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How to get from London Heathrow Airport ✈️ to the City Center
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the largest international airport of London and the second busiest airport in the world. Heathrow Airport is located about 23 km west of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown London by Express Train, Public Train, Underground (Metro, also called Tube), Express Bus, Taxi, Welcome Pickup, Uber or Shared Shuttle.
⏱️ The fastest transfer is by Express train
💸 The cheapest transfer is by Underground
This guide compares all available airport transfers at Heathrow Airport (LHR) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.
Transfer comparison
Overview of all airport transfers from London Heathrow Airport to the City Center (Paddington Station, Victoria Station, Piccadilly Circus)
| Transport | Travel time | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express train ⏱️ | 15 Min. | £ 25 | Details |
| Regional train | 30 Min. | £ 11.60 | Details |
| Tube 💸 | 60 Min. | £ 3.50 | Details |
| Express Bus | 40 Min. | £ 6.00 | Details |
| Taxi | 60 Min. | £ 50‑60 | Details |
| Welcome Pickup | 60 Min. | £ 75 | Details |
| Uber | 60 Min. | £ 50‑100 | Details |
| Shared Shuttle | 60‑90 Min. | £ 30 | Details |
Additional note: There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable solution.
Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
⏱️ 15 minutesCost:
£ 18-25 ppDescription:
‘Heathrow Express’ train from Heathrow Airport (Train stations in Terminal 2/3/5) to “London Paddington” Rail Station (City West), from here 4 Underground lines run into central London; free WIFI
Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
£ 11.60 ppDescription:
‘TfL Rail’ from London Heathrow Airport (Train stations in Terminal 2/3/5) to “London Paddington” Rail Station (City West), from here 4 Underground lines run into central London
Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
60 minutesCost:
💸 £ 3.50 pp (+ £ 5 Oyster card)Description:
Underground (Tube) ‘Piccadilly Line’ (dark blue route) from London Heathrow Airport (Tube station in Terminal 2 & 3) to “Piccadilly Circus” station, directly in the city center; Use Oyster card for public transport
Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
40 minutesCost:
£ 6.00 ppDescription:
‘National Express’ Bus from London Heathrow Airport (Bus stations at Terminal 5 and Central Bus Station) to “London Victoria Coach Station” in the city center, here you can change to public transport
Official local taxis
Travel time:
60 minutesCost:
£ 50–60Description:
Taxi from London Heathrow Airport (Taxi ranks in front of all terminals) to central London, Piccadilly Circus or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Welcome Pickup ↗
Travel time:
60 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
£ 75Description:
Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from London Heathrow Airport (nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to central London, Piccadilly Circus or directly to your city accommodation
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
60 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
£ 50-100Description:
Uber from London Heathrow Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to central London, Piccadilly Circus or directly to your accommodation
Book a minibus ride ↗
Travel time:
60-90 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
£ 30 pp (from 2 persons)Description:
Shared Shuttle (Minibus) from London Heathrow Airport (pick-up point as per provider) to central London or directly to your city accommodation; Maximum 3 stops en routeRoute from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London (Piccadilly Circus)
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Lonely Planet Pocket London
London compact travel guide
Things to know about London:
1. London is the first city to host the Olympics three times (1908, 1948 and 2012)
2. When the Queen is at Buckingham Palace, her royal flag flies from the flagpole on the roof
3. Harry Potter catches the train from London’s famous Kings Cross Station to Hogwarts (Platform 9 ¾)