London Heathrow Airport

The airport is located 32 km (20 miles) to the west of Central London and there are excellent transport links. 

Each of the 5 terminals has competitive currency exchange facilities, information counters, accommodation desks and left luggage facilities. Heathrow's latest addition, Terminal 5 was opened in March 2008. The airport's new longhaul base is the biggest freestanding building in the UK and is 5 times the size of Terminal 4.

Heathrow Hotels and Hotel Transfers

There are numerous hotels serving Heathrow, convenient if you are flying at an early or late hour. The Heathrow Hotel Hoppa bus, operated by National Express, links the local hotels to the airport. The service runs from all Heathrow terminals. Tickets are reasonably priced at £4 one way.

See the National Express website for more on the Hotel Hoppa and search our Accommodation section to find and book a hotel near Heathrow airport.

Central London/Canary Wharf Transfers

The national express dot2dot service is a shuttle service between and Heathrow airport and hotels in Central London. There are also services between Heathrow and Canary Wharf. The fleet's vehicles are specially designed for passenger comfort with plenty of luggage space. Satellite navigation and congestion tracking systems help avoid unnecessary delays. Shared transfers cost £22 per person one way from Heathrow. Discounts are available for groups of 2 or more people. Pre-book and find out more on the national express dot2dot website.

Heathrow Airport by Train

The Heathrow Express is the fastest way to travel into Central London. Trains leave Heathrow Airport from approximately 5.07am until 11.48pm. Standard fares are £14.50 for a single ticket purchased online (£15.50 if bought from the ticket machine at Heathrow Airport and £17.50 if purchased onboard). Journey time is 15 minutes (average), non-stop to Paddington station. The Heathrow Express calls at two stations serving the airport, Heathrow Central for Terminal 1-3 and the other for Terminal 5. Passengers for Terminal 4 should change at Terminals 1, 2, 3 for a free and frequent transfer service to Terminal 4.

Visit the Heathrow Express website or phone +44 (0)845 600 1515 for more information.

Heathrow Airport by Tube

The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow Airport to Central London and the rest of the Tube system. The Tube is cheaper than the Heathrow Express but it takes a lot longer and is less comfortable. Tube services leave Heathrow every few minutes from approximately 5am (5.50am Sundays) to 11.45pm (10.50pm Sundays).

Journey time to Piccadilly Circus is about 50 minutes. There are three Tube stations at Heathrow Airport, serving Terminals 1-3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. A single ticket into Central London (Zone 1) costs £4. If you're going to be using London's public transport system, it's well worth buying an Oyster card.

For more information go to the Transport for London (TfL) website or call TfL's 24 hour helpline on +44 (0)20 7222 1234.

Heathrow Airport by Coach

National Express runs frequent coach services between Heathrow's central bus station and Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the route. Some services stop en route in Hammersmith or Earl's Court. Standard tickets cost £4 single or £8 return. Services from Heathrow commence around 5.30 am and run until 9.30pm.

Coaches from Victoria leave from around 7.15 am until 11.30 pm. When travelling by coach it is advisable to check details of the service and consider booking in advance, particularly at weekends or peak times. Also, allow plenty of time in case of road delays.

Visit the National Express website or call +44 (0)8705 80 80 80.

Heathrow Airport By Bus

Between midnight and 5.30am, the N9 night bus runs every 30 minutes to Central London (Trafalgar Square). Journey time is approximately 65 minutes. For more information visit the Transport for London website. Standard bus fares apply (£1 Oyster/£1.50 cash) and Travelcards are accepted.

Heathrow Airport By Taxi

There are usually taxis queuing for customers at London's airports. Ask the driver or mini-cab company how much your journey will cost beforehand. Only use a black cab or reputable mini-cab and never use unauthorised drivers. A metered trip in a black cab to/from Central London will cost around £40. Each of Heathrow's terminals has an approved taxi desk:

• Terminal 1: + 44 (0)20 8745 7487
• Terminal 2: + 44 (0)20 8745 5408
• Terminal 3: + 44 (0)20 8745 4655
• Terminal 4: + 44 (0)20 8745 7302.

Heathrow Airport - Accessible Transport

The Heathrow Express has a range of features to make travelling easy for everyone. Trains have dedicated areas for passengers using wheelchairs and free service by Skycaps provides assistance to passengers with special needs at Heathrow airport. Exiting at Paddington is also straightforward.

All National Express passengers who qualify as disabled are automatically entitled to receive a discount of up to 50%. The company also has a Code of Practice and a disabled persons' travel helpline: +44 (0)12 1423 8479. See the National Express website.

Disabled travellers should be aware that a significant number of Tube stations are not equipped with lifts. Similarly, there is considerable variation with bus services; only the newer additions to the fleet are equipped for wheelchairs. You should plan your journey in advance. Call +44 (0)20 7222 1234 or visit Transport for London website.