The Best Way to Get from Heathrow to London

Best Way to Get from Heathrow to London
by Anisa // 10 Comments

Heathrow Airport is London’s busiest, yet it is located 16 miles outside the city.  You don’t want to waste your vacation time or dollars on traveling from London’s Heathrow to Central London.  

There are several different transportation options you can choose from Heathrow. It can be confusing, so in this post, I will explain the different alternatives, their pros and cons, and pricing to help you decide the best way to get from Heathrow to London.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more information.

British Airways plane at LHR London Heathrow
Heathrow (LHR) is London’s busiest airport.

Planning Your Journey From Heathrow to London

It’s a good idea to decide how to get from Heathrow to London in advance.  Planning ahead allows you to take advantage of promotional prices.  You can save money by booking your way from Heathrow to London in advance.  Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about when you are tired after your flight.

If you are planning a trip, you also might find my free printable travel checklist helpful.

Ways to Travel from Heathrow to London

In the table below, I summarize the different ways that you can get to London from Heathrow Airport.

Heathrow Transportation OptionCost*Journey TimeFrequencyOperating HoursBest ForBooking Link
Heathrow Express£25 one-way for each adult, £37 round trip for adults to Paddington Station, you may get significant discounts for booking online in advance. 15 minutes from Terminals 2 & 3 (a few extra minutes for Terminals 4 & 5) Every 15 minutesApproximately 5 am - 11:30 pmSpeedBook Heathrow Express Tickets Here
Tube (London Underground)£6.00 for a single journey from Heathrow to any tube station in London

Rate is discounted with a Visitor Oystercard

Included along with unlimited tube travel on London Travelcard £13.10
40 - 60 minutes to Central LondonTrains depart every 3-20 minutes (depending on the time of day)5am-11.30pm (On Friday and Saturday the Tube operates 24 hours for terminals 2,3 & 5 only)BudgetBook Single or Round-Trip Tube Ticket Here.

Buy London Visitor Oyster Card here.

Buy London Travel Card here.
National Express Bus£6.00 one-way or £11.00 roundtrip to Victoria StationRanges from 40 minutes to 2 hrs 35 minutesHourly at quiet times and up to four times an hour during the peak travel timesApproximately 4 am – 10 pm, depending on Terminal, 7 days per weekBudget with lots of luggageBook National Express Bus Tickets Here.
Private Taxi or VanVarious depending on your final destination in Central London, prices start around £50Varies depending on traffic and final destination 40 minutes - 2 hoursOn demand24 hours a dayGroups 3-4 peopleBook Private Taxi or Van from Heathrow Here.
Uber£39 to £80Varies depending on traffic and final destination 40 minutes - 2 hoursOn demand24 hours a dayWeird travel timesBook through Uber App.

*Prices noted are in GBP and are the discounted rates you can get online.  If you wait to purchase tickets once you get to Heathrow, prices will be higher.

Options for Traveling from Heathrow to Central London

There are five different ways you can get to London from Heathrow.  I want to share my personal thoughts on the LHR transportation options based on my countless trips to London.  All have their own pros and cons. There is not necessarily one best way from Heathrow to London, it depends on your priorities.

London Heathrow Express

When I first started traveling to London for work, my favorite transport option was the Heathrow Express.  My work was footing the bill, so I wasn’t worried about the cost.  If you are paying for the ticket yourself, it’s debatable if the Heathrow Express is worth the extra money especially with the new Elizabeth tube line.

It’s 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station and the train runs every 15 minutes.  I was also impressed that the trains were so modern, comfortable, and had free wifi (which wasn’t that common in those days!).

Since I would be traveling by myself with a lot of luggage, I appreciated that the Heathrow Express trains had step-free access.  Once I got to Paddington, I would grab a taxi to my office on the Strand so that I would not have to deal with stairs on the tube.  The taxi would be another £25-£30.

If you decide to take the Heathrow Express, it’s easy to find your way.  After you get your bags, you will see signs directing you to the Heathrow Express (and several people selling Heathrow Express tickets).  

The train has both First and Standard Class so make sure you get on the right car based on the ticket you purchased. The conductor will check your tickets during the journey on the train from Heathrow to London.  

Once you arrive at Paddington Station, you can follow the signs to transfer to the tube or grab a taxi. You can connect to the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and District lines.

Save money by purchasing your Heathrow Express tickets online in advance.  You can now use a Visitor Oyster Card or an Oyster Card to pay for the Heathrow Express but it will be more expensive than buying in advance.  If you want to upgrade to first class, you can pay the difference in fare with an Oyster Card too.

Note: For Terminals 4 & 5, allow a few extra minutes for the Heathrow Express.

Click here to get more information on the Heathrow Express.

The Tube

Now, when I travel to and from Heathrow I use the tube.  The London Underground is definitely the cheapest way to get from Heathrow to Central London.  Plus, you are not limited by one station like when you take the Heathrow Express or the National Express Bus.  

