How do you get from Heathrow to central London?
Heathrow is connected to central London by the Piccadilly line, the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express and road transport, and all four run from the terminal buildings. The choice is a trade between journey time and fare, not between reaching the city and not reaching it.
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How it works
Rail services leave from stations under the terminals, so you follow signs rather than leave the airport. The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express arrive at Paddington, the Piccadilly line runs through the West End, and pay as you go with a contactless card works on the Underground and Elizabeth line.
Commonly mixed up with
Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line both end at Paddington, which makes them look interchangeable. They are separate services with separate fares and separate stopping patterns.
How do you get from Heathrow to central London?
| Knowledge, London | Travel and visit |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Heathrow is connected to central London by the Piccadilly line, the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express and road transport, and all four run from the terminal buildings. The choice is a trade between journey time and fare, not between reaching the city and not reaching it. |
| How it works | Rail services leave from stations under the terminals, so you follow signs rather than leave the airport. The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express arrive at Paddington, the Piccadilly line runs through the West End, and pay as you go with a contactless card works on the Underground and Elizabeth line. |
| Commonly mixed up with | Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line both end at Paddington, which makes them look interchangeable. They are separate services with separate fares and separate stopping patterns. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Which terminal do trains serve?
- Rail services call at the terminal stations, so check your terminal on your boarding pass first.
- Does contactless work from the airport?
- Contactless pay as you go is accepted on the Underground and Elizabeth line at Heathrow.
- Is there a night service?
- The Piccadilly line runs a night service on some nights, and night buses run when rail does not.
- Are taxis available at all hours?
- Licensed taxi ranks operate at the terminals, and fares are metered.
- Where do I check current times?
- Heathrow and Transport for London publish live times for every service.
Sources
More in this track
- How do you get from Gatwick to central London?
- Oyster or contactless in London: what is the difference?
- How do London travel zones work?
- What is the Elizabeth line and when is it useful?
- Which areas do visitors stay in when they come to London?
- What is the weather like in London through the year?
- Can you get around London without a car?
- Which airports serve London and how do they differ?
- How do payment and tipping work in London?
- How accessible is London transport?
- Which day trips are reachable from London by train?
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