London airport to city centre
Prices and journey times checked 2026-11-11. Always confirm with the operator before you travel.
Heathrow (LHR) is the main hub, with Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend around it.
How long it takes and how often
Heathrow to Paddington by Heathrow Express takes about 15 minutes. Elizabeth line takes about 30.
Options and prices
- Elizabeth line from Heathrow: about 15 GBP
- Heathrow Express: about 26 GBP, from about 10 GBP if booked 30 days ahead
- Gatwick Express or Thameslink to Gatwick
- Stansted Express: from about 10 GBP booked ahead, more on the day
Where to buy tickets
- Heathrow: the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line take contactless and Oyster. Heathrow Express also takes contactless and Oyster, or buy on its app, website or machines (cheapest online)
- Gatwick: tap in and out with contactless or Oyster on Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink to London (not for stations south of Gatwick). Or buy online, or at the South Terminal station machines. Gatwick Express takes about 30 min to Victoria
- Stansted Express: buy online, at station machines or ticket offices, or tap a contactless bank card. Oyster is not valid. You must have a ticket before boarding
- London City: DLR with contactless or Oyster
- Luton: buy a train ticket to "London Luton Airport" online, in apps or at stations. It includes the DART shuttle from Luton Airport Parkway. A "Luton" ticket needs a separate DART ticket (about 4.90 GBP, online or at machines that take contactless)
- Airport coaches (National Express): buy online, in the app or at the coach station
Once you arrive
- Metro and tram in London
- Trains from London
- Tips and apps for London
- Brussels to London by Train: The Ultimate Eurostar Travel Guide (2026)
- London to Paris by Train: The Ultimate Eurostar Travel Guide (2026)
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from London airport to the city centre?
Heathrow (LHR) is the main hub, with Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend around it. Heathrow to Paddington by Heathrow Express takes about 15 minutes. Elizabeth line takes about 30.
How much does it cost to get from London airport to the centre?
Elizabeth line from Heathrow: about 15 GBP. Heathrow Express: about 26 GBP, from about 10 GBP if booked 30 days ahead. Gatwick Express or Thameslink to Gatwick. Stansted Express: from about 10 GBP booked ahead, more on the day.
Where do I buy tickets at London airport?
Heathrow: the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line take contactless and Oyster. Heathrow Express also takes contactless and Oyster, or buy on its app, website or machines (cheapest online) Gatwick: tap in and out with contactless or Oyster on Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink to London (not for stations south of Gatwick). Or buy online, or at the South Terminal station machines. Gatwick Express takes about 30 min to Victoria Stansted Express: buy online, at station machines or ticket offices, or tap a contactless bank card. Oyster is not valid. You must have a ticket before boarding London City: DLR with contactless or Oyster Luton: buy a train ticket to "London Luton Airport" online, in apps or at stations. It includes the DART shuttle from Luton Airport Parkway. A "Luton" ticket needs a separate DART ticket (about 4.90 GBP, online or at machines that take contactless) Airport coaches (National Express): buy online, in the app or at the coach station
Any tips for the airport transfer in London?
The Elizabeth line is the best value into central London from Heathrow.