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- 1. The HEATHROW EXPRESS: the fastest, the most comfortable
- 2. The ELIZABETH LINE: the best comfort / price compromise
- 3. The TUBE (Piccadilly Line): the budget option
- 4. The National Express COACH: smart for big luggage
- 5. TAXIS and RIDE-HAILING (Uber / Bolt): for groups or late returns
- Recap table: transport by terminal
- Specifics depending on your arrival terminal
- In summary: which transport to choose between Heathrow and London?
Let’s be honest: arriving at Heathrow Airport (LHR) is a bit like landing in a small city. Five terminals, over 80 million passengers a year, miles of corridors and moving walkways, and at the end of the journey… always the same question: “Bloody hell, how do I get to central London?”. A real escape game.
And trust me, picking the wrong option means losing an hour of your life with a suitcase on your lap in a packed Tube, or 80 £ in an Uber stuck in M4 traffic. The good news is that Heathrow is probably the best-connected airport in the world: express train, modern air-conditioned line, historic Tube, long-distance coach, mythical black cab… There’s truly something for every budget, every type of traveller, and every kind of luggage!
The trick is knowing which one matches YOUR situation: weight of your bags, budget, hotel area, willingness (or not) to deal with hassle after a long flight. In this article, I detail the 5 main options, who each one is for, their advantages and their little drawbacks. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to choose for your next stay in London! Oh and obviously, it works the other way around too, to get back to Heathrow! You’ll quickly see why landing at Heathrow is ideal for visiting London.
📍 Direct train · 15 min · official reseller
The fastest way to reach the city centre. Trains every 15 min, free Wi-Fi and proper luggage racks on board.
- 15 min flat · trains every 15 min
- Official reseller — official prices
- Free Wi-Fi + large luggage racks
Free cancellation
From £25 / pers.
📍 Direct coach · ~1 h · official reseller
The smart option for big luggage. Direct trip to Victoria Coach Station, comfortable seats, Wi-Fi and generous hold.
- Direct to Victoria Coach Station in ~1 h
- Official reseller — 2 × 20 kg suitcases included
- Leather seats, Wi-Fi and power sockets
Free cancellation
From £6.50 / pers.
1. The HEATHROW EXPRESS: the fastest, the most comfortable
It’s the “VIP” of London rails, and clearly my favourite option whenever you travel with luggage or as a family (not too big a family though). No intermediate stops, no changes: 15 minutes flat between the airport and Paddington station, right in the heart of London. If you don’t want any hassle and don’t want to waste time on transport, it’s just perfect. A bit pricey, granted. But given the time and comfort gained, it’s worth it.
Who is the Heathrow Express for?
- For those who just don’t want any hassle, plain and simple. It’s super easy.
- For travellers in a hurry or with a tight connection in London
- For families with young children (zero stress, seats available, short trip)
- For those travelling with large suitcases or several pieces of luggage (but not too heavy, otherwise I recommend a taxi or coach)
- For those staying near Paddington, Marylebone, Notting Hill or Hyde Park
Why I recommend it despite the price
Soft reclining seats, tray tables, power outlets, on-board Wi-Fi, and most importantly proper luggage racks at the entrance of each carriage. No need to juggle between your suitcases and a crowded seat: you drop your bags, you settle in, and 15 minutes later you’re at Paddington. It’s the only transport where you arrive in London totally rested.
One thing to note: the Heathrow Express does not serve Terminal 4. If you arrive at T4, take the Elizabeth Line for free to T2/T3, or use the free shuttles, then catch the Express.
- Price: around 25 £ one-way at the counter
- Tip: by booking more than 90 days in advance on their site, you can score tickets for 10 £. Unbeatable!
- Duration: 15 minutes flat
- Frequency: a train every 15 min, from 5am to 11:30pm
- Online booking strongly recommended (savings + guaranteed seat)
2. The ELIZABETH LINE: the best comfort / price compromise
It’s the line travellers tend to love, and probably the best comfort / price ratio of the whole list. Opened in 2022, this ultra-modern line crosses all of London from west to east, without changes and without endless staircases. An option to favour, but don’t forget it’s a regional-train-style line, not a train dedicated only to the airport.
