Richard92024

Hi,
I'm trying to visit family in England (elderly parent crisis, so it would be considered 'essential travel').

It looks like some flights are going to the UK from the US (I'm near San Diego, so LAX is nearby), but then I need to get from Heathrow (or Gatwick) to my home town of Northampton.

National Express coaches aren't running until July 1st, and car rental places seem very erratic (they're not open in Northampton).
Any suggestions?
Thanks

Noorah101

Have someone come pick you up? Looking at Google, it only seems to be a 1.5 hour drive.

Rene

Student2020

If driving is not an option, take the Piccadilly line to King's Cross St Pancras (the tube is running at the moment), walk over to Euston (5-10 minute walk), then take a train to Northampton.

christmasoompa

Could you hire a car maybe? You’re not supposed to get public transport during the 14 day quarantine period unless you have no other option.

spouse of scouse

Sorry to hear that there's a crisis with your parents. It's not a cheap option (although convenient and stress free), but you could take a taxi - this provider quotes £75 - £80 Heathrow to Northampton. https://www.skylinetaxis.co.uk/north.../airport-taxi/ This was just one that popped up when I Googled, if you have a look you may find something better. I like how these private taxi services wait for you in arrivals with your name on a board, it saves a lot of hassle.

I hope everything works out ok for you and your parents.

Pulaski

Lowest risk for all concerned, is surely renting a car, and unless you're going to be in Northampton for months then you/re going to need a car to get about and then to return to LHR, aren't you? So I don't think that/ if the car rental offices aren't open in Northampton, should be a concern.

Former Lancastrian

Both Heathrow and Gatwick car rentals are open specifically Enterprise and Hertz.

lizzyq

Trains are running as far as I am aware, and when my son travelled in early May from Swansea to Heathrow he said they were very quiet, in fact empty.

Nutmegger

My nephew traveled round trip London/Yorkshire/London via train in the last week. Also said it was very quiet.

scrubbedexpat099

Rent a car would seem easiest.

Richard92024

Many thanks for all the great replies!
I'm looking into the options.

Lion in Winter

Don't forget you now need a face mask to travel on public transport in England.

I can speak for taxis being a good option in a crunch, as long as they are currently allowed. They are more expensive, but completely remove all the hassle and make things faster and easier which can be a good thing if you are already dealing with family stresses.

I'm guessing, but don't know, that you will have to stay at least 14 days due to the quarantine.

Pulaski

Faster and easier than what? Certainly not faster and easier than renting a car. And then there is the matter of the extended period of time you will spend not socially distanced from the driver. The only thing which a taxi makes quicker and easier will be drop-off on returning to the airport.

Lion in Winter

It wasn't meant to be an argument, just my opinion. For me it's faster and easier because the driver picks you up as you walk out of customs and you go to their car which is parked close in. No finding the rental office or the place where the cars are parked, no paperwork, and best of all no sleep-deprived jetlagged driving on the other side of the road. Social distancing is a whole other question.

Richard92024

Thank you for your message.
That taxi service looks pretty good, I'll definitely check it out!
Cheers!