Travel Information

Official Airline Network

The Star Alliance^TM Members Airlines are pleased to be appointed as the Official Airline Network for GASTRO 2009 in London.

To obtain the Star Alliance™ Conventions Plus discounts, please call the reservation office of a participating Star Alliance Member Airline and quote the following Convention Code OS03A03.

Registered participants plus one accompanying person travelling to the event are automatically granted a discount of up to 20%, depending on fare and class of travel booked.

The participating airlines for this event are: Air Canada, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, SWISS International Air Lines, TAP Portugal, United.

For booking office information please visit:
www.staralliance.com/conventionsplus

Discounts are offered on published business and economy class fares, excluding website/internet fares, senior and youth fares, group fares and Round the World fares.

Please note: For travel from Japan and New Zealand special fares or discounts are offered by the participating airlines on their own network.

When making your travel plans please present confirmation of your registration or proof of attendance.

Eurostar

Eurostar is delighted to announce a special rate exclusively for participants travelling to London to attend GASTRO 2009 - Nov 21-25, 2009.
Travel at 300 kph to London in 2h15 from Paris or 1h51 from Brussels for only  GBP 120.00 return per person in Standard Class and GBP 180.00 return per person in Leisure Select. To benefit from this special rate please call +44-1233-617519/582 and quote the following convention code PD1209 or alternatively, fax a completed booking form to +44-1233-617535.

Tickets are subject to availability.
Book now to avoid disappointment.

For more Eurostar information visit
www.eurostar.com

Airport & Arrival Information

View the official London website Visit London for detailed information on the city.

Have a look at the detailed Transportation Map of London.

Special Travel Information from London Airports and St. Pancras (rail) to ExCeL Centre

There are many options of travel from London’s 5 airports and St. Pancras (Eurostar rail) including overland train, tube, coach, black cab and chauffeur services.  For indepth information please visit www.visitlondon.com/travel/airport/ and select your arrival airport or station.  This will give you the options available including cost and duration to either your hotel or ExCeL London. 

Other useful travel web sites are:
www.excel-london.co.uk/visitors/travel
www.tfl.gov.uk - for updated travel info and the London journey planner

Taxi information
There are usually taxis queuing at London airports.  Find out how much a journey will be beforehand.  Only use a Black Cab or reputable mini-cab.  A Black Cab fare is metered so the cost will depend on time taken.

Coaches
National Express runs coach services from airports into Victoria Coach Station.

Please note that delegates will receive the London Oyster travel card on registration at London ExCeL. The Oyster card can be used on the tube, bus and DLR routes in London, but not on overland trains.
Please remember to always touch in and out of entry and exit stations to obtain the lowest fare. 

Below is a summary of travel options from airports to Central London and ExCeL London.
Please also find here some useful information on travel discounts especially set up for GASTRO 2009 delegates. Please note that some services require a booking in advance so please select your preferred transportation in time.

Public Transport Routes to ExCeL
Travelzone UK
Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur Services
Booking Heathrow and Gatwick Express Trains

Airports

Heathrow Airport lies 15 miles (24 km) to the West of London and transfer times to and from Central London vary depending on the time of day. Guests should allow 60 minutes for a one-way transfer either by car or by motor coach. A taxi from Heathrow Airport to Central London costs between £ 40.00 and £ 60.00.
Alternatively Heathrow Airport can easily be reached by underground: To get to the congress venue you take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park. Change to the Jubilee Line (eastbound) and at Canning Town change onto the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Custom House for ExCeL.
To get to the centre of London, you can also choose the Heathrow Express (15 minutes from Heathrow into Paddington Station/ approx. £ 14.50).

Gatwick Airport lies 28 miles (45 km) to the South of London and transfer times to and from Central London vary depending on the time of day. Guests should allow 90 minutes for a one-way transfer either by car or by motor coach. A taxi from Gatwick Airport to Central London costs between £ 78.00 and £ 98.00.
The Gatwick Express from Gatwick Airport goes direcly to Victoria Station in central London (30-35 minutes from Gatwick into Victoria Station/ approx £ 14.90). At Victoria Station you change onto District/Circle Line (eastbound). At Westminster change onto the Jubilee Line (eastbound) to Canning Town. From here, change for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Custom House for ExCeL Station.

London City Airport is only five munites away from the conference venue by car or by taxi. A new Docklands Light Railway extension now links London City Airport and ExCeL London, via Canning Town. Alternatively there are frequent shuttle buses from Canary Wharf and Canning Town directly to and from the airport. A taxi from London City Airport to Central London costs about £ 20.00.

Stansted Airport lies 40 miles (64 km) to the north-east of London. Guests should allow 90 minutes for a one-way transfer either by car or by motor coach. A taxi from Stansted Airport to Central London costs between £ 70.00 and £ 80.00.
Alternatively you can take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street and change onto the Central Line (eastbound). At Stratford change onto the Jubilee Line (westbound) to Canning Town. From here, change for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Custom House for ExCeL Station.

Luton Airport lies 32 miles (51km) north-west of London. Guests should allow 60 to 90 minutes for a one-way transfer either by car or by motor coach. A taxi from Luton Airport to Central London costs between £ 70.00 and £ 80.00.

Luton Airport (continuation) You can also take the free Luton Airport shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station to catch a train to Kings Cross St.Pancras (around 35 minutes). At King's Cross change onto the northern line (southbound) to Bank. From here, change for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Custom House for ExCeL Station.