There are 4 modes of transportation available when travelling from Heathrow airport (LHR) to the city centre of London: Taxi, Train, Metro and Bus. Taking a London airport taxi is always the most convenient option, but it is costly. Taxi rides from Heathrow airport to the downtown area of London cost around 57€ (50£) and take approximately 30 minutes. The fastest route to the city centre is by train. Train tickets cost 25€ (22£) and it takes around 15 minutes to reach central London. A cheaper alternative is the metro. Metro tickets for the city centre cost only 6.80€ (6£) and the journey takes approximately 35 minutes. The fourth and final option is the bus. The journey takes around 50 minutes and the price of single ticket is 6.90-11.30€ (6.10-10£).
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How to get from Heathrow aiport to centre by Taxi
The most convenient and comfortable way to reach London downtown area is by taxi. London airport taxis are usually black. Moreover, licensed taxis should have a windscreen sticker displaying the license and a white plate at the back of the car. It is important to note that during rush hour there is always a queue for the taxis; therefore, you must wait in line to get one. Under normal traffic conditions, the taxi ride to the city centre takes approximately 30 minutes.
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How to get from Heathrow aiport to centre by Taxi
The most convenient and comfortable way to reach London downtown area is by taxi. London airport taxis are usually black. Moreover, licensed taxis should have a windscreen sticker displaying the license and a white plate at the back of the car. It is important to note that during rush hour there is always a queue for the taxis; therefore, you must wait in line to get one. Under normal traffic conditions, the taxi ride to the city centre takes approximately 30 minutes.
There is not an official flat rate from Heathrow aiport to the city centre of London. Your taxi trip will be charged by a taximeter, depending on distance. However, the average cost of a taxi ride from Heathrow airport to the city of London is 57€ (50£). Additional charges from driving on public holiday or late-night driving may apply.
You can always check if taxi companies offer a fixed price if you book your trip in advance.
Taxi rides might be expensive, but they are by far the most convenient and safe transfer option. In addition, taxis run 24/7 so you do not have to worry if you arrive at the airport late at night.
Editor’s Note
Please note that traffic in London takes a big part of the day. Therefore, it is normal to expect delays and even higher taxi prices.
Useful Tips
Taxis in London can fit up to 3 people with 3 pieces of luggage.
All London taxis accept payments with debit/credit cards.
Pick a taxi from the line and not from random individuals.
Make sure that the taximeter is running.
How to get from Heathrow airport to city centre by Train
When it comes to travelling from Heathrow airport to London's city centre trains provide the fastest services. Heathrow Express trains run up to 4 times an hour and take only 15 minutes to reach London Paddington station. Regular train tickets cost 25€ (22£).
Heathrow Connect trains also provide similar services to that of Heathrow Express, but they are slower and less frequent.
How much is the train from Heathrow airport to city centre?
Regular adult tickets cost 25€ (22£) if bought from ticket desks, automated ticket machines or online. If bought on train, they cost 30.50€ (27£).
Ticket desks and automated ticket machines can be found at Heathrow's Central Station (walking distance from Terminals 2 and 3) and Terminal 5.
Photos (4)
Heathrow Express train arriving at the platform of the airport
Do not forget to buy your tickets from one of the automated ticket machines
You can always buy your tickets from the agents of the metro train ticket counters
Heathrow Express
Cost
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 a.m to 23:48 p.m.
Where do I get it from?
If you arrive on Terminal 2 or 3, just follow the signs for the Heathrow's Central Station. In Terminal 5, the station is at basement level and can be reached by lift or escalator. From Terminal 4, you have to take the free shuttle transfer to Terminals 2 and 3 in order to access the train station.
The free shuttle transfer from Terminal 4 departs every 15 minutes and the travel time is only 5 minutes.
Convenience
Even though taking the train for your transfer can be expensive, it is very fast and convenient. In addition, all Heathrow Express trains provide free TV and wireless internet.
Timetables
Heathrow Express train schedule from Heathrow airport to London Paddington
Paddington Station is right at the heart of London's downtown area. From there, you will have access to major bus and underground lines.
Useful Tips
Children under 16 years of age travel for free.
