LHR layover 8 hours. Can we leave the airport?

[leadman]

Yes, there are a few that its not even worth attempting; All Indian and Pak, Indonesia (as pointed out) even with multiple visas. KUL is a bit of a pain along with ICN. LAX up to Santa Monica is not a bad one, even do it by bus.

 

[ellen10]

Lots of good ideas and encouragement for our layover.
Now I have to convince hubby.

 

[24601]

I did CMB twice recently. UL will even give you a hotel with meals and transport for >8 hour transits. VOA was fast and free. The hotels and transport were fine.

Australians don't requite VOA for Indonesia any more.

That's interesting and good to hear about Indonesia. Now that SQ fly direct from SYD is could make for an ok short stopover and positioning destination for cheap ex Asia J airfares. Of course after VOA there are the taxi drivers..

I was offered a hotel room at CMB but ended up happily and productively working in the lounge while snacking on assorted curries. I quite enjoyed it as a temporary office for just a day.

 

[Austman]

KUL is a bit of a pain

Why? All of my many arrivals and departures from KUL have been pretty good and reasonably quick. The KLIA Ekspres takes only 28 mins. OK, that's only to Sentral but still, you can be in the KLCC area in about an hour.

 

[leadman]

In timing sense when you have a short layover. I find getting into and out of the city always longer than I expect. I done it many times and mentally allow more time for this city. Always just seem to miss the KLIA express and have to wait!!!!!

 

[NM]

Why? All of my many arrivals and departures from KUL have been pretty good and reasonably quick. The KLIA Ekspres takes only 28 mins. OK, that's only to Sentral but still, you can be in the KLCC area in about an hour.

Immigration at KUL is very hit-and-miss. Can be walk-through and can take 90+ mins to get through.

But back on topic, I have normally found LHR immigration to be reasonably consistent in timing/delay (allow say 30 mins), and never had an issue with very short transits going land-side. I went land-side once for a 3 hour transit with not even a blink from the immigration officer. Have done short transits land-side at LHR multiple times.

 

[bryanjones]

If you have status or J booking class, skipping the long immigration and check in lines will give you more time wherever you decide to go. I think 7 hours is quite enough time...

 

[dajop]

If you have status or J booking class, skipping the long immigration

Maybe, but not always. Once entering LHR T3 in the priority line I pegged myself to someone in the Y line. They beat me by 5mins ! 3 counters vs 8 .... Another time it was neck and neck. I won by a minute. It all depends .....

 

[downgraded]

Windsor is very close to LHR, only 15-20 mins drive but not so sure about public transport to get their.

 

[ellen10]

Well we leave Australia on Tuesday for London Heathrow in transit to Milan.
Had decided on leaving the airport for a few hours and meet up with family in nearby Richmond and then return to the airport to check in for our further flight.
Not sure how the weekend's sad events will affect our plans. Can they stop us leaving the airport and returning later for our on flight?

 

[karen blancfield]

Well we leave Australia on Tuesday for London Heathrow in transit to Milan.
Had decided on leaving the airport for a few hours and meet up with family in nearby Richmond and then return to the airport to check in for our further flight.
Not sure how the weekend's sad events will affect our plans. Can they stop us leaving the airport and returning later for our on flight?

Good reason to go to Richmond rather than into the city, in the circumstances. Have a safe and fantastic trip.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Not sure how the weekend's sad events will affect our plans. Can they stop us leaving the airport and returning later for our on flight?

It would be extraordinary for the UK to prevent you being granted entry and leaving the airport. But if there was a major security event underway, you'd probably want to stay at the airport anyway.

 

[leadman]

Yes, when London transport grinds to a halt it really does! Sitting on the Underground, not moving chewing up minutes is not the greatest. If you try might be best to catch the Heathrow Express to Paddington and spend some time around there. Quite a few good pubs.

 

[ellen10]

We chose Richmond rather than central London, hoping it may be a bit quieter.
I have noted both tube and taxi info, so hoping to have options.

 

[ellen10]

I thought I would update our layover in London.
It didn't take us too long to get through customs. Topped up our Oyster cards and caught the tube to Hammersmith, changed lines and only a few stops to Richmond. Had a nice walk in the sunshine by the Thames river caught up with Sister & Brother in law at a cute little Persian cafe. Walked around a bit stopped off in a nice wine bar for drinks and nibbles.

All to soon it was time to say goodbye. Caught the tube again in reverse again, this time back to T5 for our flight to Milan.

So thanks for all your advice and suggestions. It was quite an easy endeavour. Richmond was the perfect spot.

 

[leadman]

I'm glad everything worked out, these little side-tracks on a trip are often one of the highlights. The adrenaline seems to be flowing on little excursions.