Who is the Elizabeth Line for?
- For travellers on a moderate budget who want to avoid the classic Tube
- For those staying near Bond Street (Oxford Street), Tottenham Court Road (Soho), Farringdon or the City
- For those with “medium” luggage: not overloaded, since you don’t want it to take too much space in the train
- For families wanting a clean, quiet and air-conditioned trip without paying the Express price
- It’s relatively fast, but not super fast either
Why it’s handy
The trains are new, spacious, air-conditioned, and there’s plenty of floor space to wedge suitcases (even if there are no dedicated racks). The big difference compared to the Express: the line doesn’t stop at Paddington, it continues straight into the centre toward Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street. You save one Tube change on arrival — precious when you’re dragging a suitcase.
Practical tip: don’t bother with the ticket machines. Just tap your contactless card (or your phone) on the yellow gates at the platform entrance. The system will automatically calculate the best daily fare.
- Price: around 12-13 £ from Heathrow (a bit less off-peak)
- Duration: about 35-45 min to the centre
- Frequency: a train every 5-10 min during the day (roughly from 5:15am to 11:45pm depending on the terminal)
- Terminals served: T2, T3, T4 and T5
- You can also see the Elizabeth Line map
3. The TUBE (Piccadilly Line): the budget option
It’s the historic way to reach London from Heathrow. It’s longer, less comfortable, with less room than the options above, but it’s unbeatable on price. Good news, in May 2026 the experience is far better than it used to be.
Who is the Tube for?
- For travellers on a tight budget: backpackers, Erasmus students, solo travellers
- For those travelling light (a backpack, a cabin-sized suitcase max)
- For those staying directly on the Piccadilly Line: Earl’s Court, South Kensington, Knightsbridge, Leicester Square, Covent Garden or King’s Cross
- For those not in a hurry and who like to “live” London as soon as they land
The good and the not-so-good
The big news is that the new air-conditioned trains on the Piccadilly Line have finally been rolled out on most journeys. Goodbye stuffy old carriages during London summers! The experience is now much more pleasant.
That said, it remains the Tube: little space for large suitcases, many stairs at certain stations (especially during changes), and it gets very busy during rush hour. If you arrive with two 23 kg suitcases, forget it and go for the coach instead.
Little tip: the Heathrow T2/T3 station is at the start of the line, so you’re guaranteed a seat at departure — a real plus for a nearly one-hour trip.
- Price: from 5.60 £ on contactless (much cheaper than a paper ticket)
- Duration: 50 min to 1h to the centre
- Frequency: every 4-10 min
- Terminals: T2/T3 and T5 (T4 served via a shuttle)
📍 Warner Bros Studio Tour · departing from Victoria
A legendary day in the world of wizards: round-trip on a Harry Potter-themed coach, then 4 h in the studios to discover sets, costumes and special effects from the 8 films. The fan favourite in London.
- Round-trip on Harry Potter coach included
- 4 h inside Warner Bros Studios
- Authentic sets, costumes and props
From £100 / pers.
📍 Westminster · historic heart of London
Coronation site of every British monarch since 1066, Westminster Abbey offers 1,000 years of history in 2 hours. Grand Gothic architecture, Coronation Chair and Poets' Corner on the programme.
- Audio guide included in 12 languages incl. English
- Coronation Chair and Poets' Corner
- Free cancellation + reserve now, pay later
From £30 / pers.
📍 Westminster Pier · skip-the-line boarding
The best way to see London differently: a 1 h cruise on the Thames with views of Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Shard and the Tower of London. Over 23,000 travellers have already loved it.
- 1 h cruise Westminster → Greenwich
- Views of Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Tower of London
- English audio guide included + skip-the-line
From £17 / pers.
📍 Whitechapel · East End of London
Step into the Victorian London of 1888 with an expert ripperologist guide. A 2 h walking tour through Whitechapel, on the trail of the most famous crimes in British history.
