Airport Essentials

Hotels, parking and lounges

Be prepared! Why not take advantage of airport car parking with prices from £10 per day? Hate that early morning departure? Why not take it easy and book an airport hotel before you travel, giving you a hassle-free start to your holiday? Or for a treat, reserve your place in the Executive Lounge to relax whilst you wait for your flight.  Call us on 0870 054 1312 to book or visit www.holidayextras.co.uk.

Plan your route

Using a route-mapping site to plan the quickest route from your home to the airport can save you a lot of time. We recommend the AA's site at www.theaa.com.

Allow journey time

Recent reports suggest that most traffic accidents are caused by stressed and tired drivers. Give yourself plenty of them and take regular breaks throughout your journey.

Note your parking space

Airport car parks are now so huge that it can be difficult to find your car when you get home. Make a note of your parking space number. Remember to close your sunroof and windows, turn off your lights and take all your valuables out of the car.

Bus and Coach Travel Line

Various coach lines offer transport to the airport from a number of locations. For timetables, prices and reservation, phone the Airport Travel Line no 08705 747777 (available 8am to 8pm daily).

Pre-book your train tickets

Most UK airports have regular train services, so it's worth considering taking the train.  Avoid the ticket office queues and pre-book your tickets so you can walk straight on to the train? To book online, check out www.thetrainline.com which allows you to book tickets for any mainland train operator in the UK.

Heathrow Express

BAA's Heathrow Express is a non-stop train service, offering a fast and convenient option between Heathrow Airport and Paddington station in central London. Services run every 10 minutes from 05.02 to 23.47 (from Heathrow). The luxury carriages have on-board TV and specially fitted electronics allowing the use of mobile phones throughout the journey, even in tunnels. There are two quiet zones without TV where passengers are not allowed to use mobile phones. To book online, visit www.thetrainline.com or see www.heathrowexpress.co.uk for information.

Gatwick Express

The 30-minute Gatwick Express is one of the easiest ways of getting to Gatwick Airport from central London. Trains run non-stop every 10 minutes from Victoria Station and with on-board ticket sales you don't even need to line up at the ticket window. Gatwick Express offers club or standard class tickets, a free porter, a special needs service and onboard refreshments. To book online, visit www.thetrainline.com or see www.gatwickexpress.co.uk for information.

Stansted Express

The Stansted Express leaves from London Liverpool Street station and takes around 45 minutes. Trains leave every 15 minutes until 23.59. Standard and First Class tickets are available and discounts apply when you fly with certain airlines. To book online, visit www.thetrainline.com or see www.stanstedexpress.co.uk for information.