Travel Plans: from Heathrow to Sanstead and beyond

[Skshin]

Hello everyone!

This topic has probably been discussed before, but this will be my first Camino (and I am a bit nervous) so I apologize for the redundancy.

I will be walking the Camino France in July and August of this year. I plan to start at SJPDP. I am currently trying to make travel arrangements, but I am not sure about the timing.

I am trying to book a flight into London Heathrow arriving at around 6:35am. I will also be checking a bag (I hope the hiking poles are worth it). I am planning to take the 12pm Ryan Air flight to Biarritz.

My question is: will I have enough time to make it to Stanstead airport from Heathrow on the same day or should I book a hotel for the night? If it is possible, how would I go about getting there?

I know there is a bus that goes there, but the website says I should give myself a good 5 hours (which I won't have) due to traffic and whatever else may happen. I think I also read on another post that I can take the subway/metro? somewhere and then switch over to a bus. Is getting around the subway/metro difficult?

Also, I would like to book my flight back to London from Santiago, but how far in advanced should I do this?

Thank you for reading my post and I appreciate any and all assistance!

Buen Camino!

 

[miguel_gp]

Hi,

You can take the train & metro which is probably a bit quicker than the bus but time is tight, especially if your inbound is delayed.

Train : Heathrow - Paddington
Metro (Tube) : Paddington to Liverpool Street
Train : Liverpool Street to Stansted.

It will set you back the best part of £45 one way, on current quote (see below for train times and pricing). You can do your own search based on your exact date and times using the planner at http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/ although dates are currently only available into June. If you pick a date in June that is the same day of the week as the day you are actually arriving, that should give you a good idea of the schedules.

The journey time is about 2.25 hours but may vary slightly depending on which LHR terminal you are arriving at.

Happy to help if you want a hand looking up the transfer, just drop me a PM with details.

Regards
Mig

 

[mralisn]

I just did a quick search using the National Express website, 10 July as a date (since I don't know), departure after 7:00.

I see there is an 8:15 bus leaving LHR and arriving at STN at 9:35.

The next bus departs 9:15 and arrives at 11:00.

Of course catching the first will be ideal.

I know the time of travel is MUCH greater if flying into Gatwick. From LHR the time should be less than 2 hours.

Here is the link I'm viewing:

http://coach.nationalexpress.com/times- ... n=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=national%20express%20heathrow%20to%20stansted%20bus&__utmv=-&__utmk=198368943

Any help? Am I seeing this correctly?

Keep a smile,
Simeon

 

[miguel_gp]

Any help? Am I seeing this correctly?

Looks spot on, so journey time not quite the 5 hours quoted and half the price of the train too!

Mig

 

[akles]

Thanks for offering this information. I am a first timer to Europe, to the el camino frances. I have been nervous too about where to catch what and to where. I am planning on taking the Chunnel. I would like to travel slower.
Also, I am needing information on where to stay around Heathrow. My plane comes in around 8:15.p.m.
Thanks for your help. Leslie

 

[Skshin]

Thanks for your help! I will try and catch the bus to Stanstead, hopefully there will be no traffic!

Buen Camino