If you’re travelling to London and landing at Heathrow Airport, you might be wondering how much it costs to take the train into central London. Luckily, there are several options available to fit any budget. In this article, we’ll explore the different train options and their costs.
Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express is the fastest and most direct train from Heathrow to central London. It runs every 15 minutes from all terminals and takes only 15 minutes to reach Paddington station in central London. The cost for a one-way ticket is £25 if purchased online in advance or £27 if purchased at the station.
Discounts
If you’re travelling with a group of three or more people, you can save up to 33% on your tickets with the Group Travel offer. If you’re travelling with children under 16 years old, they can travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
TfL Rail
TfL Rail is a more affordable option than the Heathrow Express. It takes slightly longer as it stops at several stations along the way, including Hayes & Harlington, Southall, Hanwell, West Ealing, Ealing Broadway and Acton Main Line before arriving at Paddington station in central London. The cost for a one-way ticket is £10.20 during peak hours (6:30am-9:30am Monday to Friday) or £10.10 during off-peak hours.
Oyster Cards
If you plan on using public transportation frequently during your stay in London, it’s worth investing in an Oyster card. This contactless smart card can be used on all TfL services including trains, buses and the London Underground.
The cost of an Oyster card is £5 which is refundable when returned at the end of your trip. By using an Oyster card, you can save up to 30% on single journey fares.
National Rail
National Rail offers a variety of train options from Heathrow to central London, including the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground. The cost for a one-way ticket varies depending on which train you take and where you’re going, but it usually ranges from £5 to £15.
Travelcards
If you’re planning on using public transportation frequently during your stay in London, it’s worth investing in a Travelcard. This allows unlimited travel within specific zones for a set period of time. The cost of a Travelcard varies depending on which zones you want to travel in and how long you need it for.
- Zone 1-6 Travelcard: £67.70 weekly or £260 monthly
- Zone 1-4 Travelcard: £47.30 weekly or £182 monthly
- Zone 1-2 Travelcard: £36.10 weekly or £138.70 monthly
Conclusion
There are several options available when travelling from Heathrow to central London and the cost varies depending on which option you choose. For those looking for speed and convenience, the Heathrow Express is the best option albeit more expensive than other alternatives available such as TfL Rail or National Rail trains. If budget is a concern, then National Rail trains might be your perfect choice since they offer multiple options at affordable prices along with Travelcards that allow unlimited travel within specific zones throughout London.