Getting to the airport for less

According to Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK's leading flight search and comparison website, there are more viable alternatives than a speeding train, when it comes to getting to the airport.

Its tips page on Money Saving Ways of Getting to the Airport reviews public transport, shuttle buses, taxis and parking costs, to give consumers all the information they need to save money on their journey, making room for extra spend on holiday.

"Planning ahead is the key to cost effective transport. Factor in time of day and departure point, as prices for different modes of transport will vary, according to when you travel and where you're travelling from," says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk.

"Also, remember that the most obvious route may not always be the cheapest, and while the idea of sitting on the tube or the coach may seem unpleasant, the option of a £2-4 tube journey over a £16.50 one-way trip on the Heathrow Express could mean that extra bit of cash to splash on drinks or a family snack," adds Hallak.

Cheapflights.co.uk's guide outlines transport options to all major London airports, helping travellers decide the most appropriate choice for themselves. Whether price is the key decision factor, or time and convenience play a role in deciding mode of transport, getting from home to the airport has never been clearer.

Buses (All prices are for one-way journeys with the exception of those quoted as return)

National Express coach services offer transfers to all major London airports, with tickets from Central London to Heathrow or Gatwick ranging from £5 to £7.30 depending on departure point. For Stansted and Luton, you'll pay between £10 and £15, while public buses (numbers 473 and 474) offer airport transfers to City Airport, for £1 to £2 from central London.

easyBus is a popular option, with shuttle services to Gatwick, Stansted and Luton from London locations including Fulham, Victoria and Baker Street, costing anywhere from £2 to £12.

For travellers heading to a stag or hen getaway, or taking a long haul trip to the US for the Superbowl, consider hiring transport for your whole group. Those travelling to Heathrow can book private buses via National Express from £90 return for four adults, with each additional passenger at £22.50. Routes start from regional cities including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Warwick and Wolverhampton.

Spend on parking or pocket the cash?

Travellers considering taking their car should perhaps think again - of all options, this could prove the most costly. Ignoring the cost of fuel, which in itself can hit the pocket hard, the cost of parking can run sky high depending on length of stay, departure dates and choice of parking lot. A three day trip can cost up to £136 for parking, leaving a sizeable dent in your credit card before you've even cleared airport security.

Mind the gap (All prices are for one-way journeys with the exception of those quoted as return)

For certain airports, tube and train options are the most cost effective. To Heathrow, costs run anywhere from £2.20 to £4 depending on departure location, with prices to Gatwick ranging from £3 to £12. The Heathrow and Gatwick Express trains cost £16.50 and £16.10 respectively - great for those who want extra space and comfort on their journey, but the National Rail options (Heathrow Connect and Southern Railways to Gatwick) provide a happy medium between the cost and travel times of tubes and the Express trains.

The Stansted Express, at £20 from Liverpool Street, is the most expensive option, while Luton and City don't offer express options. City airport is easily accessible from the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) for between £1.60 and £4, while First Capital Connect trains cost £12.50 from King's Cross and St. Pancras.

For more information on money saving ways of getting to the airport, visit: cheapflights.co.uk