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London Airports: How to Get from the Airport to London

Last updated: March 4, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 15 Comments

If you’re visiting London from abroad, the chances are that you’re going to be arriving at one of London’s airports. London has six airports, and a question folks often have is how to get to central London from the airport.

Obviously the answer to this question will vary depending on which London airport you arrive at.

In this post, we’re going to share with you all the transport options that you have for getting into the centre of London from each of London’s six airports.

We’re going to try and cover options for all budgets, and give an indication of cost for each option, although do always check the referenced websites for most up to date pricing and timetable information.

I’ve also not mentioned hire cars in this post as I don’t feel London is best experienced with a car, but if you feel differently, all the airports have car rental counters if you’d prefer to drive.

One other point of clarification on terminology before we get started. In the UK we refer to “coaches” and “buses”.

A “coach” is a large, more comfortable bus used for longer distance transport, normally between cities, that normally has fewer stops. A “bus” usually refers to an inner-city service with many stops.

If you’ve not travelled in London before, you might also find the following useful as references for your visit:

• A guide to public transport in London
• Tips on how to buy and use the Oyster card in London
• Advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London

Now, all you have to do is scroll down to the airport you need information on, or click on each link to go directly to the entry for that airport. As well as tips for getting from each airport to London, we’ve also included some recommended hotel options at each airport for your convenience.

Once you’re done, head to the end of the post for some further reading to help you plan your trip to London.

List of London Airports

London has six airports, which are, in order of passenger numbers:

• Heathrow Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Stansted Airport
• Luton Airport
• London City Airport
• Southend Airport

London Airport Distances from London

London’s airports are geographically diverse, with some located very close to the city, and others quite far out. Here’s a list of all the airports in order of distance from London:

• London City Airport – in London
• Heathrow Airport – 14 miles from London
• Luton Airport – 29 miles from London
• Gatwick Airport – 33 miles from London
• Stansted Airport – 40 miles from London
• Southend Airport – 40 miles from London

Closest Airports to London by Travel Time

Distance of course doesn’t tell the whole story. You will probably be more interested in how long it actually takes to get from each London airport to London.

For this, I will use the fastest travel time in each case. Obviously, London is quite big so travel times will vary depending on your destination. In addition, slower options will also be available which may cost less, see each airport entry for more details.

• Heathrow Airport – 15 minutes by Heathrow Express train to London Paddington
• London City Airport – ~20 minutes to most destinations in London
• Gatwick Airport – 30 minutes by Gatwick Express to London Victoria
• Luton Airport – 35 minutes by train + shuttle bus to London St. Pancras
• London Stansted – 47 minutes by Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street
• Southend Airport – 55 minutes by train to London Liverpool Street

As you can see, journey times vary quite a lot. The closest airports to London by travel time are Heathrow Airport and London City Airport, although this will depend on where you want to be in the city.

Which Airports Can I Travel to With an Oyster Card?

If you have an Oyster card, you can use it to travel to the following airports:

• Heathrow Airport on the Tube, Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express
• Gatwick Airport on Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink train services
• London City Airport on the DLR

See more on using an Oyster card here , and the best ways to pay for travel in London here .

You can buy a regular Oyster card in person in London, or you can buy a visitor Oyster Card in advance of your visit here.

How to Get from Heathrow Airport to London

London Heathrow is London’s busiest airport, handling half of London’s passengers. It’s situated 14 miles west of the centre of London, and has a variety of options for getting into the city. These are as follows.

1. London Underground (aka Tube) from Heathrow Airport

Our favourite way of getting from Heathrow Airport to central London is to take the Tube, London’s underground train system. It’s also one of the cheapest options. The Piccadilly Line runs from three locations in Heathrow Airport, and services all the major terminals.

The Tube runs right into central London, plus you can change onto the other lines and thus reach pretty much anywhere in London. There is a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays from Terminals 1,2,3 & Terminal 5. During the week, trains begin departing from around 5.10am (5.50am on Sundays) with the last service at 11.45pm (11.30pm on Sundays).

Cost: A ticket costs £5.60 to zone 1 using Oyster or Contactless.

Journey time: Approximately 50 minutes to central London

Tips: Our suggestion would be to either buy a visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or to use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options.

2. Bus from Heathrow Airport

The Heathrow Central Bus Station is found between Terminals 2 and 3. The public buses operating from here primarily service areas of outer London rather than central London.

You can of course get to central London by bus during the day, but it will require a number of changes and will take at least a couple of hours, so we would advise the tube is going to be a better option if you want to take public transport.

However, if you arrive into London Heathrow late at night on a weekday, the Tube will not be running. You are not out of luck when it comes to public transport though – there is a night bus from London Heathrow to Trafalgar Square. The N9 departs from Terminal 5 and the Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2&3).

The N9 is a direct bus service that starts at around 23.35 (11:35PM). You can see the full timetable here – select your stop and day for the correct time. It’s by far the cheapest option for getting into central London for Heathrow.

Cost: A ticket costs £1.75. Journeys cannot be paid in cash; you must have a contactless card or an Oyster card.

Journey time: Just over an hour, depending on which stop you go to.

Tips: Again, our suggestion would be to either buy a visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or to use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options.

3. Coach from Heathrow Airport

There are a number of coach transfer services (see note on the difference between coaches and buses at the beginning of the post) from London Heathrow to central London. These can be more convenient than the Tube or the bus if you have a lot of luggage that you don’t want to struggle with loading on and off public transport.

Two of the main coach operators from Heathrow are National Express and Megabus . The main route for coach operators terminates at Victoria Coach Station. Coaches start at around 4.15am and run until around 10pm, although check timetables for your dates.

Cost : Tickets start at around £6 per person.

Journey Time: Varies, typically 45 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the route and time of day.

Tips: Coach fares vary based on demand and when you book, so you should always book in advance to guarantee a spot and the lowest price.

4. Train from Heathrow Airport

There are two main train services to central London which operate from Heathrow Airport – Heathrow Express, and the Elizabeth line (formerly TfL Rail). The central train station can be found at terminals 1, 2 and 3, with Terminals 4 & 5 also served by the both the Elizabeth Line and Heathro Express.

The fastest train option, and also the fastest way to central London from Heathrow Airport, is the Heathrow Express. This takes fifteen minutes to get to London Paddington from the airport, and leaves every fifteen minutes from around 5am (6am on Sundays) until just before midnight.

A generally cheaper (and slightly slower) option is the Transport for London (TfL) Elizabeth Line service. This takes 25 minutes to London Paddington. It also continues on to other major destinations in London including Liverpool Street train station, Stratford and Canary Wharf, making it a very convenient option for many central London stops.

Cost: Heathrow Express tickets are £25 peak if booked on the day of travel. You can also use your Oyster card or contactless card on Heathrow Express, and the prices are the same as the off-peak and peak fare. Note these fares to not count towards daily or weekly caps. If you book in advance, prices start as low as £5.50.

Elizabeth Line tickets from Heathrow Airport to Paddington are £12.80 (as of March 2024), and Oyster cards are accepted. Elizabeth line fares also count towards your Oyster card / contactless cap limit, which means further journeys can be more cost effective.

There are a number of websites for booking UK train tickets online. We recommend  The Trainline for train bookings. They also let you book tickets for destinations all across Europe, and so are a handy one stop shop for all your ticket needs. You can also book tickets for the Heathrow Express on the official Visit Britain shop here .

You can see the full price table for Heathrow Express  here .

Journey Time: 15 minutes for Heathrow Express (+ a few minutes from Terminals 4&5), 30 minutes with Elizabeth Line. Heathrow Express terminates at London Paddington train station, Elizabeth Line continues onto multiple stops throughout the city and beyond.

Tips: The Heathrow Express can be a fast and economical option if you book well in advance. Otherwise it’s only ten minutes slower by Elizabeth Line. You can buy your tickets in advance and then collect them at the station from ticket machines to make your life easier. Check prices and book online here .

5. Taxi from Heathrow Airport

A ride in a London black cab is a quintessential part of any trip to London, and this is certainly an easy way to get from the airport and straight to your hotel. This is a great option if you have a lot of luggage, or you are a group of more than two people as it can work our fairly cost effectively.

There are a number of black taxi ranks at Heathrow, you can see a map here .

There are also minicab services operating from London Heathrow. These can be booked on the day from the official taxi desks, or you can compare prices and book in advance here . These will be fixed price trips, which can offer peace of mind.

Uber is another option for an on-demand taxi service, and if you’ve not used them before you can save on your first ride with this link.

Cost: Black cabs are metered, so fares vary depending on factors including traffic and time of day. Expect to pay in the region of £45 – £70. Minicabs will also vary, but you can book in advance for a fixed fare, which will likely start in the region of £45. Uber is usually slightly cheaper than a standard taxi, but will vary depending on distance.

Journey time: Will vary according to traffic, time of day, and your destination in London. Likely 45 – 90 minutes, door to door.

Tips: Always use either a black cab from an official stand, or a reputable minicab booked through an online service or at an official airport desk. Do not use unauthorised drivers who solicit your attention at the airport. We recommend Minicabit for comparing prices and getting a good deal on advance bookings.

6. Airport Transfer from Heathrow Airport

If all of the above sounds like too much effort, worry not. You can book a direct airport transfer from Heathrow Airport to your central London destination.

There are a few different options depending on the size of your group and budget.

One of the lower cost options is this shared transfer option which has you sharing a shuttle service. This is lower cost, but might take a bit longer.

If you don’t want to share the ride or are in a group, this private transfer option works for individuals and groups.

Cost: Current cost of a direct airport transfer starts at around £20 per person for a share option and rises, depending on service.

Tips: This is definitely one of the most hassle-free way of getting to central London from Heathrow Airport, and can work out fairly cost effectively depending on group size and transport option

Where to Stay Near Heathrow Airport

Here are some recommended hotels near Heathrow Airport should you wish to stay overnight. You have two main options – you can stay at the airport itself, or you can stay at one of the hotels reached by shuttle or public bus, usually within 10 minutes of the airport. The latter tend to be a little less expensive.

