As one of the world's busiest airports, Heathrow Airport handles millions of passengers each year and is a major gateway to the awesome city of London. Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, handles millions of passengers every year and is a major gateway to the awesome city of London. If you're heading to London from Heathrow, figuring out how to get there can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, though, because there are plenty of ways to make the journey, and I've got all the info you need right here!
So, let's talk about the different transport options available to you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Planning your London itinerary? Here’s a quick guide to its best attractions!
London’s subways
The cheapest way to travel from Heathrow to Central London is via the subway, also known as the Tube. If you’ve got kids under 11 years old, they can travel for free! However, keep in mind that carrying large luggage can be challenging due to the number of stairs around the station. It also takes around 50 minutes from the airport to Picadilly Circus.
The standard single Tube ticket costs AUD7.25 for adults or AUD3.75 with contactless payment. If the Tube is not running, the N9 night bus is available for just AUD1.81.
Ride-sharing apps
If you're into a private and hassle-free transfer, why not go for a ride-sharing app? You've got options like Uber, Bolt, and Ola operating at Heathrow Airport, making it super convenient to zip your way to London. Just fire up the app, request a ride, and bam! But hey, don't forget to check the app for the pick-up spot after you've requested your ride. Here's the lowdown on where to find them for each terminal:
- Terminal 2: Level 4, Row H (Short Stay Car Park 2)
- Terminal 3: Level 3, Row A (Short Stay Car Park 3)
- Terminal 4: Level 1, Private Hire Pickup
- Terminal 5: Level 1, Row R (Short Stay Car Park 5)
Transit time varies depending on the traffic, but it usually takes around one hour to get from Terminal 5 to Piccadilly Circus.
Costs for ride-sharing services vary, with UberX from Terminal 5 to Piccadilly Circus costing approximately AUD51, which may increase if you have a lot of luggage. Other options, such as Bolt and Ola may have slightly different pricing and availability, so it's worth comparing them to find the best deal!
Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express is a great option for travellers who want to get to Central London quickly, especially if their accommodation is near Paddington Station. With travel times of only 15-20 minutes from the airport to the station, it's a fast and efficient mode of transport. While it can be costly for larger groups, booking in advance can save you up to 75% off fares, with online tickets ranging from AUD10.50 to AUD50 for Express Class. Plus, the trains are equipped with amenities such as luggage racks, outlets at the seats, and 4G Wi-Fi to ensure a comfortable journey!
Car services
If you're all about that personalised and fancy car service, then you should definitely check out companies like Addison Lee, Blacklane, or MyDriver. These folks go the extra mile to make your experience top-notch. They'll be waiting for you at the arrivals gate with a sign and will even lend a hand with your luggage. Oh, and get this: you can even book car seats for the little ones or make other special requests, like bringing your furry friend along for the ride.
In terms of travel time, it usually takes around 55 minutes to get from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Piccadilly Circus when traffic is light. As for the prices, they start at around AUD111 for a medium-sized car that can comfortably fit four people. Not too shabby, right?
National Express buses
Another affordable way to get to London is by taking the National Express bus. They offer 51 daily services from Heathrow to Victoria Station or Hammersmith in London, with service from 3 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. You can find it at various stops at each terminal.
These will take you to London between 35 and 50 minutes, depending on where you’d like to get dropped off and the traffic. One-way fares start at AUD9 plus an optional AUD4 for seat selection.
TFL Rail Heathrow
The TFL Rail Heathrow, or the Elizabeth Line, is a local train that travels between Heathrow and Paddington Station, with stops along the way. It's ideal for those staying at locations along the route, such as Ealing Broadway! The first train leaves Paddington at 4:42 am on weekdays. You can use a London travel pass or contactless payment.
Transit time is 32 minutes to Terminal 2, plus five minutes to Terminal 4 or 5. One-way fares start at approximately AUD13.30 and vary by time and date.
Feltham Rail Link
If your accommodation is in South London, taking the Feltham Rail Link can be a cost-effective way to get there from Heathrow as tickets are only around AUD9 for the whole journey! You can take the 285 bus from Heathrow to Feltham train station, which has trains to Richmond, Camberley, Bracknell, London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, and other places in the South. At night, the N285 bus runs on the same route every 30 minutes!
The bus ride takes about 30 minutes, and the train takes about an hour to reach London Waterloo.
Black cabs
Wanna try out London’s iconic cabs? A transfer from Heathrow to London is the perfect way to cross it off your bucket list!
Black cabs have five seats, with three across in the back and two flip-down seats facing backwards. You can hail them on the street or get them at a cab stand. The cost ranges from approximately AUD84 to AUD140. It’s a bit costly, but more often than not, these cabs can fit your whole group plus your luggage!
Transit time from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Piccadilly Circus takes about 55 minutes in light traffic. Black cabs can take the bus lane, which can help reduce transit time.
Written by: Nina Marable