The direct journey from the airport to the city centre takes around 15 minutes.
There may be less services on weekends and holidays.
How to get from Heathrow airport to city centre by Metro
London's underground train system is directly connected with Heathrow airport. Once you get on Piccadilly line at Heathrow, you can travel to many major central points in London. For example, the journey from Heathrow airport to Piccadilly Circus tube station takes around 35 minutes and the tickets cost only 6.80€ (6£) per person.
How much is the metro from Heathrow airport to city centre
Tube tickets from Heathrow airport to the city centre of London cost 6.80€ (6£). More specifically, you are buying a ticket for zone 1 (city centre) while you are on zone 6 (Heathrow airport).
Tickets can be bought from the ticket desks or automated ticket machines which can be found at the underground stations of each terminal.
Photos (4)
Metro train waiting on the platform for a trip to the city centre
Do not forget to validate your ticket after purchase
Do not forget to buy your tickets from one of the automated ticket machines
Heathrow "Tube"
Cost
6.80€
Trip Duration
35 Min.
Waiting time is around 10 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The underground trains run from 05:10 a.m to 23:20 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays the tube from Heathrow airport runs 24/7.
Where do I get it from?
There are 3 underground stations at Heathrow airport. One for Terminals 2 and 3 and one each at Terminal 4 and 5. For Terminals 2 and 3, the underground station can be found in between the Terminals via a pedestrian subway. The underground stations of Terminals 4 and 5 are in the basement of the buildings.
Convenience
During rush hours, the underground trains tend to get grossly overcrowded. Therefore, after a long flight, it might better for you to use other means of transport, especially if you are carrying many pieces of luggage.
Please note that when the metro is shut there is a night bus (N9) alternative which operates throughout the night from Heathrow airport to central London every 30 minutes.
Useful Tips
Always keep an eye at your belongings while on-board.
It is recommended to have a map of London's underground network.
How to get from Heathrow airport to city centre by Bus
National Express provides buses that travel directly from Heathrow airport to Victoria Coach Station. These buses depart every 30 minutes and when the traffic flow is normal the average travel time is 50 minutes.
How much is the bus from Heathrow airport to city centre?
The price of the bus tickets depends on the time of the day and the demand. However, the price ranges from 6.90-11.30€ (6.10-10£).
Tickets can be bought from the ticket desks and ticket machines at Heathrow Central Coach Station, which is between Terminals 2 and 3, or online.
Photos (5)
+1
National Express bus waiting on the platform for a trip to the city centre
Head to the Central bus station in order to catch the National Express buses
Do not forget to buy your tickets from one of the automated ticket machines
You can always buy your tickets from the agents of the metro train ticket counters
National Express at Heathrow airport
Cost
6.90-11.30€
Trip Duration
50 Min.
Waiting time is around 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
National Express buses run from 04:20 a.m to 22:10 p.m.
Where do I get it from?
National Express buses depart from Heathrow Central Station which can be located between Terminals 2 and 3. If you happen to arrive on Terminal 4 or 5, just take the free shuttle train to Terminals 2 and 3. The free shuttle departs every 15 minutes and the travel time is only 5 minutes.
Convenience
Taking the National Express bus from Heathrow airport is a very cheap option if you are on a budget. However, the travel time might be way longer than 50 minutes because traffic in London is always an issue.
Timetables
National Express bus schedule from Heathrow airport to Victoria Coach station
The buses of National Express are modern, air-conditioned, with washrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Useful Tips
You cannot buy a ticket straight from the bus driver.
The National Express buses come with a free luggage allowance of 2 cases per person.
Children under 6 years of age travel free.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Heathrow airport to city centre?
The average price of a taxi ride from Heathrow airport to the city centre of London is 50£ (57€). Without traffic, the journey will take approximately 30 minutes.
How much is a train ticket from Heathrow airport to city centre?
Regular train tickets from Heathrow airport to Paddington Station cost 22£ (25€). Tickets can be bought at Heathrow Central Station from the ticket desks, ticket machines, or online.
How far is it from Heathrow airport to the city centre?
The distance between Heathrow airport and the city centre of London is approximately 24 km.
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