• Hilton Garden Inn – found on site at Terminals 2&3, this is a great option if you don’t want to worry about shuttle buses. Rooms are all en-suite and there’s an on-site restaurant.
• Aerotel T3 – found on-site at Heathrow Terminal 3, this hotel offers en-suite rooms and a restaurant
• Novotel London Heathrow – found about a 10-minute drive from Heathrow airport, this offers great value comfortable rooms. A shuttle bus is available for a fee, alternatively, you can use London Buses for free as the hotel is within the Heathrow Free Travel Zone

If you are staying at the airport, you might be planning on leaving a car there too. Check out the official Heathrow airport parking website for parking information and prices.

How to Get from Gatwick Airport to London

Gatwick is London’s second busiest airport, and can be found 33 miles south of the city centre. Unlike Heathrow, it is not connected to the Tube network; however, there are still multiple options for getting to London from Gatwick airport.

1. Coach from Gatwick Airport

There are a number of coach services that offer transfers from Gatwick airport to central London. The most popular options are the National Express service and the easyBus service, which operate from both the north and south terminals at Gatwick Airport.

Both services terminate at London Victoria and services run through the night, so you should usually be able to find a coach at any time of night.

Cost: easyBus tickets are available from £2 one-way. National Express tickets are available from £6 one way (£5 + £1 booking fee) if you book 30 days in advance. Flexible tickets that let you get the next available National Express service are £10, available here .

Journey time: It takes around 90 minutes from London Gatwick to London Victoria

Tips: Depending on the ticket you buy, you may be committed to travelling only on the bus you specify. So do leave yourself plenty of time to get through customs and immigration and to collect your luggage. Tickets are cheaper the further in advance you book.

2. Train from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick has one major train station with a number of routes running into central London. The fastest option is the Gatwick Express, which takes 30 minutes to travel non-stop to London Victoria. Trains run every day from 5am to 00.30am, with departures every fifteen minutes.

Two other train operators also run trains from Gatwick – Thameslink and Southern. These are slightly slower and cheaper, but also service different stops.

You can buy tickets at the station or online for all of these services. In addition, all these services accept Oyster cards or contactless cards for payment. For Gatwick Express it is usually cheaper to book online than to use Oyster. For Thameslink and southern services, the Oyster card will usually be the cheapest option.

We recommend  The Trainline for train bookings.

Cost: Gatwick Express single tickets are £19.90 in person at the station, but can sometimes be bought online for a reduced fee. Check the Gatwick Express website for prices, as well as the this train ticketing website . Tickets for Thameslink and Southern start at around £8.10 for a single using an Oyster or contactless card. You can also compare prices and book tickets on all trains from Gatwick including Gatwick Express here .

Journey time: Varies depending on destination, but will be between 30 and 60 minutes for most trips.

Tips: Booking in advance and checking for offers will usually save you money on the Gatwick Express. On Thameslink or Southern, an Oyster card or contactless will usually offer the cheapest prices. You can either buy a visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options. It’s also really important that you make sure you get on the right train, as tickets are often only valid for the operator you purchase for.

3. Taxi from Gatwick Airport

Gatwick is outside the range of London black taxis, however you can arrange a taxi in advance or at the taxi kiosks in both terminals. You can see the official page here for Gatwick taxis. Alternatively, you might find pre-booking a minicab is a cheaper option – check prices here .

Cost: A taxi through the recommended Gatwick taxi company to central London will cost from £60. Minicabit prices start from around £55.

Journey time: This will vary depending on traffic, time of day and destination, but will generally be 60 – 90 minutes.

Tips: A taxi or minicab for four or five people usually makes reasonable economic sense, plus it will take you directly to your destination.

4. Airport Transfer from Gatwick Airport

As with Heathrow, you can also book a direct airport transfer from Heathrow Airport to your central London destination.

This will be a more expensive option, but is certainly going to be hassle free. We found this option for you to consider.

Cost: Current cost of a direct airport transfer starts at around £100 for a group of three

Tips: This is definitely one of the most hassle free way of getting to central London from Gatwick Airport but is also likely to be a more expensive option.

Where to Stay Near Gatwick Airport

Here are some recommended hotels near Gatwick Airport should you wish to stay overnight. As with Heathrow Airport, you have two options – you can stay at the airport itself, or you can stay at one of the hotels reached by shuttle or public bus, usually within 10 minutes of the airport.

Gatwick actually has quite a few hotel options on site, so we’d suggest one of these would be the easiest option. There are two terminals at Gatwick, so we’d suggest picking a hotel in the terminal you will be using.

• BLOC Hotel – found in the south terminal of London Gatwick, this hotel offers en-suite rooms with king size beds. We’ve stayed here, and whilst the rooms are small, they were very comfortable and the location is excellent.
• YOTELAIR – also in the south terminal, this hotel offers a similar setup to BLOC, with small rooms that feature everything you need. Prices are very reasonable and the location is also perfect.
• Sofitel London Gatwick – this four star hotel is found just a short walk via a covered walkway from Gatwick’s North Terminal. Room’s are all comfortably sized en-suite, with soundproofing. There are three on-site restaurants and two bars to choose from.
• Premier Inn London Gatwick – this three star hotel offers excellent value accommodation a minute’s walk from the North Terminal entrance. Rooms are en-suite and there’s an on-site restaurant.
• Hilton London Gatwick – a four star Hilton just a few minutes walk from the North Terminal. We’ve stayed here, and rooms were comfortable. The on-site restaurants were also appreciated.

How to Get from Stansted Airport to London

If you’re flying with a low-cost carrier within Europe, chances are that you will arrive at London Stansted. This is London’s third biggest airport, and is found 40 miles north of London.

1. Train from Stansted Airport

There are two main train options for journeying from Stansted airport to central London. The first is the Stansted Express , a high speed train service which takes 45 minutes to London Liverpool Street and runs approximately every fifteen minutes. Times vary depending on the day of week, but usually start from 4.10am – 4.40am, and run until 23.25 – 00.30pm.

This service is operated by Greater Anglia, and goes via Tottenham Hale, where you can change for trains to Stratford.

Note that Stansted Airport is outside of the Oyster card system, so even if you have an Oyster card you will still need to purchase a train ticket.

Journey time: 47 minutes to London Liverpool Street

Cost : A standard Stansted Express ticket costs from £19 depending on destination, however, you can save by booking in advance, with tickets available from £9.70. Group discounts are also available. See this website for tickets and fares.

2. Coach from Stansted Airport

There are three major coach operators servicing Stansted airport, with services available 24 hours a day. The operators are National Express , Terravision and easyBus . Services run to London Victoria, with stops along the way including Liverpool Street and Stratford.

Cost: easyBus has tickets starting at £2 if booked in advance. National Express has tickets at £6 (£5 +£1 booking fee).  Terravision has buses for £9 to London Liverpool Street and £10 to London Victoria.

Journey time: varies depending on route, time of day and destination, but generally 50 – 90 minutes.

Tips: Definitely book in advance to get the best price.

3. Taxi from Stansted Airport

There are no taxi ranks at Stansted Airport, so the only option is to book a car, either in advance through a minicab booking service like minicabit , or on arrival at the taxi kiosk in the terminal. Rates will be set in advance.

Cost : Prices will vary depending on destination, but the cost will likely be £70 – £100 plus.

Journey time : It’s around a 1 hour drive from Stansted to central London

Tips: Skip the queues and get the best prices by booking online, we recommend minicabit .

Where to Stay Near Stansted Airport

Here are some recommended hotels near Stansted Airport should you wish to stay overnight. There are a couple of recommended options a couple of minutes walk from the hotel terminal, and a couple of options where you will need to take a shuttle.

• Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted – two minutes walk from Stansted Airport terminal, this well-located 4* hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms. There are also three restaurants on site.
• Hampton by Hilton – just a few minutes walk from the terminal building, this 3* hotel offers great value comfortable en-suite rooms, as well as a bar.
• Premier Inn London Stansted Airport – a 10 minute (paid) shuttle ride from Stansted Airport, this budget 3* hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms with desks and tea/coffee facilities. There’s also an on-site restaurant.
• Holiday Inn Express London Stansted – 5 minutes (paid) shuttle ride from Stansted Airport, this is a great value 3* hotel. En-suite rooms include work desks and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also a restaurant on site serving breakfast and dinner.

How to Get from Luton Airport to London

Another popular airport for low-cost airlines (easyJet are headquartered here), London Luton airport is 29 miles north west of London. There are a number of options for getting from Luton Airport to central London.

1. Train from Luton Airport

Two companies operate trains between London Luton and central London – Thameslink and East Midlands Trains.

The primary port of call for these trains is London St. Pancras International, which gives you access to the Tube network, as well as buses and taxis at St. Pancras. Trains run throughout the night, although there are no trains between 1am and 3am.

The train station is called Luton Airport Parkway. However, you will want to get a ticket to “Luton Airport”, as then the 10 minute shuttle from the train station to the airport is included in the fare. From Luton Airport Parkway there is a cash-only fee payable for the shuttle transfer, which is £2.10 at time of writing.

Luton Airport is outside the Oyster card zone so you must purchase a ticket prior to travel even if you have an Oyster card.

Cost : Train fares start at around £13 one way for an off-peak journey.

Journey time: 10 minute shuttle ride, then around 25 minutes to St. Pancras

Tips : As with all train journeys, the best prices usually come when booking in advance. Check prices and book online here .

2. Coach from Luton Airport

There are three coach operators with service between Luton airport and central London. They are National Express , easyBus, and Green Line .

Services operate through the night to a variety of destinations in London including to Finchley Road, Baker Street, Marble Arch, and Victoria.

Cost: easyBus has tickets starting at £2 if booked in advance. National Express has tickets at £6 (£5 +£1 booking fee). Green Line tickets start at £11.

Journey Time: Depends on time of day and destination, but typically 60 – 90 minutes. Note the Green Line is the slowest service and is not direct.

Tips: Book in advance to get the best price.

3. Taxi from Luton Airport

As Luton airport is outside the London black taxi area, only pre-booked vehicles are available. You can book a taxi either in advance before arrival with Addison Lee , or on site when you arrive at the Addison Lee desk.

You can also use minicabit to compare prices for minicabs – check prices here .

Cost: Around £100 with Addison Lee, depending on destination. Minicabit prices start around £65.

Journey time: Approximately an hour into central London by car

Tips: Pre-booking with a private mini cab firm will usually be the cheaper option.

Where to Stay Near Luton Airport

Here are some recommended hotels near Luton Airport should you wish to stay overnight. There are no hotels within the terminal buildings, however, the closest hotel is only a 10 minute walk from the terminal building, or a short shuttle ride.

