How to Get to London From Heathrow

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 25, 2021 References

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is located about 20 miles (32 km) outside of central London, which can make it a challenge for travelers to get from airport to city. You can always choose to take a bus or taxi, both of which are comfy and convenient. If you want to skip London’s notorious traffic jams, opt for a ride on the tube or a train. Enjoy your journey, no matter what option you choose!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:
Taking the Underground

1
Use the Underground for the cheapest option. The London Underground is a cheap, convenient option that will take you into central London without getting impacted by traffic. You’ll pick up the Piccadilly line straight from the airport and arrive in Central London within 45-60 minutes.^{[1]
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- If you have a lot of luggage, however, you may want to consider using a different option. The tube gets very crowded during rush hours in the morning and evening. Heathrow is the first stop, so you’ll get a seat, but getting off at your stop might be a challenge.
2
Catch the tube at Terminal 4 or 5, or between Terminals 2 and 3. Heathrow has 3 Underground stations: one between Terminals 2 and 3, one at Terminal 4, and one at Terminal 5. The station at Terminal 2 and 3 is a short walk away from the terminals by a pedestrian subway, while the Terminal 4 and 5 stations are located right in the basements of the terminal buildings.^{[2]
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3
Buy a ticket at the station, or get an Oyster card. One fare to get to London is £6, traveling from Zone 6 to Zone 1. You can buy your tickets right at the station at the ticket machines at the station. If you’ll be using the Underground often during your stay, consider getting a refillable Oyster card at the station or ahead of time.^{[3]
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Tentative Train Schedules as of October 2018

Sunday:
Terminals 2 and 3: First train leaves at 3:17 am. Last train leaves at 11:28 pm.
Terminal 4: First train leaves at Sunday 5:47 am. Last train leaves at 11:15 pm.
Terminal 5: First train leaves at 3:14 am. Last train leaves at 11:25 pm.

Monday-Thursday:
Terminals 2 and 3: First train leaves at 5:12 am . Last train leaves at 11:45 pm.
Terminal 4: First train leaves at 5:02 am . Last train leaves at 11:35 pm.
Terminal 5: First train leaves at 5:23 am. Last train leaves at 11:42 pm.

Friday-Saturday:
Terminals 2 and 3: 24-hour service.
Terminal 4: no service.
Terminal 5: 24-hour service.
4
Get on a train to central London. Trains arrive every 10 minutes at each of the stations, but the times of service can vary based on the day and time. To verify the times and fares, you can call +44 (0)343 22 1234 or look on the Transport for London website at https://tfl.gov.uk/.^{[4]
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5
Make transfers as needed. The Piccadilly line can take you directly to many of London’s main hotel districts, but you still might need to transfer depending on where you’re staying. Use a map to determine your course beforehand and listen to the stops as they come up to make sure you get off on yours.
- If you’re carrying luggage, the best stations to transfer at are Hammersmith and Barons Court. Both of the train lines use the same platform, so you won’t have to navigate any stairs or major obstacles with your bags.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:
Going by Train

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Take the Heathrow Express for the fastest option to London. The Heathrow Express train is more expensive than the Underground, but it’ll get you into London in just 15-20 minutes, depending on what station you get on at. It takes you directly to Paddington station in London.^{[6]
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- The Heathrow Express is a great option if you have a lot of luggage or want a quicker, more comfortable transfer experience.
2
Catch a train at Terminals 2 and 3 or Terminal 5. The Heathrow Express only stops at the station between Terminals 2 and 3, and the station at Terminal 5. If you’re at another terminal, take the Heathrow Express Shuttle to the station at Terminal 2 and 3.^{[7]
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How often does the Heathrow Express come?

The train arrives at 15 minute intervals, and runs from 5:10 am to 11:25 pm every day of the week.
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Buy your tickets online, on the app, or at the station to save money. Buying your tickets before you get on the train is the most cost-effective option. It’ll also save you some stress once you’re on board. You can buy tickets at the station, at a ticket machine, on the app or online at online at https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/trains/heathrow-express.^{[8]
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Ticket prices (as of October 2018):

£25 during peak times (6:30am-9:30am or 4pm-7pm, Monday - Friday)

