Arriving at London Heathrow Airport can be exciting, but planning your journey into the city can sometimes be challenging. You have several options available, from cost-effective public transport to comfortable private transfers. In this article, we will review the most popular options to help you choose the best one for you.
Official taxi ranks are usually located outside the terminals, clearly marked. Taxi drivers generally apply clearly defined fares to central London, but it is worth inquiring about estimated costs before starting your journey. A taxi is a convenient solution, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or want to go directly to your accommodation. Depending on traffic, you can expect a journey time of around 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. The fare usually ranges between 60 and 100 EUR.
A private transfer means travelling in a pre-booked vehicle, where the driver will be waiting for you personally at the airport. Meeting points are agreed upon during booking, often at a designated location inside the terminal. It is important to confirm the driver's name and vehicle type to ensure you find them. The price of a private transfer is usually fixed and includes the total cost of the journey. This solution is particularly recommended if you are travelling with a larger group or want extra comfort. The journey time to the city centre is similar to that of a taxi, but the exact time depends on traffic. The cost usually ranges between 80 and 150 EUR.
A shared transfer is a more cost-effective alternative where multiple passengers are transported along the same route. Minibuses usually depart on a schedule and may include several stops before reaching your final destination. This solution may be ideal if you are not in a hurry and your goal is to minimize costs. The journey time to the city centre may be longer, between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. Prices generally range from 25 to 50 EUR.
London Heathrow Airport has excellent public transport links to the city centre. The Heathrow Express train quickly reaches Paddington Station in just 15-20 minutes. The metro (Piccadilly line) also connects the airport to the city centre, but the journey time is longer, around 50-60 minutes. Buses offer the cheapest solution, but the journey time can be significantly longer, up to 1 hour 30 minutes. Public transport is ideal if you are looking for a cost-effective solution and do not mind the crowds.
| Mode of Transport | Duration (approx.) | Price (EUR, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 45 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes | 60 – 100 |
| Private Transfer | 45 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 – 150 |
| Shared Transfer | 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours | 25 – 50 |
| Train/Metro | 15 minutes – 1 hour | 15 – 30 |
| Bus | 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes | 5 – 15 |
The above times and prices are indicative and may vary depending on traffic conditions and the season.
London is easily accessible from Heathrow to many cities. In addition to central London, Windsor, Oxford and Cambridge are also popular destinations that are easily accessible by public transport or private transfer.
Taxi ranks are usually located outside the terminals, clearly marked.
Depending on traffic, you can expect a journey time of between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes.
A private transfer is pre-booked and has a fixed price, while a taxi usually calculates the fare based on the meter.
If you are not in a hurry and your goal is to minimize costs.
The Heathrow Express takes about 15-20 minutes to reach Paddington Station.
The bus is usually the cheapest, but the journey time is the longest.
You can book online or at the offices located at the airport.
It may include several stops and the journey time may be longer.
They usually accept both cash and bank cards.
By public transport (train and bus) or private transfer.
Check the meeting point and the driver's details.