by In many ways, Heathrow needs little introduction. It is Britain’s main international airport. And it is the second busiest passenger airport in the world, welcoming 80 million passengers a year, each passing through one of four large terminals.
But a little helpful guidance never goes amiss. And if you’re hoping to take a flight from one of their runways in the future, the following travel tips might come in handy.
How to get to Heathrow Airport by road
What are the main driving routes to the airport?
Heathrow Airport is located on the west side of the conurbation of London, approximately 14 miles from the city centre. This location places it in a vital corridor of the UK’s road network. Four separate motorways can be found within 20 miles of the airport’s front door. The M3 (junction 2), the M4 (junction 4B) and the M40 (junction 1A) bring in traffic from further afield; these three motorways connect to London’s arterial ring road, the M25, which passes the western edge of the airport, and offers access via junction 14.
Are there any traffic jams?
The convergence of these four motorways has a disadvantage. Together, they pour a steady stream of vehicles into the same stretch of tarmac – and a jam can develop at any time during daylight hours. The 15-mile curve between the M25’s junctions with the M4 (junction 16 and 1A) and the M3 (junction 12 and 2) can be slow going, and it’s worth building extra time into your journey if you’re planning get to the airport through these routes.
What are the parking options?
Heathrow Airport has four terminals numbered 2 to 5 (typically, it no longer has Terminal 1; this facility closed in 2015). There are car parks for each; 11 in total, divided into six categories: short stay, long stay, business, meet and greet (when you drop off your vehicle with an airport representative), pod (on the perimeter, connected to Terminal 5 with “driverless electric pods ”) and valet. The cost varies but, in general, a long stay is the cheapest option – the price is usually lower if you book in advance.
Get more advice on the best airport parking in our guide.
Is there a passenger drop off fee?
As with other major UK airports, Heathrow charges a fee for anyone using a private vehicle to drop off a passenger at the terminal. This is a flat £5 entry, applicable 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Drivers must pay the fee by midnight on the day after visiting the airport; failure to do so will result in a fine of £80. Payment can be made via the official Heathrow website, or via an automated telephone line (0330 008 5600).
There are no payment facilities at the airport, and there are no entry barriers to show that you have entered the departure zone; your visit is recorded with number plate recognition cameras. There is one free option – you can leave your passenger(s) at one of the airport’s long-stay car parks (from where they can catch a shuttle bus), without charging a fee.
How to get to Heathrow Airport by train
What are the main rail links to Heathrow Airport?
Apart from the Tube (see below), Heathrow Airport is served by two train lines.
The fastest option is the Heathrow Express, which moves passengers from central London (Paddington station) to the airport (Terminals 2 & 3) in 15 minutes. The end of the line is at Terminal 5; Trains from Paddington take 21 minutes. This speed comes at a relative cost. Flexible single tickets start at £25 (returns from £38.50) – although advance purchase fees, which are only valid for a specified day, cost £15.
The Elizabeth line was fully opened in the summer of 2022, it takes a little longer to get into business. It also has a dedicated platform at Paddington, from where the journey time to Terminals 2 & 3 is approximately 28 minutes. Fares from central London start at £12.80.
Although it falls under the umbrella of Transport For London (TFL; tfl.gov.uk) (and is branded using the classic Tube-line template of a colored circle with a rectangular bar across it), the Elizabeth line is not considered part of of London underground. In addition, it has a wider range than the Piccadilly line (see below). Built with the working title “Crossrail”, it crosses the entire width of the conurbation of London, from Abbey Wood and Shenfield (in Essex) in the east, to Reading (in Berkshire) in the west – 41 stations in all.
Elizabeth line passengers arriving from the westernmost stations (between Reading and West Drayton) should leave at Hayes & Harlington, and return to the airport twice.
Where are the train stations?
Heathrow Airport has three train stations – a joint hub for Terminals 2 and 3 (also known as “Heathrow Central”), which is used by both the Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line, as well as a terminus at Terminal 5, which is used by both services too. – and stop at Terminal 4, which is used by the Elizabeth line. All Elizabeth line services from central London stop at Terminals 2 & 3, before the track split, and trains continue to either Terminal 4 or Terminal 5 (but not both). Heathrow Express passengers requiring Terminal 4 should board at Terminals 2 & 3, and continue – free of charge – using the Elizabeth line.
How early and late do the trains run?
The first Heathrow Express departure from Paddington is at 5.10am (arriving at Terminals 2 & 3 at 5.28am, and Terminal 5 at 5.32am); the last of the day is at 11.25pm (roll into Terminals 2 & 3 at 11.43pm, and Terminal 5 at 11.47pm). The Elizabeth line operates to similar hours. The first train leaves Paddington at 4.36am (arriving precisely at Terminals 2 & 3 at 5am, and Terminal 5 at 5.04am), and the last airport service leaves Paddington at 11.18pm (arriving at Terminals 2 & 3 at 11.42pm, Terminal 5 at 11.46pm).