The Piccadilly tube line (dark blue on the tube map) and the new Elizabeth Line (purple on the tube map) go straight to Heathrow, but you can transfer along the way if you need to and reach the 270 different stations across London.  The Elizabeth Line is the fastest option because it only has a few stops in central London.  It’s also a more pleasant ride as all the trains are brand new and all the stations are step free.

It’s also nice that you don’t have to deal with any car traffic but there are a lot of stops on the Picadilly London Underground line and you may have to deal with stairs.  For the amount of money you save, I think the minor hassle is worth it. If you pack light, it will make the journey easier.

You are probably wondering how much a journey from Heathrow to Central London costs on the tube.  Unfortunately, it is not a simple answer. The pricing for the tube is not as simple as it is for the NYC Subway.  There are several different zones, plus peak and off-peak pricing.  Also, there is a surcharge for taking the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow.

If that’s not confusing enough, as a visitor you have four options for how to buy your tickets:

Buy one single or round trip journey – This is the most straight-forward way and ideal if this is the only time you will be using the tube.  If you plan on staying in London for longer, it is probably not the best value option.

Buy a Visitor Oyster Card – The Visitor Oyster Card gives you access to the cheapest rates on the tube.  You can also use the Oyster Card to travel on DLR, Bus, MBNA Thames Clipper, Emirates Air Line, and more.  This card must be ordered online before you arrive in London, and then gets delivered to your address (worldwide).  You purchase it with a balance and can top up as needed. It also comes with over 40 special discounts. Note: There is also an option to purchase a Visitor Oyster Card when you buy the London Pass.

Buy an Oyster Card at Heathrow Airport – You can also buy an oyster card at the Heathrow Underground Stations.  This gives you access to the same rates as the Visitor Oyster Card, but does not have the other special discounts.

Pay as You Go with Contactless – With this option you can get the save discounted rates as the oyster card.  You basically use your credit card (or phone if using Apple or Google Pay) like you would an oyster card.  Unfortunately, this does not work for some cards issued outside the UK.  Get more information about this payment method here.

Taking the Tube from Heathrow to London
The Tube is my preferred way to travel between Heathrow and London.

If you are staying in London, you will be using the tube to get around the city.  Most of the time it is the fastest and most efficient way.

The most complicated thing about the London Underground is the pricing because it varies depending on how far you are going, your payment method, and the time of day.  Don’t worry it’s not difficult to use. It’s well sign-posted and there is staff to answer any questions that you may have.

You can use Google Maps to figure out the best route.  Be sure to download an offline map so you can use it when you don’t have access to data. Also, remember to keep your card or ticket throughout the journey as you will need it to exit the station.

Heathrow to London Bus

National Express runs a direct bus from London Heathrow to London Victoria Station.  During peak times there are buses about every 15 minutes, but if you arrive during a quieter time, the bus runs about once every hour.  From Victoria station, you can transfer to the Victoria, District, or Circle tube lines or catch a taxi to get to your final destination if needed.

The journey may take a while, but it is a cheap option and you don’t have to worry about carrying your luggage on the stairs.  The coaches feature comfortable leather seats, air conditioning, and bathrooms.

You can save up to 40% if you buy online versus when you arrive at Heathrow.  

Click here to get more information on the National Express Bus from Heathrow to London.

The bus from Heathrow Airport takes you to Victoria Station
The National Express Bus from Heathrow takes you to Victoria Station.

Taxi

In general, I don’t recommend taking a taxi from Heathrow Airport to Central London.  It will be expensive and it won’t be fast.

Depending on the time you arrive, there could be heavy traffic.  However, if you are traveling with a small group it could be cheaper than some of the other Heathrow to London options (like Heathrow Express) where you need to pay for a ticket for each person.

I can see how taking a taxi from LHR to central London would be tempting even if you are traveling alone.  You don’t have to worry about getting lost or carrying your bag upstairs but there are better ways.  If you are not worried about the cost, but have a lot of luggage, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington and grab a taxi there to your final destination.


If you decide to take a taxi, it’s best to prebook to avoid waiting in line after your flight.  That way you will also know the cost of your ride from Heathrow to London before you are in the car.  There are many different cab/car service companies that serve Heathrow Airport.  

I recommend using Suntransfers, who offer high-quality door-to-door transfers at reasonable prices. You can choose either a car or a van, depending on your preference.   If your flight is delayed, you don’t have to worry because the price quoted includes unlimited waiting​​ ​time​.  If plans change, it’s free to cancel up to 48 hours in advance (or for a small fee you can add the option to cancel up to the time of your transfer).  They don’t charge fees for using credit cards and tolls and gratuities are included in the price.

Click here to check price for private taxis or vans from Heathrow Airport.

Uber to London

Yes, you can take an uber from Heathrow Airport to London, but I would not recommend it.  You may remember that Transport for London threatened to not renew Uber’s license to operate because of safety concerns and other issues.  The courts recommended Uber receive a 15-month probationary license in June 2018.

Another reason that worries me about using an Uber is the variable surge pricing.  Depending on the time that you land and the demand for rides, it could cost you anywhere from £39 to £80.  To me, I would prefer to book a taxi online in advance and know how much it will cost me.

