Trains to and from Heathrow Airport

As it is Britain’s busiest airport, many travelers take the train to Heathrow Airport for domestic and international flights. This is much faster than taking the London Underground or bus from central London.

Situated on the outskirts of London, Heathrow Airport is only a 15-minute train journey from London city center on the fastest Heathrow Express services. Since May 2022, the Elizabeth line has also connected central London with Heathrow Airport, making it easier to get from some of the main London stations to the airport.

Heathrow Airport has 4 terminals (Terminal 2, 3, 4 and 5) and 3 train stations (Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5). Once you get off your train at any of these stations, there’s no need to take further shuttle buses to reach the terminal.

Read on to learn more about buying Heathrow Airport train tickets, timetables, and possible connections.

Travel to Edinburgh

If you’d like to explore more of the UK by train, why not head to Edinburgh? You can get from London to Edinburgh in a little over 4 hours on the fastest LNER or Lumo services. As soon as you get off your train, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history right away.

Board a train to Manchester

It’s easy to travel from London to Manchester with Avanti West Coast. The train leaves from London Euston station (easily accessible from central London on public transport). It can take a little over 2 hours, which means less time spent waiting around and more time to explore! So, what are you waiting for?

Speed away to Paris

Want to visit another of Europe’s bustling capitals? Paris might be the place for you. Boasting fascinating architecture, delicious cuisine and much more, there’s plenty to see and do in the French capital.

The journey from London to Paris can take just 2 hours and 16 minutes, and there’s no waiting around for your baggage once you’re in France – you can just grab your bags and go!

Heathrow Express classes

Express Class

Travel in Express Class and enjoy comfortable and spacious seats, complimentary 4G-enabled WiFi, and ample racks near the doors where you can store your baggage.

The Heathrow Express has step-free access. This means no struggling with baggage and easy boarding for wheelchairs (there are dedicated wheelchair areas throughout the train too).

Business First Class

Upgrade to Business First Class and enjoy even more legroom and a personal table to work at, as well as free newspapers, magazines, and power outlets at every seat. Additionally, you’ll find TVs on board, bringing you BBC World News, weather and entertainment clips, as well as useful information about your journey.

If you have a Business First Class ticket, you’ll be able to use Heathrow Airport’s Fast Track security service. Here’s what you need to do:

1. After you’ve checked in, go to the Fast Track security area in your terminal. If you’re in Terminal 5, go to the North Fast Track Security area.
2. To get into the Fast Track lane, show your airline boarding card and Heathrow Express Business First ticket to a member of staff.
3. You’ll be welcomed into the Fast Track Lane.

Please note that entry is valid for Heathrow Express Business First ticket holders only. Unfortunately, accompanied guests are not permitted and each passenger must hold their own ticket. If you’re traveling with kids, your Business First Class ticket must clearly state the number of children you’re traveling with.

Business First Fast Track security is for departing Heathrow passengers only. Valid Heathrow Express tickets must be presented along with your airline boarding card on the day of travel. Heathrow Express tickets will be validated before entry is allowed into the security lane.

All passengers flying out of Heathrow Airport are subject to the same security procedures and regulations. Make sure you have allowed enough time for the usual security procedures. As a premium experience, if you’ve bought a Business First Class ticket, you’ll be given a priority service to ensure that waiting is kept to a minimum. However, Heathrow Express cannot guarantee a maximum or minimum queue length or time.

Kids aged 15 and under travel for free

Children aged 15 and under travel for free in Express Class if accompanied by a paying adult. They can also travel unaccompanied if they have proof of air travel, such as a valid boarding pass or flight booking. Photo ID will be required.

Kids aged 15 and under travel for free in Business First Class only if accompanied by a paying adult. They cannot travel unaccompanied in Business First Class.

Please note that there are no restrictions on the number of children who can travel at any one time, with or without an adult.

A child must still be issued a ticket to travel – you’ll need to buy a child’s ticket alongside an adult ticket as a child ticket can’t be purchased on its own online. Kids traveling alone must get a ticket from a Heathrow Express member of staff at the station or on board the train.

How to get from Heathrow Airport to Luton Airport by train

Need to travel from Heathrow Airport to Luton Airport by train? No problem! Hop on an Elizabeth line service to Farringdon, then change onto a Thameslink train to Luton Airport Parkway, which is the closest train station to Luton Airport. From here, take the Luton DART – it’s the new airport transfer that connects Luton Airport Parkway station with the airport in just under 4 minutes.

The journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes in total.

How to get from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport by train

If you need to travel from Heathrow Airport to Gatwick Airport, why not choose the train? You can take the Elizabeth line from any of the terminals and get off at Farringdon. From there, take a Thameslink service to Gatwick Airport.

In total, the journey can take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

How to get from Heathrow Airport to Stansted Airport by train

If you’re planning to get to Stansted Airport from Heathrow Airport, you’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

You can take an Elizabeth line service to London Liverpool Street, then change onto a Greater Anglia train to Stansted Airport – you’ll reach your destination in about 1 hour and 46 minutes.