Quick Answer
The best way to get from Heathrow Airport to Central London for most travelers is the Elizabeth line to central stations like Paddington, Bond Street, or Tottenham Court Road (28-33 minutes, £12.80/$16 peak, direct with no transfers). This is the best value option combining speed and reasonable cost. For late-night arrivals after midnight, your only practical options are taxi (£45-90/$56-113 depending on destination) or pre-booked private transfer (£60-120/$75-150). For budget travelers, the Piccadilly line tube costs only £5.60 ($7) but takes 45-60 minutes with no luggage space. Families with children or heavy luggage should strongly consider Elizabeth line (minimum) or taxi despite the higher cost. I DON'T recommend Heathrow Express for tourists - it's expensive and only saves 5-10 minutes over Elizabeth line.
How to Get from Heathrow to London by Train & Tube
Heathrow offers three direct rail options to London, creating the most common confusion for visitors. Unlike many airports with one clear best option, you must choose between speed (Heathrow Express), value (Elizabeth line), and budget (Piccadilly line). The internet often says "take the Heathrow Express" as default advice, but I need to be honest: for 80% of tourists, Elizabeth line is dramatically better value and almost as fast. Here are your rail options:
| Route | Service | Travel Time | Cost (Peak) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow → Paddington | Heathrow Express (Non-stop) | 15-21 minutes | £25 ($31 USD) | Business travelers in a huge rush to Paddington |
| Heathrow → Central London | Elizabeth line (Direct) | 28-33 minutes | £12.80 ($16 USD) | Most tourists - best value |
| Heathrow → Central London | Piccadilly line (Tube) | 45-60 minutes | £5.60 ($7 USD) | Extreme budget travel ONLY |
Heathrow Express: The Speed Premium (But Overpriced for Most)
The Heathrow Express train from Terminals 2,3,5 to Paddington (15-21 minutes, £25/$31) is London's fastest airport transfer. It runs every 15 minutes, has WiFi, power sockets, and luggage space. However, I DON'T recommend it for most tourists. Here's why: Elizabeth line takes just 5-10 minutes longer, costs half as much (£12.80 vs £25), and goes to more useful stations (Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street). The Express only makes sense if: 1) You're a business traveler on expense account, 2) Your hotel is at Paddington, 3) You're in an absolute time emergency.
Elizabeth Line: The New Gold Standard (Best for Most)
The Elizabeth line from Heathrow to Central London (opened 2022) is the game-changer. It takes 28-33 minutes to Paddington, 32 minutes to Tottenham Court Road, 36 minutes to Liverpool Street. It's air-conditioned, has step-free access, luggage space, and feels like a premium service. At £12.80 peak (£10.80 off-peak), it's the perfect balance of speed and cost. This is my top recommendation for 80% of Heathrow visitors. Trains run every 15-30 minutes from approximately 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
Piccadilly Line: The Budget Classic (With Major Caveats)
The Piccadilly line tube from Heathrow (45-60 minutes, £5.60 anytime) is London's cheapest airport transfer. It runs directly to: South Kensington (museums), Knightsbridge (Harrods), Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden. However, I DON'T recommend it with luggage or for first-time visitors. Why? No air-conditioning (unbearable in summer), narrow carriages, stairs everywhere, no luggage space. The £7.20 savings over Elizabeth line isn't worth the discomfort unless you're a backpacker on extreme budget.
A Common Real-Life Mistake with Heathrow Trains
You arrive at Terminal 5 at 11:20 PM, see signs for "Trains to London" and follow them. You reach the station at 11:35 PM, buy an Oyster card, and wait. The last Elizabeth line left at 11:30 PM. The last Heathrow Express left at 11:25 PM. Now you're stuck with a £80 taxi or waiting 5 hours for the first train. This happens DAILY. If your flight lands after 10:30 PM, assume you'll miss the last train and have a backup plan. Trains do NOT run 24/7 despite what airport signs imply.
Heathrow to London by Bus & Coach
While rail options dominate Heathrow transfers, coach services serve as a budget alternative, especially for specific destinations. National Express runs coaches to Victoria Coach Station (40-90 minutes, £6-10/$7.50-12.50), while the RailAir link connects to Woking station for Southwest trains. Travel time varies wildly with traffic (40 minutes to 2+ hours), making coaches unreliable during peak hours. Buses depart from Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2,3) and Terminal 5.
