StayAreasHeathrow to central London: every option compared
Heathrow is 25 km west of central London, with three rail options. Which is best depends on where your hotel is, more than on the train itself.
The options
Elizabeth line
Direct from all terminals to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf. About 30 minutes to Paddington and 40 to Tottenham Court Road.
Tip: The best balance of speed and price for most hotels. Pay with contactless.
Stay nearby: Paddington · ~$230/nightHeathrow Express
Non-stop to Paddington in about 15 minutes, every 15 minutes. The fastest and the most expensive, unless you book well ahead.
Stay nearby: Paddington · ~$230/nightPiccadilly line (Tube)
The cheapest rail option, direct to South Kensington (about 40 minutes), Covent Garden and King's Cross (about 55 to 60 minutes).
Tip: Runs through the night on Friday and Saturday.
Stay nearby: Kensington · ~$295/nightTaxi or private transfer
Door to door, 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Black cabs are metered; pre-booked cars are usually cheaper.
Coach and night bus
National Express coaches go to Victoria Coach Station; the N9 night bus runs to central London when the trains stop.
Journey times from Heathrow by area
| Area | From Heathrow | Fastest route |
|---|---|---|
| Paddington | ~15 min | Heathrow Express non-stop |
| Marylebone | ~35 min | Elizabeth line direct from Bond Street |
| Soho | ~40 min | Elizabeth line direct from Tottenham Court Road |
| Notting Hill | ~45 min | Circle line to Paddington, then the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express |
| Kensington | ~45 min | Piccadilly line direct from South Kensington |
| Westminster | ~50 min | Jubilee line to Bond Street, then the Elizabeth line |
| Covent Garden | ~50 min | Piccadilly line direct from Covent Garden |
| Shoreditch | ~50 min | Elizabeth line direct from Liverpool Street |
| Canary Wharf | ~50 min | Elizabeth line direct |
| South Bank | ~55 min | Jubilee line to Bond Street, then the Elizabeth line |
| Bloomsbury | ~55 min | Piccadilly line direct from Russell Square |
| Camden | ~60 min | Northern line to Tottenham Court Road, then the Elizabeth line |
| King's Cross | ~60 min | Piccadilly line direct from King's Cross St Pancras |
| Greenwich | ~75 min | DLR to Canary Wharf, then the Elizabeth line |
Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides