How to get from Heathrow to London
Comparison of transport means from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to London
Heathrow Airport, located about 24 kilometres (15 miles) to the west of central London, has a rich history as a major global aviation hub. Its origins can be traced back to its use as an airfield during World War II. Over time, Heathrow has grown into a prominent player in the aviation industry. Opening in 1946, the airport's name is derived from the nearby Heathrow village, where its land was obtained for construction. Heathrow's global importance is evident through its pre-pandemic annual handling of around 80 million passengers, which make it the busiest airports in Europe, and it consistently ranks among the world's busiest airports.
Major airlines, both domestic and international, operate within its terminals. Carriers like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways connect Heathrow with destinations worldwide. Heathrow's infrastructure centres around its four terminals, each serving various airlines and passenger needs. Terminal 5 showcases modern architecture and design, while Terminal 1 was retired in 2015 for further improvements.
This article is a guide for travellers exploring transportation options to get from Heathrow Airport to London city centre, including private/public taxis, trains, underground and buses. Each choice has pros and cons, offering the best experience possible for everyone. The option that meets the majority of customer's requirements is booking in advance a private transfer on the Heathrow airport taxi page, which is recommended for a personalized and hassle-free journey.
Route by car from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to London: around 24 km (15 miles) from the city centre
Comparison between different means of transport
Private taxi
25£
- 55 minutes
- Available: 24/7, every day of the year
Train
27£
- 40 minutes
- Available: every 30 minutes
Tube (underground)
7£
- 1 hour
- Available: every 10/15 minutes
Bus
11£
- 1 hour
- Available: every 30/60 minutes
From Heathrow Airport to central London by private taxi
First of all, it is necessary to clarify any doubt about the difference between private taxis and public taxis. Opting for a private Heathrow Airport taxi provides travellers with many advantages. Firstly, they can know the total price in advance: this eliminates uncertainties and hidden charges, allowing customers to plan their budgets without surprises. Private taxi drivers are officially licensed, which enables them to offer a professional and punctual service, making the ride much more enjoyable.
The advantages extend beyond financial clarity. In fact, passengers can avoid the queues often associated with public taxi services at the airport, because their driver is going to wait inside the airport (in the arrivals' hall), with a sign with the customer's name and surname. Moreover, even in the event of flight delays, private taxi drivers always do their best to accommodate passengers by waiting for an additional hour without incurring extra fees.
On the other hand, public taxis use the taximeter and may leave passengers uncertain about final costs, with the risk of paying additional charges. The drivers might exhibit varying levels of professionalism and, in some cases, lack the necessary licences, affecting the quality of ride.
How much does a private taxi from Heathrow Airport to London cost?
Displayed below are the standard rates for a private taxi transfer from Heathrow to the centre of London. It is essential to keep in mind that these rates can vary based on the time of day and the total number of passengers. To be updated about the correct cost, it is advisable that customers fill the online form on our dedicated Heathrow Airport Taxi page. This approach not only guarantees transparency but also allows passengers to budget for their journey.
Prices for a private Heathrow airport taxi
The price starts from £97 (£25 for each person) for a 4-seater taxi transfer.
How the Taxi Service at a fixed price works
Payment in advance
Settle the total payment in advance to lock in the price, preventing any change due to traffic conditions or route alternatives.
Payment in advance
Personalised airport pickup
Avoid queues at the airport and meet the driver who awaits within Heathrow Airport's arrivals hall, holding a sign displaying the passenger's complete name.
The service is operational 24/7, throughout the entire year
Secure your booking in advance by filling in the online form provided at the Heathrow airport taxi page.
The service is operational 24/7, throughout the entire year
Average travel duration of 55 minutes
It provides ample time for customers to relax and enjoy their journey in a taxi through the bustling streets of London.
The advantages of travelling with a private transfer service
Frequently, airlines schedule flights during early mornings or late nights, times when public transportation may not be operational. The best option is pre-booking a Heathrow Airport taxi.
Tips about private transfer services
Pay in advance
To secure the fixed fare, payment is required in advance. The options for payment include credit cards, PayPal, or bank transfers, eliminating the necessity for cash transactions. It is important to remember that the driver will not accept payments in any form on the spot.
Delays/cancellations
In case of flight modification (including delays and cancellations), fact communication is vital. Passengers are encouraged to notify the assigned driver through the provided phone. The driver will try his best to accommodate changes, when possible.
Inside the Heathrow Airport
For travellers landing at Heathrow Airport, their meeting point with the driver is situated within the arrivals hall, inside the airport premises, after collecting their baggage. This procedure proves to be a time-efficient approach, making the transition from the airport to the vehicle easier.
Trust a punctual and comfortable transfer service, offered by an experienced driver. The price is fixed and the service is available 24/7, every day of the year.
From Heathrow to the customer's accommodation in London by train
For people who want a quick way to travel between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington Station, the Heathrow Express is a special train service just for that. It's a fast and easy way to get from the airport to the city centre. This train goes straight between these two places without stopping anywhere else.