Airport Coach from Heathrow to London: Key Details
- Main Operators: National Express (to Victoria), RailAir (to Woking rail station)
- Frequency: Every 20-60 minutes depending on route and time
- Operating Hours: Approximately 4:00 AM - 1:00 AM (some routes 24/7)
- Luggage: One suitcase + carry-on included (stored under coach)
- Payment: Credit card online, at ticket desks, or sometimes driver
- Terminal: Victoria Coach Station (then tube/taxi to final destination)
Why Would Anyone Choose Coach Over Train?
The coach to Victoria makes sense in three specific scenarios: 1) Extreme budget travel (saving £2-7 vs tube), 2) Your hotel is near Victoria station, 3) You're traveling during a tube/train strike. However, I need to be clear: during London rush hour (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM), the coach can take 2+ hours due to traffic. The Elizabeth line is unaffected by traffic and remains 28-33 minutes. The internet says coach is a "budget alternative" - that's only true if you value £5 over 60-90 minutes of your time.
Coach vs Train: When Each Fails
Train fails when: You arrive after midnight (last train ~11:30 PM), have mobility issues (some tube stations have stairs), or during rail strikes. Coach fails when: You're traveling during London rush hour, need to reach anywhere not near Victoria, or get motion sickness on motorways. During tube strikes, coaches get overwhelmed - queues of 2+ hours are common. Have a backup plan.
Taxi & Private Transfer from Heathrow to London
Black Cab from Heathrow to Central London
Taking a black cab from Heathrow to central London offers door-to-door convenience with a metered fare. The distance is approximately 15-20 miles (24-32 km), with travel time of 45-90 minutes depending on traffic and destination. Typical taxi fares range from £45-90 ($56-113 USD) depending on your exact London destination. This includes the £5.20/$6.50 Heathrow airport fee. Black cabs take up to 5 passengers. This option is only cost-effective for groups of 3-5 people splitting the fare. Solo travelers should NEVER take a black cab from Heathrow - it's 8-16x more expensive than the tube.
Private Transfer from Heathrow to London
Private transfer services provide a pre-booked car with meet-and-greet service. Prices range from £60-120 ($75-150 USD) depending on vehicle type, destination, and service level. Benefits include: fixed price (no meter surprise), driver waiting with name sign, assistance with luggage, and 24/7 availability. This is the most convenient door-to-door option for families, those with heavy luggage, or arrivals after midnight. I recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance.
Uber/Minicab from Heathrow (Important Warning)
Uber operates at Heathrow with prices typically 20-30% cheaper than black cabs. However, Uber pickup is at specific car parks requiring a shuttle bus or long walk. During peak times, surge pricing can make Uber more expensive than black cabs. Pre-booked minicabs are illegal at Heathrow - they cannot solicit business. Only use licensed black cabs or pre-booked private hires. Unlicensed minicab touts operate at Heathrow - they are illegal and potentially unsafe.
When is a Taxi/Transfer Actually Worth It?
For solo travelers: Never (tube is £5.60 vs taxi £45+). For 2 people: Only if you arrive after midnight (tube not running). For 3-5 people: Usually yes (split £60 = £12-20 each vs tube £5.60 each). For families with young children: Often worth the extra cost for door-to-door with car seats. For late night arrivals after 11:30 PM: Taxi/transfer is your ONLY reliable option unless you want to wait 5+ hours at Heathrow.
Heathrow to London Route Map
The map below shows the travel routes from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London. The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express follow the Great Western Main Line to Paddington. The Piccadilly line runs on a separate route through west London. Road routes for taxis/coaches use the M4 motorway and A4 into London.
View the route on Google Maps: View route from Heathrow Airport to Central London on Google Maps
The distance from Heathrow Airport to central London is approximately 15-20 miles (24-32 km) depending on your destination. During rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM), road travel times can exceed 90 minutes. The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express are unaffected by road traffic, making them the most reliable options during peak hours.
Complete Tube & Train Stops: Heathrow to London
Understanding the exact stops helps you choose the right service and avoid unnecessary transfers. Here are the complete station lists for all three rail options from Heathrow:
Heathrow Express: Non-stop to Paddington (15-21 minutes)
This is the non-stop service to Paddington station with NO intermediate stops. Stations:
- Heathrow Terminal 5 OR Heathrow Terminals 2&3 (Departure)
- London Paddington (Final destination)
Note: Terminal 4 requires change at Terminals 2&3. Free Heathrow Express shuttle connects terminals.
