Hi,
I'm taking my family (2 Ad, 3 Ch) to the Natural History Museum tomorrow (day trip) and wondered if anyone knows the cheapest way to get them from Stanstead airport to the Kensington area and back again?

I don't mind if it's by train or coach as long as it's fairly quick and as cheap as possible. We got our plane tickets (Prestwick to Stanstead) for 10p return (inc taxes!!) so we are on a mission to keep it cheap!

So far we've found bus tickets from the airport to London Victoria for £49 return. Not bad but I'm sure we can do better.

All tips and tricks welcome!
Cheers,
Craig.

[Edited on 4/7/2007 by craig1410]

Sounds very good value- it's a fair way! Stanstead airport is "London" in the same way that Newcastle airport is "Scotland"....!! ie not at all really but you only find out when you get there.....

it's about an hours drive to get into outer London from there..... Stanstead express is fast but expensive... Otherwise one railway do cheap deals with kids travelling for a quid etc....

quote:

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Originally posted by CaLviNx
stop being such a tight git, and get a taxi

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quote:

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Originally posted by CaLviNx
stop being such a tight git, and get a taxi

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Thanks guys - to be honest, price isn't the main concern. I'm equally concerned with convenience, reliability and simplicity as I don't have any local knowledge of London at all. I think I've been there once many years ago with my Mum and Dad...

What's generally the best bet? Train or Bus?

Cheers,
Craig.

Stanstead express will take you to Tottenham Hale, Change to Victoria Line buying a day travelcard then change to Picadilly line to Green Park ( bit of a walk, but less crowded than Kings Cross) and get off at South Kensignton. There is a foot tunnel to the museums and there you are. I am not sure what the weekend fares are for Stanstead Express but this is probably the best bet and certainly most time at the museum.

On the way back allow plenty time so you don't miss the plane. The train back always seems slower than the train from the airport ( I've missed the plane a couple of times!) Also the security line at Stanstead gets long and slow, go to the farthest right entrance as you sometimes get through the staff line when it is really busy. Also get online boarding passes whenever you can saves standing in line to check in.

Regards

Caber

Here's some info

http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/stansted_airbus.htm

Take them to Glasgow Art Galleries and Burrell Collection instead

Walk. It 'll take ages but will cost you nowt.

1/2 hour down the M11 to get to the
Norf circular which is Outer London.

To be serious - Caber's suggestions look good. That's how I would do it. Enjoy your day.

Least complicated is Stanstead - London Liverpool Street then tube to Kensington, but Caber's suggestion is almost certainly quicker.

Don't under-estimate the quantity of people on the home-bound train... it may well be sardines.

Thanks Guys, I'll dig out a map and get timetables etc to help reach a decision. Some excellent suggestions though by the looks of it.

Many of you will know what it's like trying to shepherd 3 kids on a day out in unfamiliar territory so it's always good to get some facts in advance. We had a number of days out and about last year when we were in Ibiza and I found that much less daunting than a trip to London! Probably fear of the unknown mostly...

Thanks again,
Craig.

Flew back into Stanstead on Monday, the extra security is obvious with possible delays getting into the airport let alone the security checks.

The good news is that the Natural History Museum is a great place to take kids - they're all geared up for them - and, if you have time, the Science Museum is just next door (through a corridor, in fact). Loads of stuff to amuse young'uns.

Basement of the Science museum is set up purely for kids. It's a little chaotic and very loud.
My kids love both museums.

Hi guys,

Just for info, it cost us £42 all-in for a Family TravelCard (not a RailCard - that's different). This covered unlimited travel anywhere in zones 1-6 (basically everywhere) by train, bus and tube. We bought the tickets at the Stansted Express ticket office. The only caveat was that we couldn't buy the tickets until 9am. Not a big problem.

We took the route suggested by Caber and it was easier than we first thought. Once you get your head around the different lines it's okay.

Thanks to all for advice, a great day was had by all!
Craig.
:-)