How to Get from Heathrow Airport to London: Best Ways in 2024

Heathrow Airport, located in London, is not just the United Kingdom's largest airport — it’s also one of the world's major international air travel hubs. Serving as a gateway between the UK and the rest of the world, Heathrow Airport welcomes all travelers with an array of  shopping, dining, and relaxation options and a bustling atmosphere that gives you a taste of what’s to come once you reach London itself!

But being such a busy airport located in one of the world’s busiest cities, traveling from Heathrow Airport to the heart of London can prove to be a challenging experience, especially for first-timers. Luckily for you, as one of the major international gateways into London, Heathrow offers a variety of transport options to reach the city center that cater to the needs and preferences of every traveler. 

Being the first step in exploring London, how you get from Heathrow to the city center can set the tone for your trip, and of course we want your trip to be as amazing as possible! That’s why we’ve come up with this guide on how to travel between Heathrow and London — whether you plan to tackle the maze of the London Underground, sit back and relax in a pre-booked car, or do basically anything in between, we’ve got you covered!

Traveling across the city via train (locally known as the tube — a fun piece of trivia for you!) is a quintessentially London experience. Since you’ll be traveling by train more often than not during your trip, why not start off your London journey with it?

There are a couple of train routes available between Heathrow Airport and London: via the Heathrow Express or by taking the London Underground, each with its own pros and cons. 

Traveling from Heathrow to central London via the Heathrow Express offers a swift and luxurious journey, epitomizing convenience and speed. This premium train service, departing every 15 minutes, whisks passengers from Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, and 5 to Paddington Station in a mere 15 minutes, making it the fastest transfer option available. The Heathrow Express caters to those seeking efficiency and comfort, with spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and ample luggage space, making it the ideal option for travelers who want to start their vacation ASAP. Once you reach London Paddington, you’ll likely have to make a separate journey to your accommodation via taxi or London Underground.

*Please check the timetable on the official website for any planned disruptions on your travel date.

While the Heathrow Express provides a rapid and direct service to Paddington Station, some travelers prefer to take the London Underground instead to experience the city’s unique charms along the way. Many also take this option to reduce train transfers — the Elizabeth Line extends past Paddington Station, so travelers can reach their destination with fewer transfers (or no transfers at all!) 

But since the London Underground is a commuter train, there are no designated luggage storage facilities and it can get very crowded during rush hours, making it tougher to travel for big groups with lots of luggage.

The Elizabeth Line takes about 35 minutes between Paddington Station and Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4, & 5 — around twice the amount of time it takes with the Heathrow Express. Tickets typically cost around GBP12.80 each. 

National Express, a well-known long-distance bus service in the UK, provides regular services from Heathrow to various key locations in London, including Victoria Coach Station, one of the city's major transport hubs. This option is particularly appealing for those traveling with more luggage, as coaches offer ample space for bags. 

While longer than a train ride, the journey on a National Express coach is smooth and scenic, allowing passengers to view the outskirts and urban landscapes of London at a leisurely pace. Coaches are equipped with essential amenities like Wi-Fi and power sockets, ensuring a comfortable trip. With coaches departing at regular intervals (operating hours are from 01:00-23:59,) it’s a convenient choice no matter the time of arrival at Heathrow.

While significantly slower than trains or coaches, TFL local buses are another travel option for budget-conscious travelers and for those who want to see London’s various neighborhoods up close. There are multiple routes available, including night routes, ensuring a consistent service throughout the day and even into the night. 

Cash payments are not accepted on TFL local buses, and you’ll need to have an Oyster card, contactless payment cards (card or mobile,) or a Day Travelcard.

While more expensive than public transport, taking a private airport transfer offers a premium, efficient, and highly convenient mode of travel between Heathrow and the heart of London. Unlike public transport, which may require transfers or stops, a private transfer delivers passengers straight to their hotel or chosen address. This door-to-door service ensures a seamless and comfortable experience, allowing travelers to relax or catch up on work in a private setting.

Moreover, private transfers can be pre-booked, giving passengers peace of mind knowing that their transport is arranged in advance. This is especially advantageous during peak travel times when taxi fares are at their highest or for late-night arrivals when other public transport options might be less frequent. 

Travel time to Central London typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, so you can even take a quick nap before you arrive.

There are multiple vehicle options available, depending on what suits your needs — smaller groups can check out the Toyota Fortuner or similar, which can comfortably fit 6 pax with luggage, or opt for a bus that can fit 14-25 people! Prices for private airport transfers start from GBP70 for economy class 5-seaters.

If you weren’t able to pre-book your private airport transfer and still want a door-to-door transport service, you can opt for either taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber. Taxis are readily available at Heathrow Airport's taxi ranks, offering a traditional London cab experience. These taxis are licensed, metered, and offer a safe and reliable service. 

Uber and other ride-sharing services, meanwhile, can be conveniently booked via smartphone apps, offering transparency with fare estimates and electronic payment options. With Uber, passengers can choose from a range of vehicle types to suit their needs and budget. While taxis and ride-sharing services offer the convenience of being readily available without the need for advance booking, their cost can be less predictable than pre-booked private airport transfer. The average fare from Heathrow to central London can be significantly higher (taxis can cost as much as GBP105, excluding extra charges for pick ups/drop offs and for journeys during Christmas / New Year), especially during peak hours or if there are unexpected delays en route. Expect travel time is around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

If you’re planning to go drive around in London and surrounding areas, we recommend booking your car rental on Klook so you can freely drive around during your entire stay in London. You can schedule your pick up and drop off dates accordingly — just select the correct location and dates upon booking. We’ve even come up with some recommendations of places to visit during your drives outside of London:

The fastest way to get from Heathrow Airport to Central London is with the Heathrow Express, which can take you to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes! 

The Heathrow Express and the London Underground stop operation around 11pm. If you’re arriving after the last departure times for trains, you can opt for the National Express Coaches or the TFL local buses for public transport, or book private airport transfers, or take a taxi instead.

For door-to-door service, the best way to get from Heathrow Airport to your hotel in Central London is with a private airport transfer, especially if you have a lot of luggage. This will allow you to avoid having to carry your luggage up and down stairs and navigate the train stations. Pre-booking your airport transfer will prove to be much cheaper than hailing a taxi or a ride-sharing service on-the-spot, especially if it’s during peak hours.

This would depend on the transportation method you choose — the cheapest options are taking the Elizabeth Line, the National Express Coaches, or the TFL local buses. The most expensive options will be booking a taxi or a ride-sharing service on-the-spot.