Travel time: 15 mins (T2&3), 21 mins (T5) | Frequency: Every 15 mins | First/Last: ~5:00 AM / ~11:30 PM
Elizabeth Line: Heathrow to Central London (28-36 minutes)
This is the direct service to multiple central London stations. Key stops from Heathrow:
- Heathrow Terminals 2&3 or Terminal 4 or Terminal 5 (Departure)
- Hayes & Harlington (8 mins from T2&3)
- Southall (11 mins)
- Ealing Broadway (18 mins)
- London Paddington (21-28 mins)
- Bond Street (28 mins)
- Tottenham Court Road (32 mins)
- Farringdon (35 mins)
- Liverpool Street (36 mins)
- Canary Wharf (45 mins)
Travel time to central London: 28-36 mins | Frequency: Every 15-30 mins | First/Last: ~5:00 AM / ~11:30 PM
Piccadilly Line: Heathrow to Central London (45-60 minutes)
This is the tube service with multiple central London stops. Key stops from Heathrow:
- Heathrow Terminals 2&3 or Terminal 4 or Terminal 5 (Departure)
- Hatton Cross (4 mins)
- Hounslow West (7 mins)
- Acton Town (20 mins)
- South Kensington (38 mins - museums)
- Knightsbridge (41 mins - Harrods)
- Hyde Park Corner (43 mins)
- Green Park (45 mins)
- Piccadilly Circus (47 mins)
- Leicester Square (49 mins)
- Covent Garden (51 mins)
- Holborn (53 mins)
- Russell Square (55 mins)
- King's Cross St Pancras (57 mins - Eurostar)
Travel time to central London: 45-60 mins | Frequency: Every 5-10 mins | First/Last: ~5:00 AM / ~11:45 PM (Night Tube Fri/Sat)
Important Station Transfer Notes
Paddington station connects to: Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City lines. Tottenham Court Road connects to: Central and Northern lines. Green Park (Piccadilly line) connects to: Jubilee and Victoria lines. If your hotel is near a specific tube station, choose the service that goes there directly. Elizabeth line serves the most useful central stations for tourists.
Heathrow to London: Ticketing, Oyster Cards & Costs
| Transport Option | Travel Time | Cost (Peak) | Best For | Worst For | Luggage Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | 15-21 minutes | £25 ($31 USD) | Business, rush to Paddington | Tourists, budget travelers | Excellent (racks, space) |
| Elizabeth Line | 28-33 minutes | £12.80 ($16 USD) | Most tourists, best value | Late night (ends 11:30 PM) | Good (step-free, space) |
| Piccadilly Line | 45-60 minutes | £5.60 ($7 USD) | Extreme budget, backpackers | Luggage, families, summer | Poor (stairs, crowds) |
| National Express Coach | 40-90+ minutes | £6-10 ($7.50-12.50) | Victoria area hotels, strikes | Rush hour, most destinations | Good (under coach) |
| Black Taxi | 45-90 minutes | £45-90 ($56-113) | Groups 3-5, late night | Solo travelers, budget | Excellent (door-to-door) |
| Private Transfer | 45-90 minutes | £60-120 ($75-150) | Families, luxury, pre-booked | Anyone on a budget | Excellent (door-to-door) |
Oyster Cards vs Contactless: Which is Better?
For most visitors: Use contactless bank card. It's simpler - tap in/out like Oyster, same fares, no deposit. Oyster card benefits: 1) Can buy 7-day Travelcards, 2) Can register for loss protection, 3) Visitor Oyster has some discounts. You MUST use the same card/device to tap in and out. If you use Apple/Google Pay, use the same device consistently. Oyster/contactless daily cap: £14.90 ($18.60) for Zones 1-6 (includes Heathrow).
Heathrow Express Tickets: How to Save
Heathrow Express ticket prices: 1) On the day: £25 ($31), 2) Advance (30+ days): £18.50 ($23), 3) Super Advance (90+ days): £5.50 ($6.90). Business First: £32 ($40) with wider seats, at-seat service. Group save: 4+ people save 25%. Children: Under 15 free with paying adult. I still don't recommend it for most tourists - even £5.50 is only £1 cheaper than Elizabeth line peak.
Travelcards & Passes: Do They Include Heathrow?
7-day Travelcard (Zones 1-6): £74.40 ($93) includes unlimited travel on tube, bus, Elizabeth line, and Heathrow trains. Break-even point: 4+ days of heavy travel. Visitor Oyster card: £5 deposit + credit, some attraction discounts. Day Travelcard (Zones 1-6): £21.50 ($27) - rarely worth it vs daily cap £14.90. If staying 4+ days and traveling extensively, 7-day Travelcard on Oyster may save money.