- Expert ripperologist guide
- 2 h in the Whitechapel neighbourhood
- True stories and theories about the suspects
From £15 / pers.
4. The National Express COACH: smart for big luggage
If you arrive loaded like a mule or the idea of dragging three suitcases through Tube stairs already makes you shudder, the National Express coach is probably the smartest option. And as a bonus, the fare is ultra-friendly for your wallet.
Who is the coach for?
- For those travelling with lots of luggage (up to 2 x 20 kg suitcases in the hold, free)
- For those staying near Victoria Station (central coach station)
- For those who want to avoid Tube stairs and corridors
- For travellers in groups or families who prefer a calm, seated trip without any change
- For those arriving late or very early and wanting a direct, stress-free trip
Why it’s nice
Leather seats, USB ports, on-board Wi-Fi, luggage hold, and a direct trip all the way to Victoria Coach Station, in the centre. The comfort is genuinely good for the price, and you only have to carry your suitcases once: on arrival.
The downside? It’s longer (45 min to 1h30 depending on traffic), and you should avoid rush hour (morning 7-9am, evening 5-7pm) when the M4 and the entry into London can really crawl.
- Price: around 13 £ one-way (a little less when booked in advance)
- Duration: 45 min to 1h30 depending on traffic
- Departure points: Central Bus Station (T2/T3) or Terminal 5
- Booking recommended to lock in the time slot you want
5. TAXIS and RIDE-HAILING (Uber / Bolt): for groups or late returns
The “full comfort, door-to-door” option that can become really interesting when you’re several or arriving in the middle of the night.
Who are taxis for?
- For groups of 3-4 people (the price splits quickly)
- For those staying far from major lines (west, south-east, outer London)
- For those arriving very late at night (after transport stops around 1am)
- For families with very young children and lots of gear (pushchair, car seat…)
The two options:
- Black Cab: the iconic London black taxi, picked up directly at the “Taxi Rank” outside each terminal. Expect 70 to 110 £ to the centre, depending on traffic and terminal.
- Uber / Bolt: often a bit cheaper, around 50 to 70 £. Heathrow quirk: you have to go up to the “Short Stay” car park to find your driver (ride-hailing isn’t allowed at the arrivals kerb). It’s clearly signposted in the terminal.
Watch out: avoid during rush hour. You risk paying more than a Heathrow Express and arriving later…
WARNING (again and worse): NEVER take unofficial taxis. Really.
Recap table: transport by terminal
To find your way at a glance based on your arrival terminal, here’s the table that sums it all up:
| Transport | T2 / T3 | T4 | T5 | Duration | Price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | ✅ | ❌ (via shuttle) |
✅ | 15 min | 10-25 £ | Travellers in a hurry, big luggage, hotel near Paddington |
| Elizabeth Line | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 35-45 min | ~13 £ | Good compromise, hotel in Soho / Oxford Street / the City |
| Tube (Piccadilly) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50 min – 1h | from 5.60 £ | Small budgets, light travellers, hotel on the line |
| National Express Coach | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 45 min – 1h30 | ~13 £ | Large luggage, hotel near Victoria, zero stairs |
| Taxi / Ride-hailing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 45 min – 1h30 | 50-110 £ | Groups of 3-4 people, late return, lots of luggage |
The Heathrow Express does not directly serve T4: a free shuttle links T4 to T2/T3. Same for the Piccadilly Line, which serves T4 and T5 alternately.
Specifics depending on your arrival terminal
Heathrow is huge, and each terminal has its little quirks. Here’s what you need to know before landing, depending on your terminal:
Getting to London from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 (Heathrow Central)
This is the historic heart of Heathrow, and the best-connected terminal of them all. Both terminals share a single train station (Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3) which serves the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line and the Piccadilly Line. The Central Bus Station (National Express, local buses) is right next door, a 2-minute walk away.