Some of the hotels offer free shuttles, whilst others charge a small fee. You can see the shuttle timetables and prices here .

• Holiday Inn Express London Luton Airport – found just 10 minutes walk from Luton Airport, or a short free shuttle ride, this is the closest hotel to Luton Airport. Rooms are all en-suite with work desks and there’s an on-site restaurant and bar.
• Holiday Inn London Luton Airport – another minute or so walk past the previous hotel,  this is another great value option. Rooms feature tea/coffee facilities, en-suite, and there’s an on-site restaurant and bar.
• ibis London Luton Airport – this budget oriented hotel is just a little past the previous two hotels, and also accessible via a shuttle bus for a small fee. Rooms are small but have everything you need. Breakfast is available and there is a cafe, but no full service restaurant.

How to Get from London City Airport to London

London City Airport is the closest airport to London. It is in fact inside the city, in London’s docklands. It is only capable of handling smaller aircraft due to its location, however a lot of UK and European flights do come here, and it is popular with business travellers. Being so central, it’s easy to get to the rest of London.

1. DLR from London City Airport

The DLR, or Docklands Light Railway, is an automated light metro system which serves the docklands area of London. It connects to both rail and Tube stops in London, and is the easiest way to get to London from London City Airport.

Services run from around 5.30am until midnight.

Cost: It’s currently £3.30 with an Oyster card or contactless card to travel from the London City Airport DLR station to Zone 1 in London, which is where most travellers will be heading.

Journey time: Depends on where you are going in London, most journeys will likely be between 15 minutes and an hour.

Tips: Definitely use an Oyster card or contactless payment card for this journey. You can either buy a Visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options.

2. Bus from London City Airport

Two London bus routes service London City Airport – the 473 and 474. Neither of these go directly to central London, so you will have to change buses depending on your destination. The bus is definitely the cheapest option, but might not be the most convenient from London City Airport depending on your destination.

Cost: A ticket costs £1.50. Journeys cannot be paid in cash, you must have a contactless card or an Oyster card.

Journey time: will depend entirely on your destination, time of day and traffic.

Tips: Our suggestion would be to either buy a Visitor Oyster card in advance, buy an Oyster card in person at the station, or to use your contactless card. Read our advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London for more information on your options.

3. Taxi from London City Airport

There is a black cab rank outside London City Airport, where you can catch a black cab anywhere inside London which will be on a metered fare. You can also prebook a minicab with minicabit .

Cost: Prices will vary depending on destination, but expect to pay £35 – £45 to get to central London with a black cab, and roughly the same with a minicab.

Journey time: Depends on time of day and destination, but 20 – 40 minutes in most cases.

Tips: Prebooking a service will give peace of mind at busier times of day, but there are usually plenty of black cabs available in London.

Where to Stay Near London City Airport

One of the main benefits of flying into London City Airport is that it brings you right into London, with good transport links across the city. As a result, there’s less need to stay at an airport hotel, as there are a great many hotels across London to choose from!

However, if you have an early morning flight or arrive late in the evening, you might appreciate a hotel closer to the airport, so we recommend the following options:

• London City Airport Hotel – just 3 minutes walk from London City Airport, this is definitely the most convenient hotel for London City Airport. Rooms are comfortable with en-suite facilities, work desk and tea/coffee making facilities. Definitely the best option if proximity to the airport is key.
• Holiday Inn Express London ExCel – this hotel is a few minutes walk from the London ExCel centre, which is handy if you are visiting for a show at this large exhibition centre. It’s around a six minute taxi ride, or 22 minutes on the DLR from the airport. The hotel offers en-suite rooms with breakfast included, as well as a restaurant and bar.
• Hampton By Hilton London Docklands – a similar distance from the airport as the Holiday Inn Express, this 3* hotel offers good value en-suite rooms which include tea/coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included and there’s a restaurant on site.

How to Get from London Southend Airport to London

Located 40 miles east of London, Southend airport is the least busy of London’s six major airport. However, the airport has undergone expansions, and is used by a number of airlines which service primarily European destinations. It has fewer transport options than the other airports.

1. Train from London Southend Airport

Up to eight trains an hour operated by Greater Anglia connect London Southend airport with London’s Liverpool Street station, and the train station is on site at the airport, so easy to find. Trains run from 4.05am until 11pm.

Cost: Prices start at £12.10 to Stratford, and £15.10 to London Liverpool Street.

Journey time: 45 minutes to Stratford, 55 minutes to London Liverpool Street

Tips: None really, the train is an easy way to get from Southend airport to central London, and our recommended option.

2. Taxi from London Southend Airport

Being outside London’s black taxi area means you’ll need to book a private hire car or minicab. The official taxi firm for Luton Airport is Addison Lee . You can also pre-book a minicab with minicabit.

Cost: Approximately £100 into central London. It is also possible to split the taxi with other people for a fixed fare of £100 to London Liverpool Street. Minicabit prices start from around £62 into central London.

Journey time : Depends on time of day and destination, but likely 60 – 110 minutes.

Tips: We’d suggest the train if possible. For a group booking, a taxi might be cheaper if booked in advance.

Where to Stay Near London Southend Airport

There’s one hotel on site at London Southend Airport, which is the hotel we’d recommend if you are wanting to spend the night near the airport.

The airport is not far from Southend itself, and there are also many hotels to choose from in the city if you would prefer some other options.

• Holiday Inn Southend – this airport in on-site at the airport, and is the closest hotel to Southend Airport. It’s also just a 10 minute walk from Southend Airport Railway Station. Rooms are all en-suite, and feature tea/coffee making facilities.
• Southend Airport Bed and Breakfast – if you’re looking for a budget B&B near the airport, this is a very well rated option. Rooms feature shared bathrooms, free continental breakfast, and it’s less than a kilometre to the airport.

Further Reading for your visit to London

And that’s it for our advice on getting to central London from all of London’s airports. Before you go, here are some resources you might find useful for planning the rest of your trip.

• To help you plan your time in London effectively, check out our itineraries for 1 Day in London , 2 Days in London , 3 Days in London and 6 Days in London
• We have a complete guide to all our favourite hotels in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• A full review of the London Pass which can help you figure out if the pass would help you save you money on your trip to London.
• A guide to public transport in London , tips on how to buy and use the Oyster card in London , plus advice on the best way to pay for public transport in London .
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• Tips on finding the best Photography Locations in London that I put together
• For the Harry Potter fans amongst you, take a look at our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Our guide to 8 Things to Do in Kensington , London, in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• Our experience taking a full day walking tour of London , in case you like the idea of a fully guided day
• If you are interested in day trips from London, we have posts on a Stonehenge, Bath & Cotswolds day trip , and tips on planning a Oxford day trip.
• Travelling on from London and looking to visit Edinburgh? Check out our guide to getting from London to Edinburgh . You can even take a private jet !
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it! We hope you found our post useful for your visit to London. If you have any questions – let us know in the comments below!

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There are 15 comments on this post

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30th September 2023 at 7:32 am

Of course my flight into Heathrow Terminal 4 has to be on a day of a strike. I have to get to Park Plaza Riverbank London and am thoroughly confused. I don’t want to spend the earth and as it’s so close to my visit 4th Oct. I haven’t the option of staying at an airport hotel. Even if the strike doesn’t go ahead I’m still quite confused. I understand the nearest station? Metro? Underground? and bus/coach depot is Vauxhall. Can you help please?

Laurence Norah says

1st October 2023 at 8:57 am

First of all let me say that I entirely sympathise, I recently had a similar issue arriving into Gatwick on a rail strike day, which made onward travel planning much more complicated!

Heathrow is thankfully a little easier as it is better connected by more means of transport. If you are arriving on the 4th October, then there are tube strikes, however buses and the Elizabeth line will be running.

So your best option is going to be to take the Elizabeth line into central London, and then take a bus to your hotel. So for example, you can take the Elizabeth line to Paddington train station, and from there you can take a bus such as the 344.

Alternatively, once you arrive at Paddington you could take a taxi or Uber to your hotel.

I hope this helps! If I’ve got your date wrong let me know 🙂

Safe travels!

1st October 2023 at 9:10 am

Thank you for finding this info for me Laurence. I’m likely to be thoroughly lost, not a good way to start a trip but I’m sure once I actually arrive I’ll be spellbound!! Yep date is correct. regards. Carol

1st October 2023 at 9:22 am

No worries. So Google Maps has pretty good public transport routing which is normally kept up to date with strikes. You do need data to use it, but Heathrow and Paddington both have free WiFi so you can get connected and plan your route in real time if you don’t have cellular data.

Enjoy your time in London 🙂

Lorena says

24th March 2023 at 5:02 pm

Hello there! Thank you so much for your research! I am traveling to London with an 11-year-old. I was planning to use contactless for my travel fees, but I thought it would be convenient if my daughter had her own card. I have missed the window to order her an oyster card before our trip. Your blog said it was possible to buy an oyster card in London? Do you know the locations? The TFL website was vague about this; they made it seem like oyster cards had to be purchased in advance. Also, can she have a discounted youth oyster card without me also having an oyster card? We will be traveling together, but I prefer not to have a prepaid card. I welcome other suggestions for how best to travel with her. Thanks again!

24th March 2023 at 6:32 pm

You can definitely easily buy Oyster cards in person in London, pretty much all the tube stations have Oyster card vending machines and you can also normally get them at TfL ticket counters including at Gatwick and Heathrow airports. For the Young Visitors discount (well worth getting) I don’t believe you need an Oyster card as well, they should be able to load it onto her card. You just need to go to a ticket desk and ask them to add it for you.

Have a great time and let me know if you have any more questions!

Ashlee says

17th April 2022 at 9:44 am

Hi! Very helpful post 🙂 I’m visiting London in June for 7 days and was considering purchasing a 7 day Travelcard for the unlimited travel instead of paying per trip with the Oyster card. I noticed the travelcard doesn’t include the airport transport if you get Zone 1-2, so would you recommend paying for the train/tube with contactless then using the Travelcard after that? Or would it be cheaper to just use the Oyster card/contactless the whole time? It can be very confusing trying to work this out so your expertise would be much appreciated!

17th April 2022 at 10:19 am

Thanks Ashlee!