Scenario-Based Guide: Which Option is Best for YOU?
1. Late Night / Early Morning Arrivals
Arriving 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM: You MIGHT catch last trains if fast. Elizabeth line last ~11:30 PM, Piccadilly ~11:45 PM (Sun-Thu). Have taxi money backup. Arriving after midnight: Trains have stopped. Options: 1) Night Tube (Fri/Sat only, until ~5:00 AM), 2) Taxi (£45-90), 3) Private transfer (pre-booked, £60-120), 4) Wait at airport 5+ hours for first train (~5:00 AM). Early flights (departing 6:00-8:00 AM): First train at ~5:00 AM might be too late. Consider airport hotel or very early taxi.
2. Traveling with Heavy Luggage / Family / Elderly
One suitcase per person: Elizabeth line is minimum acceptable. Heathrow Express better. Multiple large suitcases: Taxi/private transfer essential. With young children: Private transfer with car seats (available on request). Elderly or mobility impaired: Elizabeth line has step-free access at Heathrow and central stations. Piccadilly line has stairs everywhere. Many websites say tube is fine with luggage - that's true for backpacks, not for suitcases. Heathrow has luggage trollies to train platform only.
3. Business Travelers vs Budget Travelers
Business travelers: Time is money. Heathrow Express to Paddington (15 mins) or Elizabeth line to City (36 mins). Taxi from station to meeting (5-10 mins). Total £25-40, 30-45 mins door-to-door. Budget backpackers: Piccadilly line (£5.60) to hostel area. Total £5.60, 60-75 mins. Mid-range tourists: Elizabeth line (£12.80) to central hotel. Total £12.80, 40-50 mins. The internet says "Heathrow Express for business, tube for budget" - Elizabeth line is actually best for both.
4. Peak Season vs Strikes vs Bad Weather
Summer (June-August): Piccadilly line is unbearably hot (no A/C). Elizabeth line air-conditioned. Tube/rail strikes: Coaches overwhelmed, taxis impossible to find. Have backup plan or reschedule flight. Bad weather: Snow/ice can cancel trains. Heathrow has good de-icing but allow extra time. Christmas (Dec 24-26): No tubes/trains Christmas Day. Taxis charge 3x normal. Friday/Sunday evenings: Heaviest traffic. Train unaffected.
Traveler Experience: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting from Heathrow to central London seems straightforward, but I see tourists make expensive mistakes daily. The most common error: assuming Heathrow Express is the default best option. It's not - Elizabeth line is half the price, 5-10 mins slower, and goes to better stations. Another mistake: taking the tube with large luggage. The stairs at Piccadilly Circus with a 20kg suitcase is London's unofficial tourist hazing ritual. A critical error: not checking strike dates. London has frequent rail strikes that paralyze transport.
The "I Missed My Flight Because of the Tube" Story
Here's a daily Heathrow story: You allow 2.5 hours for international flight. Tube takes 60 mins, you think. But it's rush hour, trains are every 10 mins not 5, you miss one. Change at Hammersmith, get on wrong branch. Realize mistake, go back. Finally reach Heathrow 2 hours 20 mins after leaving. Security queue is 60 mins. You're now 20 mins late for gate close. This happens because tourists underestimate London's size and transport unpredictability. Leave central London 3.5-4 hours before international flights.
What Other Travel Sites Don't Tell You
Most London transport guides are outdated (pre-Elizabeth line) or generic. Here's the reality: For tourists arriving daytime with normal luggage, Elizabeth line is objectively best. Heathrow Express is a luxury for Paddington-bound business travelers. The tube is medieval torture with luggage. Coaches are only for Victoria-area hotels or strikes. Taxis are for groups/late nights. The internet says "compare all options" - but Elizabeth line has made most comparisons obsolete.
Practical Tips, Warnings & Strike Information
- With heavy luggage: Elizabeth line minimum. If you have 2+ large bags, taxi/transfer despite cost. Heathrow has free trollies to train platform only.
- Late night arrival warning: Last trains depart 11:30-11:45 PM. If flight lands after 10:30 PM, assume you'll miss it. Have taxi money (£60-80) as backup.
- Oyster/contactless MUST: Always tap same card/device in AND out. Forgetting to tap out charges maximum fare (£8.90-£13.60).