£22 during off-peak times

£5.50 for weekend tickets purchased in advance

Free for kids under 15 years old, accompanied by a paying adult.
4
Get your ticket on-board for convenience. If you don’t have time to get your ticket beforehand, onboard purchase is available for a slightly higher price. You can pay with cash only; debit and credit cards aren’t accepted.^{[9]
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- Tickets cost £30 during peak times and £27 during off-peak times.
5
Get off at Paddington station and transfer as needed to get to your destination. From Terminals 2 and 3, the Heathrow Express goes directly to Paddington Station in Central London. There, you can transfer to an Underground line or take a taxi to your final destination.^{[10]
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- The tube lines that stop at Paddington are Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, and Circle.
- If you board at Terminal 5, you’ll stop at the station at Terminal 2 and 3 before going on to Paddington.
6
Try the TfL Rail when it opens in autumn 2019. A new rail line opening in fall 2019 will link Terminals 2, 3, and 4 with stations in West London. The ride will take about 30 minutes and trains will leave at 30-minute intervals. You’ll be able to buy one-time fares or use Travelcards and Oyster cards to purchase your tickets.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:
Taking a Car

1
Transfer to London by car if you’re traveling at non-peak traffic times. Using a car to get to London can be convenient, especially if you have a lot of luggage. This option can be slow and frustrating, though, if you get caught in London’s rush hour. Try to use alternate means when possible, or when you’re traveling at non-peak hours.^{[12]
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- London’s high traffic times last from 7:30 am-10 am in the morning and 5pm-7pm in the evening. Sunday evenings can be busy as well.
2
Take a taxi if you’re traveling alone, or a private car or bus for larger groups. If you choose to go by car, you can take one of London’s famous black cabs, which you can board outside of any terminal. To save money, book a private car service, called a minicab, instead. The driver will meet you in the airport, instead of outside of it like a cab, and escort you directly to your reserved car.^{[13]
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- If you’re traveling in a group of more than 2 people, it’s more cost-effective to hire a car. If your group has 10 people or more, try hiring a private bus instead.
- Private cars are often cheaper because you need to book them in advance, while a taxi gives you more flexibility.
3
Rent a car if you’ll need it later on your trip. Heathrow provides several rental car options if that’s the best option for you. Call ahead to reserve your car, then head to the rental service at its reception desk. Each service has a desk in the arrivals section of every terminal.^{[14]
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- Rental options include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar.
4
Follow signs out of the airport and onto the M4 motorway. If you’re driving yourself, use road signs to make your way out of the airport. You’ll get on the M4, which will bring you straight into central London. Use a GPS or pick up a London map to make sure you don’t get lost!^{[15]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:
Getting to London by Bus

1
Take the National Express coach for a cheap, comfortable option. The National Express rivals the tube in its low price and is more comfortable and accommodating if you have a lot of luggage. It’s a full-size bus with air conditioning and bathrooms on board, and you won’t have to worry about being crowded as you would on the Underground.^{[16]
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- However, the National Express will have to deal with traffic if you’re traveling during peak hours. It also services other towns and cities before reaching Heathrow, meaning that it’s more likely to be off-schedule.
2
Book ahead of time online to guarantee a seat. Buying your ticket online from the National Express website reduces your stress on the platform and ensures that you get a seat on your bus. Online tickets range in cost depending on your departure time, but don’t go above £10.^{[17]
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- Visit https://www.nationalexpress.com/en to book your ticket. Enter Heathrow and your terminal for the departure information, and London Victoria Station for your arrival.
- Book a departure time that’s at least 90 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time.
3
Buy a ticket from the Heathrow Central Coach Station if you’re booking on the day of. If you’re buying tickets at the last minute, head to the Central Coach Station between Terminals 2 and 3. You’ll be able to buy National Express tickets there, although the price might be higher than it is online.^{[18]
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- You can the Heathrow Express train, free of charge, from Terminals 4 and 5 to the Central Coach Station.
4
Get on the bus at the Central Bus Station for the most frequent pick-ups. Although the National Express does service Terminals 4 and 5, its lines hit the Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3 more frequently. Busses will stop about every 15 minutes, making it the most convenient and time-saving option. The National Express also runs 24 hours a day on weekdays, and from about 4:00am-11pm on weekends.^{[19]
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- You can also wait for the bus a little longer at Terminal 4 or 5, or take the Heathrow Express train to the Central Coach Station for free.
5
Get off the bus at Victoria Station in London. The National Express takes you directly to Victoria Station with no stops. From there, you can walk to your hotel, take a cab, or use the tube.^{[20]
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- Your arrival time in London will depend on the traffic, so expect a slow journey if you’re going during peak hours in the morning or evening.
- You can transfer to the District Line or the Circle Line at Victoria Station.