So you are correct, Heathrow is in Zone 6, so the 1-2 zone travelcard wouldn’t cover that. A 7 day travelcard which covers zones 1-6 would be £70.30, compared to £38.40 for one that covers Zones 1-2.

A single fare on Oyster or Contactless would be £5.50 peak (6.30am – 9.30am), and £3.50 the rest of the time.

You can use either Oyster or Contactless to pay for the fare. If are ok to charge up the Oyster card with the fare then I would do that, it won’t affect your Travelcard which will only apply to journeys in zones 1 & 2.

I hope this answers your question, but let me know if it’s still not clear! I appreciate it can be rather a confusing system 🙂

Cynthia Koomas says

7th March 2022 at 11:12 pm

Your site is wonderful and full of useful information. I’m really enjoying reading it and taking notes for our upcoming visit from Montreal. What I didn’t see was the transportation options from London or the airports to Southampton to board a cruise. Can you make any suggestions which are easy, rapid and within budget. Thanks

8th March 2022 at 11:01 am

Hi Cynthia,

Thanks very much! So this article is primarily focused on getting into central London from the various airports, rather than other destinations in the UK. For Southampton though it’s quite easy, I’d say the best option would be to take a train. There are direct trains from London Waterloo station which take just over an hour, and that would be my recommended option. There are also direct trains from London Gatwick Airport. So it will depend a bit on where you plan to come from, but it is definitely an easy route to do. Have a great time in London and an awesome cruise!

Shirley says

23rd January 2020 at 5:22 pm

Hello . . . Thanks for sharing London’s tips & advice. My aunt is 82, one of her bucket list is London. Do u know the city is Handicap friendly? I like to bring a folderable wheelchair? Or, Do you have any senior activities I should add to my planner for March 2020? Many Thanks! Shirley

25th January 2020 at 4:04 pm

Hi Shirley,

For the most part London is very accessible, with the majority of attractions and museums being accessible. In terms of transport, all the public buses are accessible. The only area I would advise caution is the underground or metro, as this is an old network and there are not that many step free underground stations, particularly in central London. Installing elevators into 100 year old stations has proven to be a bit of an engineering challenge! There’s some good information on the TfL website about accessibility across the London transport network here: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

David Lloyd says

24th May 2018 at 9:39 pm

That was quick. Many thanks.

David Llolyd says

24th May 2018 at 5:23 pm

I like your comprehensive descriptons of travel from London’s airports into town. I am sure you have noted that TFL is now operating a train service from Heathrow to Paddington which sounds good and avoids the costly Heathrow Express. It would be very helpful f you would add this to your list.

24th May 2018 at 9:05 pm

Thanks very much David – I hadn’t seen that the TfL Rail service had launched to replace Heathrow Connect. I’ve updated the post accordingly – much appreciated!

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Tips on Traveling from Heathrow Airport to Central London

Located 15 miles to the west of London, Heathrow (LHR) is one of the world's busiest international airports . Luckily, if you need to travel into Central London from Heathrow Airport, there are several different options ranging from private car-hire to public transportation. 

Taking the Tube to Central London From Heathrow Airport

The Piccadilly Line connects all Heathrow terminals (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) to central London via a direct service. Services run frequently (every few minutes) between around 5 a.m. and midnight (approximately) Monday to Saturday, and from around 6 a.m. to midnight (approximately) on Sundays and public holidays. All of the airport stations are in Zone 6 (central London is zone 1.) London Underground provides one of the cheapest ways to travel to and from Heathrow Airport but the journey takes longer than other options. ​

Duration:  45 minutes (Heathrow Terminal 1-3 to Hyde Park Corner)  

Taking Heathrow Express to Central London From Heathrow Airport

The Heathrow Express is the quickest way to travel into central London. Heathrow Express runs from terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 to Paddington station. Trains depart around every 15 minutes and tickets can be bought on board (although you'll pay more for the fare than purchasing a ticket in advance). Travelcards and Oyster pay as you go rates are not valid on Heathrow Express. 

Duration: 15 minutes

Taking Heathrow Connect to Central London From Heathrow Airport

HeathrowConnect.com also runs a train service between Heathrow Airport and Paddington station via five intermediate stations in West London. Tickets are cheaper than the Heathrow Express fares as the journey takes longer. Services run every 30 minutes (every 60 minutes on Sundays). Tickets cannot be bought on board and must be purchased in advance.  Oyster pay as you go  and Zone 1–6 Travelcards are only valid for travel between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington.

Duration: 48 minutes

Top Tip: If you're waiting for a train from Paddington on a Friday, and are in the area before midday, you might like to take a 5-minute stroll to see the Rolling Bridge .

Taking the Bus to Central London From Heathrow Airport

National Express runs a bus service between Heathrow Airport and Victoria Station every 15-30 minutes at peak times from terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Travelers departing from Terminals 4 or 5 will need to change at terminals 2 and 3. 

Duration:  55 minutes from terminal 2 and 3. Journeys take longer from terminals 4 and 5 as passengers need to change at terminals 2 and 3. 

The N9 night bus offers a service between Heathrow Airport and Aldwych and runs every 20 minutes throughout the night. The fare can be paid for by Oyster card making it the cheapest way to travel between Heathrow Airport and central London although the journey can take as long as 90 minutes. Use Journey Planner to check times.

Duration: Between 70 and 90 minutes

Taking a Taxi to Central London From Heathrow Airport

You can usually find a line of black cabs outside each terminal or go to one of the approved taxi desks. The fares are metered, but watch out for extra charges such as late night or weekend journey fees. Tipping is not compulsory, but 10% is considered the norm.

Duration: Between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic

Heathrow Airport Guide

Getting Around London: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Enjoy a Quick Layover in London on a Budget

How to Travel from New York to London by Plane or Ship

A Guide to Airports in London

Munich Airport Guide

How to Get From Heathrow to Gatwick: The Complete Guide

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

How to Travel from Amsterdam Airport to City Center by Train, Taxi, Bus, and Shuttle

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

Taking the Roissybus to or From Charles de Gaulle Airport

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

Toronto Pearson International Airport Guide

Getting To and From LaGuardia Airport in NYC

How to Travel From London to Birmingham by Train, Bus, and Car

How to Travel From London to Paris by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London

Editor's Note

After a long flight, you just want to get from the airport to your hotel in the easiest (and, ideally, the most cost-effective) way possible.

With an airport as vast as London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) — the biggest and busiest flight hub in the United Kingdom — achieving that goal can seem daunting even though it's only 16 miles from central London.

There are several options for getting from Heathrow to the city center, depending on your flexibility, the amount of luggage you're carrying, your budget or your time constraints. You can choose between taxis, the Tube, Uber, dedicated train services and even the bus.

Here are the best options for traveling from Heathrow to London — along with how long they take and other pros and cons — so that you can start your trip off on the right foot.

London Underground (aka the Tube)

Heathrow is on the London Underground's Piccadilly line. To spot it, simply look out for the dark blue line on any Tube map.

The popular service — run by the Transport for London (or the TfL for short) — connects the airport to plenty of central city locations. Often, you won't even need to transfer once you've made it to the city center.

If you're looking for the cheapest option to get you from Heathrow into the city, this is likely it. However, it may not be the most comfortable if you are carrying lots of luggage or traveling during peak commuter hours — especially during summer.

Depart from : Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; the latter two have Underground stations in Zone 6.

Possible destinations : The Piccadilly line directly serves Hammersmith, Gloucester Road, South Kensington, Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Holborn and King's Cross St. Pancras, among other stops. The first and last stops on the line are Uxbridge (Zone 6) and Wood Green (Zone 3).

When does it run? Typically, you can expect Tubes to run from all terminals from around 5 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.; nighttime services from stations in Terminals 2, 3 and 5 run on Fridays and Saturdays. You can check the timetable from all stations here .

Transit time : This will obviously vary depending on your final destination. As a guide, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Piccadilly Circus from Heathrow's Terminal 5 or an hour to reach King's Cross St. Pancras.

Estimated cost : Single journeys from Heathrow to destinations in Zone 1 (such as Piccadilly and King's Cross) cost 5.60 British pounds ($7.09) if you pay contactless or with an Oyster card. Buying a ticket to central London at a machine will cost around 6.70 pounds (about $8.29) per person. Children under 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you're going outside of Zone 1 (such as to Hammersmith, in Zone 2), then you're looking at a smaller fare of 2.10 pounds (around $2.60) during peak times and 3.40 pounds (around $4.21) at off-peak times.

Paying for your trip : You can pay as you pass through the gates or by buying a ticket. The most convenient method is to use your contactless payment card by touching it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms.

Note: The card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing. Keep an eye out for them. If you don't tap in and out at the start and end of your journey, you'll get charged for traveling through Zones 1 to 9.

You can also tap in using a prepaid Oyster card, which is available to buy at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations, for 7 pounds (about $8.69); they're also available at some newsstands and visitor centers throughout London.

After purchasing an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Alternatively, you can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available.

Some stations also have staffed kiosks instead of ticket machines; you can ask for advice here on the best tickets to buy or routes to take.

Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside

Elizabeth Line

A relatively recent addition to the TfL network, the Elizabeth Line opened in 2022. It is one of the fastest and cheapest options for traveling into central London from Heathrow Airport.

While not as cheap as the Tube, the Elizabeth Line trains are newer, roomier, air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi. It's not quite as fast as the Heathrow Express (more details below), but it is more affordable.

Depart from : Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 railway stations.

Possible destinations : The Elizabeth Line travels direct from Heathrow to Abbey Wood, serving Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf. You can see the full map on TfL's website .

There are no direct services between Canary Wharf and Terminal 5 except for some early morning and late evening services; instead, you must go via Paddington or transfer at Terminal 4. Trains arriving at Heathrow from Canary end at Terminal 4.

When does it run? Times vary by terminal and whether you're traveling during a weekday or weekend. Typically, the first trains leave between 5:15 and 6:05 a.m., and the last trains leave the airport between 11:46 p.m. and 12:13 a.m. Depending on your destination or starting point, you may find trains start slightly earlier or run marginally later. Find specific timing here .

Transit time : It depends on where you're headed. As a guide, Terminal 5 station to Paddington takes around 35 minutes, while traveling from stations in Terminal 2 and 3 to Liverpool Street takes about 45 minutes.

