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Arrive at Heathrow faster than the Elizabeth line with Heathrow Express

Book a ticket on the quickest way to get to Heathrow

Are you looking for the best way to transfer to and from Heathrow Airport and Central London? The Heathrow Express and the London Underground’s Elizabeth line both serve the airport, but the Heathrow Express is by far the most efficient and fastest way to Heathrow.

This handy guide compares Heathrow Express vs the tube, providing useful information about cost, comfort, convenience, and overall experience to help you get your trip off to a smooth start.

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Both Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line use the same track to travel from Paddington to Heathrow. The big difference is the number of stops. Journeys on Heathrow Express are direct from Paddington, whilst the Elizabeth Line stops at six stations in between. On average, the trip on the Elizabeth line takes around 27 minutes to arrive at Heathrow, compared to journey times of just 15 minutes on Heathrow Express.

Travel need to knows

Heathrow Express

Elizabeth Line

Journey Time

15 minutes

27 minutes

Train Frequency

Every 15 minutes

Every 10 minutes

Number of Stops

0 stops from Paddington

6 stops from Paddington

Cost

£20 return with 2 advanced discount tickets

£24.60 Anytime Return via Trainline

Heathrow-Express

When is Heathrow Express the right choice for you?

The Heathrow Express is the right choice for anyone who wants to spend less time transferring between Heathrow and Paddington and more time enjoying the city. It’s fast, spacious, and there’s plenty of space for luggage.

The Heathrow Express may be the right option for you if you are:

  • A time-sensitive business traveller: With a fast and direct journey time of just 15 minutes (compared to nearly 30 minutes on the Elizabeth line), the Heathrow Express is a relaxed and time-saving way to travel.
  • A family seeking ease and value: Children aged 15 and under travel for free on the Heathrow Express (only under 11s travel free on the tube), helping families make significant savings on airport transfers.
  • A premium passenger looking for extra perks: Unlike the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express is designed for airport travel, with dedicated luggage space, onboard amenities, and free fast-track security at the airport for Business First Class travellers.
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Can you get a Heathrow Express ticket cheaper than The Elizabeth Line?

If you book your single ticket on the Heathrow Express 45 days or more in advance, it’s just £10 for a single journey. With two advance single tickets covering both legs of your journey, you’ll pay £20 which comes in cheaper than an Anytime Day Return on the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow.

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Journey route

Arriving at Heathrow

Heathrow Express trains take just 15 minutes to travel non-stop from London Paddington to Heathrow Central. It’s then an extra six minutes to arrive at Terminal 5 station. If you’re flying from Terminal 2 or 3, it’s only a short walk from Heathrow Central. For flights from Terminal 4, you’ll need to leave the train at Heathrow Central and take a shuttle bus to your terminal.

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