I am trying to figure out which is the better option on our way home. The Heathrow Connect train costs GBP7 and takes only 25 min.The Tube ticket will also cost me GBP7 for a zone 1-6 off peak ticket but I can't find the travel time. We will need to be at Heathrow by 3:30pm for a 6:30pm flight. Any opinions?
Thanks!
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
Heathrow Connect is definitely quicker. The tube takes at least 45 minutes from Central London.
Posted by
Newcastle, WA, USA
643 posts
We will use the Heathrow Express, thanks to our London Plus Pass. 15 minutes to Paddington Station, and a 2 minute walk from there to our hotel!
Posted by
Freedonia
16230 posts
I don't know where you got your prices from....
Heathrow Express single fare, without discounts, is 14 pounds. The Tube from Central London To Heathrow, single fare not on Oyster CArd, is 4 pounds.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Frank is correct - Heathrow Connect costs more than 7GBP - and the Tube is 4GBP.
The Tube is more economical - but it does take a full hour and there are lots of stops. Personally, I didn't want to risk it on the Tube my last trip because I was on a number of Tube trains during the course of my stay that suddenly stopped at a station mid-way and then announcements were made about long delays resulting in having to find alternate transportation. Was worth the extra money to guarantee I'd make my flight and take an express train.
Also, the Tube mid-day can be very crowded and if you have a large bag with you it just makes it more of an inconvenience.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect are two different trains. Heathrow Express is faster and more expensive. They both go to Paddington Station. Using my handy Oyster Card I take the Tube with my carry-on luggage. It took about one hour on the Piccadilly line to get from LHR to the St. Pancras/KingsX stations area in May. It depends on which part of London you are in or want to go to.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Tara - The Heathrow Airport website has transportation information including links for each of your options. Each site has information on the prices and schedules.
Posted by
Freedonia
16230 posts
I stand corrected. If you are staying near Paddington then it might pay.....but if you miss a train by just a couple of minutes, you have to wait another half hour for the next one. Total time would them be the same as taking the tube.
I usually stay in South Kensington so the tube is the better option for me. (I travel light.)
Heathrow Connect is 7 pounds plus tube fare. The tube is 4 pounds.
Posted by
OP
Clarkston, Washington, USA
18 posts
Frank, I got the prices right off the websites...the Heathrow Connect (not express) is 6.9 GBP ( I rounded up to 7). The Tube ticket I looked at was a daily off peak pass for zones 1-6 (I noticed that Heathrow was in zone 6). I figured we would have until 2pm on the day we leave to explore London so I thought an all day off peak travel card would be the way to go. I just wanted everyones opinion/experiences with either method. We will have a carry on and small back pack each (no big luggage). Thanks!