Getting from Heathrow Airport to Central London

Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK, handling 50% of the capital’s passengers and millions of tourists annually. To get from the airport to central London, there are several options to consider, which are highlighted right below!

1. The Tube (the London Underground Train System) – Approx. 50 minutes

It is many people’s favourite means of transport for providing a cheap way to get to the heart of London. All major Heathrow terminals are served by the Piccadilly Line, which runs from a total of three locations in the airport. The trains operate from around 5:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m and the ticket costs £3.10 at off-peak times (that is if you have a Contactless or Visitor Oyster card) and £5.10 during high season. If you buy a single ticket and pay in cash, you will need to pay £6.

2. The Bus (Slightly over 60 minutes)

If your flight lands late at night, then you will not be able to use the Tube unless it is a Saturday or Sunday when there is a 24-hour service available. What you can do, though, is use the N9 night bus to Trafalgar Square, which departs from two locations (1) the Heathrow Central Bus Station (from Terminals 2 & 3) and (2) Terminal 5. Tickets cost slightly above one pound (£1.50), but you will have to use either an Oyster card or a contactless card to get one; not cash.

3. A Coach (between 45-90 minutes)

In England, we tend to refer to large buses that provide long-distance transport with only a few stops as coaches while the term “bus” is mainly used for inner-city services and involves several stops. That being said, there are many coach transfer services from Heathrow airport to central London that comprise a much more comfortable way to get to your destination if you have a lot of luggage because you save yourself the trouble of loading your things on and off public transport.

The Megabus and National Express and the two primary coach operators that serve Heathrow London and terminate at Victoria Coach Station. You can hop on from around 4:00 a.m. until 10 p.m. while tickets cost approx. £6. However, we strongly suggest booking your ticket in advance as coach fares vary significantly based on when you book and the demand at that time.

4. Train (between 15-25 minutes)

You may use Heathrow Express (stops at all 5 terminals, runs every 15 minutes, and takes 15 minutes to get to London Paddington) or TfL Rail (found at Terminals 1, 2 & 3 and will get you to central London in 25 minutes). If you book your ticket with Heathrow Express in advance, you may buy it at ¼ of its price – from £25 (during peak times) down to £5.50. TfL Rail tickets cost less than half that money.

5. Airport Transfer Services/Minicab/Taxi (between 45-90 minutes door-to-door)

It is a super comfy way to get from Heathrow airport to your hotel that can even serve a group of friends or a large family with all their luggage. Expect your driver to welcome you out of the arrival gate. Such services run on a 24/7 basis and are without a doubt the most hassle-free way of travelling from Heathrow airport to Central London or any other part of the city (or the country, to be frank).

Although this is pobably the most expensive option, othing compares to the transport quality it provides. Plus, you can still get to your destination cheaper than what you imagine if only you pre-book airport transfer services or use the discount coupons we offer our clients for booking their minicab.

Just make sure you use a reputable provider like Celine Travel that employs only certified, professional drivers and holds a fleet of elite, well-maintained vehicles in tip-top condition!

Book your taxi now and enjoy the drive from Heathrow airport to anywhere in London you need to be with the comfort you deserve!