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Paddington Heathrow Express Airport Train

London in 15 minutes every 15 minutes

Roomy Interior of Heathrow Express Train

The Paddington Heathrow Express is a dedicated rail express link into Central London. 15 minutes, every 15 minutes is the slogan. The Heathrow Express service is a premium train service, offering the fastest transfer between Heathrow and Central London.

There is a slower train that runs between Paddington and Heathrow called Heathrow Connect. This is aimed at workers at the airport and is much cheaper, but slower and runs less frequently, especially on Sundays.

The Heathrow Express is so fast that if you are staying at one of the hotels around Paddington Station it may be quicker to get to your check-in at Heathrow from your hotel in Paddington than some of the Heathrow hotels.

The London terminus (Paddington) is north-west of the Central London area. You may well require a further significant transfer to your ultimate destination - check.

If your destination is Kensington then the Heathrow Express link results in you doubling back on yourself and the price premium you paid for speed is compromised.

For two adults or more it will be cheaper and faster to get a cheap private car from Heathrow to a hotel in Earls Court Kensington than the Heathrow Express and then a taxi or Underground back to Earls Court.

Heathrow Express Operating Hours & Frequencies

Heathrow Express trains run every 15 minutes.

From Heathrow Airport first train from Heathrow (Terminals 1 and 3) is at 05:12, (Sundays 05:08). Last train is at 23:48. , (Sundays 23:53).

From Paddington first train is 05:10. The last train is at 23:25

Average journey time between Heathrow (Terminals 1 and 3) and Paddington is 15 minutes. Terminal 5, 21 minutes and Terminal 4, 27 minutes.

3 Heathrow Stations, 4 Heathrow Passenger Terminals

All Heathrow Express trains start at Terminal 5 station. The only stop the train makes on the journey to Paddington is at Heathrow Central where Terminals and 3 are located. A separate shuttle train goes between Terminal 4 and Heathrow Central Station every 15 minutes and is timed to connect to the main Heathrow Express train.

All three Heathrow Stations are deep Underground and serviced by lifts.

Paddington Station

Paddington Train Station is situated in the north-west section of Central London, just north of Hyde Park and about 1km from Oxford Street.

At Paddington Station the platform is at street level. There is a good organised black taxi rank and escalators down to Paddington Underground Station.

Paddington Station - Full Details

Luggage

Luggage on the Heathrow Express is only limited by your ability to carry it on the train. There are luggage racks like that pictured at the top of the page and also for smaller bags overhead shelves.

At Heathrow Airport all stations are deep Underground. From Terminals 4 and 5 there are lifts and escalators from within the passenger Terminal.

At Terminals 1 and 3 you have to walk to the Central Station. From within both Terminal 1 and 3 there are moving walkways then lifts down to the platform. The blog post on this page has a video of this walk.

The Heathrow Express And Standard (Express) v Business Class

As a dedicated airport train all passengers enjoy plenty of luggage space and boarding level with the platform. All carriages are air conditioned and have free wi-fi and news TV. (There are also quiet areas).

Typical Express Class Seat Heathrow Express Train

In First Class you get more leg room, a table and complimentary copies of the Financial Times and various magazines.

Images speak louder than words, see the images on the video from the blog link above, "Bob Rides The Heathrow Express".

Heathrow Express Ticketing & Promotional Fares

There are no seat numbers/reserved seats on the Standard Express, a ticket buy you the right to travel on the train between the points stated on your ticket. Passengers can buy tickets on the train but so doing so your fare is 20-25% more than if you bought tickets prior to boarding.

Return tickets are valid for 30 days after the first leg.

You cannot use Oyster or Travelcards on the Heathrow Express service.

At the train stations have manned ticket offices and also ticket machines. All major credit cards are taken as well as cash. You can purchase tickets online too, (see link).

Duo Return Tickets - Online Only

Save when two adults travel together. This is an online exclusive fare. No cancellations, no children, no railcards.

Group Weekender Tickets

Get group discounts of up to 50% per person if you're a party of four or more travelling Express Class on a Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday. These fares are only available on single journeys, and your group must include at least one adult.

Railcards

You can use Railcard discounts on the Heathrow Express

Railcards - More Information

Heathrow Express Fares 2013 Heathrow Express On-Line Ticketing
Tickets can be purchased on-line or at the station.	Adults	Children
Express Class - One Way	£20.00	£10.00
Express Class - Return*	£34.00	£17.00
Business - One Way	£28.00	£14.00
Business - Return*	£52.00	£26.00
Child Fares (half price of adult fares) apply to 5 - 15 years olds only. Under 5's travel FREE. * Return travel must be made within 30 days of the outward journey on return tickets

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London - Heathrow Comparison of Public Transport
Service	Standard Adult Fare*
	One-Way	Return
London Underground (Cash)	£5.50	£11.00
London Underground (Oyster Card)	£3-£5~	£6-£10~
National Express Bus To Victoria	£6.00†	£12.00†
Heathrow Connect Train	£9.50	£19.00
Heathrow Express Train	£20.00	£34.00
* Standard adult ticket. Other promotional fares may appear from time to time. † On-line only fare. £1 Booking Fee. ~ Off Peak/Peak fares

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