Elizabeth line
The Elizabeth line is TfL's cross-London railway linking Heathrow and Reading with the City and Shenfield or Abbey Wood.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Official website
- Official website
- Train tickets
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The Elizabeth line is a Transport for London railway that cuts straight across the capital, from Heathrow Airport and Reading in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. It calls at central stations including Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf along the way. That makes it useful well beyond airport trips.
At Heathrow specifically, the Elizabeth line is a different, stopping service from the nonstop Heathrow Express. Six Elizabeth line trains an hour serve Heathrow, all calling at Terminals 2 and 3, with four continuing to Terminal 4 and two to Terminal 5. Paddington to Heathrow takes about 28 minutes on the Elizabeth line, longer than the nonstop Heathrow Express. But it stops at more central London stations on the way, so it can be the better choice if your destination is not right at Paddington.
Moving between Heathrow terminals
You can also use the Elizabeth line to transfer for free between Terminal 2 and 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Tap in and out with contactless payment and you will not be charged, or pick up a free inter-terminal transfer ticket from a station ticket machine. All 41 Elizabeth line stations are step-free from street to platform, and every Heathrow Airport station on the line is step-free from train to street. That matters if you are travelling with luggage or need level access.
Paying for your journey
The Elizabeth line uses the same pay-as-you-go system as the rest of the TfL network. Tap a contactless card or an Oyster card at the start and end of your journey, or buy a single or return paper ticket from a station machine if you prefer not to use pay as you go. A Travelcard also covers Elizabeth line travel within its zones, worth considering if you are combining the line with several Tube or bus journeys in one day.
Luggage on board
With six trains an hour and busy commuter periods, seating fills fast, especially between Paddington and the City. Keep smaller bags under the seat and larger luggage close by rather than in the aisle. Blocking a walkway or leaving a case on a seat slows boarding for everyone else at busy stations.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Buy direct from Elizabeth line
Elizabeth line
Frequently asked questions
Is the Elizabeth line the same as Heathrow Express?
No. The Elizabeth line is a stopping TfL service that also serves Heathrow, taking around 28 minutes from Paddington, while Heathrow Express is a separate nonstop service. The Elizabeth line calls at more central London stations along the way.
How do I pay for an Elizabeth line journey?
Tap a contactless card or Oyster card at the start and end of your journey, buy a single or return paper ticket, or use a Travelcard that covers the relevant zones.
Can I transfer between Heathrow terminals on the Elizabeth line for free?
Yes. The Elizabeth line carries you between Terminal 2 and 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 at no charge if you tap a contactless card, or you can collect a free inter-terminal transfer ticket from a station machine.
Are Elizabeth line stations step-free?
All 41 Elizabeth line stations are step-free from street to platform, and the Heathrow Airport stations on the line are step-free from train to street.
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