2 cabs or a van-cab. Unless you are made of money.

justairports will be able to accomodate you for much less cost/hassle.

OK - we know you have a toddler because of the stroller - but what 6 other people are traveling w/ you? That is the only reason 9 pieces of luggage makes any sense.

Why do you need 4 large suitcases, 2 medium suitcases and 3 carry-on's? And where do you plan on storing all that stuff in a small London flat?

canyonjane

I too would encourage you strongly to reconsider the amount of luggage you are taking. They do have washing machines and dryers in London! You will kick yourselves if you don't lighten up your load before you go. I know because I have taken too much with me to London, specifically Kensington, and the last time I drastically cut back on how much I took. I was SO HAPPY! You will be, too.
Jane

BlueSea

How many of you are going?

And how long?

janisj

&quot;<i>How many of you are going?

And how long?</i>&quot;

How many matters -- how long really doesn't. Whether 5 days or 5 weeks doesn't make that much difference re what to pack.

Weadles

Try Ray Skinner at London-Transfers.com. We've used his company for many years, and really like it. Transportation from London airports is provided in minivans or regular sedans.

kdd

Hi All,

Thanks for the info. The London leg is part of a bigger trip. We travelled to India 3 weeks ago to attend 2 weddings. Did some shopping too. We are now stuck with 2 bags that we need to carry back home (New York) but dont quite need them in London. We are party of 3 adults and 1 toddler.

I am wondering if it makes sense to leave 2 bags in Left Luggage at the airport to make things easier on us. I vaguely remember my last business trip when 5 people travelled comfortably from hotel to airport in a standard cab we hailed off the street with one medium sized bag per person (maybe I have got the facts wrong!) With the Left luggage option, is it possible to take a standard cab? We would then have with us 1 large bag, 2 medium sized ones, 3 carry ons and 1 stroller.

Thanks

kdd

Forgot to mention this -

We are in London for 3 full days excluding the day we arrive and depart.

Carrybean

There is a left luggage service but I don't remember what it costs.

A black cab would still cost you more than the car service. I've used justairports.com going to &amp; from LHR several times.

janisj

Yes, I'd leave anything you don't need at left luggage at LHR. It runs about &pound;6 per bag per day (may have gone up to &pound;6.50)

A car service would be better/cheaper than a cab w/ or w/o the extra luggage.

kdd

Hi Fodorites,

Thanks for the excellent advice. I will go ahead and book the car service.

kdd

Hi,

I have a question on the rates that I got from Justairports. I was given a rate for 46 GBP for Heathrow to Kensington on MPV vehicle. It seems a bit high to me. They said a car seat is mandatory for my child which adds 5 to the charge and he also mentioned an additional parking charge for pickup from the airport which is included in the 46. Does this sound right?

Thanks

Carrybean

It's still cheaper than a cab. They will meet you in the arrivals area. Go ahead with the car service.

SusieQQ

A couple weeks ago we paid Ray Skinner 44 GBP for a mini van. He is very reliable and I've used his service for years.

janisj

kdd: Did you ask the cash price? Justairports usually gives quite a substantial discount if paying cash.

Tobie_T

The car service we used last month has no extra parking charges though there is a charge for a car seat. It was the best thing we did for a stress free arrival and departure.

http://exclusiveairport.com/

kenderina

It looks very cheap for an MPV vehicle with a car seat in my opinion. They ask for 30 GBP (more or less) for a normal car for two with a suitcase each. A taxi never will be less of 50 GBP and you would need 2 taxis, I don't think they will four people (the toddler car seat is like one adult).