When arriving at London Heathrow, getting to the heart of the city quickly is a priority for most travelers. The Heathrow Express offers a direct, hassle-free connection from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington in just 15 minutes, making it the fastest option available. Whether you’re a business traveler pressed for time or a visitor eager to start your London adventure, the Heathrow Express provides an efficient and comfortable solution.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Heathrow Express, including its schedule, fares, and ticketing options, plus a few pro tips on how to save money and make your journey even smoother.
Heathrow Express Schedule
The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes, making it easy to plan your journey without rushing. Here’s a quick overview of the schedule:
- Trains run every 15 minutes between Heathrow and Paddington.
- First train from Paddington: 5:10 AM, great for early flights.
- First train from Heathrow (Terminals 2 & 3): 5:12 AM, with the last one at 11:48 PM.
- Last train from Paddington: 11:25 PM, ideal for those catching a late flight.
- On Sundays, services start a bit later: 6:23 AM from Heathrow and 6:25 AM from Paddington.
- Terminal 5: Stay on the train for an extra 6 minutes after Terminals 2 & 3.
- Terminal 4: Take a free transfer on the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow Central, which adds about 4 minutes to your journey.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling on a Sunday, keep in mind the later start times to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Heathrow Express: Fares and Ticketing Options
Heathrow Express has ticket options that cater to different travelers, whether you’re planning in advance or need last-minute flexibility.
Ticket Options:
- Advance Tickets: If you book early (up to 90 days ahead), you can get one-way fares starting from just £5.50. The further in advance, the bigger the savings.
- Anytime Tickets: Need flexibility? A one-way ticket costs £25, and a return ticket is £37. You can travel at any time on your chosen day.
- Business First Class: For £32 one way, you get a more spacious seat, extra legroom, and a personal table. It’s perfect for those who want more comfort or need to work on the go.
Pro Tip:
Book your tickets in advance to save up to 75% on your fare!
Kids Travel Free:
Children aged 15 and under can travel for free in Express Class when they’re with a paying adult. Just make sure the child has proof of air travel, like a valid boarding pass or flight booking.
If your child is traveling alone, they can still travel free, but they’ll need to show proof of air travel and obtain a ticket from Heathrow Express staff.
Group Discounts:
If you’re traveling with family, friends, or frequently, you can save money by purchasing Carnet tickets. Carnet 6 gives you 6 single journeys for the price of 5, while Carnet 12 offers 12 single journeys for the price of 9. These tickets are valid for a whole year, and you can use them in either direction between Heathrow and London.
Summary of Fares and Ticketing Options
| Ticket Type | Price (One-Way) | Details |
| Advance Purchase | From £5.50 | Book up to 90 days ahead for the best savings. |
| Anytime Ticket | £25 (One-Way) | Travel anytime on your chosen day. |
| Business First Class | £32 (One-Way) | More legroom, extra comfort, and personal workspace. |
| Kids Travel Free | Free | Children 15 and under travel free in Express Class with a paying adult. |
| Group/Carnet Tickets | Discounted Rates | 6 or 12 single journeys for the price of 5 or 9, valid for one year. |
Pro Tip: Get around London easily with a Visitor Oyster Card. It’s cheaper than buying paper tickets, offers daily fare capping at £7.00, and can be collected right at Heathrow Airport. Pre-loaded with £15 credit, it’s a great way to be travel-ready the moment you arrive. Order your Visitor Oyster Card here.
Heathrow Express Seating Options
When traveling on the Heathrow Express, you have two seating options: Express Class and Business First. Both offer comfortable travel with free Wi-Fi and at-seat power sockets, but Business First provides a more premium experience with added perks.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two:
| Feature | Express Class | Business First |
| Seat Size | Standard comfortable seats | Larger seats with extra legroom |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary 4G Wi-Fi | Complimentary 4G Wi-Fi |
| Power Sockets | Available at seat | Available at seat |
| Luggage Space | Ample storage for luggage | Ample storage for luggage |
| Newspapers/Magazines | Not included | Complimentary newspapers and magazines |
| Work Tables | Not available | Work tables available |
| Fast Track Security | Not available | Included for faster security check at Heathrow Airport |
| Ticket Price | Lower cost, budget-friendly | Higher cost, premium service |
Pro Tip: If you need to get work done during your journey, consider upgrading to Business First for more legroom, work tables, and a quieter atmosphere.
Accessibility Features on the Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express is designed to ensure a smooth journey for all passengers, including those with mobility needs. Key features include:
- Step-Free Access: All platforms and stations offer step-free access, perfect for passengers using wheelchairs or strollers.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The train floor is level with the platform, with designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Accessible Toilets: Every train is equipped with accessible toilets for added convenience.
- On-Board Assistance: Trained staff are available to assist passengers with mobility needs.
- Support for Hearing and Visual Impairments: Clear signage, audio announcements, and visual displays provide essential travel information.
Booking & Collecting Heathrow Express Tickets
Booking your Heathrow Express tickets is simple and efficient with WeKnow. After selecting your travel date online, you’ll receive an email confirmation with all the details. You can either print your ticket or show it at the station.
For those who prefer collecting tickets in person, just head to a ticket machine at Heathrow or London Paddington. Use your payment card, and the machine will print your ticket instantly.
If your plans change, amendments are possible up until your ticket is scanned for entry. After that, refunds or changes won’t be available.
To make your travel planning even easier, visit WeKnow and book your tickets today.
FAQs
How much is the Heathrow Express?
A one-way ticket for the Heathrow Express starts at £25 if bought on the day, but you can save significantly by booking in advance, with fares starting from £5.50.
How long does the Heathrow Express take?
The Heathrow Express takes just 15 minutes from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to London Paddington. If you’re traveling from Terminal 5, it adds an extra 6 minutes.
Can I use an Oyster Card on the Heathrow Express?
No, the Heathrow Express does not accept standard Oyster cards for payment. However, you can use a Visitor Oyster Card for travel on the Tube, buses, and other rail services in London. For more info, click here.
Is the Heathrow Express wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Heathrow Express is fully accessible with step-free access, level train floors, and designated spaces for wheelchair users. Accessible toilets are also available on all trains.
What are the alternatives to the Heathrow Express?
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, the Elizabeth Line and the London Underground are available options. However, these options take longer, wit
