Heathrow Connect explained: Heathrow – London transfer

There are several transfer options available between Heathrow and Central London. This blog post talks about Heathrow Connect.

Overview

Heathrow Connect is a stopping train service between Heathrow and Central London. It is a cheaper and a bit slower alternative to Heathrow Express service. It takes about 10 min longer for Heathrow Connect to get to Central London.

The two end points of the Heathrow Connect service are Heathrow Central and Paddington Train Station (see map below). Heathrow Central is the train station for Heathrow Terminal 1 and 3. Heathrow Connect does not travel directly to Terminal 4 and 5.

In case of Terminal 4

The Heathrow Connect service terminates at Heathrow Central. If you arrive to/depart from Terminal 4, you need to take the free shuttle between Heathrow Central and Terminal 4.

In case of Terminal 5

In case you arrive to/depart from Terminal 5, you can take the free Heathrow Express service between Heathrow Central and Terminal 5.

Platforms at Heathrow

Heathrow Central train station is deep underground. You can use elevators of course.

Heathrow Express (a faster but more expensive direct train service between Heathrow and London) and Heathrow Connect share the same platforms. Make sure that you board the right train. Learn more about Heathrow Express >

Metro Connections

Heathrow Central has connection to the London underground system at two points: Paddington Train Station and Ealing Broadway.

Paddington Train Station is serviced by 4 Tube lines: Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Circle and District line.

At Ealing Broadway you can change to Central and District tube lines.

Consult the Tube map for your transfer options.

Travel time

Heathrow Central – Paddington Train Station (London): 25-27 min
Terminal 5 – Heathrow Central (with Heathrow Express): 6 min
Terminal 4 – Heathrow Central (with free shuttle): 8-10 min

Ticket Purchase

You have two options to buy your tickets:

• Online (green area on the right side)
• From an office/machine at the airport/train station

All major credit cards are accepted as well as cash.

Heathrow Connect Ticket Prices 2011

( ): The prices for return tickets are included in parentheses.

Check the official Heathrow Connect site for the complete price list

Frequency

Monday to Saturday: Every 30 minutes
Sundays: Every 60 minutes

Time of operations:

From Paddington Train Station (London) to Heathrow Central:
Mon-Sat: 04:42-23:03 (every 30 min)
Sun: 06:12 – 23:12 (every 60 min)

From Heathrow Central to Paddington Train Station (London):
Mon-Sat: 05:29-23:27 (every 30 min)
Sun: 06:13 – 23:13 (every 60 min)

Check official Heathrow Connect website for official timetable.

Conclusions

Pros:

• Significantly cheaper alternative (£8.5 vs. £18) to Heathrow Express and only takes 10 min longer (25 min vs. 15 min between Paddington and Heathrow Central). Larger difference in case of journey to Terminal 5 due to need of transfer at Heathrow Central
• Quick, reliable transfer option to central London without risk of traffic jams

Cons:

• Chance of long waiting time on Sundays when trains run hourly
• No direct access to/from Heathrow Terminal 4 and Terminal 5; transfer needed at Heathrow Central

Other Heathrow-London transfer options

• National Express Bus Service
• Heathrow Express
• London Underground (The Tube)
• Black cab (not included on figure)
• Minivan (not included on figure)
• Professional chauffeuring service (not included on figure)

Do you have any question regarding the Heatrow Connect transfer service? Ask them in the comments

About 8 years ago John

Tags: From the airport to the city, heathrow connect, London, london - heathrow transfer, UK, United Kingdom

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