Estimated cost : Heathrow claims journeys to or from the airport that start or end in Zone 1 cost up to 12.80 pounds ($15.83) per person. However, if you use contactless payment or Oyster, TfL's single fare finder shows a single journey from Terminal 5 to Paddington on the Elizabeth Line costs 12.20 pounds ($15.44).

A journey from stations in Terminals 2 and 3 to Liverpool Street costs 13.30 pounds ($16.45). These prices only apply to contactless payments or Oyster payments. Buying a paper ticket via station ticket machines costs a small amount more — as discovered by TPG recently when we paid 14.30 pounds for an off-peak ticket from Liverpool Street to Heathrow via the Elizabeth Line.

Generally speaking, while savings are only minor, it's better to pay by contactless or Oyster card. Children under the age of 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

Heathrow Express

The direct train, Heathrow Express, is the fastest option to get from Heathrow to Paddington. The trains are relatively modern and, despite the short distance between its sole stop, they also have luggage racks and plugs for charging phones — handy if you're boarding after a long journey.

For onward journeys, Paddington is well connected to multiple Tube lines. Do note, however, that the Heathrow Express is more expensive than all other rail options.

Depart from : Terminals 2 and 3 station and Terminal 5 railway station; you'll need to take a free connecting shuttle to the station if you land in Terminal 4.

Possible destinations : Paddington station; for an extra cost, you can add connecting Tube travel.

When does it run? It typically operates from around 5 a.m. until midnight. Trains run every 15 minutes. See the full Heathrow Express timetable here .

Transit time : It takes 15 minutes to get to Paddington from Terminals 2 and 3 or 20 minutes from Terminal 5.

Estimated cost : A single Heathrow Express journey from Paddington to Heathrow usually costs 25 pounds ($31.65) per person, but you can sometimes pay less if you book in advance. If you're from Great Britain and have a National Railcard, you could pay as little as 16.50 pounds ($20.89).

Alternatively, you can sometimes find discounts online by searching for Heathrow Express vouchers or coupon codes.

The trains also have Business First Class carriages that start around 32 pounds ($40.51) for a single journey. This may not seem worth it given the short distance and travel time. However, Heathrow Express Business First Class ticket holders are also eligible to use Heathrow Airport's fast-track security service — it may be worth it if you're in a rush.

While the Heathrow Express is more expensive than other options, it can sometimes be a good deal for families; children under 15 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you are returning to the airport within one month of your ticket, an anytime ticket is cheaper overall than booking two single journeys, which start at 32 pounds ($40.51).

Frequent travelers can also save by buying carnets — starting at six tickets for 109.80 pounds ($138.99) for standard class or 160 pounds ($202.54) for Business First class.

If public transport isn't your thing or you need to travel between Heathrow and central London when other transport isn't running, you can easily book Uber rides. Naturally, this will cost more than a Tube or train ride.

Depart from : Short-stay parking lot in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; the app will tell you where to go once you've requested a ride and your driver is confirmed, depending on the terminal you're in.

You can typically find Uber pickup spots in the following locations:

• Terminal 2: Level 4, Row H (Short Stay Car Park 2)
• Terminal 3: Level 3, Row A (Short Stay Car Park 3)
• Terminal 4: Level 1, Private Hire Pickup
• Terminal 5: Level 1, Row R (Short Stay Car Park 5)

Possible destinations : You can use Uber to go wherever you like.

When does it run? In theory, you can get an Uber at any hour, but be wary of long waits during peak times.

Transit time : It varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. (Pay attention to rush hour and commuting times.) As a rough guide, it typically takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Paddington by car or one hour to reach Piccadilly Circus from Terminal 5 (on a good day).

Note that despite its convenience, Uber isn't necessarily the quickest way to reach Heathrow from most locations.

Estimated cost : The cost of an Uber depends on traffic, your destination and other factors. As an example, it can cost 59 British pounds ($74.69) from Terminal 5 to Paddington or 63 British pounds ($79.75) to Piccadilly Circus for UberX rides, excluding tips.

Do note that groups of four or more with more than small suitcases will need to order either a larger car or multiple cars. Expect to pay more for an Uber Lux or Comfort journey.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Taxis (including black cabs, WeKnow and Addison Lee)

Beyond Uber, there are plenty of other taxi services in London. Options include hailing an iconic London black cab, prebooking an electric car from Heathrow's private hire transfer service WeKnow or arranging a pickup from a company such as Addison Lee.

The latter two options provide a meet-and-greet service to help get you and your luggage straight into the car.

If booking with Addison Lee, you'll be required to share your flight number at booking so the driver can adjust your ride in case of a delay.

Again, this mode of transport will be more expensive than using public transport.

Depart from : The relevant taxi rank outside Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a black cab; other services will specify the pickup location when you book, or the driver will meet you at the terminal.

Possible destinations : You can use this option to go wherever you'd like.

When does it run? In theory, you should be able to arrange a taxi or car transfer anytime.

Transit time : As with Uber, it varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. Terminal 5 to Paddington will typically take around 50 minutes while heading to Picadilly Circus will usually take roughly one hour.

Estimated cost : Prices vary depending on the taxi service you opt for and traffic. Some estimates are below.

• Black cab : The meter starts when your ride begins. TfL — which manages London's black cabs — says trips from Heathrow to central London cost between 52 pounds ($65.83) and 97 pounds ($122.79). More information about black cabs is available here .
• WeKnow : Prices are fixed, so you'll know what you're paying when you book. Terminal 5 to Paddington or Piccadilly Circus typically costs 70 pounds ($88.61) to 94 pounds (around $118.99), depending on the car booked. A meet-and-greet service costs 9.99 pounds (about $12.65) extra. Book here .
• Addison Lee : Like WeKnow, prices for Addison Lee rides are fixed. A sample Terminal 5 to Paddington journey (leaving ASAP) was quoted online as 94.32 pounds ($119.40) or up to 122 pounds ($154.44), depending on the car size needed. The meet-and-greet is included in both prices. For an exact quote, visit Addison Lee's website and input your flight number and journey details.

Coach (including National Express and Megabus)

From Heathrow, National Express and Megabus coaches can drop you off at Victoria Coach station. They're usually inexpensive and often have Wi-Fi and power outlets. They can also carry your luggage in the hold. Here's where you can find Megabus luggage allowances and National Express luggage allowances .

While cheap, buses are not the quickest way to reach central London, as times fluctuate considerably depending on traffic, time of day and other factors.

Depart from : Heathrow's Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3 is the quickest departure point for both National Express and Megabus coaches. From Terminal 4, you'll need to take the free shuttle to the bus station. You can also board a coach from Terminal 5 (look for arrivals level stops 13, 14 and 15 for the Megabus).

Possible destinations : You can use these modes of transportation to reach Victoria Coach station, which is a short five-minute walk from the Victoria Line at Victoria station. This line stops at Green Park, Oxford Circus, Warren Street and King's Cross.

When does it run? National Express coaches run throughout the day, with a service gap between 1 and 3:45 a.m. You can check times and prices here . For Megabus times, head here .

Transit time : From Terminals 2 and 3, National Express coaches take between 55 minutes and one hour and 20 minutes to reach Victoria Coach station. Megabus takes between 45 and 55 minutes for the same journey.

From Terminal 5, National Express coaches can take anywhere from one hour and 20 minutes to one hour and 35 minutes.

Estimated cost : National Express coach rides start from 6 pounds ($7.60) per person. For Megabus coaches, a single journey starts from 8 pounds ($10.13).

Other travel options

The 285 bus from Heathrow's Central Bus Station (serving Terminals 2 and 3) will take you to Feltham train station — it's 16 stops away. From there, you can take a 30- or 45-minute train to Waterloo via Clapham Junction.

London bus hopper fares cost 1.75 British pounds ($2.22), and train tickets start from 8.60 pounds ($10.89) per person. The hopper fares allow you to take unlimited journeys from one hour of tapping in.

This is probably the cheapest option from Heathrow to central London, but it is a long-winded option.

There are several local bus routes from the airport for those traveling somewhere in Greater London rather than central London. View them here .

Bottom line

The best route from Heathrow to central London depends on your budget, the amount of luggage you're traveling with and the amount of time and hassle you are willing to put up with.

The Elizabeth Line and Tube are our top picks to avoid street traffic and save money. If speed is your primary concern, then consider the Heathrow Express.

Need to get away from dragging luggage around or just want the absolutely simplest path from point A to point B? Consider an Uber or taxi.

London Heathrow Airport Guide: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

If you’re flying in or out of Heathrow airport when visiting London, this Heathrow Airport Guide will tell you some smart things to know before you get there so you have a nice smooth visit.

There are four terminals at London Heathrow Airport

They’re labeled as terminals 2-5, there’s no longer a terminal 1.

When you’re leaving London, you’ll need to know which one you’re departing from, as you’ll go there to do everything from checking in, to going through security, etc.

You can also check which terminal you’re arriving into, usually your airline will tell you at various points in your journey and on your email confirmation when you buy your ticket. If you struggle to find which Heathrow terminal your airline will fly into or out of, use Heathrow’s Which Terminal tool .

Get to Heathrow Airport 2-3 hours early

As a rule of thumb, plan to get to the airport about three hours early for an intercontinental flight, and at least two hours early for a flight to somewhere in Europe.

Now, I must admit that I don’t always follow this. If I don’t have a bag to check, and I’ve already checked in online, I often give myself less time. Security at Heathrow Airport is SO efficient, I don’t think I’ve waited longer than 10 minutes to get through, even at the height of Christmas season.

However, giving yourself all of that extra time will account for any craziness that might happen, like delayed trains, long lines for bag drop (this is common), or whatever else might happen in the crazy world of travel. The good thing is that there’s loads to do with all of that extra time at Heathrow, which I will talk about a little later.

There are many transportation options for getting to/from Heathrow from Central London

If you’re on a budget, the National Express bus is a good option, or if you want to get to central London fast, there’s the Heathrow Express , plus a few other options in between. For the sake of the length of this article, I won’t go through them all, but they’re all clearly listed, including prices and other helpful info, in my free London 101 Guide.

Have a pen with you for your landing card

If you’re not an EU/EEA national, then you’ll need to fill out a landing card when you arrive to the UK. You’ll give this, along with your passport, to the immigration officer at Border Control. The line for immigration can get very long, so in order to hop on the line as quickly as possible, make sure you bring a pen with you on your flight so that you can fill out the landing card while still on the plane, and you won’t get delayed waiting for a pen to free up at the counter.

