Datapoints is what we like.
So this morning I had a LHR to LCY connection, and then this afternoon I had a LCY to LHR connection (the reasons will become clear in another thread). Since I had the time, I decided to do one way on the tube throughout, the other direction using HEX.
LHR to LCY - tube throughout - Piccadilly line to Green Park, Jubilee line to Canning Town, DLR to LCY. Platform to platform time:
1 hour 33 minutes, £4.80 peak using Oyster, £2.90 offpeak with Oyster, or £5.30 cash. Let's say £5.
LCY to LHR - Heathrow Express used - DLR to Canning Town, Jubilee line to Baker Street, Bakerloo line to Paddington, Heathrow Express to T5. Platform to platform time:
1 hour 15 minutes, £18 for HEX (10 to 15% discounts generally available) plus £3.10 peak Oyster or £2.60 offpeak Oyster, or £4.30 cash. So let's say £19 in all.
Now the tube speed could probably be improved a bit - it was a hot rush hour, whereas the Hex journey was quite quiet. But I got seats throughout on both legs. I was surprised how little the difference was.
Data:
LHR to LCY - Tube only
T5 Airside Gate 1 arrive 08:05
T5 Tube platform 08:10 - START CLOCK
T5 Tube depart 08:17 - Piccadilly line
Green Park arrive 09:13 - used walkway, not exit and down
Green Park depart 09:17 - Jubilee line
Canning Town arrive 09:35
Canning Town depart 09:38 - DLR
City Airport platform 09:43 - STOP CLOCK
City Airport airside 09:49
LCY to LHR T5 - using Heathrow Express
LCY Airside Gate 24 arrive 15:12
LCY DLR platform arrive 15:16 - START CLOCK
LCY DLR departs 15:26 - DLR
Canning Town arrive 15:32
Canning Town depart 15:33 - Jubilee
Baker Street arrive 16:01
Baker Street depart 16:02 - Bakerloo
Paddington arrive 16:06
Paddington depart 16:10 - HEX
Heathrow T5 arrive 16:31 - STOP CLOCK
Heathrow T5 airside 16:37 - North Security
Heathrow T5 Flounge 16:41 - phew!