There are 4 modes of transportation available when travelling from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to the city centre of London; taxi, train, underground and bus. Taking a Heathrow airport taxi is always the most convenient option, but it's also fairly costly. Taxi rides to the downtown area of London take approximately 45 minutes. The fastest route from Heathrow airport to the city centre is by train. The Heathrow Express train takes around 15 minutes to reach Paddington Station in London. A cheaper alternative to the train is the London Underground, with a journey time of around 45 minutes. The fourth and final option is taking either the National Express or TfL local bus, which takes around 50 minutes. 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.
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Transfer Options from Heathrow Airport to City Centre
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €105 | 45min | 24/7 | |
| Welcome Pickups | €90 | 45min | 24/7 | Book |
| Book | ||||
| Train | €50 | 15min | 05:12–23:48 | |
| Underground | €13.60 | 35min | 05:10–23:20 | |
| Bus | €22.60 | 50min | 04:20–22:10 | |
How to get from Heathrow airport to the city centre by Taxi
The most convenient and comfortable way to reach the city centre of London is by taxi. Heathrow airport taxis are easy to spot as they are a classic black colour with a yellow "TAXI" sign on top. Licensed taxis also have a windscreen sticker and a white plate on the back displaying their unique license number.
It's important to note that during rush hour there is always a queue for the taxis, so waiting in line could add a significant amount of time to your journey. Once you're in your taxi, it will take around 30 minutes to reach the city centre of London from Heathrow airport under normal traffic conditions.
Taxi fare from Heathrow airport to city centre
There's no official flat rate from Heathrow airport to the city centre of London. Your taxi driver will charge you using a taximeter based on distance. However, the average cost of a taxi ride from Heathrow airport to downtown London is €105 (£90). Additional charges may apply when taking a taxi during public holidays or late at night.
If you prefer travelling at a fixed-rate fare, you can always book your taxi in advance through a private transfer company.
Convenience
Taxi rides might be expensive, but they are by far the most convenient and safe transfer option. You don't have to worry about carrying your luggage or navigating public transport, and if you land late at night, there will always be a taxi waiting for you as they run 24/7.
Editor’s Note
Please note that traffic in London can be extreme throughout the day. Therefore, you should expect some delays and higher taxi prices during these times.
Useful Tips
How to get from Heathrow airport to the city centre by Train
When it comes to travelling from Heathrow airport to the city centre of London, 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. Off-Peak one-way train tickets cost €25 (£22) and can be purchased using cash, card or Oyster cards.
TfL 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 the city centre?
Heathrow Express tickets cost €25 (£22) for off-peak and €27.50 (£25) during peak times from Heathrow airport to Paddington station. Ticket desks and automated ticket machines can be found at Heathrow Central Station (walking distance from Terminals 2 and 3) and in Terminal 5.
Please note that If you choose to purchase your ticket when on the train, instead of online, from the ticket desk or an automated ticket machine, prices will be higher.
Photos (4)
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 to 23:48.
Where do I get it from?
The free shuttle transfer from Terminal 4 departs every 15 minutes and the travel time is only 5 minutes.
Convenience
Although taking the Heathrow Express train is a little on the expensive side, it's an extremely fast and convenient transfer option. In addition, all Heathrow Express trains provide free TV and wireless internet, so you can travel to the city centre of London in comfort.
Editor’s Note
Paddington Station is right in the heart of London's downtown area. From there, you will have access to major bus and underground lines to reach your accommodation in the city.
Useful Tips
How to get from Heathrow airport to the city centre by underground
London's Underground train system is directly connected with Heathrow airport. All you need to do is hop on the Piccadilly line at Heathrow, and you can travel to many major central points throughout London city centre. The journey from Heathrow airport to Piccadilly Circus station takes around 45 minutes and tickets cost just only 6.80€ (£6) one-way, making the Underground the most cost-effective transfer option.
How much is the Underground from Heathrow airport to the city centre
Underground train tickets from Heathrow airport to the city centre of London cost €6.80 (£6) one-way as it is located in Zone 1.
Tickets can be bought from the ticket desks or automated ticket machines found at the Underground stations of each terminal. You can pay using cash, card, Contactless or Oyster card.
Photos (4)
Heathrow Underground
Cost
6.80€
Trip Duration
45 Min.
Waiting time is around 10 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The Underground trains run from 05:10 to 23:20. On Fridays and Saturdays the Underground from Heathrow airport runs 24/7.
Where do I get it from?
Convenience
During rush hour, the Underground trains tend to get grossly overcrowded and hot. Therefore, if you've had a particularly long flight, are feeling tired or simply have a lot of luggage, you may want to look for a different means of transportation to get from Heathrow airport to the city centre of London.
Editor’s Note
Please note that when the Underground isn't running, there's an alternate night bus (N9) that runs from Heathrow airport to central London every 30 minutes.
Useful Tips
How to get from Heathrow airport to city centre by Bus
Taking a bus from Heathrow airport to the city centre of London may be a cheap transfer option, but they are the slowest and least convenient choice.
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. There are also local TfL local buses that run to most major stops in West London and cost as little as €1.70 (£1.50) when using a pay-as-you-go Oyster card.
How much is the bus from Heathrow airport to city centre?
The price of the National Express bus ticket depends on the time of the day you're travelling and how far in advance you book it. However, the price usually ranges from 6.90-11.30€ (6.10-10£). National Express tickets can be bought online, from the ticket desk in the arrivals terminal or from the ticket machines at Heathrow Central Coach Station, which is between Terminals 2 and 3.
The TfL local bus tickets can't be purchased using cash, only via Oyster card, Visitor Oyster card, Contactless Payment card or a Day Travelcard. The cost of your ticket from Heathrow Airport to central London depends on the station you're travelling to but will cost around 1.70€ (£1.50).
Photos (5)
+1Buses at Heathrow airport
Cost
€1.70-11.30
Trip Duration
50 Min.
Waiting time is around 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
National Express buses run from 04:20 to 22:10. The TfL local buses run from 06:00 to 22:30.
Where do I get it from?
Convenience
Taking the National Express or TfL Local bus from Heathrow airport is a very cheap transfer option if you are on a budget, but the travel time can be extremely long. Although Tfl Local buses are cheaper, the National Express buses are much more spacious, have better luggage storage and even free WiFi, making them much more comfortable.
Editor’s Note
The buses of National Express are modern, air-conditioned, with washrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
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.
Read more Book Welcome Pickups transferFrequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Heathrow airport to the city centre?
The average price of a taxi ride from Heathrow airport to the city centre of London is €105 (£90). Note that there's no flat rate fee from Heathrow airport to London, you will be charged using a taximeter based on distance. Without traffic, the journey will take approximately 30 minutes.
How much is a train ticket from Heathrow airport to the city centre?
Off-peak train tickets from Heathrow airport to Paddington Station in central London cost €25 (£22). Tickets can be bought at Heathrow Central Station from the ticket desks and 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. The journey will take around 30 minutes by taxi, 15 minutes by train, 45 minutes by London underground and 50 minutes by bus.
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