Heathrow Express

Heathrow Express runs non-stop between London Paddington and Heathrow in 15 to 21 minutes. Fares from £10 in advance, up to £26 on the day.

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Heathrow Express is a non-franchised, non-subsidised private rail company. It runs only between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport, and that's the key difference from the Elizabeth line, which also reaches Heathrow but stops at more stations on the way and takes longer.

Route and journey time

Trains run non-stop from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 in 15 minutes, with a further six minutes to Terminal 5. Up to 150 services run each day, and the operator has carried more than 100 million passengers since launching in 1998.

Tickets and fares

A Standard Class single costs £26 on the day. Book an Advance Discounted Single 30 or more days ahead and the price can drop to £10. A same day return is £30 in Standard Class, and a flexible return valid within a month is £42. Carnets of 6 or 12 single journeys are also sold, working out cheaper per trip than buying singles one at a time. PREMIER+ (Business First) costs more across every fare type, and adds Fast Track security plus larger seats with extra leg room.

Children aged 15 and under travel free in Standard Class when with a paying adult, and Railcards bring the fare down further. Oyster cards work too, so tapping in and out can be simpler than buying a fixed ticket if that suits your trip.

Onboard and access

Every train has complimentary 4G WiFi, luggage racks near the doors, at-seat power sockets and toilets in both classes. There's no step to board, so wheelchair access and heavy luggage are straightforward, and dedicated wheelchair spaces run throughout the train.

Where to book

Train tickets

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Heathrow Express take?

Heathrow Express runs non-stop from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 in 15 minutes, with a further 6 minutes to reach Terminal 5.

Is Heathrow Express the same as the Elizabeth line to Heathrow?

No. Heathrow Express is a separate, non-stop service between Paddington and Heathrow, while the Elizabeth line also reaches Heathrow but calls at more stations and takes longer.

How much does a Heathrow Express ticket cost?

A Standard Class single is £26 on the day, but an Advance Discounted Single booked 30 or more days ahead can cost as little as £10. Returns and carnet tickets are also available.

Can I use an Oyster card on Heathrow Express?

Yes, Oyster cards are accepted on Heathrow Express. Make sure the card has enough credit and tap in and out at the start and end of the journey.

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