Heathrow Express Train Tickets

London Heathrow to London Paddington Timetables

Monday — Saturday

Route	Departure Time	Duration	Fare
Terminal 5 to London Paddington	5:12 AM	21 minutes	€22
Terminal 5 to London Paddington	11:42 PM	21 minutes	€22
Terminal 4** to London Paddington	5:41 AM	20 minutes	€22
Terminal 4** to London Paddington	11:41 PM	20 minutes	€22
Terminals 2 & 3 to London Paddington	5:17 AM	15 minutes	€22
Terminals 2 & 3 to London Paddington	11:48 PM	15 minutes	€22

Sunday

Route	Departure Time	Duration	Fare
Terminal 5 to London Paddington	5:12 AM	21 minutes	€22
Terminal 5 to London Paddington	11:42 PM	21 minutes	€22
Terminal 4** to London Paddington	6:05 AM	20 minutes	€22
Terminal 4** to London Paddington	11:41 PM	20 minutes	€22
Terminals 2 & 3 to London Paddington	5:17 AM	15 minutes	€22
Terminals 2 & 3 to London Paddington	11:47 PM	15 minutes	€22

London Paddington to Heathrow Timetables

Monday — Sunday

Route	Departure Time	Duration	Fare
London Paddington to Heathrow Airport	05:10 AM	21 minutes	€22
London Paddington to Heathrow Airport	11:25 PM	22 minutes	€22

**For journeys to or from Terminal 4, a convenient transfer at Terminals 2 & 3 is necessary.

Heathrow Express Fares

1. Single Fares:
   • Off-Peak Times: £22
   • Peak Times: £25
2. Return Fares:
   • Off-Peak: £37
   • Peak Times: £42
3. Business Class:
   • Single: £32
   • Return: £55

Savings Tip:

• Purchasing Heathrow Express tickets online offers significant cost savings compared to buying them on the day.
• Tickets can be as affordable as £5.50 for weekends when purchased three months in advance.

Service Frequency:

• Trains operate consistently throughout the day.
• Departures from Paddington occur at four intervals past the hour (e.g., 10, 25, 40, and 55 minutes past the hour).
• Departure times from Heathrow vary based on the terminal but also operate at four intervals per hour.

History of the Heathrow Express train company

Heathrow Express is a renowned high-frequency airport rail link that operates between London Heathrow Airport and London Paddington Station. Launched in 1998, this non-franchised, non-subsidised private rail company offers a swift and convenient transportation option for travelers.

Service Overview

• Route: Heathrow Express connects London Paddington to Heathrow Airport, providing a direct and efficient link.
• Journey Time: The non-stop service boasts an impressive journey time of just 15 minutes between London Paddington and Terminals 2 & 3. Passengers heading to Terminal 5 can reach their destination in a mere 21 minutes.
• Passenger Volume: With a commitment to serving passengers, Heathrow Express caters to an average of 17,000 travelers daily.

On-Board Amenities

• Modern Fleet: Passengers are welcomed aboard a spacious fleet of fully electric trains equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.
• Complimentary WiFi: Stay connected throughout your journey with complimentary onboard WiFi.
• HEx TV: Enjoy the latest news, weather updates, and travel information via Heathrow Express’s dedicated onboard TV service.
• At Seat Power: Keep your devices charged with accessible power outlets.
• Dedicated Luggage Space: Hassle-free travel is ensured with designated luggage storage areas.
• Business First: For those seeking a premium experience, Business First offers a more private and spacious environment, complimentary magazines, and convenient work tables.

Ownership and History

• Ownership: Heathrow Express is operated jointly by Great Western Railway (GWR) and Heathrow Express Operating Company, a subsidiary of Heathrow Airport Holdings.
• Origins: Initially planned as a collaboration between British Airports Authority (BAA) and British Rail, Heathrow Express became fully owned by BAA after the privatization of British Rail.
• Construction: Construction commenced in 1993, featuring the development of two 6.8 km single-bore tunnels, underground stations at Heathrow Central and Terminal 4, and electrification of the Great Western Main Line.
• Notable Incident: During construction, a tunnel collapse occurred, leading to a six-month delay and additional costs.

Service Evolution

• Heathrow FastTrain: An interim service, Heathrow FastTrain, operated to a temporary station called Heathrow Junction until the full service to Heathrow Central and Terminal 4 was inaugurated in June 1998.
• Check-in Service: From 1999 to 2003, passengers could check in and drop off their luggage at Paddington, but this service was discontinued due to low usage and high operational costs.
• Heathrow Connect: In June 2005, Heathrow Express introduced the Heathrow Connect service, which operated on the same route between Paddington and Heathrow. This service was later incorporated into TfL Rail in May 2018.
• Rebranding: In May 2022, TfL Rail services were rebranded as the Elizabeth Line, with Heathrow Express services continuing to terminate at London Paddington.
• New Management: In August 2018, Great Western Railway (GWR) took over the operation of Heathrow Express, while Heathrow Airport retained responsibility for commercial aspects.

Passenger Convenience

• Terminal Access: Passengers can access Heathrow Express from all Heathrow terminals, with connections to Heathrow Central from Terminals 2 and 3, and an inter-terminal shuttle from Terminal 4. Terminal 5 has a dedicated station.
• Express TV: Onboard trains feature Express TV, providing weather updates, news, and travel information.
• First Class: First-class passengers enjoy added comfort with more legroom, personal tables, and complimentary newspapers and magazines.
• Accessibility: Dedicated wheelchair areas are available throughout the train, ensuring inclusivity.

Heathrow Express Route and Infrastructure

• Route: Heathrow Express operates along Network Rail’s Great Western Main Line from Paddington to Airport Junction.
• Ownership: The line from Airport Junction to the airport terminals is owned by Heathrow Airport Holdings but maintained by Network Rail.
• Electrification: The line is electrified at 25 kV AC overhead and utilizes Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and European Train Control System (ETCS).
• Signal Control: The Thames Valley Signalling Centre (TVSC) in Didcot serves as the controlling signal center for the entire route.

Fare and Child Policy

• Ticketing: Heathrow Express offers two classes of travel: Express Class (equivalent to standard class) and Business First Class (equivalent to first class).
• Luggage: Large luggage storage spaces are available in both classes.
• Children: Children under 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Unaccompanied children can travel for free in Express Class with proof of a same-day flight to or from Heathrow.