But even though the Heathrow Express goes directly to the heart of London, most of the time, passengers still need another way of transportation to get to where they're staying. When they arrive at the station, they might need to choose between buses or the subway to reach their accommodation. This change can be a bit tricky, especially if they have heavy bags or kids with them. However, there's a way to make it easier. They can still book a private taxi in advance to take them from the station to the final destination. This decision is advisable also for those people travelling with elderly people or with medium/large animals. Another element that should not be forgotten but is of fundamental importance is the safety: late at night and early in the morning the risks increase, that is why it is advisable to book a Heathrow airport transfer and avoid any danger.
By booking a private transfer in advance, travellers can avoid the hassle of figuring out how to change to another mode of transport. This means they'll have a smooth and easy trip right to the correct place.
Map of the route of the Heathrow Express from the airport to London Paddington Station
Schedules
Prices for the Heathrow Express
Journey time
The advantages of travelling with the Heathrow Express
Unlike road transportation options, such as taxis or buses, the Heathrow Express is not affected by road traffic congestion.
Useful tips for those choosing to travel on the Heathrow Express
Ticket options
Explore the different ticket options available for the Heathrow Express. Besides the standard single or return tickets, there might be saver options, group discounts, or promotions that could offer the customer a more convenient price.
Book in advance
To secure the best fares and ensure availability, it is good to take in consideration booking the tickets in advance. Online booking allows the passenger to choose their preferred travel time and class.
Check flight check-in services
For travellers whose airline offers the Rail Air service, it is advisable to take advantage of the convenience of checking in for their flight at London Paddington before reaching the airport.
Arrive early
While the Heathrow Express is known for its efficiency, it's still a good idea to arrive at the station a bit early, especially in case a customer is travelling to the airport to catch a flight. This will give them enough time to find the correct platform, board the train, and take a seat.
Trust a professional and punctual service, offered by an experienced driver. The price is fixed and the service is available 24/7, every day of the year.
From Heathrow Airport to central London by underground
Getting from Heathrow Airport to the lively heart of London's city centre is an adventure, but it can become a nightmare for those who are not used to a big metropolis. One of the easiest ways to make this journey is by taking the London Underground, commonly known as the Tube. With its web of tunnels that criss-cross the city, the Tube, offered by the official company TFL, represents a straightforward route to the city centre.
Route on the map by underground from Heathrow Airport to London city centre
Essential information
Price of the ticket
Journey time with the tube
Tube stops
The advantages of using the underground
The Tube offers a cost-effective mode of transportation, especially when compared to other options. The fares are determined by zones, making it straightforward to choose the right ticket for your journey. For those looking to explore London on a budget, the Tube provides a wallet-friendly means of getting around.
Useful advices when travelling with the underground
Plan ahead
Before embarking on the Tube journey, it's a good idea to plan the route.
Pay attention
"Mind the gap" is a famous phrase travellers are going to often hear at Tube stations. It refers to the space between the train and the platform, which can vary depending on the station and train model. Pay attention to this announcement and be cautious while getting on or off the train to ensure your safety.
Stand on the right
When using escalators on the Tube, remember to stand on the right side, leaving the left side free for people who want to walk or pass by. Londoners take this unspoken rule seriously, and standing on the right helps maintain a smooth flow of foot traffic and prevents congestion.
From Heathrow Airport to London city centre by bus
For those looking for a hassle-free way to connect from Heathrow Airport to central London, a prominent transportation choice is the National Express. This well-known transportation company offers a range of bus services that meet the needs of travellers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey from the airport to the city centre.
Please note that public buses are shared services, and as such, they might not be the preferred option for all travellers. Some individuals, in fact, may opt for a private transfer and the ability to personally select the pickup and drop-off locations. This choice helps them avoid the challenges of locating the correct bus stop while managing heavy luggage, along with the unpredictability of bus schedules.
Route by bus from Heathrow Airport to London City centre
General information
Journey time
Bus timetables
Bus stops
The National Express routes pass through various stops across London that can vary depending on the route chosen. Prominent London stops that these buses are expected to cover include Victoria Coach Station, Marble Arch and Paddington Station.
Bus appearance
The advantages of using the National Express
Opting for the National Express offers a cost-effective way to travel between Heathrow Airport and London city centre. With competitive pricing and potential discounts for advanced bookings, passengers can enjoy budget-friendly transportation without compromising on comfort.
Useful advices when travelling with the National Express bus services
Book in advance
To fix the best fares and ensure availability, consider booking your National Express bus tickets in advance.
Pack essentials
Ensure you have essentials such as your ticket, identification, and any necessary travel documents readily accessible. Additionally, bring along personal items like water, snacks, a charger for electronic devices, and something to keep you entertained during the journey.
Choose seat wisely
When boarding the National Express, take a moment to choose your seat wisely. Some passengers prefer to enjoy a quiet travel; that is why in this case it is better to choose a seat located as far as possible from the entry and the exit, as they are considered as more confusing places due to the continuous traffic of passengers getting on and off of the vehicle. Also, for those with specific needs (such as larger seats or more legroom), it is advisable to book seats near the entrance or baggage area, which often have more space available.
Questions and Answers regarding the different mode of transportation from Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is located west of central London; the distance that separates it from the city centre of London is 24 kilometres (15 miles).
Transport from Heathrow to your accommodation in the centre of London
Trust a professional and punctual service, offered by an experienced driver. The price is fixed, and the service is available 24/7, every day of the year.