- Pickpocket warning: Tube at Heathrow is safe, but central stations (Piccadilly, Leicester Square) have pickpockets targeting tourists with luggage.
- Strike dates: Check TfL website for planned strikes. During strikes: Elizabeth line often runs, tube often doesn't. Taxis impossible to find.
- Hotel location check: Google Maps your hotel from Elizabeth line stations. Tottenham Court Road is most central for tourists.
- Group of 3-5 people: Taxi at £60 split 3-5 ways (£12-20 each) compares to Elizabeth line (£12.80 each). Often worth door-to-door.
- Family with car seats: Pre-book private transfer with car seats. Black cabs don't have/require car seats (exemption).
- Mobile apps to download: "Citymapper" (best London transport), "TfL Go" (official tube map), "FreeNow" (black cab app).
- Return trip timing: Leave London 3.5-4 hours before international flight. Elizabeth line 30 mins but allow buffer for delays.
- Luggage storage: Excess Baggage at Heathrow terminals (£7.50-12.50 per bag). Some left luggage in central London.
- First/last train times change: Check TfL website. Sunday morning first trains later (~7:00 AM).
- Heathrow Terminal 5 note: Has direct Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express. Terminal 4 requires change or direct Elizabeth line.
- Weather considerations: Snow/ice rare but can disrupt trains. Heavy rain floods some tube stations.
- Contactless foreign cards: Most work but some charge foreign transaction fees. Oyster avoids this.
- Weekend engineering works: Check TfL website. Some lines closed weekends for maintenance. Replacement buses run but are slow.
Tube Strike Survival Guide
During tube strikes: Elizabeth line usually runs (different union). Heathrow Express runs. Coaches overwhelmed (queues 2+ hours). Taxis impossible. Your best options: 1) Elizabeth line if running, 2) Heathrow Express to Paddington, then walk/taxi, 3) Pre-booked private transfer, 4) Reschedule flight if possible. I DON'T recommend trying to "wing it" during strikes - you'll waste hours and possibly miss your flight.
Map showing Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, and Piccadilly line routes from Heathrow Airport to central London stations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Heathrow to Central London
What is the best way to get from Heathrow to Central London?
For most travelers: Elizabeth line (28-33 minutes, £12.80/$16 peak, multiple central stations). For speed: Heathrow Express (15-21 minutes, £25/$31, Paddington only). For budget: Piccadilly line (45-60 minutes, £5.60/$7, multiple stops). For late-night: Taxi or pre-booked transfer. I DON'T recommend Heathrow Express for tourists - Elizabeth line is almost as fast for half the price.
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to London?
YES! Three direct options: 1) Heathrow Express (non-stop to Paddington, 15-21 minutes), 2) Elizabeth line (to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, etc., 28-33 minutes), 3) Piccadilly line (Tube, multiple central London stops, 45-60 minutes). All depart directly from Heathrow terminals. No transfers needed for any.
How much is the tube from Heathrow to London?
Piccadilly line fare: £5.60 (about $7 USD) at any time using Oyster or contactless. Paper ticket: £6.70 ($8.40). This is the Zone 1-6 fare. Oyster/contactless daily cap: £14.90 ($18.60) for unlimited travel. Always use Oyster or contactless - paper tickets are more expensive and slower.
Does Elizabeth line go to Heathrow?
YES! Elizabeth line runs directly from Heathrow Terminals 2,3,4,5 to central London. Key stops: Paddington (21-28 mins), Bond Street (28 mins), Tottenham Court Road (32 mins), Liverpool Street (36 mins), Canary Wharf (45 mins). It's faster than the tube, cheaper than Heathrow Express, and has air-conditioning. Best value option for most travelers.
What is the cheapest way from Heathrow to London?
Piccadilly line tube: £5.60 ($7) with Oyster/contactless. This is the absolute cheapest public transport option. National Express coach: £6-10 ($7.50-12.50) to Victoria but takes 40-90 minutes. Walking is free but 15 miles. I DON'T recommend the coach for first-time visitors - the tube is simpler and more reliable despite being slower.
How late do tubes run from Heathrow?
Piccadilly line last trains: Sunday-Thursday ~11:45 PM, Friday-Saturday ~12:30 AM (with Night Tube until ~5:00 AM). Elizabeth line last trains: ~11:30 PM. Heathrow Express last train: ~11:30 PM. After midnight, options: 1) Night Tube (Fri/Sat only), 2) Taxi (£45-90), 3) Pre-booked transfer. Many travelers get stuck expecting 24/7 trains - they don't run all night.
