• Nothing Found

Transfer Options from London Heathrow to London

London, home to the iconic Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and London Eye, attracts millions of visitors yearly. Also known for its up-and-coming cuisine, grand red double-decker buses and wonderful museums, London is an excellent destination for families, couples, friends and solo travellers alike.

When travelling from London Heathrow to the city centre, you have five options: a taxi, the train, the London Underground – including the new Elizabeth Line, or the bus. Taking a Heathrow to Central London airport taxi is always the most convenient option, as taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door services, taking 45 minutes to reach the city. Your fastest option from Heathrow to central London would be to take the Heathrow Express train, which only takes 15 minutes to Paddington Station. Alternatively, you can take the London Underground, taking 45 minutes to reach Paddington station on the Picadilly Line or 35 minutes on the new Elizabeth Line. Finally, the cheaper alternative would be to take the National Express coach bus which takes around 1 hour to Downtown London.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to London at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €90 45min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €65 45min 24/7
Train €57.20 15min 05:12–23:48
Underground - Piccadilly Line €14.40 35min 05:12–23:45
Underground - Elizabeth Line €29.40 35min 06:30–23:00
Bus €13.80 60min 03:45–01:00

How to get from London Heathrow to central London by taxi

The most reliable and convenient way to reach London’s city centre is by taxi or private transfer. Heathrow airport taxis are available 24/7 and provide safe door-to-door services in the comfort of a private vehicle.

Taxi fare from Heathrow airport to central London

Taxis in London calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled to your exact destination. You can expect to pay around €65 (£57) for your 45-minute taxi ride from London Heathrow to London city centre.

Additional charges may apply when taking a taxi during public holidays or late at night. Thus, if you prefer travelling at a fixed-rate fare, you can always pre-book your Heathrow airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€65 (£57)

Trip Duration

45 Min.

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Heathrow International Airport.

Where do I get a cab from?

The official “black cab” taxi rank can easily be spotted outside the arrivals terminal exit doors.

Convenience

Taxis might be the more costly option, but they are the most convenient and safe alternative. You can forget about stressful public transportation or carrying around your heavy luggage and start your holiday in a stress-free manner.

Editor’s Note

London is known for its dense traffic. Therefore, delays and higher taxi prices can be expected during rush hour.

Useful Tips

Taxi queues can get long during rush hour; waiting in line could add significant time to your journey.
Ensure your driver resets and turns on their taximeter before starting your journey.
All London taxis accept card payments.

How to get from London Heathrow to central London by train

When it comes to your transport from London Heathrow to London city, trains provide the fastest services. The Heathrow Express runs up to 4 times an hour and takes only 15 minutes to reach London Paddington station.

How much is the train from London Heathrow to London city centre?

A one-way ticket on the Heathrow Express costs €28.60 (£25).

You can purchase your tickets at the ticket desks and automated ticket machines at Heathrow Central Station (walking distance from Terminals 2 and 3) and in Terminal 5.

Cost

€28.60 (£25)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Waiting time is around 15 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Heathrow Express trains run from Heathrow airport to London Paddington station from 05:12 to 23:48.

Where do I get the train from?

If you arrive at Terminal 2 or 3, follow the signs for Heathrow Central Station. From Terminal 4, you can take the free shuttle transfer to Terminal 2 or 3. In Terminal 5, the station is on the basement level and can be reached by lift or escalator.

The free shuttle transfer from Terminal 4 departs every 15 minutes, and the travel time is only 5 minutes.

Convenience

Although the Heathrow Express train is slightly costly, it is very fast and convenient. In addition, all Heathrow Express trains provide free TV and wireless internet so that you can travel to the city centre of London with some entertainment.

Editor’s Note

Paddington Station is right in the heart of London's Downtown area. From there, you will have access to primary buses and underground lines.

Useful Tips

Please note that tickets directly purchased on the train are higher.
It is good to know that children under 16 years of age travel for free.

How to get from London Heathrow to central London on the Piccadilly Line

London’s Underground train system is directly connected to Heathrow airport. You can hop on to the Piccadilly line at Heathrow airport and make your way to major central points throughout London city centre; taking 45 minutes from Heathrow airport to Piccadilly Circus station.

How much is a ticket on the Picadilly Line from London Heathrow to the city centre?

A one-way tube ticket from Heathrow airport to the city centre costs €7.20 (£6.30), and a return costs €14.45 (£12.60).

You can purchase tickets from the ticket desks or automated ticket machines at each terminal’s Underground station. You can pay using cash, card, Contactless or Oyster card.

