Essential Travel Information for Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 & 3 Users
Heathrow Airport is served by the London Underground network via three dedicated stations connecting to the western branch of the Piccadilly Line. For many travellers heading to central London, the Underground, often referred to as the ‘tube’, represents the most economical and frequently the most convenient mode of transport directly from the airport. This guide provides the crucial information needed for passengers navigating the system, serving as a comprehensive Heathrow Terminal 123 Travel Information Centre right at your fingertips.
Heathrow Airport Underground Stations
Each of Heathrow’s active terminals is linked to the Underground. Terminals 2 and 3 share a single station, designated as ‘Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3’. Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 each operate their own separate Underground stations. (Note: Terminal 1 is permanently closed). Clear signage directs passengers to the Underground stations from the arrivals hall of each terminal.
Terminal 2
The Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 Underground station is situated within easy walking distance, approximately a 4-minute walk from Terminal 2.
Terminal 3
Accessing the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 station from Terminal 3 takes about 5 minutes on foot. Moving walkways are available along a significant portion of this route to assist passengers.
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 is served by its own dedicated Underground station.
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 similarly has its own dedicated Underground station, separate from the others.
Fares from Heathrow to Central London
Understanding ticket options and pricing is key to planning your journey. There are several ways to pay for your Underground travel from Heathrow into central London.
Single Tickets
Purchasing a standard single cash ticket for travel from Heathrow Airport (located in Zone 6) to central London (Zone 1) costs £7 for adult passengers.
Daily Travel Options Including the Underground from Heathrow
If your plans involve further use of London’s public transport throughout the day after arriving in central London, consider these integrated ticketing options:
Pay as You Go on Oyster Card
When using an Oyster card with sufficient credit, the system applies a daily cap. For travel encompassing zones 1 to 6, the maximum amount deducted from your card for a full day’s travel is capped at £16.30.
Contactless Debit/Credit Card Payment
Similar to the Oyster card, using a contactless payment card or device for your journeys also benefits from daily capping. The maximum fare charged for one day’s travel across zones 1 to 6 is £16.30.
One Day Travelcard
For those without contactless payment methods or preferring not to use an Oyster card, a One Day Travelcard can be purchased. This is a paper ticket valid for unlimited travel within selected zones for a day.
- For travel starting after 9:30 am on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays, a Zone 1–6 One Day Travelcard costs £16.60.
- For travel commencing between 6:30 am and 9:30 am on Monday to Friday (peak hours), a Zone 1–6 One Day Travelcard is £23.60.
Weekly Travelcards are also available for longer stays.
Purchasing Underground Tickets, Oyster Cards, or Travelcards
Finding where to buy your ticket or top up your card at Heathrow is straightforward, with options available within the terminal areas and at the stations.
Terminal 2 or 3
- Ticket machines are located inside the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 Underground station.
- Additional ticket machines (accepting debit and credit cards only) are positioned at the end of the moving walkway connecting Terminal 3 to the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 station.
- A London Transport Visitor Centre, situated opposite the entrance to the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 Underground station, also sells tickets and offers assistance.
Terminal 4
- Ticket machines are available within the Terminal 4 Underground station.
Terminal 5
- A ticket office is located inside the Terminal 5 Underground station.
- Ticket machines for the Underground are also found in the Terminal 5 arrivals hall and within the station itself.
Piccadilly Line Service Information
Trains on the Piccadilly Line depart frequently from Heathrow towards central London, typically every 5 to 10 minutes. For detailed timetables, consult the official TfL website. If your flight arrives late outside of standard service hours between Sunday evening and Thursday evening, and you prefer not to take a taxi, the N9 night bus route provides an alternative service to central London throughout the night. Arrivals late on Friday or Saturday nights can utilise the Night Tube service.
The Night Tube
A 24-hour Underground service operates on the Piccadilly Line during Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning. This service runs from both the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 station and the Terminal 5 Underground station. Note that the Night Tube service is not available from Terminal 4.
Estimated Journey Times from Heathrow to Central London
The journey time from Heathrow to central London via the Piccadilly Line typically ranges from approximately 40 to 60 minutes, depending on your destination station.
Below are approximate journey times from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to various central London Underground stations:
| Tube journey times from Heathrow to central London stations |
|---|
| Earl’s Court |
| Gloucester Rd |
| South Kensington |
| Knightsbridge |
| Hyde Park Corner |
| Green Park |
| Piccadilly Circus |
| Leicester Square |
| Covent Garden |
| Holborn |
| Russell Square |
| King’s Cross St Pancras |
| Victoria |
| Liverpool St |
Journeys originating from or destined for Terminal 5 usually add an extra 5 minutes to these timings due to the spur line connection. To plan your specific journey, use Transport for London’s online journey planner. Remember to deselect ‘National Rail’ in the options if you wish to avoid results for the more expensive Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line trains. You can also consult the London Underground map or explore other journey planner options.
Specific Route Advice: Heathrow to Victoria
For travellers heading to Victoria station from Heathrow using the Underground, a change of line is required. You will need to transfer from the Piccadilly Line to the District Line. Performing this change at Hammersmith station is generally easier, especially with luggage, compared to South Kensington station which involves escalators and stairs.
At Hammersmith, Piccadilly Line trains typically arrive at platform 3. To change to the District Line, alight the train and walk just a few steps across the same platform to platform 4. From platform 4, board a District Line train heading towards Upminster (check the train’s destination display).
View of Hammersmith station platform showing the easy connection between the Piccadilly and District lines for travelers changing trains
When the Underground Might Be Less Suitable
While convenient for many, the Underground might not be the best option for everyone, particularly those with significant luggage or mobility challenges.
Mobility Considerations
Many central London Underground stations are equipped with escalators, and some have stairs, but not all have lifts providing step-free access. If avoiding stairs is a necessity, TfL publishes a guide in PDF format detailing stations that offer lift and escalator access.
Peak Hour Travel Challenges
Travelling on the Underground from Heathrow during weekday rush hours (approximately 6:00 am–7:45 am and 4:30 pm–5:45 pm) means you will likely arrive in central London when trains and platforms are heavily crowded. Navigating with a large amount of luggage can be difficult during these times. If you have heavy or multiple suitcases, waiting until the peak subsides at the airport or considering alternative transport options such as the coach or train might be preferable.
