Heathrow to Eurostar connection tme

[cgichard]

Is this a feasible connection time? LHR T2 SQ 322 due 05.55, Piccadilly Line to St Pancras, to catch 11am Eurostar.

I have used that SQ flight before and it often arrives early. Have EU passport and HLO. Eurostar booking is a group booking (not sure that will make any difference). I know Eurostar min. check-in is 30 minutes, but have read some advice to be there 90 minutes before departure time. This will be the first Saturday in June next year.

If the consensus is that I'm really pushing it, then I'll have to change my outward flight (already booked) and shell out for a B&B near St P.

 

[opusman]

Paddington to St Pancras should be no more than 20 minutes, so if you can be on the HEx by 9am or so you should be fine. Gives you 3 hours to clear customs which should be plenty.

 

[Comoman]

Gives you 3 hours to clear customs which should be plenty.

With HLO and using the Smartgates equivalent you should be out in under 5 mins! My record is 48 mins from landing on SQ to being in my room at the Hilton Paddington. The longest stretch is the walk from T2 to HEx using the tunnel.

 

[cgichard]

Thanks to both of you for the reassurance. Two follow-up queries:
- do I need the HEX to get to the Piccadilly Line (which is direct to St Pancras)?
- does the UK equivalent of Smartgate work like the Australian on (just insert your passport and wait for photo) or is it a system that requires special prior enrolment?

The last few times I've been through Heathrow, I've been in transit and/or with an older style passport.

 

[kelvedon]

Thanks to both of you for the reassurance. Two follow-up queries:
- do I need the HEX to get to the Piccadilly Line (which is direct to St Pancras)?
- does the UK equivalent of Smartgate work like the Australian on (just insert your passport and wait for photo) or is it a system that requires special prior enrolment?

The last few times I've been through Heathrow, I've been in transit and/or with an older style passport.

The uk equivalent of smart gate does not need any prior enrolment using an EU passport, just insert passport and look at the camera.

you dont to need to take the HEX. It would drop you at Paddington where you'd switch to the circle line which takes you to Kings Cross/ St Pancras. This is probably quicker than taking the Piccadilly line the whole way, but is more expensive.

http://www.heathrow.com/arrivals/immigration-and-passports

 

[opusman]

It's been years since I've done the tube from LHR but as you will probably have plenty of time up your sleeve this is an option as well.

 

[cgichard]

Thanks for the link, Kelvedon. I think it was the Registered Traveller Service I had read about & I didn't realize UK/EU passport holders didn't need that.

I think I shall probably opt for the Piccadilly Line as I do have a UK debit card that should work for the fare and save time buying a HEX ticket. But it's good to have both options as it means I have an alternative if there is work being done on one of the lines that weekend.

 

[Comoman]

Thanks for the link, Kelvedon. I think it was the Registered Traveller Service I had read about & I didn't realize UK/EU passport holders didn't need that.

I think I shall probably opt for the Piccadilly Line as I do have a UK debit card that should work for the fare and save time buying a HEX ticket. But it's good to have both options as it means I have an alternative if there is work being done on one of the lines that weekend.

I usually buy my HEx tickets in advance. I have the App on my iPhone but you can also use: https://www.heathrowexpress.com

Much cheaper if you buy in advance and/or travel on weekends.

 

[dajop]

The Transport for London website (tfl.gov.uk) website suggests 36 mins for Hex+tube and 55mins for tube only.

 

[cgichard]

Thanks. I'll reconsider nearer the time, when precise departure time for the group Eurostar booking is confirmed.