Heathrow Airport, located 14 miles west of Central London, boasts three train stations that can be found in Terminal 2-3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5 respectively. The Heathrow Terminal stations offer approximately 282 regular train services from Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line to London Paddington per day.
Duration time for trains from Terminal 2-3, the closest to Central London, can vary depending on the service provider. For example, the fastest route from Terminal 2-3 is the non-stop Heathrow Express which takes approximately 16 minutes, while the Elizabeth Line offers a slightly slower route of around 27 minutes with almost 6 stops. During this latter journey, you have the flexibility to disembark at Hayes & Harlington, West Ealing and Ealing Broadway.
If you take trains from Terminal 4 or Terminal 5, you will pass through Terminal 2-3 before continuing directly to London, which adds a few minutes to the journey in both cases.
You'll arrive at London Paddington, a railway station located on Praed Street in the Paddington area, served by Great Western Railway, Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express. It is well-connected to various destinations including Heathrow Airport, Cardiff, Shenfield, Oxford and Birmingham, as well as the London Underground system, specifically the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City line.
First-class tickets
You can travel from Heathrow Airport to London in even greater comfort with First Class Tickets.
Note that this service is only available with Heathrow Express on this route.This ticket may include:
- Wider seats with extra legroom for greater comfort onboard
- Tables with plug and USB sockets – perfect for those using laptops
- Enhanced Wi-Fi onboard for those working, streaming or browsing
- A range of drinks and snacks, including teas, coffees, juices, sodas, biscuits, cakes and crisps.
For more details about First Class Tickets, please check our Change, Refund, and Delay Repay Policy.
What is the easiest way to get from Heathrow to London?
The easiest way to get from Heathrow Airport to Central London is by taking the Heathrow Express. This direct train service runs every 15 minutes and takes just 15-20 minutes to reach London Paddington Station. For a more cost-effective option, you can also take the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground, which connects Heathrow to several other Central London stations, or the Elizabeth Line.
How much does it cost to get from Heathrow to Central London?
The cost varies depending on the mode of transport:
- Heathrow Express: Prices start at $16.16 for a single journey if bought in advance.
- Tube (Piccadilly line): A single fare costs around £6 during peak hours and £3-£5.5 Off-Peak when using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
- Elizabeth Line: Tickets are approximately £12.3 for a single journey.
Is Heathrow Express cheaper than the Tube?
No, the Heathrow Express is more expensive than the London Underground (Tube). A single journey on the Heathrow Express costs around $27.33 when booked in advance, while the Piccadilly line on the London Underground costs approximately $27.33 during peak hours and $27.33 Off-Peak.
How much is the Tube from Heathrow to London City?
A journey from Heathrow Airport to Central London on the Piccadilly line (Tube) costs approximately £6 during peak hours and £3-£5.5 Off-Peak when using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
Which is better, the Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line from Heathrow?
The choice between the Elizabeth Line and the Piccadilly line depends on your priorities:
- Elizabeth Line: Offers a faster and more comfortable ride with fewer stops, taking about 30 minutes to reach Central London (Paddington).
- Piccadilly line: More budget-friendly and has direct connections to many Central London stations. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Central London.
*Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. Prices shown do not include split ticket and Railcard discounts.