The Heathrow Express is hands down the easiest and fastest way to get from Heathrow Airport to Central London. There is no long walks or navigating endless stairs or multiple elevators, it is much quicker, more comfortable, more accessible and better overall.
For anyone with heavy luggage or if you’re tired after a flight, this is so much better than the Underground. The whole journey takes just 15 minutes, and you can sit back and relax, with plenty of room for bags which is another thing that there is no space for on the Underground. Plus, there’s free Wi-Fi and it works well!
If you are disabled, it is also much more accessible than the Underground which not only takes an hour to get there, but there is a long walk from street to train, which isn’t good if you are disabled. Also you cannot get assistance at the underground other than them walking with you. They will not wheel you or help with luggage which was confirmed to be my TFL. Whereas you can get assistance using Heathrow Express which many of us need.
Very simple to find the train in Paddington, head to the train station (not the underground), and then follow the arrows on the floor to easily find the Heathrow Express platform.
If you head to the underground by mistake, just use the elevator or escalator to get to the main train station level.
Yes, it is more expensive than the Underground, but the time saved and ease of getting from the terminal to the train is much better.
If you’re after convenience and don’t want the hassle of dragging your bags through the Underground, this is the way to go. If you are disabled, this is even better as it is accessible.
If are disabled and you need assistance, either just turn up and ask for it, or even better, book it in advance using the Passenger Assistance app so they know to expect you.
Visit the Heathrow Express website to find out more and book your tickets.
Check out some photos below, and I also have more videos on TikTok and Instagram.
Comparing Heathrow Express, London Underground Piccadilly Line and the Elizabeth Line:
Heathrow Express
- Time: Fastest option, just 15 minutes to Paddington.
- Accessibility: By far the most accessible. Minimal walking, assistance available and plenty of escalators and elevators. Great for those with heavy luggage or limited mobility.
- Comfort: Spacious, with dedicated luggage areas and comfortable seating. Free WI-FI available. Seats are comfortable and I had legroom and a space to kick back and relax, unlike the underground.
- Cost: The most expensive by far. Expect to pay significantly more than the Tube or Elizabeth Line, but you’re paying for speed and convenience.
London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
- Time: About 55 minutes with many stops along the way picking up more passengers, slower but direct.
- Accessibility: Not great for accessibility. Lots of stairs and long walks through corridors. A challenge if you’ve got heavy bags or mobility concerns. No assistance available other than a staff member walking with you without any help.
- Comfort: Usually very crowded most of the time, especially during peak times. Seating is hard to get and there is no place to put luggage.
- Cost: The cheapest option. Ideal those on a budget who aren’t in a rush.
Elizabeth Line
- Time: Around 35 minutes to Central London. A middle ground between the Heathrow Express and Underground.
- Accessibility: Better than the Tube, with more step-free access and shorter walking distances. Not as effortless as Heathrow Express but much better than the Piccadilly Line.
- Comfort: Newer, modern trains with decent seating and luggage space. It can get busy at times being less expensive than the Heathrow Express. Not as busy as the Piccadilly Line.
- Cost: Mid-range, cheaper than Heathrow Express but more expensive than the Underground.