Getting to London Heathrow Airport by train is one of the most efficient and stress-free ways to start your journey. Whether you’re coming from central London, a neighbouring county, or further afield, the rail network offers a variety of routes to suit every budget, schedule, and comfort level.
Heathrow is well served by three main rail options from the capital: the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line, and the London Underground’s Piccadilly line. Each has its own strengths, offering a trade-off between speed, cost, and convenience.
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From Central London
If you’re starting your journey in central London, your primary hub is London Paddington station, which offers a choice of two direct services.
Heathrow Express
This is the fastest route to the airport. Departing from Paddington every 15 minutes, it reaches Terminals 2 & 3 in just 15 minutes. It’s a non-stop, premium service tailored for airport passengers. Standard fares can be around £25 on the day; booking in advance can significantly lower the cost.
Elizabeth Line
The Elizabeth Line also serves Paddington but connects to a huge swathe of London, from Reading in the west to Stratford and Shenfield in the east. The journey from Paddington takes about 30-35 minutes. It's an excellent option if your starting point is along its route (e.g. Liverpool Street, Farringdon, Canary Wharf), as it eliminates the need for changes. Fares are integrated with the TfL network, making it a cost-effective choice.
Piccadilly Line
The most affordable option is the Piccadilly Line. It provides a direct link from key locations like Leicester Square, Green Park, and South Kensington to all Heathrow terminals. The journey can take 45-55 minutes, and while it's very budget-friendly, it can be less comfortable with luggage during peak hours.
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From other key locations
From Reading
Reading now benefits from a direct connection to Heathrow via the Elizabeth Line. This is a game-changer for travellers in Berkshire, offering a seamless route that avoids changing at Paddington. Trains typically run twice per hour, with a journey time of around 40 minutes.
From Oxford
While there isn't a direct train from Oxford to Heathrow, the journey is straightforward. Take a Great Western Railway service from Oxford to London Paddington (approx. 55 minutes), then connect to either the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth Line for the final leg of your journey. The total travel time is usually between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes.
From other London termini
Heathrow is easily reached from other major London stations with one or two changes.
- From Victoria: take the Circle Line to Paddington, then switch to the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line.
- From London Bridge: the quickest route is usually the Jubilee Line to Bond Street, followed by a direct Elizabeth Line train to Heathrow.
- From Euston: take the Northern line to Tottenham Court Road for the Elizabeth line, or the Circle/Hammersmith & City line to Paddington.
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Tickets and Fares
For the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line, using a contactless card or Oyster Card is the simplest and cheapest way to pay. Your fare will be capped as part of the wider TfL network. Heathrow Express operates its own ticketing system; booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to get the best fares. Children often travel free on Heathrow Express when with a paying adult.
Quick tips
Do
- Book Heathrow Express tickets early to save money.
- Use contactless or Oyster for Elizabeth/Piccadilly lines.
- Check which terminal you need before you board.
- Allow plenty of time for your journey.
- Use trainslive.uk's live tools on the day.
Don't
- Forget to check for weekend engineering works.
- Assume all trains go to all terminals (check displays).
- Get caught out by peak fares if you're on a budget.
- Leave luggage unattended at any time, including at stations or on trains.
Why not use our journey planner to find the best route to Heathrow Airport from anywhere in the UK?
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