If you’re visiting London, chances are you’ll land at Heathrow Airport. Getting from the airport to central London may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of planning, it can be quite simple and hassle-free. Here’s everything you need to know about getting from Heathrow to central London.
By Train
One of the easiest and most popular ways to get from Heathrow to central London is by train. The Heathrow Express is a non-stop train service that runs between Heathrow Airport and Paddington Station in central London. The journey takes just 15 minutes, making it the fastest way to get into central London.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance online for the best deals.
Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes from Terminal 2 and 3, and every 30 minutes from Terminal 4 and 5. The first train leaves at 5:10 am and the last train departs at 11:25 pm.
Fares:
- A one-way ticket costs £22 if purchased on board.
- If you book online in advance, you can get a single ticket for as little as £5.50.
- Return tickets are also available for £37 if purchased on board or £55 online.
Tip: If you’re travelling in a group of three or more, consider purchasing a Group Saver ticket online for even greater savings.
TfL Rail
The TfL Rail service connects Heathrow Airport with Paddington Station via intermediate stations in west London. This is a good option if you’re travelling on a budget or if you want to explore other parts of west London.
Fares:
- A one-way ticket costs £10.20 if purchased on board.
- If you use an Oyster card or contactless payment, the fare is £3.10 during off-peak hours and £5.10 during peak hours.
- Return tickets are also available for £20.40 if purchased on board or £15.80 online.
By Bus
If you’re travelling on a budget, taking a bus from Heathrow to central London is a good option. The National Express and the easyBus are two popular bus services that run from Heathrow to various locations in central London.
National Express
The National Express runs frequent services between Heathrow Airport and Victoria Coach Station in central London. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Fares:
- A one-way ticket costs around £6-£8 if purchased in advance online.
- If you purchase your ticket at the airport, it will cost around £12-£14.
easyBus
The easyBus is another budget-friendly option that runs between Heathrow Airport and various locations in central London, including Baker Street and Waterloo Station.
Fares:
- Ticket prices start at just £2 if booked in advance online.
- If you purchase your ticket at the airport, it will cost around £10-£12.
By Taxi/Uber
If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient mode of transport, taking a taxi or an Uber from Heathrow to central London is a good option. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and you can also book one in advance online.
Fares:
- A taxi ride from Heathrow to central London will cost around £45-£70, depending on your destination and the time of day.
- An Uber ride from Heathrow to central London will cost around £25-£40, depending on your destination and the time of day.
Tip: If you’re travelling in a group, taking a taxi or an Uber may be more cost-effective than taking the train or bus.
Conclusion
Getting from Heathrow to central London is easy and affordable with various transport options available. Whether you prefer speed and convenience or budget-friendly travel, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance for the best deals.