Cost

€7.20 (£6.30)

Trip Duration

45 Min.

Waiting time is around 10 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Underground tube runs from 05:12 to 23:45.

Where do I get the Picadilly Tube Line from?

There are 3 Underground stations at Heathrow airport. One that operates from both Terminals 2 and 3, one in Terminal 4 and one in Terminal 5.

You can find the station between Terminals 2 and 3 via a pedestrian subway. For Terminals 4 and 5, you can find the underground stations at the lowest level.

Convenience

The Underground can get overcrowded during rush hour. Therefore, it might be best to choose another travel option if you have just after a long flight or if you are carrying heavy luggage.

Editor’s Note

It is recommended to purchase a one-way unlimited travel pass for £18.10 if you plan to use the tube for the day.

Useful Tips

Always keep an eye on your belongings whilst on the Underground tube.
The Underground timetable may vary on public holidays and weekends.
Purchasing a pay-as-you-go Oyster card will provide cheaper tickets.

How to get from London Heathrow to central London on the Elizabeth Line

The newest travel option from Heathrow to central London is the Elizabeth Line; it is an excellent option as it links the airport to most parts of London city centre and takes 35 minutes from Heathrow airport to Paddington Station.

How much is a ticket on the Elizabeth Line?

A one-way ticket on the Elizbeth Line if you’re travelling from London Heathrow to London’s Paddington station costs €14.70 (£12.80). You can purchase your tickets at the station counters or at the ticket vending machines.

Cost

€14.70 (£12.80)

Trip Duration

35 Min.

The train runs every 5 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Elizabeth line operates from Monday to Saturday 06:30 to 23:00.

Where do I get the Elizabeth Tube Line from?

You can find the Elizabeth Line at Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Convenience

The Elizabeth Line is a great travel option from London Heathrow to London’s Paddington Station. Carriages are brand new and modern. However, if you are travelling late at night, you will have to find a travel alternative transportation option as the line closes before midnight.

Editor’s Note

The Elizabeth Line is great for those that wish to travel around London; the Line connects most parts of the city.

Useful Tips

It is always best to keep your belongings close to you to avoid surprises.
Please note that the Elizabeth Line gets very crowded during rush hours.
The Line is frequent, providing 12 trains per hour.

How to get from London Heathrow to central London by bus

Finally, your last travel option would be to take a bus from London Heathrow to London Central. National Express provides direct routes by coach from Heathrow airport to Victoria Coach Station with a travel time of 1 hour.

How much is a bus ticket from London Heathrow to city centre?

A one-way ticket on the National Express bus can vary depending on the time of the day and when you purchase your ticket. The price usually ranges from €6.90 (£6) to €11.45 (£10). You can purchase your tickets online, from the ticket desk at the Arrivals Terminal or from the ticket machines at Heathrow Central Coach Station, between Terminals 2 and 3.

Cost

€6.90 (£6)

Trip Duration

1 hour

Waiting time is around 30 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

National Express coaches run daily from 03:45 to 01:00.

Where do I get the coach from?

National Express coaches depart from Heathrow Central Station, located between Terminals 2 and 3. If you arrive at Terminal 4 or 5, simply take the free shuttle train to Terminal 2 or 3. The free shuttle runs every 15 minutes, with a travel time of only 5 minutes.

Convenience

Taking the National Express from Heathrow airport is a great cost-savvy alternative as buses are frequent and the vehicles are modern. However, travel time can be long, especially during peak traffic hours.

Editor’s Note

The National Express vehicles are modern and air-conditioned, with WCs and free WiFi.

Useful Tips

Please note that you can't purchase a ticket from the driver; you must buy your ticket before getting on the bus.
The National Express buses come with a free luggage allowance of 2x20kg cases per person.
It is good to know that children under the age of 6 travel free.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in London. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Heathrow airport to Central London?

A 45-minute taxi ride costs around €65 (£57). Please note that there is no flat rate fare from London Heathrow to London; you will be charged using a taximeter based on time and distance travelled.

How much is a train ticket from London Heathrow to the city centre?

A one-way ticket on the Heathrow Express costs €28.60 (£25). You can purchase your tickets at the ticket desks and ticket machines at Heathrow Central Station or online.

How far is Heathrow airport from the city centre?

The distance between Heathrow airport and the city centre of London is approximately 24km. The journey from Heathrow to central London takes around 45 minutes by taxi, 15 minutes by train, 35-45 minutes by London underground (Picadilly or Elizabeth Line) and 1 hour by the National Express bus.

Was this helpful?

Pre-book online