Commuting by Underground
Why travel by Underground?
London Underground's Piccadilly Line provides the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow Airport and the capital.
Journey time is under an hour and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train, even off-peak.
Where can you catch a train?
Heathrow has three London Underground stations – one for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and one each at Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.
Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3 station is in the central area between the terminals and a few minutes' walk from them. Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 stations are in the basements of the terminal buildings. All stations are in Travelcard Zone 6.
How much does it cost?
A single fare to central London costs approximately £4. Tickets are available at all London Underground stations, from ticket offices or machines.
Pre-pay Oyster cards can also be used on London Underground – make sure you find out about them before you buy a ticket.
Using your Oyster card is generally the cheapest way for you to travel in the capital. Cards can store up to £90 of credit, which you can use to pay as you go on the Tube.
You can also use your Oyster card on buses, trams, DLR, London Overground and some national rail services in London.
Tickets for the Tube can also be purchased at the London Underground stations or from the Transport for London desks in Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
What are the best train times for you?
Train times and fares are subject to change – please confirm using the London Underground website or call +44 (0)20 7222 1234 before travelling. The first and last trains to and from Heathrow are as follows.
| Trains to central London | ||
|---|---|---|
| Station | First train | Last train |
| Terminals 1, 2, 3 | 05:13 (Sun 05:57) | 23:48 (Sun 23:30) |
| Terminal 4 | 05:03 (Sun 05:47) | 23:33 (Sun 23:17*) |
| Terminal 5 | 05:23 (Sun 06:08) | 23:44 (Sun 23:25) |
* Change at Terminals 1, 2, 3
|
Trains from central London Departure times from Piccadilly Circus |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Station |
First train |
Last train |
|
Terminals 1, 2, 3 |
05:45 (Sun 07:05) |
00:32 (Sun 23:38) |
|
Terminal 4 |
05:45* (Sun 07:27) |
23:09 (Sun 22:42) |
|
Terminal 5 |
05:45 (Sun 07:05) |
00:19 (Sun 23:26 |
* Change at Hatton Cross
Earlier and later trains depart from local stations.
Outside these times the N9 night bus connects Heathrow with central London, running every 30 minutes from the central bus station (above the Underground station).
View Underground and night bus times (PDF format)
Further information
London Underground
Oyster card