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets for the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line can be purchased online via the relevant websites, or by using automated machines at each station. The Oyster Card (TFL tap in and out pass) can be used on the Elizabeth line, but not on the Heathrow Express.
How to get to Heathrow Airport by Tube
Which London Underground lines serve Heathrow Airport?
The Piccadilly line is the only part of the London Underground network that runs to Heathrow. The airport has three stations – Terminals 2 & 3; Terminal 4; Terminal 5.
Trains serving Terminals 2 & 3 will normally continue to Terminal 5. However, a train bound for Terminal 4 will go directly to this destination, and will not call at Terminal 5 – although it will loop back to Terminals 2 & 3 on its return journey to the city ( but only after a long wait – about eight minutes – in Terminal 4 station). If you want to get to Terminal 4 but tube to Terminal 5 – or vice versa – it’s best to board at the penultimate station before the airport, Hatton Cross, and wait for the relevant service.
How much is a Tube ticket to Heathrow Airport?
The Piccadilly line is the cheapest rail route to Heathrow. Accordingly, it is also the slowest. The journey from central London (Zone 1 on the TFL map) generally takes between 50 minutes and an hour, depending on your departure point, and costs from £5.60.
How early and late does the Tube run?
During the week (Monday to Friday), the first train from Piccadilly to Heathrow arrives at Terminal 4 at 5.03am, but only comes in from Osterley, five stations away. The first westbound train which runs the length of the line, via Central London, arrives at its midpoint, Piccadilly Circus, at 5.47am, then rolls into Terminals 2 & 3 at 6.35am, and Terminal 5 at 6.39am. At the end of the day, the last service to Heathrow cuts through Piccadilly Circus at 12.32am, pulling into Terminals 2 & 3 at 1.21am. The last service runs all the way to Terminal 5 a little earlier (Piccadilly Circus at 12.22am; Terminal 5 at 1.15am).
The times are slightly different on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, when the Piccadilly line is part of the “Night Tube” service – trains continue to operate through the small hours, to Terminals 2 & 3 and Terminal 5 (although not Terminal 4). Sunday has an earlier start (Piccadilly Circus at 4.38am; Terminals 2 & 3 at 5.26am; Terminal 5 at 5.30am). Sunday also has an earlier finish. The last train arrives at the buffers Terminal 5 at 12.18am – passing through Piccadilly Circus at 11.25pm. And there is one later service to Terminals 2 & 3 only, arriving at 12.27am (Piccadilly Circus at 11.38pm).
Where can I buy tickets?
See the advice for trains. Oyster Cards and contactless payments apply to all Tube journeys.
How to get to Heathrow Airport by bus
Are there public bus services to Heathrow Airport?
Not exactly. There are local buses from the likes of Hounslow, Hayes, Southall and Kingston – but you can’t board a non-stop public bus to the airport in central London.
Can I come to Heathrow Airport by coach?
Yes. Britain’s main long-distance coach operators offer regular services to Heathrow.
National Express (nationalexpress.com) runs regular departures from cities as diverse as Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham, Cardiff and Southampton (prices start from £18 to £26) – as well as airport connections from London’s main coach terminal, Victoria. Coach Station (daily departures between 2am and midnight; prices from £8.40).
You can also travel to Heathrow via Megabus (including its timetable for a 50-minute shuttle from Victoria Coach Station, from £9.99; megabus.com), Flixbus (flixbus.co.uk), The Airline (theairlineoxford.co .uk), Flightline (reading-buses.co.uk) and Rail Air (railair.com). Services arrive at Heathrow Central bus station – at Terminals 2 & 3.
How to get to Heathrow Airport by taxi
How much is a taxi to Heathrow Airport?
That is where you start your journey. But, according to TFL’s price guide, a black cab journey between Central London and Heathrow Airport should cost between £61 and £114 – depending on the exact distance, traffic levels and time of the day
Can I take an Uber or other ride-hailing service to Heathrow Airport?
You can travel to Heathrow with Uber; the company recommends an average price of £51 for a journey to the airport from central London. Heathrow also has arrangements with transfer specialists WeKnow and Minicabit.
Any other questions?
When is the busiest time of day at Heathrow Airport?
Heathrow is extremely busy. On average, 536 flights arrive or depart each day. Apart from late evening or early morning – when no event is scheduled between 11pm and 6am, due to noise issues – there are no quieter periods for travellers.
Is it worth staying in an airport hotel?
That probably depends on the time of the flight, and whether you want to avoid a train ride or a taxi ride long before the dawn chorus breaks into song. But Heathrow has plenty of accommodation options, including Aerotel at Terminal 3, Hilton at Terminal 4 and Sofitel at Terminal 5. There are also more budget-friendly options a little further afield – from the likes of Ibis, Holiday Inn. and Premier Inn – generally linked to the various terminals by regular shuttle buses.