Note: T2 and T3 are linked by a long pedestrian tunnel (about 8 min walking). If you arrive at T3 but your meeting point is at T2, plan some time. Good news, everything is well signposted and there are moving walkways.
My advice: if you land here, you’re spoilt for choice. For a stress-free trip, go for the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth Line, accessible within minutes of arrival.
Getting to London from Terminal 4
This is the most isolated terminal at Heathrow, located south-east of the airport. Bad news: the Heathrow Express doesn’t stop here directly. Good news: the Elizabeth Line has its own station at T4 since 2022, and it’s frankly your best friend here.
If you really want to take the Heathrow Express, take the free “Heathrow Connect” shuttle to T2/T3 (a few minutes), then catch the Express. The Piccadilly Line also serves T4, but alternately with T5: not every train stops there. Check the destination on the board carefully.
My advice: at T4, skip the complications and go directly with the Elizabeth Line. You’ll be at Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road without any change, in about 40 min.
And from Terminal 5
This is the most recent terminal (2008), used almost exclusively by British Airways and Iberia. And good news: it’s also the simplest for transport! T5 has its own Heathrow Express station (terminus), its own Elizabeth Line station, its own Piccadilly Line station (also a terminus for half the trains) and its own National Express coach stop.
In practice: whatever transport you choose, you catch it right below the terminal, no change needed. It’s one of the most convenient terminals in Europe in that respect.
My advice: at T5, the Heathrow Express is especially attractive because you’re at the terminus = guaranteed seat + shortest trip. Otherwise, the Elizabeth Line remains the good compromise.
📍 Paddington · à 50 m de la gare
📍 Paddington · 50 m from the station
📍 Paddington · a 50 m de la estación
Pub anglais authentique avec hôtel à l'étage, idéal pour qui arrive en Heathrow Express. À la sortie du train, vous traversez la rue, vous posez vos valises et vous descendez boire une pinte dans un cadre 100 % London.
Authentic English pub with rooms upstairs, perfect for Heathrow Express travellers. Hop off the train, cross the street, drop your bags and head down for a pint in a 100% London setting.
Pub inglés auténtico con hotel en la planta superior, ideal si llegas en Heathrow Express. Bajas del tren, cruzas la calle, dejas las maletas y bajas a tomar una pinta en un ambiente 100 % London.
- À 50 m de la gare de Paddington (Heathrow Express)
- Pub anglais authentique au rez-de-chaussée
- Petit-déjeuner anglais fabuleux
- 50 m from Paddington station (Heathrow Express)
- Authentic English pub on the ground floor
- Fabulous full English breakfast
- A 50 m de la estación de Paddington (Heathrow Express)
- Pub inglés auténtico en la planta baja
- Fabuloso desayuno inglés
Annulation gratuiteFree cancellationCancelación gratuita
À partir de 150 € / nuitFrom €150 / nightDesde 150 € / noche
📍 Soho · à 5 min de Tottenham Court Road
📍 Soho · 5 min from Tottenham Court Road
📍 Soho · a 5 min de Tottenham Court Road
Boutique-hôtel 4★ d'exception dans trois maisons georgiennes de 1718, en plein Soho. Mobilier d'époque, lustres anciens, baignoires victoriennes : un voyage dans la Londres du XVIIIᵉ siècle, à 5 min de la sortie Elizabeth Line.
Exceptional 4★ boutique hotel set in three 1718 Georgian townhouses in the heart of Soho. Period furniture, antique chandeliers, Victorian bathtubs: a journey into 18th-century London, 5 min from the Elizabeth Line exit.
Boutique-hotel 4★ excepcional en tres casas georgianas de 1718, en pleno Soho. Mobiliario de época, lámparas antiguas, bañeras victorianas: un viaje al Londres del siglo XVIII, a 5 min de la salida Elizabeth Line.
