Located 15 miles (24km) west of central London, Heathrow (airport code LHR) is the capital’s biggest and busiest airport. In fact, spread over five terminals, it’s one of the busiest airports in the world. It’s also one of the easiest to get to and from central London, with public transport options ranging from the cheap (the Tube) to the super-speedy (the Heathrow Express). Whether you’re looking to transfer by train, bus, underground or coach – or wondering whether a taxi will be more convenient – we make getting from Heathrow to London a breeze.
Related articles:
How to get from Gatwick Airport into central London
How to get from Stansted Airport into central London
How to get from London City Airport into central London
How to get from Luton Airport into central London
How to get from Southend Airport into central London
Heathrow to London top travel tips:
- The transport type you choose will mainly depend on where you’re heading to in central London. It’s a huge city, and the cheapest or quickest option may not necessarily take you anywhere near where you need to go. Plug your destination into the Rome2Rio search bar to find out the fastest way to get there.
- Heathrow to London by train (Heathrow Express or TfL Rail) arrives at London Paddington station in west London. If you’re not heading near there, you should consider a different transfer option. If you’re staying anywhere near Victoria, the coach may be best; and the Tube is generally a fantastic (and cheap) option – unless you have lots of luggage.
- Although a taxi might be the most convenient, a black cab from outside Heathrow to central London will be expensive; it’s much cheaper to pre-arrange a car service or mini cab. Also remember London traffic can be notoriously bad, if you’re in a rush.
- The Heathrow Express is expensive, but tickets as cheap as £5.50 are available up to 90 days in advance online. In addition, kids under 15 travel free.
- The Heathrow Connect (now called TfL Rail) only takes 15-20 mins longer than the Heathrow Express and is substantially cheaper for full-price tickets. You can’t book these online – use one of the dedicated TfL Rail ticket machines (located in T2&3 train station and arrival hall, and T5 arrival hall). Select ‘All trains to London’ then ‘TfL Rail’. Children under 11 travel for free if accompanied by an adult.
- If you’re travelling from Heathrow to London on the Tube, use an Oyster Card, not a paper ticket. It’s always the cheapest way.
- National Express coaches runs 24/7 from Victoria to Heathrow in case you need to make an early flight or land late. Book the coach online in advance for cheap fares. All coaches go via Heathrow’s Central Bus Station.
- If you’re planning on getting the N9 bus, you can’t pay in cash; you’ll need an Oyster Card or contactless payment.
- If you need to transfer from Heathrow to Gatwick or another London airport, a National Express coach is probably your best bet. There’s no direct train service linking London’s six airports.
- Getting to and from Heathrow is going to get even easier from Dec 2018, with the opening of the new Elizabeth Line that will run east-west across London and beyond, linking 38 stations to Heathrow. See the route here.
- Travel between Heathrow terminals is free on any service if you touch in and out with a contactless or Oyster card. Alternatively, collect a free Inter-Terminal Transfer ticket from any of the station machines. See all your terminal transfer options here.
Popular routes:
Heathrow to Euston station
Heathrow to Victoria station
Heathrow to St Pancras station
Heathrow to Paddington station
Heathrow to Kings Cross station
Heathrow to Gatwick airport
Heathrow to Stansted airport
Heathrow to Luton airport
Heathrow to London City airport
Heathrow to London by Tube
Heathrow to London by train
Heathrow to London by coach
Want to stay the night near the airport? Search hotels near Heathrow here
Looking for things to do and see in London? Find the city’s top attractions and how to get to them here