Travelling between London and Heathrow Airport (LHR) may seem daunting, but several transport options make the journey straightforward.
This guide covers all the options, with particular attention to the Underground, so you can choose how to travel during the day or at night.
1. Underground (London Underground) – Piccadilly Line
The most affordable rail option from central London is the Piccadilly line, shown in dark blue. It connects stations including Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden directly with Heathrow’s terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Daytime travel
- Journey time: Around 50–60 minutes from central London, depending on your starting station and terminal. Allow extra time to reach the station and walk to check-in.
- Fare: Check your station-to-airport fare using TfL’s fare finder. Underground journeys between Heathrow and Zone 1 are charged at the peak rate at any time.
- Frequency: Trains run frequently, but they do not all serve the same terminal. Check the destination before boarding.
- Operating hours: First and last trains depend on the station, direction, terminal and day. Check your specific journey in TfL’s journey planner, particularly for an early flight.
Night travel
On Friday and Saturday nights, the Piccadilly line’s Night Tube serves Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 and Terminal 5. Terminal 4 has no Night Tube service: check separately how and when you can reach it.
- Frequency: Check night departures for your station and terminal; engineering work can suspend services.
- Operating hours: Overnight from Friday into Saturday and Saturday into Sunday.
Outside Night Tube nights, do not assume the Underground runs throughout the early hours. Check Sunday nights too. If it does not suit your flight, compare the N9, an available coach departure or a pre-booked transfer.
2. Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express connects London Paddington with Heathrow without intermediate stops. It is especially useful if you are already near Paddington: the 15-minute journey excludes the time needed to get there from your accommodation.
- Journey time: About 15 minutes from Paddington to Terminals 2 & 3; Terminal 5 is further along the route. Terminal 4 requires an inter-terminal connection.
- Fare: £26 for a Standard single. Advance tickets start at £10, subject to availability and conditions; check your travel date before comparing prices.
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes.
- Operating hours: Check first and last departures for your date, direction and terminal with Heathrow Express. It does not run 24 hours a day.
Children aged 15 and under travel free in Standard with an adult holding a valid paid ticket: add their free child ticket when booking. You can pay for Heathrow Express with Oyster or contactless, but the journey is charged separately and does not count towards TfL’s daily caps.
3. Elizabeth Line (formerly TfL Rail)
The Elizabeth line connects Heathrow with Paddington and continues through central London, serving Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street. Staying near one of these stations can save you a change at Paddington. Compare the whole journey and the fare for your date: an advance Express offer can change the price comparison.
- Journey time: Around 30 minutes to Paddington as a guide; it varies by terminal and London station. This is not the time to every central destination.
- Fare: £15.50 per adult journey with Oyster or contactless between Heathrow and Zone 1. Check TfL for other starting points or destinations.
- Frequency: Varies by terminal and time. Check the train destination: not every Elizabeth line train goes to Heathrow or serves the same terminal.
- Operating hours: It does not run all night. Check first and last trains for your station and terminal, as well as engineering work.
4. Night buses
When the Night Tube is unavailable, the N9 connects Aldwych / Bush House with Heathrow Terminal 5 via Trafalgar Square and Heathrow Central Bus Station, which serves terminals 2 and 3. Check an additional connection for Terminal 4; do not assume the N9 serves it.
- Journey time: This is a slow option. Calculate the trip from your stop in TfL’s planner rather than assuming an hour and a quarter from central London, especially if you need another terminal.
- Frequency: Heathrow gives every 30 minutes as a guide; check your stop and night in the official N9 timetable.
- Fare: £1.75 with Oyster or contactless.
5. National Express coaches
National Express connects Victoria Coach Station with the airport, providing another option, particularly when travelling with luggage.
- Journey time: Around an hour as a guide; use the duration shown for your booked departure and allow for traffic.
- Fare: Advertised from £11.60 one way, subject to date and availability. Check the booking total, including any booking fees and luggage conditions.
- Frequency: Check available departures for your date; there is no single guaranteed interval for every terminal.
- Operating hours: Check National Express for a departure that fits your flight and its exact stop. Being able to book online does not mean a direct service runs at any hour.
6. Taxis and private transfers
For comfort or journeys with lots of luggage, taxis and services such as Uber or Bolt can be practical.
- Journey time: Between 45 minutes and an hour is only a guide; heavy traffic can make it much longer. Calculate the journey from your address to your specific terminal.
- Fare: Black cabs use a meter. With a minicab or an app, check the quote before confirming. The total depends on your starting point, traffic, vehicle and any airport charges.
7. Travelling by car or bicycle
If you prefer to drive, Heathrow has car parks: compare the price for your dates and the transfer from the car park to your terminal. For drop-offs or pick-ups, check the designated areas and applicable access charges.
If cycling, check permitted access to your terminal and where you can leave your bicycle beforehand. Not all airport roads are suitable or open to cyclists; do not improvise the final stretch using driving directions. Consult Heathrow’s guidance before choosing this option.
Choosing your route
The Piccadilly line is usually the cheapest rail option; Heathrow Express has the shortest train journey from Paddington, while the Elizabeth line can save a change if you are near one of its central stations. At night, choose according to actual departures for your date and terminal. Check disruptions before leaving and allow time for check-in and security.
Which option suits your starting point?
- Near Paddington: compare Express and Elizabeth line. Express saves time on the train; decide whether the fare for your date makes that saving worthwhile.
- Near Tottenham Court Road or Liverpool Street: check the direct Elizabeth line service to your terminal before travelling via Paddington.
- Near Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square: the Piccadilly line avoids changing lines. Check the train destination and operating hours for your terminal.
Confirm the terminal on your flight booking before buying tickets. For a family, compare the cost for the whole group: discounts and free child tickets differ between TfL and Heathrow Express. With heavy luggage or if you need lifts, check access at your starting station and any interchange too.
Last reviewed: 16 October 2026.
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