Border Control at Heathrow Airport can take a while

Assume it will take at least an hour to get through Border Control and to get your checked bags. It could be a lot less, and it could be more, there’s really no way to say. Keep this in mind when booking transfers or asking someone to pick you up.

There’s free wifi at Heathrow Airport

You get 45 minutes of free wifi, and you get faster speeds if you sign up to the free  Heathrow Rewards program . Use the free wifi to connect with family and friends while you’re waiting for your bags, or if you’re leaving London, pass the time before your flight.

Read next:  How to Use Your Phone While Traveling in Europe

There are lots of food options at heathrow.

In every terminal, there are really good food options once you’re past security, so wait to eat until you’re through, just in case there are any hold ups at security. You’ll find budget options, like Pret a Manger and Starbucks, plus more high-end restaurants and places in between. A personal favourite of mine is Giraffe, it’s affordable and yummy.

Honestly, there’s tons of choice at Heathrow Airport, so you’ll find something that works for you. Expect prices to of course be a bit higher than normal because, well, you’re in an airport.

The shopping’s great at Heathrow

There are so many shops across Heathrow Airport, most of which are mid-range to high-end when it comes to price, but there are also a few affordable options, as well as duty free shops and places to get souvenirs. Terminal 5 is the biggest of the terminals, and it has the most shopping and food selection, and if you have time, you can transfer to other terminals to check out their shopping and food options.

If you want to see what food and shopping options your terminal will have, have a look at Heathrow’s terminal guides.

Read next:  5 Areas in London to Visit for Some Serious Shopping

It takes a long time to get to the gate.

A lot of the gates at Heathrow Airport take quite a while to get to from the main food and shopping area. You’ll see signs around the terminal telling you how long to give yourself to get to your gate once it’s been announced, for some, this could be up to twenty minutes. Keep that in mind so you don’t miss your flight.

Heathrow is family-friendly

If you’ve got little ones you need to keep entertained, each terminal has at least one or two play areas for them to have some fun at. Also, most restaurants will have children’s menus, and you can even order baby milk for your flight.

I hope this Heathrow Airport Guide helps you have a great visit to the airport and to London. For help with getting to and from Heathrow and Central London, download my free London 101 guide.

More London tips:

How to Prepare for your First 3 Days in London

10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting London

5 Great Photo-Taking Spots in London

Jessica Dante

Jess is the founder of Love and London, an online travel guide that helps London tourists to visit London like they live there. She's been featured in Refinery29, Forbes, BBC Radio 2, HuffPost, and more. Jess is also a sustainable and ethical travel advocate.

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Thanks Jess. Great blog. Will be there mid August. Bye for now Alison and Graeme Pike from New Zealand

Thanks for visiting!

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Oh wow thank you so much Jan. I’d love for you to get value for anything you give me so perhaps you’d consider purchasing my 3-Day London Itinerary: loveandlondon.com/3-day-London-itinerary I appreciate your kind words and that you’re part of the community 🙂

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my hotel is near london eye. how do we travel from heathrow airport to london eye. taxi is 100 pounds, thats way too much.

If you're looking for more detailed directions you can try the TfL journey Planner

Otherwise, tell us the name of your hotel, how many travelling (including any children and their ages), the day and time of travel.

thank you all.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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London Heathrow Terminal 5

Terminal 5 offers a seamless airport experience with stylish shops, restaurants and luxurious lounges. Our partners American Airlines and Iberia also both operate from Terminal 5, making connections quick and easy.

Which London airport and terminal?

British Airways flights also operate to and from London Heathrow Terminal 3, as well as London City and London Gatwick airports. 

Flight connections

Everything you need to know about flight connections with British Airways, including travelling between London airports.

Flight status

Check when your flight arrives or departs, and if it is on time or delayed. 

The Departures area is located on the top floor of Terminal 5. You must meet the following times to be able to travel:

• Check-in closes  60 minutes  before long-haul flights depart and  45 minutes  before short-haul flights depart.
• Pass through security at least  35 minutes  before your flight departs.
• Be at the boarding gate at least  20 minutes  before your flight departs. See the 'Boarding' section, below.

This three-step process is designed to make your journey through Terminal 5 simple:

• Step 1 : If you don’t already have a boarding pass, collect it from one of our hosted self-service touchpoints.
• Step 2 : If you have a bag to check in, you can tag and drop your bag at one of our hosted self-service bag drops.
• Step 3 : After completing Step 1 and 2, you can proceed straight to security.

The quickest way to check in is online, 24 hours before your flight departs.

• Check in online at Manage My Booking and print your boarding pass.
• Use the British Airways app to check in and download your boarding pass to your mobile device.
• Once at the airport, head straight to the Bag Drop area in Zones B, C and D to check in your bags.

When you need to check in at the airport on the day of departure:

• If you are travelling in a group of more than nine people, please use a check-in kiosk or go to the Group Check-in area in Zone E.
• If your child is travelling alone, please go to the Family Check-in at Zone E. If your child is travelling on a separate booking from you, please go to a check-in desk at Zone F.

Check the information screens to find out which check-in zone you can use for your flight.

The following dedicated check-in desks are available:

If you have baggage to check in, take your bags to a Bag Drop desk. These desks are open at the below times on the day of departure.

Overnight Bag Drop is available if you are travelling on a flight departing before 10:00. You can check in your bags between 16:00 – 22:00 the day before.

You can drop off bags for others travelling with you, but they must be on the same booking and you must bring their passports and all travel documents, including health tests, required for the journey.

Once your baggage has been checked in, we won't be able to retrieve it, so make sure you have everything you need before you check in.

If you are travelling with hand baggage only and you have already checked in, please go straight through security and to the gate. If your hand baggage exceeds your allowance, you may need to check it in, and charges may apply.

Have your baggage collected from your doorstep, securely transported to the airport, and checked-in for your flight, allowing you to travel to the airport luggage-free and head straight to security when you get there. Available for flights departing from Heathrow, Gatwick, Geneva, Zurich and Vienna.

If you're travelling on an intercontinental flight, we need to check your passport and visa before you go through security.

• Baggage to check in : Your passport and visa will be checked at a Bag Drop or Customer Service desk.
• Hand baggage only : Once you have checked in, please go to a passport and visa check desk before going through security. You can find passport and visa desks at North or South Security. You can also scan your passport on one of our self-service touchpoints or speak to an agent.

You must enter airport Security at least 35 minutes before your flight departs.

Fast Track security lanes are available:

• When travelling in First, Club World or Club Europe (plus one guest)
• Executive Club Gold and Silver Members (plus one guest)
• one world Emerald and Sapphire Members (plus one guest)

You can use a dedicated entrance to the left of North Security that offers a more seamless security process and leads directly into the North Fast Track security lanes.

If you are travelling to a UK or Republic of Ireland destination, your digital photograph will be taken at airport security. When boarding the flight, the photograph will be checked. Once checks are complete, all photographs will be deleted.

Gate information at Heathrow airport becomes available shortly before the flight opens. After you clear security, please check the information screens at regular intervals and find out how long it will take you to get to the gate. 

If you use the British Airways app , you will receive gate notifications directly on your mobile.

Finding your gate

Terminal 5 is made up of three buildings: Terminal 5A, Terminal 5B and Terminal 5C. Please check if your flight departs from the main terminal (A gates), B gates or C gates.

It takes approximately 20 minutes to get to B and C gates, so please always ensure your flight is displayed on the screens before leaving the main terminal . Then follow the signs to the transit train or use the moving walkway that offers easy escalator or lift access. The journey time is the same for either option.

You need to be at the gate no later than 20 minutes before the flight departs . If we have your contact details, we will try to contact you when it is about to close, but we can't delay the aircraft's departure to wait for late passengers.

You will notice a group number on your boarding pass, which shows your boarding priority. Please be ready to board the aircraft when your group is called.

If you want to take advantage of pre-boarding or priority boarding, please arrive at the gate early.

Pre-boarding is available when you are:

• Travelling with small children
• Requiring disability or mobility assistance

Priority boarding is available when you are:

• Travelling in First, Club World, Club Europe or World Traveller Plus
• Executive Club Gold, Silver and Bronze Members
• one world Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby Members

If you arrive after your priority group has been called, you can use the priority lane to board at your leisure.

Terminal 5 offers a range of family services and facilities, including exclusive check-in zones just for parents and children, where they can receive Skyflyer activity packs for on-board entertainment. Skyflyer Kids Zones can be found in Terminal 5 Club South, Club North and terminal 5B Club lounges, open daily from 06:00 to 21:00.

Browse a huge range of shops and outlets at the airport, including shopping services such as Reserve & Collect, Collect on Return and more.

Terminal 5 has five elegant departure lounges located in Terminal 5A and Terminal 5B. If your flight departs from Terminal 5C, please use the lounges in Terminal 5A or 5B, ensuring you leave the lounge at least 40 minutes before your departure time so you don't miss your flight.

Temporary routes to airport lounges

At the request of the UK Government, all security scanners at all UK ports are being upgraded. While the works are carried out at Terminal 5, we’ve created temporary routes for you to access the lounges.

• Travelling in BA First Class or American Flagship First : Enter the Concorde Lounge to the right, straight after security.
• Executive Gold or oneworld Emerald members : Proceed down the central escalators opposite Harrods and follow the signs to the BA South Lounges to access the First Lounge.
• Travelling in Club World, Club Europe, Iberia Business or American Flagship Business, or Executive Silver or oneworld Sapphire members : Proceed down the central escalators opposite Harrods and follow the signs to the BA South Lounges. Alternatively, you can use the BA North Lounge on the upper level at the opposite end of the terminal.

London Heathrow is a large airport and for international flights it usually takes about 40 minutes to get to the Arrivals hall.

For a faster journey through the airport, you can use the eGates if you are over the age of 12 and are travelling with an eligible biometric passport from one of the following countries: UK, EU, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States of America or if a member of the UK Registered Traveller scheme.

If you are coming to the UK for a specific reason, such as short-term study, certain types of work or those travelling with children, you will need to see an officer on arrival.

After Passport Control, follow the yellow signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' and look for your flight on the information screens to see which carousel your bags will arrive on.

Once you have your baggage, you may need to pass through Customs. 

