Parking at Heathrow (T3)… suggestions..

Admittedly just one of me but with a bike box - I got the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow last time I flew from there and it was remarkably hassle free if that might be a option for you?

Park somewhere along that line, train in?

All the Heathrow stops have luggage trolleys available, they're all step-free although depending on which terminal, some are a 10-minute walk from the station to the terminal.

I used 'Terminals' parking last year (I'm sure a discount code was applied too) as taking a taxi big enough for a bike bag was extortionate, even from Twickenham!  The whole experience was 'fine' (they arrived on time, took my car and returned it undamaged without a big mileage increase), though if official parking is not much more, then peace of mind and all that (ie you won't be worried about your car left at the side of the road somewhere in a 10 mile radius of the airport).

Purple parking seem reasonable at £100 meet and greet, or £71 to park and get their bus (15-25 min away)…

I’m sure i’ve used them before at Gatwick…

Life was less stressful when I had a shitty Octavia!!!!

DrP

Purple are a big operation, you ‘should’ be ok with them.  I’d definitely pay for meet and greet rather than faff with the bus.

Purple parking is Holiday extras. They are just a booking service, though good, I use them a lot. Maple Manor are ok, I’ve used them a few times recently, MBW are good, but have put up prices recently. If you are staying over the night before you can get very good hotel and parking deals via Purple Parking/Holiday extras.

LHR Long Stay (about £120/week) and catch the bus into T3. The official route into T2/3 from these car parks is via a bus anyway, so there won't be an issue with two bike boxes. The cycle tunnel has been a loooooong time being refurbished. I doubt we'll ever be allowed to cycle to the terminals again!

Purple used to place all their cars in Hayes by the gas storage container. Was an easy spot from anywhere - including landing. I have no idea if they still do. Maple Parking park and ride is the old Saints HGV distribution site on Bath Road. I don't think you'd have an issue with two bikes. One company uses a field near us behind the reservoir inlet at Datchet. Others use Colnbrook High Street - I'd avoid the smaller players 😉

I’ve previously not been allowed on airport parking buses with a large bike bag. East Mids and Brum. Last time I had to drop off partner with luggage and then park and ride the bus.

I would do as above, drop stuff off then park & get buss luggage free. Also means you keep your keys.

I’ve only done meet and greet once at Newcastle and it turned out fine, but just don’t trust the idea of it and too many bad headlines and always thinking “what if”.

Can always do same in reverse on return.

Official M&G you’ll soon forget the cost and remember you enjoyed the start of your holiday.

All official Heathrow parking is onsite.  Meet and greet stores you car at one of the business or long stay cars parks on he airport grounds.  All the roads around Heathrow have speed cameras and are 30mph max. No one will be ragging your car from official meet and greet to the car park.

if you’re that bothered - just pony up the extra and park it in Short Stay T3.

Having seen on many occasions the way Maple Manor employees drive their customers’ cars I wouldn’t entrust anything to their care, let alone a Polestar.

Cheers all...think I'll swallow it and get official Heathrow meet and greet...

Concern over bike bags on busses... Raceboi wannabees (aka me, but it's my car...) razzing around, and such... I'll just pay for peace of mind!

DrP

Might be cheaper to get a Travelodge with parking on site (it sometimes is), but under a tenner a day at Heathrow is pretty good, I think I paid 30 a day for pod parking last time

But how much more is getting a taxi there/back, especially if you care about your (very expensive) car?

Plus having a taxi back means you can continue your holiday right until the last minute 🙂

Also, include the cost of driving to/from LHR and the (possible) worry that you've no battery left when you return.

Also, include the cost of driving to/from LHR and the (possible) worry that you’ve no battery left when you return.

Prob about £1.20 in electricity...

No issue with range anxiety...

And a taxi there and back from Dorking (where we're heading off from) is about £190 return...

I'm happy driving as can head off ASAP...

DrP

Park at the official Business parking if you don't want someone driving your car, its right next to the tunnel entrance. IME the buses are frequent and not that busy and it's really close. Purple parking is a long way out and also adds a fair bit of travel time. I'd just pay the meet and greet cost with a lot of luggage. Its small change compared to the cost of a holiday.

Can you get 2 bike boxes in the back of a polestar? I know it's a hatch but boxes are surprisingly wide if you measure them up- is the boot deep enough at the end?

****, £190 return for 30 miles each way? I'll drive down and pick you up for that!

That's rip off prices, we had a cab from the East Midlands to T3 last autumn for £400 return (cheaper than 3 weeks parking + costs)

I'd be asking around your family/friends to just drop you off/pick you up, either using their motor or yours.

Cheers all.. all sorted now..

I did have an offer (thanks @pictonroad) but as per DrP fashion, I do like to complicate things... in the sense of my movements will be:

1 - leaving Hove and dropping child at my parents

b - heading up to Dorking from there.

4 - staying in Dorking. Leaving crack 'o' dawn for airport...

Thus, having my car seems best bet now!

Can you get 2 bike boxes in the back of a polestar?

DrP

£190 return from Dorking - how they getting to LHR, via Dartford?

My regular route from Aylesbury to LHR and return, use to be £100 or about the same price as parking (for 3 days) plus mileage-PPM-charge.

I know right..I asked two companies. Both taking the wee wee...

DrP