Getting to Heathrow Airport

Heathrow is one of the world’s best-connected airports, with options for every budget and travel style. Here’s your complete guide to reaching Heathrow:

By Train

1. Heathrow Express

  • Fastest option: 15 minutes from London Paddington to Heathrow.

  • Stops: Terminals 2 & 3 → Terminal 5 (Terminal 4 via free transfer shuttle).

  • Cost:

    • Standard Single: £25 (book online in advance for £5.50–£12).

    • Business First: £37 (includes lounge access).

  • Frequency: Every 15 minutes.

2. Elizabeth Line

  • Connects: Central London, East London, and beyond.

  • Travel time:

    • 30 mins to Paddington.

    • 45 mins to Liverpool Street.

  • Stops: All Heathrow terminals (T2/3, T4, T5).

  • Cost: £12.80–£15.50 (peak), £10.30 (off-peak).

3. TfL Rail (Overground)

  • Route: London Paddington to Heathrow (Terminals 2/3 and 5).

  • Travel time: 25–30 mins.

  • Cost: £10.80 (same as Elizabeth Line off-peak).

By London Underground (Tube)

  • Piccadilly Line: Direct service to all Heathrow terminals.

    • Travel time: 45–60 mins from Central London (e.g., Leicester Square).

    • Cost: £5.60 (Oyster/contactless off-peak).

    • Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes.

  • Pro tip: Use Oyster/contactless for the cheapest fare.

By Bus & Coach

1. National Express

  • Routes: Connects Heathrow to 500+ UK destinations (e.g., Bristol, Birmingham, Gatwick).

  • Travel time: 1–1.5 hrs to Central London (Victoria Station).

  • Cost: From £6 (book online in advance).

2. Local Buses

  • TfL Buses: Routes 105, 111, 285, 423, and 490 connect to nearby towns (e.g., Slough, Hounslow).

  • Night Buses: N9 (Night Tube replacement to Central London).

  • Cost: £1.75 (Oyster/contactless).

3. Heathrow Airport Shuttle Buses

  • Hotel Hoppa: Connects terminals to 30+ hotels (£6.50 per person).

  • Car Park Shuttles: Free transfers to Long Stay/Mid Stay parking.

By Taxi & Rideshare

1. Black Cabs

  • Cost: £50–£90 to Central London (45–60 mins, traffic-dependent).

  • Pick-up: Follow signs at arrivals.

2. Uber/Bolt

  • Pick-up: Designated zones (follow app instructions).

  • Cost: £35–£65 to Central London.

3. Pre-Booked Minicabs

  • Providers: Addison Lee, Green Tomato Cars.

  • Cost: £40–£70 (fixed fare).

By Car

1. Driving Directions

  • From London: M4 westbound (Junction 4/4b for Terminals 2/3; Junction 14 for T5).

  • From M25: Exit at Junction 14 (Terminals 4/5) or 15 (Terminals 2/3).

2. Parking Options

TypeCost/DayWalking Time
Short Stay£30–£602–5 mins
Long Stay£25–£4010–15 mins (free shuttle)
Meet & Greet£70–£120Valet service
Pod Parking£20–£30Electric vehicle charging included

  • Pro tip: Pre-book parking online for discounts up to 70%.

By Bicycle

  • Cycle Routes: National Cycle Route 4 connects to Central London (2–3 hours).

  • Bike Racks: Free facilities at all terminals.

  • Safety Note: Not recommended for casual travelers due to busy roads.

Inter-Terminal Transfers

  • Free Transit:

    • Heathrow Express: Between Terminals 2/3, 4, and 5.

    • Shuttle Buses: Every 10–15 mins (Terminal 4 ↔ Terminals 2/3/5).

  • Walking: Terminals 2 and 3 are connected via pedestrian walkways (5 mins).

Key Tips

  1. Save Money: Use Oyster/contactless for trains and buses.

  2. Avoid Delays: Allow 3 hours for international flights (2 hours for domestic).

  3. Check Live Updates: Use Heathrow’s official travel planner.

Need Help?

  • Heathrow Travel Support: +44 (0)344 335 1801.

  • Lost Property: +44 (0)20 8745 7725.

Heathrow’s transport links make reaching the airport stress-free. Safe travels! ✈️