In a nutshell
- London Heathrow is the biggest airport in London and one of the busiest in Europe.
- When it comes to transportation from Heathrow to London, you’ve got six options to choose from. Our favorite is the Elizabeth Line – it’s the best mix of price, comfort, and travel time if you’re wondering how to get from Heathrow to London city center.
- If your flight leaves super early, it’s worth spending the night at the airport. The Moxy London Heathrow Airport is right next to the terminals, has a great vibe, and serves an excellent breakfast.
London Heathrow Airport: 4 Important Facts
Let’s start with a few key facts to know before you fly into London Heathrow.
- London Heathrow is the largest of London’s six airports and one of the busiest in Europe.
- It has four terminals serving flights to destinations all over the world.
- The airport sits about 24 kilometers from central London in the southwest of the city, making it the main gateway from Heathrow to central London.
- You’ll find direct flights to Heathrow from over 200 airports and 80 countries around the world.
Flying into a different London airport? You’ll find everything you need to know in these guides:
London Stansted transfer: our tips
London Gatwick transfer: our tips
Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London: An Overview
Before diving into the details of each transfer, here’s an overview of the six ways to travel from London Heathrow Airport to the city center—along with the key facts you should know for each option.
| Transfer | Travel Time | From Heathrow to Center | From Center to Heathrow | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | 15 min | 5:12 AM to 11:57 PM | 4:51 AM to 11:25 PM | £25 | book your ticket |
| Elizabeth Line | 25 min | 5:15 AM to 12:07 AM | 4:36 AM to 11:24 PM | £12.80 | Local purchase |
| Piccadilly Line | 60 min | 5:12 AM to 11:45 PM | 5:47 AM to 12:33 AM | £5.80 | Local purchase |
| Bus | from 60 min | All day | All day | from £6 | book your ticket |
| Taxi | from 30 min | All day | All day | from £60 | book your ticket |
| Private Transfer | from 30 min | All day | All day | £80 | book your ticket |
Our Recommendation for the Best Transfer from London Heathrow
Don’t want to compare every option and just want to know the easiest way to get from Heathrow to central London? We’ve got you covered.
Our top pick is the Elizabeth Line (#2). It’s the perfect balance of cost, comfort, and travel time—simply the best value when traveling from Heathrow to London.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the different transportation options from Heathrow to London.
Heathrow Express: The Fastest Option
The Heathrow Express is a non-stop train connecting Terminals 2, 3 and 5 with Paddington Station in central London. The journey takes just 15 minutes, making it the fastest way to travel from London Heathrow Airport to the city center. A free shuttle runs between Terminal 4 and the main station.
Trains depart every 15 minutes. The first train from Paddington leaves at 05:10 and the last at 23:25. From Heathrow, the first service runs at 05:17 and the last at 23:59.
A one-way ticket costs around £25, but if you book early, you can sometimes find fares for as low as £10. Children under 15 travel for free. You can book your ticket online on the official Heathrow Express website and show it on your phone or print it out. Tickets are also available at machines at the station.
Elizabeth Line: Best Value for Money
The Elizabeth Line, formerly known as Heathrow Connect, is another quick and easy train connection from Heathrow to London. Trains run from Terminals 2 and 3, and you can reach the station from Terminals 4 and 5 with a free shuttle.
The ride to Paddington Station takes about 25 minutes. Unlike the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line makes a few stops along the way – perfect if your hotel is in West London. Since 2023, you can even travel directly through the city to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, which makes it a great option if you’re wondering how to get from Heathrow to London city center without changing trains.
A single ticket costs £12.80 and can be bought from any ticket machine at the station. You can also pay with your Oyster Card or contactless card. You’ll find more information about the Oyster Card here.
Train times are listed in the table above, but they may vary on weekends. You can check all current Elizabeth Line timetables on the official TfL website. Trains run roughly every 10 minutes, making it one of the best options for transportation from Heathrow to London when you want good value and flexibility.
Piccadilly Line: For the Spontaneous
Your third train option is the London Underground. The Piccadilly Line has stations for Terminals 2 and 3 and separate stops for Terminals 4 and 5.
A trip to Piccadilly Circus in the heart of the city takes around one hour—so it’s slower than the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth Line, but much cheaper.
Tickets cost £6.70 from a ticket machine, or just £5.80 if you pay with an Oyster Card or contactless card. Be aware that ticket machines at the airport can get quite busy, especially during peak times.
One of the big advantages is how frequently the tube runs—there’s a train every few minutes. From Piccadilly Circus, services operate between 05:47 and 00:33, and from Terminal 5 between 05:12 and 23:45. Weekend times may vary, so it’s best to check the official London Underground website for the latest schedule.
If you’re looking for a spontaneous and budget-friendly way to travel from Heathrow to London city center, the Piccadilly Line is a solid choice for getting around London like a local.
Bus: The Cheapest Heathrow Transfer
If you’re after the cheapest option for transportation from Heathrow to London, hop on the National Express bus. It runs from all four terminals to Victoria Coach Station in central London. Tickets start at just £6.
Depending on traffic, the trip usually takes between 60 and 80 minutes. Some services even operate late at night, making it a good option for early or late flights. Because departure times and frequency vary, it’s best to check the schedule online and book your ticket in advance.
Book your National Express ticket online here
If you’re wondering how to get from Heathrow to London city center on a tight budget, this is the most affordable way to go. It’s not the fastest, but it’s comfortable, reliable, and easy to use—perfect for travelers heading from London Heathrow Airport to the city center without spending much.
Taxi: Expensive, but Convenient
Taking a taxi is probably the most expensive way to travel from London Heathrow Airport to the city center. Depending on where your hotel is located in London, the ride takes around 30 minutes and costs between £60 and £80.
If you’re travelling with others, a cab can still be worth it. You’ll find taxis waiting outside every terminal – just follow the signs. If you need one in the city, you can call +44 845 300 7000.
It’s best to pay in cash, as card payments can include a surcharge of up to 10%. A small tip is customary.
Make sure you only use official black cabs. Unlicensed drivers can charge much higher prices.
Our tip: You can also book so-called mini cabs. They’re much cheaper than black cabs, but must be booked in advance. A popular platform for this is minicabit.
Private Transfer: For Organized Planners
If you’d rather plan ahead and have everything arranged before your trip, a private transfer is a great alternative to a taxi. You can easily book it through GetYourGuide—a reliable and user-friendly platform.
Your driver will meet you directly at the airport or at your accommodation, holding a sign with your name. You’ll be driven straight to your destination without any stops in between.
Prices start from around £80, which can be a good deal if you’re traveling from Heathrow to London with several people.
Book a private transfer to or from London Heathrow
Our Hotel Tips at London Heathrow Airport
Do you have an early flight and want to avoid the morning rush to the airport? Here are our top three hotel recommendations near Heathrow.
- Moxy London Heathrow Airport: We know the Moxy hotels from other cities. Cool design, a laid-back vibe, and a great breakfast—this would be our first choice!
- Courtyard by Marriott: A classic 4-star option near Terminals 2 and 3. You can even watch planes take off from the terrace.
- Holiday Inn Express: Perfect if you’re flying from Terminal 4, since it’s not directly connected by train. Staying here saves you a transfer early in the morning.
Still looking for a great hotel in central London? We’ve got you covered with these three guides.
Any questions about transfers from London Heathrow?
These were our top tips on how to get from London Heathrow Airport to the city center. Have you flown into Heathrow before and discovered another good way to get into town? Feel free to share your experience in the comments!