Elizabeth line from Heathrow to central London
Taking the Elizabeth line from Heathrow into central London is an easy option. Trains are frequent, modern and air-conditioned. Know your fare choices and travel time. Then you can get from arrivals to the city with less stress.
Whether you’re heading to Paddington, Bond Street or beyond, knowing what to expect helps your first trip into London feel smoother.
To travel from Heathrow to central London on the Elizabeth line, follow the purple signs in the terminal. Tap in with contactless or Oyster in Zone 6, then ride to Paddington in 28 minutes (around 35–40 minutes to central stations). As of 2026-01-19, TfL lists a £13.90 fare to Zone 1.
Key takeaways
- The Elizabeth line runs direct from Heathrow (Zone 6) to Paddington and other central stations in about 30–40 minutes.
- Pay with contactless, Oyster Pay As You Go or paper tickets. Daily caps can limit your total spend. Heathrow trips involving Zone 1 are charged at peak rate.
- At Heathrow, follow the Elizabeth line signs, tap in at the gates and check the departure boards for the next train and destination.
- Weekday peak times (about 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00) are usually busiest. Allow extra time if you have luggage.
- From central stations on the line, you can change to the Tube, buses, taxis and national rail services.
Overview of the Elizabeth line at Heathrow
The Elizabeth line has stations at Heathrow Terminals 2&3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. All are in Travelcard Zone 6, so you can board at the airport without a shuttle.
Trains are spacious and air-conditioned. TfL lists six trains an hour to Heathrow. All stop at Terminals 2&3. Four continue to Terminal 4. Two continue to Terminal 5 (every 30 minutes).
Platforms have clear signs. Ticket gates are wide. Step-free access uses lifts and escalators. On board, screens show the next stop and where to change.
You can also use the line to transfer for free between Terminal 2&3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Use contactless or Oyster (you won’t be charged). Or collect a free inter-terminal transfer ticket from the ticket machines.
The line runs through central London. It also runs east to Canary Wharf, Abbey Wood and Shenfield. It also runs west to Reading, so you may not need to change trains for some east or west London stops.
Ticketing options and fare details
Heathrow stations are in Zone 6, so your fare depends on the zones you travel through. Heathrow trips that start, end or go through Zone 1 are charged at peak rate.
You can choose from:
- Contactless or Oyster Pay As You Go: tap in and out with a contactless bank card, phone, watch or Oyster. Daily caps can limit how much you pay across multiple trips.
- Paper tickets: buy at ticket machines or ticket offices if you don’t have contactless/Oyster or you need a specific rail discount.
- Travelcards: day or longer Travelcards covering Zones 1–6 if you’ll use public transport a lot.
As of 2026-01-19, TfL lists an adult Pay As You Go fare of £13.90 between Zone 1 and Heathrow on this line. Fares can change, so check before you travel.
For the most up-to-date fares and service notices, it’s worth checking the official TfL guide to the Elizabeth line from Heathrow or Heathrow’s Elizabeth line information page before you set off.
Step-by-step guide to boarding the Elizabeth line
To board the Elizabeth line at Heathrow, follow the purple Elizabeth line roundels and signs from Arrivals to the station concourse.
- Tap in or validate your ticket. Tap contactless/Oyster on the yellow reader, or insert a paper ticket into the gate.
- Check the departure boards. Screens show destinations and departure times. Confirm whether the next train goes through central London. Some services may terminate at Paddington or run to different east London branches.
- Go to the platform. Stand behind the safety line and let passengers off before you board.
- Board with luggage safely. Use luggage racks and open spaces near the doors, and keep aisles clear.
Tap in at the gates, then use the departure boards to choose the next train for central London.
Keep your ticket or device handy. You will need it to tap out at your destination.
Travel times and journey highlights
This route is a fast, comfortable middle option. It sits between the Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line. Your time depends on your terminal and your stop in London.
Estimated travel duration
As of 2026-01-19, TfL lists the Elizabeth line at about 28 minutes from Heathrow to London Paddington. Many people reach central stations such as Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road in about 35–40 minutes.
For comparison, the Heathrow Express runs non-stop to Paddington in about 15 minutes. The Piccadilly line takes about 50 minutes to reach central London.
Key journey stops
Common stops and change points include:
- Paddington: links to Great Western Railway and the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines.
- Bond Street & Tottenham Court Road: good for Oxford Street, Soho and the West End.
- Farringdon & Liverpool Street: handy for the City and Thameslink.
Peak travel periods
Crowding is usually worst during weekday peak times (about 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00). If you can, travel outside these windows for more space for luggage.
Tips for a smooth and enjoyable trip
Plan your route before you land
Before you travel, check the line timetable and any planned works. Note the station closest to your hotel. A quick plan helps when you are tired after a flight.
Pack with trains in mind
The line is luggage-friendly. But busy trains make large bags harder to handle. Keep passports, cards and valuables in a small daypack you can keep with you.
| Travel essentials | Packing strategies | Peace of mind |
|---|---|---|
| Important documents | Roll clothes to save space | Less stress |
| Chargers and adapters | Use packing cubes | Confident travel |
| Comfortable shoes | Prioritise lightweight items | Enjoy your trip |
Use live updates
Live updates help you avoid delays and platform changes:
- Check departure boards for the next train.
- Enable alerts in your transport app for disruptions.
- Have a backup route in mind, such as the Piccadilly line.
Connecting to central London and beyond
From central stations on the line, it is easy to continue by Tube, bus, taxi or national rail. Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street are key change points.
From Paddington you can switch to the Bakerloo, Circle, District or Hammersmith & City lines. You can also catch mainline trains to the west of England.
From Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road, you are close to Oxford Street, Soho and the West End.
The line also runs east to Canary Wharf, Abbey Wood and Shenfield. It also runs west to Reading. It can be a fast way to cross London without changing lines in the centre.
FAQs
Are there luggage restrictions on the Elizabeth line from Heathrow?
Bring luggage you can carry and store without blocking doors or aisles. Privately owned e-scooters and e-unicycles are not allowed on the TfL network, and non-folded e-bikes are banned on most TfL rail services, including the Elizabeth line.
Is the Elizabeth line accessible for passengers with disabilities?
Yes. Heathrow’s Elizabeth line stations are step-free from street or terminal to platform, and trains have wheelchair spaces and priority seating. If you need help, request assistance in advance or speak to staff at the station.
Can I use contactless or Oyster on the Elizabeth line to Heathrow?
Yes. Use contactless bank cards, phones, watches or Oyster Pay As You Go. Tap in and out at the gates, and daily caps can limit what you pay across multiple trips.
Are there express services or direct trains from Heathrow to central London?
The Elizabeth line runs direct trains from Heathrow to stations like Paddington and Tottenham Court Road. For a faster non-stop option to Paddington, the Heathrow Express takes about 15 minutes, but it is usually more expensive.
What are the peak travel hours for the Elizabeth line?
The busiest times are usually weekday peak times (about 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00). Trains are more crowded then, so travel outside those hours if you want more space for luggage.
Conclusion
The line is a quick, low-stress way to get from Heathrow to central London. Trains are frequent. Payment is easy with contactless or Oyster. Plan your route, watch live updates and you can be in central London in around 30–40 minutes.