Welcome / London / Heathrow to City Center

Transfer Options from Heathrow Airport to Central London

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

September 27, 2024

Heathrow Airport in London is arguably the busiest airport in Europe, which can be daunting for first-time visitors! Do not worry though, there are plenty of transportation options to get you from Heathrow Airport to London City so you can get busy enjoying your holiday.

When traveling from London Heathrow to the city center, you have five options: a taxi, private transfer, the train, the London Underground, or the bus. Taking a Heathrow Airport taxi or private Heathrow Airport transfer to Central London is always the most convenient option, as they offer 24/7 door-to-door services, taking 45 minutes to reach the city center.

However, the fastest way to travel from Heathrow Airport to Central London is to take the Heathrow Express train, which only takes 15 minutes to Paddington Station. Alternatively, you can take the London Underground, which takes 45 minutes to reach Paddington station on the Piccadilly Line, or 35 minutes on the new Elizabeth Line. Finally, another affordable 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.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€77	45min	24/7
Heathrow Express	€59.4	15min	05:12–23:57
Underground - Piccadilly Line	€13.20	35min	05:12–23:45
Underground - Elizabeth Line	€30.40	35min	05:21–00:12
Bus	€21	60min	03:45–01:00
Welcome Private Transfer	€88	45min	24/7

How to get from Heathrow Airport to London by taxi

The most reliable and convenient way to reach London’s city center is to take a classic black London Airport taxi. Taxis are available around the clock and provide a safe door-to-door service in the comfort of a private vehicle. A metered taxi from Heathrow Airport to London takes around 45 minutes and regular taxis can carry up to 5 passengers with one suitcase each.

How much is a taxi from Heathrow Airport to London?

Taxis in London calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance traveled to your destination. With this in mind, the Heathrow Airport to London taxi fare should be around £65 (€77) for a 45-minute journey, not including the compulsory airport surcharge of £2 (€2.40) or the extra charges that apply at night, on weekends and public holidays.

If you prefer a fixed price, you can always pre-book your airport transfer from Heathrow with Welcome Pickups.

Photos (4)

Taxis at Heathrow airport

Cost

€77

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 is easily spotted outside the arrivals terminal exit doors.

Convenience

Taxis might be the more expensive option, but they are also the most convenient and safest way to travel. You can forget about the stressful public transportation or carrying your heavy luggage and start your vacation stress-free and relaxed.

Editor’s Note

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

Useful Tips

Taxi queues can be long during rush hour and waiting in line can add significant time to your trip.

Make sure your driver resets and switches on the taximeter before you start your journey.

All London taxis accept credit card payments.

All black taxis in London are wheelchair accessible.

How to get from London Heathrow to central London by train

When it comes to your transportation from Heathrow Airport to London, the train is often the fastest option available. The fastest train ride is the Heathrow Express which runs up to four times an hour and only takes 15 minutes to reach London Paddington Station.

How much is the express train from Heathrow Airport to London?

f you buy a ticket on the day, a one-way ticket on the Heathrow Express in Express Class costs £25 (€29.70). You can buy your tickets online, at the ticket desks, and at the automated ticket machines at Heathrow Central Station (within walking distance of Terminals 2 and 3) and Terminal 5.