How to get to Heathrow Airport
Traveling by plane is definitely the fastest way to get to destination, but it does require some extra planning.
In effect, for many people flying is quite stressful, not only because of the actual fact of flying but because the whole process of getting on the plane does require some arrangements.
How to arrive at the airport is one of the things that you must decide in advance in order to get there on time. Most Airlines recommend arriving at the airport two hours before your flight if you are taking a domestic flight and three hours in advance for international flights.
Where is Heathrow Airport located?
The London Airport is one of the most important airports of England. It is an international airport and one of the busiest in the world.
If you are in London and need to take a plane, it is quite possible that flight is scheduled to take off from Heathrow. Click here to learn about services that arrive and depart from Heathrow.
The airport is located 23 km west from London, at London Borough of Hillingdon, which is actually within Greater London area.
Transportation
One of the main concerns about travelling by plane is how to get to the airport. Fortunately, there are many ways to get to Heathrow. So, you just need to consider which option is best for you.
- Private car
Driving to Heathrow by car is one of the most comfortable options. One of the main advantages of using your own car to arrive to the airport is that you don’t have to travel carrying your luggage. You can easily load the trunk of your car and drive to Heathrow while listening to your favorite music.
When you arrive at the airport, there are several options to park, inside and outside the airport. Fortunately, nowadays it is quite easy to find the best parking lot near airports. You have to access to the best near-airports parking searching engine, where you will find all the best options for Heathrow and many other international airports.
Even though, getting to the airport in your private car is a quite comfortable option, it is definitely not the cheapest way to get there. Thus, you should explore other options if you are traveling on a budget.
- Heathrow express train
The Heathrow express train service is one of the most popular ways to get to London Airport. The train operates from London Paddington to Heathrow Airport in a 15 minutes journey. Tickets are available from £25.00 and you can catch the train every 15 minutes in both directions.
The first train to the Airport leaves from London Paddington at 05:10, while the last train leaves from Heathrow Airport at 23:25, arriving at London Paddington at 23:40.
- Elizabeth Line
Aside from the express train, there is a cheaper train service, provided by Elizabeth line. Since 2022, this service is available to get to Heathrow Airport from London centre in a 30 minutes journey.
The line ends at Paddington Station and it has connection with London underground. The price can vary depending on how you pay for it. For instance, a paper ticket may cost £4.90, but if you own a Oyster card you can access the service for just £2.40.
Trains depart every 30 minutes, from Monday to Saturday within 6:30 and 23:00 hours. On Sundays the service is unavailable.
- London Underground
Aside from the Express service and the Elizabeth Line, you can get to Heathrow Airport using the Piccadilly Underground Line.
The line runs from the north to the west of London, serving 53 stations through two branches. The line operates every day, from 00:07 to 23:45. On Mondays, the service starts at 05:13 hs.
- Bus
Within Heathrow Airport there is a large bus station, serving terminals 2 and 3 at the London Airport.
Several urban and long-distance buses arrive at the station, covering London and regional UK locations.
First Berkshire (RailAir), Carousel Buses, Arriva Shires & Essex, Abellio London, London General, National Express, London United, Metrobus, Metroline, First Berkshire, Diamond South East, Megabus, The Airline and Flixbus are among the services that arrive at the different terminals of the Heathrow Airport Bus Station.
Heathrow Bus Station is open 24/7.
