![[yapcEurope logo - link to index page]](graphics/yapc-europe_small.png)
General note for those travelling in the South of London, Vauxhall train station is currently closed, And Waterloo severely limited, and causing major disruption (due to the explosions at MI6). Things are meant to be getting back to normal today, and hopefully a full normal service to Waterloo will be in place by tommorrow.
Also there are many security alerts on the London Underground, causing closure of several stations.
For up to date information, ring London Transport on 0207 222 1234.
If people have any problems that I might be able to help on, ring me on 07976 723949.
DISRUPTION TO EUROSTAR SERVICES – THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
UPDATED ADVICE TO CUSTOMERS
21/09/00 12.48 pm
The police have now lifted the cordon placed during their investigation into an explosion at a government building last night. This means that Eurostar services to and from Waterloo are now resuming following their suspension to and from Waterloo International this morning, due to rail access being affected by the cordon.
While the cordon was in place this morning, Eurostar services departed from and arrived at Ashford International, Eurostar’s terminal in Kent, with passengers connecting by domestic services to and from Waterloo East
The first outbound train will be the scheduled 11.53 departure to Paris and the first inbound train which will run through to Waterloo will be the scheduled 12.09 arrival from Paris. Thereafter all trains are expected to run, though there will inevitably be some delays. Intending passengers are advised to check in at normal check in times.
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21/09/00 11.04 am
Due to a security incident at MI6 Headquarters in London, access to Waterloo Terminal is currently restricted. Consequently there are currently no Eurostar Services departing or arriving at Waterloo International.
Eurostar is expecting service to resume from Waterloo by 12.00 noon today, Thursday 21st September
However these services will be subject to delay.
Services will be operating from Ashford International, passengers may travel from Waterloo East via Connex South Eastern to Ashford. Eurostar tickets are valid on this service.
For cancelled services today all tickets may be exchanged to travel at a later date.
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Eurostar phone numbers:
Travel within Britain
Railtrack has timetables and journey planners.
Travel from Europe
Eurostar services via the Channel Tunnel arrive at Waterloo Train Station in Zone 1.
Eurolines - Europe-wide coach travel
National Express - travel by coach within Britain
Cheap European airlines
Buzz
Go
Ryanair
Easyjet
Virgin Express
Getting from Heathrow to central London
Train
The Heathrow Express is the quickest way of getting into central London. It runs from two stations at Heathrow (for Terminals 1,2 & 3, and Terminal 4) to Paddington station. It takes 15 minutes, and runs (up to) every 15 minutes from 0502 until 2347. It costs £14 single per person.
You can buy tickets on-line up to 5 days before travel. Booking on the web saves £3. You can also buy tickets at the stations or on the train. Travelcards are not valid on the Heathrow Express.
Underground
London's wonderful Tube system is the cheapest method of getting into London. Heathrow is on the Picadilly Line. Average journey time into central London is 50-60 minutes. Heathrow is in Zone 6: a single to Zone 1 (central London) costs £3.50. After 0930, a one-day Zone 1-6 Travelcard can be purchased for £4.70. This allows unlimited travel on all tubes, buses and trains within Greater London. Heathrow is in Zone 6 of the travelcard zones.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from all terminals. A taxi from Heathrow to central London typically costs £40. This may be higher in rush hour, and journey times are on average an hour.
Bus
Airbus run four buses an hour to central London from outside all Heathrow terminals. The services run from 05:15 to 22:15.
A2 runs to Kings Cross via Holland Park, Nottinghill, Queensway, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Baker Street, Great Portland Street, Euston and Russell Square from outside all Heathrow terminals.
Adults single £7, return £12. Children aged 5 to 15 years and students under 26 - single £3, return £5. Up to four children under 16 travel free with each fare paying adult
Tickets can be purchased from the Airbus lounges in Terminals 1, 3 and 4, or on the bus.
For more information telephone +44 (0)20 8400 6655.
Hotelink offers a door to door service between Heathrow to your London hotel. There are Hotelink reception desks in the arrivals areas of Terminals 3 and 4 with representatives to meet passengers, escort them to minibuses and assist with luggage. If you are arriving at either Terminal 1 or 2, please make your way to the information desk located in each arrival hall. The service runs from 06.00-22.00 hours and only calls at hotels required by passengers. Ticket prices single £14 and return £25.
Telephone +44 (0)1293 532244.
Train
Gatwick Express takes 30 minutes to reach Victoria, whilst the city is less than 40 minutes away on Thameslink.
Gatwick Express Information: 0870 5301530
National Rail Enquiries: 0845 7484950
Thameslink Information: 020 7620 6333
Bus
All coach services stop at London Gatwick's coach station on the ground floor of South terminal. Principle services also call at North terminal. Passengers arriving at South terminal but requiring North should take the transit. Coach and Bus Information Speedlink Airport Services Ltd operates the coach and bus information desks in both terminals and in the Coach Station.
Bus and Coach Traveline: (available 0800 to 2000 hours daily) +44 (0)870 574 7777
The Flightline 777 service runs to Victoria Coach Station.
Most of London is covered by public transport, ticketed in zones. Most of central London is in Zone 1.
Transport for London (London's new transport authority) include pages about visiting London. This contains information about visitor Travelcards. They also have a page of maps.
London Transport / LUL. Daily, weekend and weekly travelcards are available: Travelcard FAQ. More information.
London Transport / London Buses
Various train companies operate within London. See Railtrack for more information.
Black cabs operate around London. These are metered and licensed. Do not use minicab firms unless you are sure of their safety and reliability.
In most cases in the centre of town, it is quicker to walk a few Tube or bus stops than using public transport.
YAPC::Europe is being held at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, situtated on the Mall, near Trafalgar Square.
It's worth printing out a street map.
Nearest Underground: Charing Cross, on the Northern and Bakerloo lines. If you exit into the Strand, turn left and head towards Trafalgar Square. If you exit in Trafalgar Square, you will see Admiralty Arch to the South West of the Square. The road underneath is the Mall.
If you are arriving on the Circle and District lines, get off
at Embankment and walk North (away from the Thames) to get to the Strand (and
Charing Cross station), turn left towards Trafalgar Square, head for Admiralty
Arch, and you are on the Mall. The ICA is on the right.
If you are arriving on the Piccadilly Line, get off at Piccadilly Circus, take the exit labelled Lower Regent Street. Head down the hill away from Piccadilly Circus. You should be able to see the Duke of York's Column at the top of the steps down to the Mall. At the bottom of the steps, the ICA is immediately to your left.
Buses: many London buses go to Trafalgar Square, this is a 5 minute walk from the ICA (see above).
Version 1.01
Last updated: 20000818
Updated by Chris Heathcote