- À 5 min à pied de Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth Line)
- Boutique-hôtel 4★ dans 3 maisons georgiennes de 1718
- Mobilier d'époque, lustres et baignoires victoriennes
- 5-min walk from Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth Line)
- 4★ boutique hotel in three 1718 Georgian townhouses
- Period furniture, chandeliers and Victorian bathtubs
- A 5 min a pie de Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth Line)
- Boutique-hotel 4★ en 3 casas georgianas de 1718
- Mobiliario de época, lámparas y bañeras victorianas
Annulation gratuiteFree cancellationCancelación gratuita
À partir de 300 € / nuitFrom €300 / nightDesde 300 € / noche
📍 Strand · West End, à 5 min de Leicester Square
📍 Strand · West End, 5 min from Leicester Square
📍 Strand · West End, a 5 min de Leicester Square
Design moderne et compact en plein cœur du West End, à 5 min à pied des stations Leicester Square et Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line). Trafalgar Square, Soho et Covent Garden sont accessibles sans jamais reprendre le métro.
Compact modern design right in the heart of the West End, a 5-min walk from Leicester Square and Covent Garden stations (Piccadilly Line). Trafalgar Square, Soho and Covent Garden all on foot, no tube needed.
Diseño moderno y compacto en pleno West End, a 5 min a pie de las estaciones Leicester Square y Covent Garden (línea Piccadilly). Trafalgar Square, Soho y Covent Garden, todo a pie.
- À 5 min à pied de Leicester Square (Piccadilly Line)
- Au cœur du West End : Trafalgar, Covent Garden, Soho à pied
- Excellente isolation phonique malgré la situation centrale
- 5-min walk from Leicester Square (Piccadilly Line)
- In the heart of the West End: Trafalgar, Covent Garden, Soho on foot
- Excellent soundproofing despite the central location
- A 5 min a pie de Leicester Square (línea Piccadilly)
- En pleno West End: Trafalgar, Covent Garden, Soho a pie
- Excelente aislamiento acústico pese a la ubicación céntrica
Annulation gratuiteFree cancellationCancelación gratuita
À partir de 120 € / nuitFrom €120 / nightDesde 120 € / noche
📍 Victoria · à 5 min de Victoria Coach Station
📍 Victoria · 5 min from Victoria Coach Station
📍 Victoria · a 5 min de Victoria Coach Station
Hôtel 4★ victorien classé Grade II avec accès direct à Victoria Station depuis le hall. Idéal pour qui arrive en bus National Express : un seul effort avec les valises et vous voilà dans une chambre spacieuse au cœur de Londres.
Grade II listed 4★ Victorian hotel with direct access to Victoria Station from the lobby. Perfect for National Express bus arrivals: one short walk with luggage and you're in a spacious room in the heart of London.
Hotel victoriano 4★ catalogado Grade II con acceso directo a Victoria Station desde el vestíbulo. Ideal si llegas en bus National Express: un solo esfuerzo con las maletas y estás en una habitación espaciosa en pleno Londres.
- Accès direct à Victoria Station depuis l'hôtel
- Bâtiment victorien classé Grade II, architecture d'époque
- 3 restaurants, centre fitness et chambres spacieuses
- Direct access to Victoria Station from the hotel
- Grade II listed Victorian building, period architecture
- 3 restaurants, fitness centre and spacious rooms
- Acceso directo a Victoria Station desde el hotel
- Edificio victoriano catalogado Grade II, arquitectura de época
- 3 restaurantes, gimnasio y habitaciones espaciosas
Annulation gratuiteFree cancellationCancelación gratuita
À partir de 220 € / nuitFrom €220 / nightDesde 220 € / noche
In summary: which transport to choose between Heathrow and London?
There you go, you now have all the cards in hand to choose the right transport between Heathrow and central London. To put it simply:
- Heathrow Express if you want comfort, speed and zero hassle (and you’re staying near Paddington)
- Elizabeth Line for the best comfort / price compromise, especially if you stay in Soho, Oxford Street or the City
- Tube (Piccadilly Line) for tight budgets and light travellers
- National Express Coach if you have big suitcases and you’re staying near Victoria
- Taxi or ride-hailing when there are several of you, or for a late return
Have a great stay in London!
