Updated: October 2009
Traveling by Train between Heathrow Airport and Central London
The Heathrow Express is the quickest way into central London. Heathrow Express operates four non-stop trains per hour to and from Paddington. Trains depart from Paddington between 05.10 and 23.25 and return from Terminal 4 between 05.23 (05.53 on Sundays) and 00.01 and Terminal 5 between 05.07 and 23.42 (05.03 and 23.48 on Sundays). It takes 15-20 minutes and is non-stop to Paddington station.
There are three stations at Heathrow: Terminals 1, 2, 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. Passengers for Terminal 4 must change at Terminals 1,2,3 for the free and frequent transfer service.
Travelcards and Oyster cards are not valid on the Heathrow Express.
Fares are from £16.50 single (online price).
HeathrowConnect.com also runs a train service between Heathrow Airport and Paddington station via five intermediate stations in west London. Because it has a few stops along the way the fare is a bit cheaper. Journey time to Paddington is 25 minutes and trains operate every 30 minutes. Trains depart form Paddington between 04.42 (06.12 on Sundays) and 23.03 and return from Heathrow Terminals 1,2,3 between 05.29 (06.13 and 23.13 on Sundays) and 23.26. Passengers for Terminal 5 should use the free inter-terminal service from Terminals 1,2,3. Oyster pay as you go is not valid on the service and Zone 1-6 Travelcards are only valid between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington.
Fares are from £7.40 single.
Taking the Tube between Heathrow Airport and Central London
Heathrow Airport has three stations on the Piccadilly Line: Heathrow Terminal 5, Heathrow Terminal 4 and Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3. All stations are in zone 6 (central London is zone 1.) London Underground is the cheapest way to travel to and from Heathrow but it takes a long time (about 50 minutes to central London).
The Piccadilly Line connects all Heathrow terminals with frequent services to central London between 05.12 and 23.42 (Heathrow Terminal 4 station closes at 23.35 Monday to Saturday and 23.15 on Sunday.)
Fares to Zone 1 from £4 cash single (from £2.20 with an Oyster card).
Coach Services between Heathrow Airport and Central London
National Express operates an average of three coaches per hour to and from Victoria Coach Station. Journey time is about 35-60 minutes but remember to allow extra time in case of traffic problems.
Online fares are from £5 single.
Dot2Dot is a door to door transfer service operating between addresses in central London and Canary Wharf, and Heathrow Airport for around half the price of a black cab. You share the transfer with up to 3 other hotel stops to keep the costs down.
Prices are approximately £21.50 one way.
By Taxi between Heathrow Airport and Central London
You can usually find a queue of black cabs at all terminals or go to one of the approved taxi desks. The fare is metered, but watch for extra charges such as late night or weekend journeys. Tipping is not compulsory, but 10% is considered the norm. Expect to pay at least £45 to get to Central London. Only use a reputable mini-cab and never use unauthorized drivers who offer their services at airports or stations.
