Kings Cross to Paddington connection

[StrollerEd]

My turn to ask advice of the knowledgable ...

Travelling with wife and luggage on 'a special trip' I want to avoid any hassle/stress as might be perceived by other half.

So what is the best way to link from arrival into Kings Cross to platform departure from Paddington to Bath on a Saturday lunchtime?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Black cab if you've got a lot with you. If you are after LUL, Kings Cross St Pancras LUL station is massive, the largest in size I think. Circle or Hammersmith & City line westbound, five stops, they were both closed a couple of weeks back though, in which case, alight at Baker Street and onto the Bakerloo line though, put that was busy and would be hell with a lot of belongings.

 

[Masbroughlad]

Dead easy by tube. Regularly do it laden with bags!

 

[jopsuk]

Dead easy, but only if there's a Circle/H&S service running that weekend- check the advance closure notices, there's a lot of work on the Circle at weekends at the moment on various sections. if it is this weekend, you're OK- on Saturday the Circle line is operating as a, um, Circle, so westbound trains from kings Cross will go direct to the "District" platforms at paddington.
Saturday 9th is fine
Saturday 16th I think you might be OK
Saturday 23rd the whole circle is closed, with no H&C or Met line on the Northern half

 

[philjo]

If the circle/hammersmith & city lines are not running, the 205 bus is a good alternative (best to have Oyster cards for this as the rail tickets are not valid on the bus). though it can take about 40-45 minutes in heavy traffic (or if a lot of passengers are using it due to the lack of circle line) so allow plenty of time.

 

[StrollerEd]

I recall that the H&C line into Paddington has its exit onto platforms for trains that go to Bath - its that correct, and how predictable are the platform numbers for the Bath trains?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

If the circle/hammersmith & city lines are not running, the 205 bus is a good alternative (best to have Oyster cards for this as the rail tickets are not valid on the bus). though it can take about 40-45 minutes in heavy traffic (or if a lot of passengers are using it due to the lack of circle line) so allow plenty of time.

40-45 mins on a bus to get a connection would be regarded as having generated stress ...

 

[philjo]

As you say it is a special trip it is probably best/quickest to get a taxi.
Last time I got a taxi Kings Cross to Paddington (weekday morning rush hour traffic) it was something like £10 of £11.

I often find the 205 bus better than the tube if with luggage as I don't then have to negotiate carrying a heavy case up/down the narrow stairs at Paddington from the circle/hammersmith or district line platforms (kings cross has got lifts to the circle line platforms if you know where they are!)

 

[paulravuslante]

I recall that the H&C line into Paddington has its exit onto platforms for trains that go to Bath - its that correct, and how predictable are the platform numbers for the Bath trains?

Yes, H&C line trains arrive on platform 15 in Paddington. You'll then need to walk up the footbridge (no lift available) and cross to the mainline platforms (typically 1 to 5) for trains to Bath. You can hang about on the footbridge until the platform is announced for the Bath train. If you're wanting a sit down then you'll need to walk down the main platforms to the main concourse (or shell out for the First Class lounge)! You can view the route on Stations made easy - click here.

 

[Statto]

I recall that the H&C line into Paddington has its exit onto platforms for trains that go to Bath - its that correct, and how predictable are the platform numbers for the Bath trains?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


40-45 mins on a bus to get a connection would be regarded as having generated stress ...

Maybe, but the 205 is best alternative when you've got heavy Luggage if the H&C & Circle Lines are closed.
If i was traveling Kings Cross to Paddington without heavy Luggage & the H&C & Circle lines were closed, i'd catch the Victoria Line to Oxford Circus & change to the Bakerloo Line to Paddington.

 

[RailwayDan]

If you book in advance, you can get a good deal on a licensed mini-cab, which are very often cheaper than the black taxis. Plus, you get more space (i.e the boot) to get your luggage in. You will also not have to wait in the taxi rank at Kings Cross which from experience can be quite a drawn out affair.

 

[StrollerEd]

If you book in advance, you can get a good deal on a licensed mini-cab, which are very often cheaper than the black taxis. Plus, you get more space (i.e the boot) to get your luggage in. You will also not have to wait in the taxi rank at Kings Cross which from experience can be quite a drawn out affair.

good plan. have you done this before? where do they like to pick up, and do you have numbers for any relaibles? PM me with those I guess.

 

[transportphoto]

Mini-Cab wise this, http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/findaride/default.aspx , may help you.

HTH
TP

 

[StrollerEd]

Mini-Cab wise this, http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/findaride/default.aspx , may help you.

HTH
TP

what borough / locality?

 

[transportphoto]

Erm, Haven't got a clue. Google says City of London but that doesn't sound right.

 

[RailwayDan]

That link suggested is a good resource. King's Cross is in the borough of Islington but it pretty close to Camden as well so either of those will do. It may be worth ringing 2 or 3 operators to get a feel for price. Some can be a bit short with you when you're just 'ringing for a quote' but if you're prepared to haggle you can get a good deal. You will probably get a price of about £7-9, rising to £10 with tip. If you get quoted a ridiculous sum just simply go elsewhere, there are plenty of firms that will want the business.

 

[StrollerEd]

thanks

 

[Mojo]

what borough / locality?

Paddington is in the City of Westminster and Kings Cross is in Camden.

 

[Cletus]

I remember reading somewhere that it’s quicker to go from Kings Cross to Paddington on the Underground by using the Victoria Line, changing at Oxford Circus onto the Bakerloo Line and up to Paddington.

Is that true?

 

[StrollerEd]

lol

just been offered a fare of £25!

 

[W-on-Sea]

Welcome to London ;-(

 

[LE Greys]

I remember reading somewhere that it’s quicker to go from Kings Cross to Paddington on the Underground by using the Victoria Line, changing at Oxford Circus onto the Bakerloo Line and up to Paddington.

Is that true?

No, Oxford Circus is a bit of a rabbit warren, and changing there means walking along miles of passages and up and down stairs.

Also at PAD, if you happen to find yourself on the anti-clockwise platform at Bishop's Road, you have a choice of two horribly narrow staircases up which to haul your luggage. One leads to the ticket hall, the other to an open footbridge and another horribly narrow staircase going downwards. The Hamm & City platforms give you a wider staircase to climb.