Is Heathrow Express worth the money?
For business travelers: Yes (saves 20-30 minutes, WiFi, guaranteed seat). For tourists: Usually NO. Elizabeth line is 5-10 minutes slower but half the price (£12.80 vs £25) and goes to more central stations. The internet says Heathrow Express is 'best' - that's only true if you're in a huge rush to Paddington specifically and on an expense account.
Can I use Oyster card from Heathrow?
YES! Oyster/contactless works on: Piccadilly line, Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express (but expensive), buses. You MUST have at least £13.10 ($16.40) balance on Oyster for tube/Elizabeth line, or £25 ($31) for Heathrow Express. Oyster/contactless is always cheaper than paper tickets. Buy Oyster at Heathrow tube station (£7 deposit + credit) or use contactless bank card.
How early should I leave London for Heathrow?
For international flights: Leave central London 3.5-4 hours before departure. Heathrow Express/Elizabeth line: 20-40 minutes. Add 60+ minutes for security queues at Heathrow (often 45-90 minutes). For Terminal 5 flights, add extra 20 minutes for terminal transfer. Morning flights before 9 AM: Leave London 4+ hours early - security queues are longest 5-9 AM.
Which terminal is Heathrow Express at?
Heathrow Express serves: Terminal 5 (direct station), Terminals 2&3 (shared station), Terminal 4 (via shuttle from T2&3). Elizabeth line serves all terminals directly. Free Heathrow Express trains connect terminals in 4-6 minutes. If you're at Terminal 4, you can take Elizabeth line directly or Heathrow Express with one change at T2&3.
What if I have heavy luggage?
Tube: Difficult - stairs, crowds, no luggage space. Elizabeth line: Better - step-free access, luggage space. Heathrow Express: Best public transport - luggage racks, guaranteed seat. Taxi/transfer: Easiest - door-to-door. I DON'T recommend the tube with more than one suitcase - the stairs and crowds are exhausting. Elizabeth line is the minimum acceptable standard with luggage.
Are there direct buses to London hotels?
NO direct hotel buses from Heathrow. Options: 1) National Express to Victoria Coach Station (£6-10), then tube/taxi to hotel, 2) Hotel Hoppa bus to airport hotels only (£6), 3) Private hotel shuttle (pre-booked, £20-40 per person). Most hotels DO NOT offer free shuttles. Taxi/transfer is the only true door-to-door public option.
Is it safe to take the tube from Heathrow at night?
Tube from Heathrow is generally safe, but I DON'T recommend it for solo female travelers after 10 PM. Elizabeth line is newer and feels safer. After midnight, taxis are safer than waiting for Night Tube. The area around Heathrow terminals is safe, but some central London tube stations at night require caution. Always sit in the carriage with the driver (front of train).
What is the difference between Elizabeth line and Tube?
Elizabeth line: New (opened 2022), faster (28-33 mins vs 45-60), air-conditioned, step-free access, luggage space, £12.80 peak. Piccadilly line: Older (opened 1977), slower, no air-con, stairs, crowded, £5.60 anytime. For just £7.20 more, Elizabeth line is dramatically better. The tube is only worth it for extreme budget travelers or if your destination is directly on Piccadilly line.
Can I buy Heathrow Express tickets in advance?
YES! Advance online tickets: £5.50 ($6.90) if booked 90+ days ahead, £18.50 ($23) if booked 30+ days, £25 ($31) on the day. Elizabeth line tickets cannot be booked ahead - same price anytime. I recommend booking Heathrow Express in advance IF you're sure of your travel time - savings up to 78%. But remember, even £5.50 is only 10p cheaper than Elizabeth line off-peak.
What happens during tube strikes?
During tube strikes: Piccadilly line usually doesn't run. Elizabeth line often runs (different union). Heathrow Express runs. Coaches overwhelmed. Taxis impossible. Your best bet: Elizabeth line if running, or Heathrow Express. Check TfL website for strike dates. I DON'T recommend flying into/out of Heathrow during tube strikes unless absolutely necessary.
Is there WiFi on Heathrow trains?
Heathrow Express: Free WiFi, power sockets. Elizabeth line: Free WiFi, 4G coverage in tunnels, power sockets. Piccadilly line: No WiFi, no power. For connectivity, Elizabeth line is best. Heathrow Express WiFi is more reliable. Tube has no signal in tunnels.