Independent travel info, tips and local insights from Experts to First Time Travelers

Heathrow Connect explained: Heathrow – London transfer

Thursday, March 10th, 2011, 8:59 am

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.

About Heathrow Train Stations:
Heathrow currently operates 4 terminals: Terminal 1, 3, 4 and 5. Terminal 2 is closed until late 2014.
The train station for Terminal 1 and 3 is called Heathrow Central. Terminal 5 also has a train station while Terminal 4 does not.

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.

Heatrow Connect overview map

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

Heatrow Connect 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

AdultChild (5-15 years)
£8.5 (£16.50)£4.25 (£8.25)

( ): 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

Heathrow-London transfer overview map

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

About 8 years ago John

Tags: , , , , ,

If you liked this post, share it with your Friends:

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Stumble It Share to Reddit Share to Delicious Share to Digg
  • Terrencej

    please explain what trains i would to use to get from Heathrow to Prince Regent/ Albert stations

  • http://promptguides.com PromptGuides.com

    Hello Terrencej,

    thanks for the question. 

    Here’s how you can get to Prince Regent station.

    TUBE:
    Take Piccadilly Line from Heathrow to Holborn station. 
    Change to Central Line
    Take Central line to Bank station. 
    Transfer to DLR
    Ride DLR to Prince Regent station.

    HEATHROW EXPRESS or CONNECT + TUBE:
    Take Bakerloo line to Tottenham Court Road
    Transfer to Central Line
    Take Central line to Bank station. Transfer to DLRRide DLR to Prince Regent station.

    Do you have any other questions?

    Have a great time in London.

    PromptGuides.com

  • JudyR

    I am very glad I found your site! I was considering saving a few dollars by using the Connect rather than the Express but noticed that Sunday trains are scheduled hourly on the Connect. I’ll be booking the Express, thanks for saving me some time.

  • http://promptguides.com PromptGuides.com

    Hello Judy,

    I’m glad we could help.

    Have a great time in London!

    PromptGuides.com

  • /2011/03/07/heathrow-express-explained-heathrow-london-transfer/ Heathrow Express explained: Heathrow – London transfer — Travel blog by Promptguides.com

    […] at Heathrow are deep underground. At each station elevators are available.Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect (a slower but less expensive train service between Heathrow and London) share the same platforms. […]

  • Majdi

    Hi there,
    I wonder which tube line should I take to get to marble arch from Heathrow T5

    Best regards

 

Page optimized by WP Minify WordPress Plugin