FAQ: Getting There

Destinations

• Hotel:
  DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross
  60 Pentonville Road, London N1 9LA
• Conference Venue:
  Business Design Centre
  52 Upper Street, London N1 0QH (a short walk from the hotel)
• Nearest Underground Station: Angel (Northern Line)

For International Attendees – Arriving at Heathrow Airport

Option 1 – Quickest: Heathrow Express + Elizabeth Line (Underground)

1. Take the Heathrow Express train from Heathrow to London Paddington (approx. 15 mins).
   • Trains run every 15 mins.
   • Tickets can be bought in advance online or from station ticket machines.

1. At Paddington, buy an Oyster Card or a 7‑Day Travelcard, or use contactless payment (see Paying for Travel in London).
2. From Paddington:
   • Board the Elizabeth Line (Underground) eastbound towards Abbey Wood or Shenfeld.
   • Travel to Liverpool Street station.
   • Change to the Northern Line northbound.
   • Exit at Angel station.

Option 2 – Cheapest: London Underground from Heathrow

1. Follow signs to the Piccadilly Line at Heathrow Underground station (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 all have access).
2. Take the Piccadilly Line to King’s Cross St. Pancras (approx. 1 hour).
3. Change to the Northern Line southbound towards Morden.
4. Get off at Angel (1 stop).

Option 3 – Simplest: Black Cabs / Uber

1. From Heathrow Arrivals you can summon an Uber (using their app) or hail a London Black Cab (or use the FreeNow app).
2. Or get the Heathrow Express train to Paddington (as above) and then take an Uber or Black Cab from there.

Paying for Travel in London

• Oyster Card: Available at ticket machines in Paddington and Heathrow. Works on Underground and buses. You can tap your card on the yellow reader at any payment machine to view your current balance. Note: Make sure you tap in and out on your journey, otherwise you will be charged the full length of the route.
• Digital Payments: Tap in and out using contactless debit/credit cards or mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
• Oyster App: The "TfL Oyster and Contactless" app lets you top up and check your balance. (TfL = Transport for London)

For UK Attendees

By Train

• If arriving at Paddington station: Follow the Elizabeth Line (Underground) route above.
• From other mainline stations (e.g., Waterloo, Euston, King’s Cross): Use the Northern Line to Angel station.

By Car

• Parking in London: Central London parking is available but very expensive.
• Recommendation: Use Heathrow Long Stay Parking (affordable for a couple of days).
  • Free shuttle buses connect the car parks to Terminal 3.
  • From Terminal 3, take the Underground (Piccadilly Line) into central London.

Extra Tips For Visitors

• Luggage: Angel station has lifts, making it easier with suitcases.
• Hotel Check‑In: The DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross is about a 7–10 minute walk from Angel station along Pentonville Road.
• Travel Cards: If you’re staying more than a couple of days, a 7‑Day Travelcard on Oyster can be cost‑effective.
• Maps: Google Maps and the "Citymapper" app are excellent for step‑by‑step public transport directions.
• Rush Hour: Try to avoid travelling between 07:30–09:30 and 17:00–18:30 for a less crowded journey.
• Currency: Nearly everywhere takes credit/debit cards as payment. If you bring cash, avoid £50 notes as these are not accepted in many places.

Be Safe In London

London is a welcoming and vibrant city, but like any large capital, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings. These tips will help you travel confidently and avoid common issues.

On The Streets

• Keep your phone secure: Avoid walking with your phone out in your hand, especially near busy roads or junctions — thieves on bikes or scooters can grab it quickly.
• Bags and backpacks: Keep them zipped and in front of you in crowded areas.
• Avoid looking lost in a vulnerable spot: If you need to check your route, step inside a shop or café, or stand near a well‑lit area.

On The Underground

• Stay alert at ticket barriers: Occasionally, people may try to "tailgate" and push through the barriers on your ticket. Hold your ground, and if it happens, alert a member of staff immediately.
• Mind your belongings: Keep wallets, passports, and phones in inside pockets or secure bags.
• Mind the gap: Listen for announcements when stepping on and off trains.
• Travel late at night: Trains and stations are generally safe, but ride in well‑lit carriages and be aware of your surroundings.

In Busy Places

• Pickpockets: As in most tourist cities, be cautious in crowded areas such as Oxford Street, Covent Garden, or major stations.
• Cash and cards: Carry only what you need for the day.
• Photographs: If taking photos, be mindful of traffic and cyclists when stepping into the road or onto the kerb.

Emergencies

• Police, Fire, Ambulance: Dial 999 in an emergency, or 101 for non‑emergency situations.
• Transport Staff: Underground stations always have staff who can help if you feel unsafe or need directions.

Hungry?

Heathrow

In Terminal 3 (Departures, which is walkable from Arrivals), the "Oceanic" restaurant is very good. Located 1st floor above Virgin Airlines check‑in desks.

Paddington

Look for the "Mad Bishop & Bear" pub upstairs, above all the shops and supermarkets. Grab a table number and order at the bar. Enjoy!

Image credits

• Oliver Cannell
• Fiona (Blogger) https://followingfona.com/how-to-get-around-london/
• https://followingfiona.com/how-to-get-around-london/