LONDON
Visas & Airports
Tourist Visa Required for US Citizens:
Effective January 8, 2025, all U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism or family visits for 6 months or less will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel. Information on the new requirements and how to apply can be found here.
For our international guests, we recommend landing at either Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport connects to central London via train to Paddington. There are two ways to take the train to Paddington:
Heathrow Express
Trains operate every 15 minutes between Heathrow and London Paddington. Please click here to download a copy of the Heathrow Express timetable. The journey between London Paddington and Heathrow Central (for terminals 2 & 3) takes 15 minutes. The journey on to Terminal 5 takes only 3 minutes extra. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance here. The price of a Heathrow Express ticket depends on the type of ticket and how far in advance it's purchased. It’s usually between £15-35.
The Elizabeth Line
It takes approximately 25-30 minutes to arrive at London Paddington on the tube (Elizabeth Line). If your bank card shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay as you go straight away. You'll pay an adult rate fare. Overseas charges may apply (check with your issuer). A single ticket on the Elizabeth Line from Paddington to Heathrow Airport costs around £12.30.
Gatwick Airport
You can also fly into Gatwick airport and take the Gatwick Express to London Victoria. To purchase tickets on the Gatwick Express click here.
The train departs every 15 minutes and uses only 30 minutes each way. A Gatwick Express ticket from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport can cost from £20.50 for a standard one-way ticket when purchased online, or from £23.00 when purchased at the station.
Get me to the church on time!
The wedding ceremony is located at St John’s Wood Church. The group will be escorted from the Church to Lord’s Cricket Ground along a short 4 minute walk.
St John’s Wood High Street has a great mix of restaurants, cafes and shops. It’s also a stone’s throw from the famous Beatles crossing at Abbey Road.
Tube
The closet tube station is St John’s Wood on the Jubilee Line. It is a ten minute walk from the tube station to the church. If you are on foot, it’s best not to wear heels.
Tube map of London can be found here. Five Tube lines run a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays: Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines.
Bus
Buses nearby: 13, 113, 46, 187
Black Cabs or Ride share
Taxi fares vary depending on when you travel. You can hail a black cab from the road. This can be quite expensive and subject to queues at train stations and in certain hot spots.
Uber is available in London.
Accommodation
There are hundreds of places to stay in London including hotels and airbnbs. If you give Jen a ring she will be able to advise you on different places to stay, various price points and the best transport options to St John’s Wood.