Saving money when you land in London

Getting from London's major airports to the heart of the city doesn't have to be expensive -- just don't hop into one of those iconic black cabs.

A cab ride from Gatwick to central London costs about 95 GBP. Heathrow is a little more reasonable at about 55 GBP, but hit the rails from either airport and you'll save yourself some cash.

Travel to/from Gatwick

The cheapest route to London from Gatwick is via the First Capital Connect or First Great Western rail lines. The trains will take you from the airport to the Victoria or London Bridge train stations for less than 10 GBP each way. Expect the ride to take between 30 and 45 minutes.

Southern Railway offers service from Gatwick to London's Victoria station for just over 11 GBP during off-peak hours and 12.50 GBP at other times of the day. Gatwick Express is a convenient, but slightly more expensive option at just under 18 GBP. Discount fairs of just under 16 GBP are available online. If your flight comes in after 9:35 a.m., you can snag a round trip ticket for 20 GBP.

Travel to/from Heathrow

The cheapest way to central London from Heathrow is the Piccadilly Line of the Underground. The "tube" will get you into town for about 5 GBP, but lugging your bags up and down the stairs may make you wish you weren't so thrifty.

For a decidedly more comfortable ride into town hop on either the Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect. The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and gets you into central London's Paddington station in 15 minutes. Of course, you'll pay for the convenience - 18 GBP at the airport or 16.50 GBP if you buy in advance online. Wait until you're on the train, and it'll cost you 23 GBP.

The Heathrow Connect runs a little less frequently and takes about a half hour, but a tickets are just 8.50 GBP each way.

Which brings me to..... Where in the world is Meena??



London!