How do I get to the start of London Edinburgh London? (part 1)

In case you are not already aware, I have bad news for you. London Edinburgh London doesn't actually start or finish in London. Nor does the route take you to Edinburgh. Instead the event starts (for most people) from the beautiful village of Writtle, just outside the city of Chelmsford and 35 miles from the centre of London. Even if you are starting at Guildhall in the very centre of London, you will need to come to registration at Writtle Colllege the day before. So here is a quick guide to getting to Writtle College from some of London's major transport hubs.

Heathrow Airport

This is a straightforward journey thanks to the new Elizabeth Line train service from Heathrow. This will take you right across London and close to Writtle. Here's how to make the trip:

  • Take the Elizabeth Line to Shenfield. It's easier and probably faster to wait for a service that goes all the way to Shenfield.
  • At Shenfield, change to a service to Chelmsford. You can buy a ticket at Heathrow Airport station for the entire journey.
  • In Chelmsford, take a taxi to Writtle College.

St Pancras International 

The destination for international train services, this is actually a little more difficult than travelling from Heathow. From St Pancras, you need to take an underground (metro) service across London for a connecting service:

  • From St Pancras, take the Hammersmith, Metropolitan or Circle underground line to Liverpool Street Station.
  • At Liverpool Street Station, take a train service to Chelmsford.
  • In Chelmsford, take a taxi to Writtle.

Stansted Airport

The closest airport to Writtle College. From here the easiest way to get to Chelmsford is by bus. The X10 and X30 Airlink services cost just £3 and operates every hour from the airport. The journey to Chelmsford bus station takes 40 minutes. From here there are bus services to Writtle College, but if you have luggage it is easier to take a taxi from Chelmsford train station, which is 50m from the bus station.

Chelmsford town centre

Writtle College is about five kilometres from Chelmsford town centre. It's a nice trip too - traffic free through Chelmsford Park and the fields around Writtle. We will signpost a route from the train station to the college if you want to walk or cycle. 

There is an infrequent bus service from Chelmsford bus station to the college, but it is probably easier to take a taxi. There is a taxi rank outside Chelmsford station, and Uber and Addison Lee both operate in the area.

Want a taxi service?

If you travelling in a small group, or you prefer the convenience of a minibus taxi service, we recommend Miss Bus. In 2022 Miss Bus transported dozens of LEL riders to the start and back to airports after the event. They are looking forward to serving you again in 2025. 

And once you get here?

Part 2 of our guide tells you everything you need to know about registration, including parking and the start itself.