LHR · GETTING INTO LONDON
Five ways into London from Heathrow, with real prices and journey times — and a straight answer about when the train is the smarter choice.
| Option | Typical cost | Time to central London | Door-to-door? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | about £25 single (advance from ~£15) | 15 min to Paddington + onward travel | No — Paddington only |
| Elizabeth line | about £13–14 | ~30 min + onward travel | No |
| Piccadilly line | about £6 | 50–60 min | No — stairs & crowds with bags |
| Pre-booked fixed-fare car | from ~£55 per car | 45–60 min | Yes — arrivals hall to your door |
| Black cab at the rank | about £70–95 metered | 45–60 min | Yes, but metered |
Rail fares vary by time, ticket type and booking date — check operators for current prices. Car fares are indicative economy-class estimates.
The Heathrow Express price is per person; a transfer is per car. Two adults on the Express pay around £50, then still need a taxi or tube from Paddington with their luggage. A pre-booked car from Heathrow to central London starts around £55 total, door-to-door, for up to three or four people.
Solo traveller with hand luggage, hotel near Paddington or on the Elizabeth line? Take the train — it's genuinely better value. Family of four with suitcases heading to Mayfair at 11pm? The car wins on every measure, including price per person.
Travelling alone or as a couple with light luggage; staying near Paddington, the West End or anywhere on the Elizabeth line; arriving mid-morning to mid-afternoon when services run every few minutes. The Elizabeth line in particular is excellent value at about £14.
Groups of 2+ with luggage — the per-car price beats multiple train tickets plus an onward cab. Late-night and early-morning flights — your driver tracks the flight and waits in arrivals, no timetable to race. Hotels away from the rail line — Kensington, Chelsea, the City, Canary Wharf all mean a second leg by taxi anyway. Anyone who values not thinking — name board in arrivals, help with bags, fixed price agreed before you fly.
Solo, light, daytime: Elizabeth line.
Two or more people, real luggage, or a night flight: pre-booked fixed-fare car — check the live price below.
Prices load automatically for this route — adjust the fields for any other journey. The fare shown includes flight tracking, waiting time and meet & greet, and it won't change at pickup.
Results show the cheapest class first — Comfort is the most popular upgrade; minivans carry up to 7. Secure checkout by Kiwitaxi — rated 4.5/5 by 1,200+ travellers (Reviews.co.uk).
Walk-up singles are about £25; advance tickets start around £15. Children under 15 travel free with a paying adult. Prices vary — check the operator for current fares.
A pre-booked fixed-fare car starts around £55 for a standard vehicle. Metered black cabs from the rank typically run £70–95 depending on traffic and destination.
Yes, from designated pickup zones in the car parks — you'll need to find the zone and may pay surge pricing at busy times. Pre-booked transfers include arrivals-hall meet & greet instead.
The Piccadilly line at about £6 — see our full guide to the cheapest ways from Heathrow to London for the trade-offs.