London airport transfers from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted
Choose your airport route by your accommodation's nearest useful station, rather than the fastest advertised journey alone. Paddington, Victoria and Liverpool Street serve different parts of London, and a slower direct service can save an awkward change with luggage. The options below cover the three airports named in this guide. Journey times refer to the main transport leg, with extra time needed for terminal walks and onward travel.
The airports
- Heathrow (LHR)
- West of central London, about 15 to 60 minutes by rail depending on the service and destination
- Gatwick (LGW)
- South of London, about 30 to 60 minutes by train depending on your central station
- Stansted (STN)
- North-east of London, about 50 minutes by train to Liverpool Street
Every way from the airport to London
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainElizabeth line | LHR | About 30 to 45 minutes to central stations | Direct access to the West End and Farringdon |
| TrainHeathrow Express | LHR | About 15 minutes from Heathrow Central to Paddington | A quick rail journey to Paddington |
| TubePiccadilly line | LHR | About 50 to 60 minutes to the West End | The cheapest rail option and direct Bloomsbury access |
| TaxiLicensed airport taxi | LHR | About 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic | Door-to-door travel with luggage |
| TrainGatwick Express | LGW | About 30 minutes to Victoria | Accommodation near Victoria and Westminster |
| TrainThameslink | LGW | About 30 to 60 minutes to central stations | London Bridge, Farringdon and King's Cross |
| TrainStansted Express | STN | About 50 minutes to Liverpool Street | The City and connections toward the East End |
| CoachAirport coach | STN | About 75 to 120 minutes, depending on the stop and traffic | Direct travel to a suitable London coach stop |
How each one works
Train: Elizabeth line
Follow signs for trains and the Elizabeth line at your terminal. Services connect Heathrow with Paddington and central stations including Bond Street and Farringdon. Use contactless or a valid ticket, and check the destination display when traveling back to the airport.
Train: Heathrow Express
Follow Heathrow Express signs to the airport railway station. The service runs to Paddington without intermediate stops from Heathrow Central. Buy the correct ticket online, through the operator's app or at a machine, and allow extra time if starting at another terminal.
Tube: Piccadilly line
Follow Underground signs from your terminal and take an eastbound Piccadilly line train. Leicester Square, Russell Square and King's Cross are useful stops for several accommodation areas. Tap in and out with the same contactless card or device, or use Oyster.
Taxi: Licensed airport taxi
Use the official taxi rank outside your terminal and give the driver your full accommodation address. Confirm payment arrangements before setting off. A licensed taxi uses its meter; a separately booked private hire transfer should confirm its terms before collection.
Train: Gatwick Express
The railway station is at the South Terminal; use the airport shuttle if you arrive at the North Terminal. Follow signs for trains and check the Victoria departure board. Buy a suitable ticket or use contactless where accepted, tapping with the same device.
Train: Thameslink
Reach the South Terminal railway station and look for a Thameslink service calling at your chosen stop. London Bridge, Farringdon and St Pancras serve different accommodation areas. Check the calling points before boarding and use a valid ticket or accepted contactless payment.
Train: Stansted Express
Follow railway signs from arrivals to the station below the terminal. Take a London-bound service and check whether Tottenham Hale offers a useful onward connection. Buy a valid rail ticket before boarding and check the operator's current payment rules.
Coach: Airport coach
Choose a coach by its London stop before booking, since routes serve different parts of the city. Follow signs to the airport coach station and show your booking when boarding. Allow a traffic buffer and check luggage conditions with the operator.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the last service for your exact terminal and destination before booking a late arrival. Overnight transport differs by airport and day, and the Night Tube does not make every airport route available. For an early departure, compare a confirmed coach or booked transfer with staying near the terminal.
Before you land
- Check your accommodation's nearest step-free station before choosing a route, especially if you have heavy luggage or a pushchair.
- Allow time between landing and a booked departure for passport control, baggage collection and the walk through the terminal.
- Check planned engineering work before your return journey, since replacement transport can change both the route and travel time.
Questions people ask
Which Heathrow train should I choose?
Choose the Elizabeth line for several central destinations, Heathrow Express for Paddington, or the Piccadilly line for a cheap direct route to parts of the West End and Bloomsbury.
Can I use contactless on every airport service?
No. Acceptance varies by operator and route. Contactless works on Heathrow's Elizabeth line and Tube routes and on Gatwick rail journeys, but check separate ticket requirements for other services.
Which airport station is best for King's Cross?
From Gatwick, Thameslink to St Pancras puts you beside King's Cross. From Heathrow, the Piccadilly line reaches King's Cross directly, although the journey is longer than some rail combinations.
How much time should I allow for the return transfer?
Add terminal walking time, your airline's recommended check-in allowance and a buffer for disruption to the advertised journey. Road transfers need extra allowance when traffic is heavy.