Heathrow Airport, a major international travel hub, offers numerous convenient transport links to London, the South East, and across the UK. Whether you prefer public transport or private hire, understanding your Heathrow Transport options in advance can save you time and money. This guide explores various methods to get to and from Heathrow Airport, ensuring a smoother journey.
coach & bus
Heathrow by Coach and Bus: Affordable and Extensive Network
Choosing a coach or bus for your Heathrow transport can be a cost-effective option, especially if you’re traveling from central London or other UK cities. Services like National Express offer extensive routes to and from Heathrow Airport’s Central Bus Station, connecting you to destinations throughout the UK. Booking your tickets online in advance with these providers often unlocks significant savings compared to on-the-day fares. This is a smart way to manage your Heathrow airport transport budget efficiently.
taxi
Heathrow by Taxi: Convenient Door-to-Door Service
For a hassle-free and direct Heathrow transport experience, consider a taxi. Numerous taxi companies specialize in airport transfers to and from Heathrow, offering door-to-door service. Pre-booking your taxi is advisable, as it can often be cheaper than hailing one on arrival. You can find various Heathrow Airport taxi quotes online to compare prices and services, ensuring you get the best deal for your airport transfer needs.
tube & train
Heathrow by Train and Tube: Fast and Frequent Connections
Heathrow benefits from excellent rail and underground connections. The Heathrow Express provides the quickest rail link to central London, with a rapid 15-minute journey time. For a more economical option, the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line connects Heathrow to central London in around 50-60 minutes. Services like RailAir also offer dedicated coach links to train stations like Reading, expanding your rail transport options from Heathrow.
Driving to Heathrow: Parking and Directions
Traveling to Heathrow by car offers flexibility, especially if you are driving from nearby areas. Heathrow Airport is easily accessible via the M4 motorway, which links to the M25, connecting you to the wider UK motorway network. For those driving, numerous Heathrow airport parking options are available, ranging from short-stay to long-stay, and pre-booking is recommended to secure the best rates.
Directions to Heathrow Airport by Road
Heathrow Airport is well signposted from the M4 and M25 motorways. Using a GPS or online map service with the postcode for your specific Heathrow terminal will provide the most direct route. Detailed directions and maps can also be found on the official Heathrow Airport website to assist with your journey planning.
National Express Coach Services to Heathrow
National Express operates frequent coach services to and from Heathrow Central Bus Station, located between Terminals 2 and 3. This central hub is open 24 hours and well-signed, with easy access to all terminals via underground walkways. For Terminals 4 and 5, free Heathrow Connect or Heathrow Express services are available to reach the Central Bus Station. National Express offers direct routes to central London (Victoria) and numerous UK-wide destinations, making it a versatile Heathrow transport choice.
National Express also provides the Hotel Hoppa service, a convenient shuttle connecting Heathrow terminals and the Central Bus Station to 21 hotels around the airport. This is priced per journey and offers a door-to-door transfer, simplifying hotel access. Group travel discounts are often available, making National Express an even more attractive option for families or groups using Heathrow transport.
RailAir Coach Link to Reading Station
RailAir offers a dedicated, non-stop coach service between Reading Station and Heathrow Airport, running frequently every 20 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in early morning hours). This service connects to Terminals 2, 3, and 5. For Terminal 4, a free transfer via Heathrow Connect train is available. RailAir provides a seamless link between rail and air travel, particularly useful for passengers connecting to or from train services at Reading. Advance booking and group discounts can reduce RailAir ticket costs.
Heathrow Airport Taxi Options and Booking
Taxis offer a comfortable and direct Heathrow transport solution. Over 600 taxi companies serve Heathrow Airport, providing a wide range of options. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure better rates and ensure availability, especially during peak travel times. Online Heathrow Airport taxi quote services allow you to compare prices and find a taxi service that meets your needs and budget.
get the taxiHeathrow Hotel Transfer Services
Many hotels near Heathrow offer shuttle transfer services to and from the airport terminals. Checking with your chosen hotel about shuttle availability is worthwhile when booking your accommodation. Alternatively, the National Express Hotel Hoppa provides a dedicated hotel transfer service. Booking a Heathrow hotel with shuttle service can significantly simplify your airport transport, particularly for early morning or late-night flights.
book your hotel
Train Services to Heathrow: RailAir and National Rail
Beyond RailAir, Heathrow is served by various National Rail services, connecting to stations like Feltham, Reading, Woking, and Watford Junction. Rail information and ticket desks are available in the arrivals areas of all terminals. Booking train tickets in advance through websites like thetrainline.com can offer considerable savings compared to station purchases. Planning your Heathrow transport by train in advance allows you to explore different routes and potentially cheaper fare options.
Heathrow Express: The Fastest Link to Central London
Heathrow Express is the quickest Heathrow transport option to central London, reaching the city center in just 15 minutes. With frequent departures every 15 minutes and online/mobile ticketing, it offers a streamlined airport transfer experience. Heathrow Express trains are designed for comfort and convenience, featuring luggage racks, spacious seating, and free Wi-Fi.
Onboard Heathrow Express Amenities
Heathrow Express prioritizes passenger comfort with amenities like ample luggage space and comfortable seating. First Class offers extra legroom, personal tables, and complimentary newspapers and magazines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the train, ensuring connectivity during your journey. The onboard Express TV service provides news and travel updates. Quiet Zone carriages are also available for passengers seeking a more peaceful environment. Level platform access and dedicated wheelchair areas ensure accessibility for all passengers.
London Underground (Piccadilly Line) to Heathrow
The London Underground’s Piccadilly Line provides a direct and affordable Heathrow transport link to central London. Heathrow has three Underground stations serving Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. Journey times to central London are approximately 50-60 minutes. Piccadilly Line trains run frequently, with higher frequency during peak hours. Night bus N9 also connects Heathrow to central London overnight, offering 24-hour transport options.
Heathrow Airport transport – underground
Heathrow Underground stations are located within Travelcard Zone 6. Contact Transport for London (TFL) for detailed timetable and fare information. Stations for Terminals 2 & 3 are centrally located, while Terminals 4 and 5 stations are in the terminal basements.
Choosing Your Ideal Heathrow Transport
With a wide array of Heathrow transport options available, from coaches and taxis to trains and the Underground, planning your journey in advance is key. Consider factors such as budget, travel time, and convenience when selecting the best method for your Heathrow airport transfer. Booking your Heathrow transport in advance is often cheaper and reduces travel day stress, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable start or end to your journey.