If you're travelling in First or Business (Club World) or are an Executive Club Gold Member travelling on a long-haul flight, please feel free to visit the Galleries Arrivals Lounge.

It is situated on the first floor of the main terminal building (Terminal 5A) and can be accessed using the green lift.  The lounge is open from 05:00 to 14:00. Here, you can freshen up with an invigorating power shower, help yourself to delicious food and drink or prepare for work. Capacity restrictions apply, so you won't be able to bring guests into the Arrivals lounge.

Disability and mobility assistance

If you need additional help for your journey, such as getting through the airport, boarding the aircraft or reaching your onward travel connections, please let us know at least 48 hours before you travel on Manage My Booking and we can arrange this for you with Heathrow airport.

Help points are available:

• Before security: in Departures, Zone E
• After security: in Terminal 5A, opposite Gates A20 and A21. The Lichfield Suite offers additional facilities for travellers with more severe physical or learning disabilities, including a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, hoist and showers. You can request an escort to and from these facilities by contacting us at least 48 hours before you travel.

Wheelchair accessible toilets and induction loops are also available throughout the airport.

Getting to and from the airport

Heathrow Express is the fastest way between Central London and Heathrow Airport, taking just 15 minutes from Terminal 3 and 21 minutes from Terminal 5.

Customers enjoy an excellent on-board experience with complimentary 4G Wi-Fi, a power socket at your seat, dedicated luggage space and easy access.

Children aged 15 and under travel for free on Heathrow Express, making it a family friendly way to get to and from Heathrow from Central London.

Customers holding Business and First tickets can use the Fast Track on departures from any London Heathrow terminal.

Executive Club Members can also collect 5 Avios for every £1 spent on tickets exclusively booked via ba.com.

National Express operates a network of services each day to and from London Heathrow airport. Unlike other coach operators, National Express will take you to the heart of Terminal 5 from towns and cities throughout the UK, making getting to the airport hassle free.

Heathrow to Gatwick coach services run 80 times a day and the journey takes up to an hour.

Book your return tickets now to ensure a great fare or book an open ticket for more flexibility.

London Heathrow airport is on the Piccadilly underground line, which takes you into central London in around 50 minutes. Trains run every few minutes, but not 24 hours.

The Elizabeth underground line operates two trains per hour offering a direct service between Terminal 5 and Shenfield via Stratford.

There are often improvement works taking place, especially at weekends, so always check the service before you travel.

There are several shuttle buses that run between local hotels and London Heathrow terminals. Please check which shuttle bus you need to take for your hotel.

Taxi ranks are signposted once you are in the Arrivals hall, or you can pre-book privately run minicabs.

Terminal 5 is on the Western Perimeter Road and has its own separate access road, reached from junction 14 of the M25 (if you're coming from the M4, exit at junction 4b and follow the M25 south to junction 14). The postcode for satellite navigation is TW6 2GA.

If you are meeting someone from an arriving flight, you must use the Short Stay Car Park. If you are bringing someone to the airport, follow the signs for 'Departures' to drop them off.

Make your journey easier with our parking partners. Leave your car at a nearby car park with quick transfers, drop it off right outside the terminal with valet parking, or combine an overnight stay with parking and transfers at an airport hotel.

Plus, earn 5 Avios per £1 spent when you pre-book car parking.

Airport map

View a map of London Heathrow Terminal 5 to help plan for your journey ahead.

Fly from London Heathrow

Discover where you could fly to, including a wide choice of short-haul and long-haul destinations.

Airport hotels

If you need to stay overnight, we offer a wide range of conveniently-located hotels.

Heathrow strikes to cause disruption to flights: Full list of dates and airlines affected

Here's what you need to know about when all the strikes are, what disruption is expected and which airlines are affected.

Wednesday 24 April 2024 16:28, UK

Staff at Heathrow airport are set to strike on the early bank holiday in May, with their union warning planes could be "delayed, disrupted and grounded".

It's part of a slew of strike dates by different departments at the UK's biggest airport over the next few weeks.

Refuelling workers

50 refuellers working at the airport are set to strike on the following days:

Saturday 4 May

Sunday 5 May

Monday 6 May (bank holiday)

The Unite union says it expects the strikes by its members to lead to severe disruption for passengers over the bank holiday.

Unite says the workers' employer, aviation fuel firm AFS, imposed cuts to the terms and conditions of new staff recruited since January 2024, including offering them reduced pension and sickness benefits.

Heathrow Airport says it is working on contingencies with AFS to manage any potential disruption, saying it has "robust" measures planned, adding that passengers can book flights from Heathrow with confidence.

Sky News has attempted to contact AFS for comment.

Full list of airlines set to be affected:

American Airlines

United Airlines

Virgin Atlantic

Japan Airlines

Singapore Airlines

Korean Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines

Lot (Polish)

Royal Air Maroc

Middle East Airlines

Sas (Scandinavian)

Tap Air Portugal

Malta Airlines

Aero Mexico

Latam Airlines

Bulgarian Air

China Airlines

Air Mauritius

Turkmenistan

Tianjin Airlines

Beijing Capital

Almost 800 staff in various departments

Unite members in the following departments at Heathrow are set to take part in a week of strike action in May:

Passenger services - who assist travellers to catch connecting flights

Trolley operations

Campus security - the security guards who are responsible for all workers at Heathrow and vehicles being checked before entering Heathrow

Firefighters

Airside operations

The walkout will take place on the following days:

Tuesday 7 May

Wednesday 8 May

Thursday 9 May

Friday 10 May

Saturday 11 May

Sunday 12 May

Monday 13 May

Unite says the strike action "will inevitably cause widespread disruption across the airport, leading to delays and disruption".

It says the airport has announced the work of passenger services, trolley operations and campus security is set to be outsourced by 1 June in a "cost-cutting exercise" that Heathrow says will save it £40m.

"This cost reduction will lead to a substantial reduction in the number of workers, which raises serious security concerns, given the safety critical nature of much of the work undertaken," Unite says.

Its firefighters and airside operation members are also striking because they fear they "may be next in line" to have their work outsourced, the union adds.

Read more on Sky News: Train drivers at 16 rail companies to strike in May Which countries are unsafe to travel to amid Middle East tensions?

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Heathrow Airport's actions are deplorable, it is raking in massive profits for the bosses while trying to squeeze every last penny out of its workforce.

"Unite is fully focused on defending its members jobs, pay and conditions and our members at Heathrow will receive the union's unrelenting support during this dispute."

A Heathrow spokesman said: "We are reorganising our operations to deliver better results for our customers. There are no job losses as a result of these changes, and we continue to discuss with Unite the implementation of these changes for the small number of colleagues impacted.

"Unite's threats of potential industrial action are unnecessary, and customers can be reassured that we will keep the airport operating smoothly, just like we have in the past."

Border Force officers

They will walk out for four days over changes to their working conditions, according to the Public and Commercial Services trade union.

The union said more than 300 of its members working at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the airport will walk out on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Thursday 2 May

The effect of this strike would be on arrivals rather than departures.

It's because around 250 Border Force staff will lose their jobs at passport control under new roster plans, the union says.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "Our members are angry and disappointed at being forced out of their jobs.

"While not everyone will be affected, the changes will disproportionately hit those who are disabled or have caring responsibilities.

"The Home Office should be doing all it can to retain experienced, trained staff - not lose them by introducing an unworkable new roster system."

The Home Office said it was "disappointed" with the union's decision but added it remains "open to discussing a resolution".

It added: "The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at other ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns, and improve the service to the travelling public.

"Keeping our borders secure remains our top priority and we have robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption."

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Destinations , Inspiration · February 12, 2024

How to Get From London Heathrow to Central London

How to get from London Heathrow to central London is one of the most searched queries in search engines.

Heathrow is the biggest and main airport in the UK and with so many catching connections from the centre of the city, it is worth knowing the best (and most efficent ways) of getting to the centre of London.

Heathrow Airport, officially known as London Heathrow Airport, is the primary international airport serving London, the capital of the United Kingdom. It is the busiest airport in Europe by passenger traffic, handling over 81 million passengers in 2019. Heathrow is a vital hub for global travel, connecting London to over 200 destinations worldwide. Or even, if you are using it as destination for a connection to another London airport, many of these routes are centred through central London.

As a travel writer, I regularly have to navigate to and from Heathrow and so from this experience, I have drawn up my tips and tricks on how to get from Heathrow to the centre. Below, I have included all the different modes of transport and things to consider when picking the right mode of transport for you.

Here is our guide on how to get from London Heathrow to central London:

Exploring Your Options: Factors to Consider:

Navigating London’s extensive transportation network can be a daunting task for first-time visitors, especially when arriving at Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest air travel hubs. However, with a bit of planning and understanding of the various options available, the journey from Heathrow to the city center can be a smooth and stress-free experience.

• Cost: The cost of your journey will vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. Trains are generally the most expensive option, followed by taxis and then buses. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the price of your ticket, such as the time of day, the day of the week, and whether you are booking in advance.
• Journey time: The journey time from Heathrow to the city centre will also vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. Trains are generally the fastest option, followed by taxis and then buses. However, the journey time can also be affected by traffic conditions, road closures, and whether you are changing trains or buses.
• Convenience: The convenience of your journey will also be a factor to consider. Trains and buses generally have regular departures from Heathrow, so you should not have to wait long for a service. Taxis are also readily available, but you may have to wait in a queue during peak times.
• Luggage: If you have a lot of luggage, you will need to consider the amount of luggage space that is available on each mode of transport. Trains and buses have dedicated luggage storage areas, while taxis may have limited space in the boot.
• Accessibility: If you have mobility issues, you will need to consider the accessibility of each mode of transport. Trains and buses have ramps and disabled access.

The High-Speed Connection: Heathrow Express

For those seeking the fastest and most convenient way to travel from London Heathrow Airport to the city center, the Heathrow Express stands as the premier choice. This non-stop rail service whisks passengers from any of Heathrow’s terminals to Paddington station in a mere 15 minutes, making it an ideal option for time-pressed travelers.

The Heathrow Express boasts sleek, modern trains that offer a comfortable and hassle-free journey, equipped with ample luggage storage, spacious seating, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Additionally, passengers can enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets online or at Heathrow Airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience from the moment they arrive.

