The Heathrow Express to Paddington Station is the fastest rail link between Heathrow Airport and Central London, completing the journey in just 15 minutes. The Elizabeth Line (formerly Crossrail) offers a cheaper alternative at around 25-30 minutes. Both services run frequently throughout the day from dedicated platforms inside the airport terminals.

About Central London (Paddington)

Paddington is a major transport hub in West London and the gateway for travelers arriving from Heathrow. The station itself is a magnificent Victorian-era terminus designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1854, with its iconic wrought-iron arched roof. The bronze statue of Paddington Bear on Platform 1 is a beloved photo opportunity for visitors.

The surrounding Paddington Basin area has been transformed into a modern waterside quarter with restaurants, cafes, and the unique Floating Pocket Park on the Grand Union Canal. The area provides excellent connections to the rest of London via the Hammersmith & City, Circle, District, and Bakerloo Underground lines, making virtually any London destination reachable within 20-30 minutes.

Paddington sits at the edge of Hyde Park, London's largest Royal Park, and is within walking distance of the charming Little Venice canal junction, the boutique shops of Connaught Village, and the cultural attractions of Bayswater and Notting Hill.

Nearby Landmarks

Hyde Park Little Venice Paddington Bear Statue Paddington Basin Edgware Road

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 55-100 GBP ($70-130)
Time 40-70 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (Heathrow Express to Paddington)

Cost 25 GBP ($32)
Time 15 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs in your terminal to the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line platforms
2. For Heathrow Express: Board the non-stop service to Paddington (runs every 15 min)
3. Journey takes 15 minutes non-stop to Paddington Station
4. For Elizabeth Line: Board the eastbound train toward Abbey Wood/Shenfield
5. Exit at Paddington Station (approximately 27 minutes from Terminal 2/3)
6. At Paddington, connect to Hammersmith & City, Circle, District, or Bakerloo lines for onward travel

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 55-100 GBP ($70-130) 40-70 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train 25 GBP ($32) 15 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Heathrow Express runs from approximately 5:10 AM to 11:48 PM from the airport. The Elizabeth Line operates from about 5:15 AM to midnight. The London Underground (Piccadilly Line) runs until approximately 11:50 PM from Heathrow, with Night Tube service on Fridays and Saturdays offering trains through the night.

For arrivals after midnight on non-Night Tube days, the N9 night bus runs 24 hours from Heathrow to Central London (Aldwych via Hounslow and Hammersmith), taking approximately 75-90 minutes. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber, Bolt) operate 24/7, with fares to Paddington around £50-70.

Luggage Tips

The Heathrow Express has generous luggage racks and wide aisles designed for airport travelers. The Elizabeth Line also has luggage areas near doors but gets more crowded. Both services are step-free from the terminal to the train. Paddington Station has luggage storage (Excess Baggage Company) charging from £10/day.

Accessibility

The Heathrow Express is fully step-free from terminal to Paddington, with wide doors and designated wheelchair spaces. Paddington Station has step-free access throughout. The Elizabeth Line is fully accessible. Station staff can provide boarding ramps. Assistance can be pre-booked via the Heathrow Express website.