Transport links with Heathrow

London Underground

London Underground's Piccadilly Line provides the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow Airport and central London. The journey time is under an hour and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train, even off-peak.

London Heathrow has three London Underground stations - one for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and one each at Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.

Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3 station is in the central area between the terminals and a few minutes' walk via underground walkways. Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 stations are in the basements of the terminal buildings. All Heathrow stations are in Travelcard Zone 6.

A single fare to central London costs approximately £4. Tickets are available at all London Underground stations, from ticket offices or machines. Pre-paid Oyster cards can also be used on the London Underground.

Heathrow Connect

Heathrow Connect's stopping service to London Paddington links the airport with local stations in west London. Modern, air-conditioned trains run every 30 minutes. The journey between Heathrow Central rail station and Paddington takes about 25 minutes (travel to Terminal 4 or 5 takes a few minutes more). Trains call at Heathrow Central (for Terminals 1, 2 and 3) and Heathrow Terminal 4. Passengers travelling via Terminal 5 can use Heathrow Express trains for a free transfer to or from Heathrow Central.

Please ensure you buy your ticket at the station before boarding the train. A penalty fare zone operates between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington.





Heathrow Express

The Heathrow Express offers the fastest journey between the airport and central London. Non-stop trains run every 15 minutes and the journey between Heathrow Central and London Paddington takes 15 minutes (a few minutes more for Terminals 4 or 5). Travel in comfort on modern trains with air-conditioning, plenty of baggage space, wireless internet and free TV. You can even use your mobile phone when the train is in a tunnel.

Trains run between 05:10 and 23:25 from Paddington, and between 05:07 and 23:42 from Heathrow.

Tickets can be bought on the internet, at the station or on board the train. The standard single fare is £16.50 and standard return costs £32.




Local Bus

An extensive local bus network provides a low-cost route between Heathrow and west London. Many services offer free travel within the airport site. Several coach companies operate from cities throughout the UK and from central London to London Heathrow.

Taxi

Travelling by taxi is one of the most flexible ways to get around London. Taxis operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year subject - All take cash and some accept credit and debit cards.

London licensed taxis stop at the taxi ranks outside each Heathrow terminal. In central London, taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through your hotel.

The journey to central London costs between £40 and £70 and takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Journeys which are both inside London and within 20 miles of the airport are priced using the taxi meter. The fare for travel outside London should be agreed beforehand with the driver.

All licensed taxis are wheelchair accessible. Many include other features to make access easier and to assist those with hearing or sight impediments. Wheelchairs should be secured at all times. Taxis carry assistance dogs at no extra charge.

London taxis are licensed by Transport For London to operate in the Metropolitan Police District and are strictly regulated to ensure that high standards are maintained. If you do have any comments or complaints please contact:

Public Carriage Office
15 Penton Street
London
N1 9PU
United Kingdom
Telephone: 0845 602 7000

Complaints can be investigated more easily if you have the licence number of the taxi and the driver's badge number. The date, time and place of the incident should also be noted.

Watch out for Illegal taxi services

It is illegal for anybody - including a licensed taxi or private hire driver, or operator - to approach you offering a journey for payment. This is known as touting.

Always use a licensed private hire operator or taxi. Licensed private hire drivers must have a PCO licence or temporary permit. All licensed private hire vehicles must display the yellow PCO licence disc on the front and rear windscreens. Taxi drivers must wear their distinctive metal driver's badge.

All black taxis operating from the official Heathrow taxi rank are licensed.