Changing platforms at Paddington

Contessa

In January I'll be returning from Heathrow and travelling to Cornwall. I'm thinking of taking the Heathrow express to Paddington. I'll need to change from Platform 7 to 9 (or vice versa?) but will have a large suitcase and a rucksack.

Does anyone know if there is a lift or ramp rather than stairs? I've had a look at the station map but it's not very clear. I've struggled before at railway stations when moving from one platform to another and it really puts me off rail travel.

I'll probably travel up by coach as I don't want to risk missing my flight because of rail disruptions. I'm just trying to decide whether to book a return coach journey but meaning another overnight stay or a single rail journey back.

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

MDMD

The platform and concourse are all on the same level (as are the exits). It's only the tube or taxis that require stairs/lifts. You just go to the main concourse from the Heathrow express train then find your new platform from there, some platforms have barriers, others don't.

Just note that they often only announce platforms at short notice so wait until your train is on the board before going to the platform as they can change depending on what is free.

martindow

Wouldn't you be better getting the Railair coach to Reading and get the Penzance train from there? There are lifts and escalators to each platform at the newly built station. This is probably also cheaper.

Contessa

MDMD wrote: »

The platform and concourse are all on the same level (as are the exits). It's only the tube or taxis that require stairs/lifts. You just go to the main concourse from the Heathrow express train then find your new platform from there, some platforms have barriers, others don't.

Just note that they often only announce platforms at short notice so wait until your train is on the board before going to the platform as they can change depending on what is free.

Thanks-that's just the sort of information I need.

Contessa

martindow wrote: »

Wouldn't you be better getting the Railair coach to Reading and get the Penzance train from there? There are lifts and escalators to each platform at the newly built station. This is probably also cheaper.

Thanks, that's a good idea-especially if it's cheaper!

Voyager2002

martindow wrote: »

Wouldn't you be better getting the Railair coach to Reading and get the Penzance train from there? There are lifts and escalators to each platform at the newly built station. This is probably also cheaper.

That is one option. Do not be 'clever' and take the National Express coach to Reading, since the stop it uses is a very long way from the railway station.

The cheapest option (perhaps not a good idea with a lot of luggage) is to take a local bus either to Hayes& Harlington or to Slough, and then a train on to Reading.

You can also get to Paddington by taking the Heathrow Connect instead of the Express -- marginally slower and a lot cheaper.

gazapc

Yes the Heathrow express is very overpriced imo. Heathrow connect, tube, coach etc all likely to be cheaper.

macman

You could also travel up on the Waterloo line and then change at Woking for the Rail-air coach link. Usually runs every 30 minutes. However this will require a change at Exeter St Davids. I suspect this will be the cheapest option.