Two London Underground lines connect Heathrow Airport to central London: the Elizabeth line (fastest, ~30 minutes) and the Piccadilly line (cheapest, ~50 minutes). Both accept Oyster cards and contactless bank cards — never buy a paper ticket for this journey as it costs significantly more.
At a Glance
- Airport
- Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Lines
- Elizabeth line (purple) · Piccadilly line (dark blue)
- Fastest journey
- ~30 min (Elizabeth line) / ~50 min (Piccadilly line)
- Fare (Oyster/contactless)
- £13.50 off-peak Oyster/contactless (Zones 1–6)
- Terminals served
- T2, T3, T5 (Elizabeth line) · All terminals (Piccadilly line)
Elizabeth Line vs Piccadilly Line — Which Is Better?
Elizabeth line (purple): The fastest option since it opened in 2022. Takes ~30 minutes to Paddington, ~40 minutes to Tottenham Court Road, ~45 minutes to Liverpool Street. Trains are wider, more comfortable, and better for luggage. Runs every 5–10 minutes. Serves Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, and 5.
Piccadilly line (dark blue): Slower (~50 minutes to central London) but runs to more useful stations including King's Cross, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Green Park, and Hammersmith. Serves all four terminals. Runs every 3–5 minutes during the day. The Zone 1–6 Oyster/contactless fare is the same as the Elizabeth line — the difference is journey time, not cost.
Quick Comparison
| Elizabeth Line | Piccadilly Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time (Zone 1) | ~30–45 min | ~50–60 min |
| Fare (Oyster, off-peak) | £5.60 (Zones 1–6) | £5.60 (Zones 1–6) |
| Terminals served | T2, T3, T5 | T2/3, T4, T5 |
| Luggage space | Excellent | Limited at peak |
| Frequency | Every 5–10 min | Every 3–5 min |
Journey Times from Heathrow to Central London
| Destination | Elizabeth Line | Piccadilly Line |
|---|---|---|
| Paddington | ~30 min | n/a |
| Bond Street | ~38 min | ~48 min |
| Tottenham Court Road | ~41 min | ~52 min |
| Farringdon | ~43 min | n/a |
| Liverpool Street | ~46 min | n/a |
| King's Cross St. Pancras | n/a | ~55 min |
| Green Park | n/a | ~50 min |
| Covent Garden | n/a | ~54 min |
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Tube from Heathrow
- Follow signs in the arrivals hall to Underground / Tube.
- At the ticket barriers, tap your Oyster card or contactless card on the yellow reader to enter.
- Board the Elizabeth line (purple) for the fastest journey, or the Piccadilly line (dark blue) for more central London stops.
- Exit at your destination station by tapping out on the yellow reader. If you don't tap out, you will be charged a maximum fare.
💡 T4 travellers: Terminal 4 is only served by the Piccadilly line (a separate station, one stop from T2/3). If travelling on the Elizabeth line, use the free bus to T4.
Tips for Getting the Tube from Heathrow
- Elizabeth line is faster and more comfortable — take it if your terminal is T2 or T3.
- Piccadilly line serves all four terminals and is ~£8 cheaper off-peak on Oyster.
- Both lines depart from central London every 5–10 minutes during the day.
- Always tap in and out with Oyster or contactless — never buy a single paper ticket for this journey.
- Terminal 5 (British Airways) is served by both the Piccadilly line and Elizabeth line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tube line goes to Heathrow?
The Elizabeth line (purple) and Piccadilly line (dark blue) both serve Heathrow. Elizabeth line is faster; Piccadilly is cheaper.
How long does the Tube take from Heathrow?
Elizabeth line: ~30 min to Paddington. Piccadilly line: ~50 min to central London (e.g., King's Cross).
How much is the Tube from Heathrow?
With Oyster/contactless: ~£5.60 off-peak on the Piccadilly line (Zones 1–6). Elizabeth line is the same Zone 1–6 fare but faster.
Does the Piccadilly line serve Terminal 5?
Yes. Heathrow Terminal 5 has its own Piccadilly line stop, as does Terminal 4. Terminals 2 & 3 share a stop.
See also: Oyster Card guide · London Underground fares · Piccadilly Line guide
Source: Transport for London. Fares and journey times are indicative — verify before travel.