Elizabeth line & Piccadilly line
Lower-cost trains into central London. The Elizabeth line is quicker and goes to Paddington, Bond Street and beyond, while the Piccadilly line is the cheapest way in.
Trains stop at night. The first Elizabeth line train from Terminals 2 and 3 is about 05:21 and the last about 00:12. Check the Piccadilly line before a night journey.
Two lines, two jobs
There are two lines that serve Heathrow. The Elizabeth line is the faster option, with trains to Paddington in about 28 minutes and on through central London. The Piccadilly line takes about 50 minutes to central London and is the cheapest way in.
Elizabeth line
- Terminals 2 and 3: 6 trains an hour.
- Terminal 4: 4 trains an hour, running on via Canary Wharf to Abbey Wood.
- Terminal 5: 2 trains an hour, running on via Stratford to Shenfield.
- Fares: from £13.90 for a journey that starts, ends or passes through Zone 1.
On a weekday the first train to central London leaves Terminals 2 and 3 at about 05:21, Terminal 4 at 05:30 and Terminal 5 at 05:15. The last leave at about 00:12, 23:47 and 00:07. Going the other way, the last train from Paddington to Heathrow leaves at about 23:24 for Terminals 2, 3 and 4 and 23:09 for Terminal 5.
Piccadilly line
All Heathrow terminals have a Piccadilly line station. Terminals 2 and 3 share one, linked to each terminal by a pedestrian subway. The Terminal 4 station is below Arrivals, and the Terminal 5 station is in the terminal basement. A train runs at least every 10 minutes. Off-peak fares from Heathrow are £5.90 into Zone 1. The line has also run through the night on Fridays and Saturdays, but not to Terminal 4, so check TfL if you need it.
Free between terminals
The Elizabeth line is free between terminals. Tap in with contactless without being charged, or collect a free inter-terminal ticket from the station machines.
Tips for hotel guests
- Landing late? Check the last train from Paddington before you rely on the rail link.
Checked against Heathrow, TfL and the operators on 14 November 2026. Fares and times change, so confirm before you travel.
Traveller questions
Is the Elizabeth line or the Piccadilly line better?
The Elizabeth line is faster and goes to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street. The Piccadilly line is the cheaper option and runs to Heathrow from all terminals.
How much do they cost?
The Elizabeth line starts from £13.90 for a journey that starts, ends or passes through Zone 1. Off-peak Piccadilly line fares from Heathrow are £5.90 into Zone 1. Check TfL for the current fares.
How do I pay?
Tap in with a contactless card, phone or Oyster, or buy a ticket from the station machines. Touch out at your destination.
What are the first and last Elizabeth line trains?
On weekdays the first train to central London leaves Terminals 2 and 3 at about 05:21, Terminal 4 at 05:30 and Terminal 5 at 05:15. The last leave at about 00:12, 23:47 and 00:07. Weekend times differ, so check TfL.
Are the trains free between terminals?
The Elizabeth line is free between Heathrow terminals. Tap in with contactless without being charged, or collect a free inter-terminal ticket from the station machines.