Plane or train to London (from Manchester)

Ems!

Hi

I need to travel down to London from Manchester on a Sunday and return on a Monday, for work. Its the first time I've had to do this so want to get there asap on sunday to do a bit of sight seeing (shopping!) Cost and details of booking aren't an issue, work will sort it all out for me, I've just gotta tell them whether I want to fly or get the train. The hotel I am staying at looks like nearest tube stop is picadilly circus, nearest train station is charing cross and coach station is victoria. Don't know which option will get me there quickest and easiest. If i fly am i best to go to gatwick or heathrow? (BA seem to do both fairly frequently). On the sight is says that gatwick has an express rail service to Victoria, and Heathrow has 2 underground stops and a Heathrow express rail service to Paddington station.
Not being a Londoner, i have no idea where all these various staions are and what will be easiest. Obviously, train will be slower but then you have to check in earlier if you fly. can any kind soul advise me on the easiest option please!!
Thanks

pin

Have to remember that there are loads of works going on train routes during weekends, to that may make the Manchester - London journey a bit longer.

However with plane you have to factor in getting to the airport, checking in, dealing with security, dealing with getting on the plane, getting off the plane, picking up bags (if you have any) and then getting a train to your hotel.

With the train, you will be getting from centre Manchester to centre of London directly.

Have a look at the Manchester London train timetable and see how long it will take for the weekend trips.

Ems!

pin wrote:

Have to remember that there are loads of works going on train routes during weekends, to that may make the Manchester - London journey a bit longer.

Just checked the timetables- we're talking 3 1/2 - 4 hrs on the train on the sunday ( compared to 2 1/4 - 2 1/2 on the monday coming home)
So I think it'll be the plane then.
Any one any idea which will be best for me to get to London centre - Gatwick or Heathrow?
Thanks

Bargain_Annie

Heathrow is nearer than Gatwick by miles! However, how about London City Airport?

Ems!

Bargain_Annie wrote:

Heathrow is nearer than Gatwick by miles! However, how about London City Airport?

I just looked on BA and they only went to Heathrow and Gatwick from manchester, will ask the company travel agents what my flying options are when i ring to book.
Thanks

lily_the_pink

If you can do a single flight on the Sunday to Heathrow (then just jump onto the Picadilly line straight to Picadilly Circus). Then return by train on the Monday - this will be quicker and less hassle. You could also fly into Gatwick but in my experience the tube from Heathrow is easier.

Ems!

That sounds like a good suggestion lily the pink, will see if they will let me do that!

pin

I would say fly in and out of Gatwick. Its easy to get to (30 minutes on the train from either Victoria or one of the Thameslink stations, which run through central London).

Also, as Gatwick is less crowded, with the new security measures, it is quicker to get through security.

Ems!

Is there a tube station also at victoria or is it just a train station?

Edit: Sorry, just realised I have an underground map in my diary and it seems that it is also a tube station, so looks like it won't make that much difference whether i go to heathrow or gatwick. Just wanted to be able to do all my transport via tube/train cos then you know what stop you are at and is hard to get lost! Getting a bus in London and having to look out for x landmark to work out where to get off would be hard for me as I have a v poor sense of direction!

Thanks to everyone who helped me!

pin

Ems! wrote:

Is there a tube station also at victoria or is it just a train station?

There's both!

alanrowell

Ems! wrote:

Is there a tube station also at victoria or is it just a train station?

And a coach station & a bus station