Here are some specific examples of cheaper Heathrow Express fares:

• Off-peak single tickets from Heathrow Airport to Paddington station start at £5.50.
• Off-peak return tickets from Heathrow Airport to Paddington station start at £10.50.
• Advance purchase single tickets from Heathrow Airport to Paddington station start at £22.50.
• Advance purchase return tickets from Heathrow Airport to Paddington station start at £36.50.

Top tip: I would always advise to pre-book your tickets as it takes the pain and hassle out of getting a ticket as and when you arrive.

A Cost-Effective Choice: The Piccadilly Line

For those seeking a direct and convenient connection from London Heathrow Airport to the city center, the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground stands out as an excellent choice. Offering a balance of affordability and efficiency, the Piccadilly Line whisks passengers from Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 to the heart of London, making it a popular option for both locals and visitors alike.

Journey times along the Piccadilly Line range from approximately 50 to 60 minutes, depending on your final destination in central London. With trains operating every 10 minutes during peak hours, it is easy to find a convenient departure time that suits your schedule.

The cost of a Piccadilly line ticket from London Heathrow Airport to central London depends on the time of day and whether you are traveling during peak hours.

• Off-peak: £6.00
• Peak hours: £7.30
• You can also purchase a one-day Travelcard for £12.50, which allows you unlimited travel on all London Underground services, including the Piccadilly line.

Top tip: To further enhance your cost-effectiveness, consider utilizing an Oyster card, London’s pay-as-you-go contactless travel card. Oyster cards offer significant savings compared to single-journey tickets, particularly for those making multiple journeys during their stay. Simply tap your Oyster card on the designated readers at the entrance and exit gates, and the system will automatically calculate your fare.

Express Coaches: Comfort and Convenience

For travelers seeking a convenient journey from London Heathrow Airport to the city center, express coaches offer an excellent option. National Express , is a leading coach operator in the UK, provides frequent and direct services from Heathrow Central Bus Station to Victoria Coach Station in the heart of London. Journey times typically range from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Ticket prices for express coaches are generally lower than those for trains or taxis, making them an attractive option for budget travelers. Advance booking is recommended to secure the best fares, especially during peak travel periods.

Upon arrival at Victoria Coach Station, passengers can easily access central London’s extensive public transportation network. Here is an example of average times and prices from Heathrow to London Victoria Coach Station:

• Monday at 11:00 pm: £8.90
• Tuesday at 6:00 am: £7.90
• Wednesday at 10:00 pm: £9.90
• Thursday at 6:00 am: £8.90
• Friday at 10:00 pm: £10.90

Black Cabs: The Iconic London Taxi Experience

Black cabs, the iconic London taxis, offer a comfortable and convenient way to travel from London Heathrow Airport to the city center. These spacious and well-maintained vehicles are readily available at all Heathrow terminals, providing door-to-door service to your chosen destination.

While black cabs may be more expensive than other transport options, they offer the advantage of flexibility and personalization, catering to your specific needs and preferences.

Here are some examples of how much black cabs would cost from London Heathrow to central London:

• From Heathrow to Oxford Circus: £55-65
• From Heathrow to Trafalgar Square: £60-70
• From Heathrow to Piccadilly Circus: £65-75
• From Heathrow to Covent Garden: £70-80
• From Heathrow to King’s Cross Station: £75-85

Alternatively, you can choose one of the other options:

• Private car service: Private car services offer a more luxurious and personalized way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London. They are typically more expensive than taxis or black cabs, but they offer a number of amenities, such as bottled water, newspapers, and Wi-Fi. The cost of a private car service from Heathrow Airport to central London will vary depending on the company you choose, but you can expect to pay between £100 and £200.
• Uber: Uber is a ride-hailing app that allows you to request a car from your smartphone. Uber fares from Heathrow Airport to central London typically range from £30 to £50.
• Gett: Gett is another popular ride-hailing app in London. Gett fares are similar to Uber fares, and the app also offers a variety of business and executive car options.

Planning Your Journey: Tips for a Smooth Travel

To ensure a seamless and stress-free journey from London Heathrow to the city center, consider these helpful tips:

• Pre-book your tickets: Booking your tickets in advance, especially for trains and coaches, can save you time and money. Early booking often secures discounted fares and avoids the hassle of purchasing tickets at the airport.
• Allow ample travel time: Account for potential delays, such as traffic congestion or unexpected circumstances. It’s always better to arrive at the airport or station with ample time to check in, clear security, and find your platform or bus stop.
• Familiarize yourself with the transport options: Research the various transport options available, including their routes, schedules, and approximate journey times. This will help you choose the most suitable option for your needs and preferences.
• Download essential apps: Consider downloading the Transport for London (TfL) app, which provides real-time travel information, journey planning tools, and Oyster card management. Additionally, the Heathrow Airport app offers flight information, airport maps, and navigation assistance.
• Have your travel essentials ready: Keep your passport, boarding pass, and travel documents easily accessible. If you’re traveling with luggage, ensure it’s properly labeled and secured.
• Consider using contactless payment: Contactless payment cards, such as Oyster cards or contactless bank cards, are widely accepted for travel on the London Underground, Heathrow Express, and Elizabeth Line. This eliminates the need to purchase paper tickets.
• Be mindful of luggage restrictions: Familiarize yourself with the luggage restrictions for your chosen mode of transport. This will prevent any surprises or delays at the airport or station.

Accessibility and Luggage Considerations: How to Get From London Heathrow to the City Centre

Heathrow Airport and its transportation providers are committed to ensuring that all passengers have a seamless and accessible journey to and from central London. All terminals and stations are fully accessible, with level access, ramps, and lifts throughout. Designated assistance points are also available throughout the airport and stations, where passengers can request help with baggage, boarding, and other aspects of their travel.

For those with mobility impairments, Heathrow offers a variety of assistance services, including:

• Meet and greet: Staff will meet passengers at the aircraft door or the baggage hall and provide assistance with luggage, check-in, and security screening.
• Escort to the departure gate: Staff will escort passengers to the departure gate and provide assistance with boarding.
• Assistance with luggage: Staff will assist passengers with lifting and carrying luggage.
• Assistance with mobility aids: Staff will assist passengers with the use of mobility aids.

Conclusion: How to Get From London Heathrow to Central London

In conclusion, when planning your journey from London Heathrow Airport to the city center, carefully consider your priorities and preferences to determine the most suitable transportation option. If speed and convenience are paramount, the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express offer the fastest and most comfortable connections. For budget-conscious travelers, National Express coaches provide a cost-effective alternative, albeit with longer journey times. Taxis offer the ultimate flexibility and personalized service, but come at a premium price. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your individual needs and travel style.

Overall, I hope this article has been helpful in providing you with a comprehensive overview of the various transportation options available for traveling from London Heathrow Airport to Central London. Whether you are seeking the fastest, most convenient, or most budget-friendly option, I hope we have equipped you with the necessary information to make an informed decision for your upcoming journey.

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Record-breaking passenger numbers help Heathrow to post £83 million profit

Heathrow had a record-breaking start to 2024, with 18.5 million passengers using the London airport in the first three months of the year.

The 9.5 per cent rise in passenger numbers during what is usually a quieter time of year has in part been the result of a 40 per cent surge in demand for business travel between London and destinations in India, North America and East Asia.

The record passenger numbers for the first quarter has prompted Heathrow to increase its projection for the full year to 82.4 million.

The figures also enabled Heathrow to post a profit of £83 million for the first quarter, compared with a loss of £139 million for the same period in 2023.

“It has been a successful start to the year thanks to colleagues delivering a consistent, reliable service to our passengers,” said Javier Echave, Heathrow's chief financial officer.

“On the horizon is Heathrow’s busiest summer yet, with more passengers and destinations served than before. We’re ready to continue delivering.”

Meanwhile, Heathrow reiterated its opposition to the absence of tax-free shopping for international tourists, as well as the extension of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to passengers in transit, a move the airport claims will “risk the UK’s global connectivity and Heathrow’s hub status”.

“There have been decisions made [by the government] regarding tax-free shopping and ETA that, if anything, I think is reducing the competitiveness of not only the aviation sector but also the UK overall,” Mr Echave told The National .

“The amount of wealth and jobs that have been removed through these policies is absolutely unacceptable. Having a strong aviation system means having a strong UK.”

As part of an executive team shake-up at Heathrow, Mr Echave will become the airport's chief operating officer from Thursday.

Third runway

Of the top routes from Heathrow that see more than a million passengers a year, Dubai and Doha continue to occupy second and third place, behind New York's JFK.

Mr Echave told The National that the Middle East airports were becoming “very strong” and that Dubai especially is a “great airport with a great team”.

But an announcement on Heathrow's progress of the plans for a third runway remains elusive. It's thought a third runway at the airport will take 10 years to build and cost about £14 billion, but the project has been effectively shelved for the past few years.

“I understand there's a bit of frustration and a lot of expectation about when we're are going to come out with a decision,” Mr Echave told The National .

“We acknowledge that, but we also acknowledge the importance and the complexity of the decision that we have in front of us.

“Also, it's slightly more complicated by the fact that we have seen a change in leadership in almost every stakeholder around us, from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and local communities, but in the government as well.

“Therefore, we are taking a bit more time to update the business case and to re-engage with all the stakeholders,” he said.

Looming strike action

Heathrow is expected to be affected by strike action in the run-up to the busy summer period.

Workers in passenger services, who include security guards, those who assist travellers to catch connecting flights and workers who deal with luggage trolleys, are due to go on strike in early May over plans to outsource their jobs.

While the Unite union said the action was “deplorable”, Heathrow said that “there are no job losses as a result of the changes”.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Border Force officers are set to walk out in late April and early May over working conditions, while refuelling staff will also down tools over what has been described as “drastic cuts” to terms and conditions for new employees.

But Heathrow has little control over those strikes, as the Border Force is employed by the Home Office, while the refuelling staff work for a consortium called AFS.

Currently, Heathrow has no plans to pay dividends this year, as it attempts to close the £400 million gap in the H7 settlement set by the CAA in the dispute between the airport and its airline customers over passenger landing fees.

The airport said its £1 billion plan to upgrade the 146 security lanes with state-of-the-art, next-generation scanning equipment is continuing. Heathrow also announced that work is under way on the new baggage system at Terminal 2 and that it will shortly start the once-in-a-decade job of resurfacing both runways.