If you do decide to take an Uber at Heathrow, there is one other thing that I want to warn you about.  Drivers may call and ask you where you are going.  They do this so they can decide if that is somewhere they want to go.  That is against Uber policies.  Drivers may also try to stall so that you cancel and they receive a cancellation fee.  You can read about one example of this happening here.

What is the Best Way to Get from Heathrow to London

Personally, I prefer taking the tube because it is cheap and doesn’t take too long.  Yes, it is a pain having to carry luggage up and down stairs, but it’s not that bad. There have even been a few times that a friendly stranger has offered to help.  

If you are on a tight budget and don’t want to deal with carrying your luggage through the Underground, then I would recommend taking the bus and allowing extra time.  Keep in mind the National Express Bus goes to Victoria Station. You may still need to take the tube, city bus, or taxi to get to your final destination.

If you are not worried about the cost, Heathrow Express is the fastest option.  The Heathrow Express has step-free access so bags won’t be a problem. Once you get to Paddington, you can grab a cab to your final destination or transfer to the tube.

Inside heathrow airport terminal
I recommend getting to Heathrow early! It can be quite busy.

Transferring from Heathrow to Other London Airports

If London is not your final destination and you need to transfer to one of the other London area airports, there are several options depending on where you want to go. Allow extra time as the other airports are some distance away.

For those that are looking for the easiest, most convenient option, you can always book a car with Suntransfers. If you are looking to use public transportation, I will go over the best options below.

Heathrow to London City Airport

London City Airport is located on the other side (east) of London from Heathrow Airport so if you need to transfer between the two allow some time.  London City Airport is on the tube network but not the same line as Heathrow.

I think the best way to travel to London City Airport on the tube.  It’s the cheapest option, but you will have to change trains twice.  First, take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park, then switch to the Jubilee Line to Canning Town, from there you can take the DLR to London City Airport.

If you want to shave a little bit of time off the journey, you can take the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line, then switch to the tube once you get to Paddington.  From Paddington take the Bakerloo Line to Baker Street, then switch to the Jubilee Line to Canning Town, and then the DLR to London City Airport. The Heathrow Express is more expensive than the tube but you can save money by purchasing tickets in advance here.

You could also take a taxi or car service (like Suntransfers) but this will be expensive and since you have to drive through central London traffic delays are likely.  If you have a lot of luggage and a bit of extra time, it may be worth it to avoid all the changes on the underground.

Heathrow to Gatwick Airport

National Express offers a direct bus from Heathrow to Gatwick. This only takes about 75 minutes depending on traffic.  Prices start at £25.  Click here for more information.

The bus is your best option.  If you want to take the train between the two airports, it would involve multiple changes and take longer.

Heathrow to Stansted Airport

It’s 65 miles between London Stansted and Heathrow airports.  Avoid booking travel that requires you to make that journey if you can.  If you can’t avoid it, I recommend allowing at least six hours between flights so that you have enough time to travel from Heathrow to Stansted.

When I had travel plans that had me flying into Heathrow and out of Stansted, I decided to add a night in London to make it easier. That way I also wouldn’t have to worry if my flight was delayed.

The only direct option is bus service provided by National Express.  The buses are similar to the ones used for the Heathrow to London service, but this journey will take at least two hours.  Keep in mind that if you are flying into Heathrow Terminals 4 or 5 the bus could take up to 30 minutes longer than Terminals 2 or 3.  Traffic can also cause delays especially on Sunday afternoons and rush hour during the week. You can save money buying a ticket in advance.  Check schedule and pricing here.

Traveling From London to Heathrow

When you go back to Heathrow to catch your flight, you have the same options to choose from but you need to be more conscious of time.  I don’t want you to miss your flight. Remember the traffic can be unpredictable and not just during rush hour. The tube is more reliable but can also have delays.  

Once on my way to Heathrow on the underground, the train in front of me broke down.  It caused a 30-minute delay but I still made my flight. It’s better to allow extra time and relax in the airport lounge or bar than to be stressing about missing your flight (or even worse actually miss your flight)!

Note: If you are taking the tube back to Heathrow, make sure to check the final destination for the train because not all the Picadilly or Elizabeth Line trains go to Heathrow.  There are two train options – one that goes to Terminals 1,2,3&5 and another for Terminal 4.  If you take a train that is going to the wrong terminals, switch at Hounslow West.

Which Heathrow transport option do you prefer? If you have any questions about getting from Heathrow to London, you can leave it in the comments and I will get back to you.

-Anisa

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jumbo jet airplane at the gate at Heathrow Airport with text overlay "The Best Way to Get from Heathrow to London"

 

Expert Tips for Transportation from LHR to London

  • Less luggage will make your journey easier!
  • The Heathrow Express is the faster option but you can save money by taking the tube or bus.
  • Visitors have three options to buy tube tickets: Single Journey, Visitor Oyster Card, or London Travelcard.
  • Instead of gettting a taxi at LHR, book a car service from Heathrow Airport with Suntransfers.
  • Allow extra time when going back to Heathrow so that you don’t miss your flight.  

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you.  Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit.  The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

Last Updated on June 14, 2023

About the Author

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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