Best way to travel from Heathrow to London? | Heathrow Express vs Elizabeth Line vs Piccadilly Line

In this video, I have decided to do something completely new for my channel.
As international travel is largely back after the pandemic and London is welcoming more tourists than ever before, I decided to compare the ways to travel from Heathrow Airport to Central London using rail transport and find out which one is the cheapest and which one is the fastest.
The video begins with the race from Heathrow to Trafalgar Square using the Piccadilly Line on London Underground, followed by a journey back to Heathrow on the Heathrow Express and then back to Central London using the Elizabeth Line, including the new central section of the railway which opened at the end of May 2022.
Enjoy and make sure to Like this video so as many people as possible have the opportunity to watch this review and hopefully find it useful when visiting London!
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[@ivyangor348]

Thank you for such a very informative video. Will be watching this again before my travel to UK :)

[@sweco92]

Thank you for taking the time and explaining in detail.

[@maxTravelsRailways]

You’re welcome! Happy to help ☺️

[@summeroflove394]

I like your presentation especially that you included the time it takes to walk from point A to point B. Also you are hella cute ☺️

[@tomburke5311]

Interesting video - thanks. I think there are some other factors that could affect the choice, but they would be very hard to test. Comfort, for example, especially if you were travelling with a large suitcase: the tube would be horrible, the Elizabeth Line would be better (more room inside those trains) and the Heathrow Express would be best of all. And when the Elizabeth Line is open all the way through, that will speed up this particular journey a lot.

[@louisevessey3839]

This is the best video I've seen explaining how to get from Heathrow to central London. My journey is actually to Lancaster. Flying into London then taking the train from Euston Station ended up being the least expensive and the fastest assuming I don't get lost or miss my train. Cheers!

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Thank you! 😇

[@BobMcCranie]

Thank you! I'm travelling soon and was wondering which way to go. Thanks for being such a handsome and knowledgeable guide.

[@dr.baotran8448]

Thank you for this video, it is extremely helpful now I know my options other than a taxi.

[@henreereemanmini3973]

Once the full elizabeth line is opened, it will definitely be the best route into london in my opinion

[@AB-zl4nh]

Why? Heathrow Express is faster.

[@henreereemanmini3973]

@@AB-zl4nh yeah but the elizabeth line will go directly into central london instead of having to change trains at Paddington. Also it is cheaper.

[@SHZ_Tristan19]

Much cheaper than Heathrow Express, and also you don’t have to change at Paddington.

[@vanessawyndham8791]

​@A B The Heathrow Express costs 3x more than the Elizabeth Line and it only goes to Paddington whereas the Elizabeth Line takes you all the way into Central London for only 12 pounds.

[@ninjacob_yt]

@@AB-zl4nh HEATHROW EXPRESS IS SOOO EXPENSIVE

[@mattcsmith47]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful!

[@fernaliawidjaja5688]

Thanks! this video is helping a lot since I have plan to visit london by the end of this year.

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Harmonyandme]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@hochiify]

I love london! thank you max travels!

[@huishelly]

Hi, I watched your video about the airport and it helped me because I will be traveling to the UK from Hong Kong . Thank you for your video production.,

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Thank you for your feedback, that’s amazing to hear! 😊

[@yaowsers77]

this was very helpful! i'm going in march of '24 so this will be quite handy

[@shibusam8710]

Amazing video bro, was looking for a video of this kind 😊

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Thanks! Glad I could help

[@HowieOIII]

Great Video. One more thing to consider when trying to decide which trip is better for you might be the abount of luggarge you are traveling with. With a large bag + a carry on Heathrow Express might be the better choice even at a higher cost.

[@purplerose9041]

Thank you Sir for this information. My family will be visiting London for the first time this summer, and I was a bit worried after watching a few videos and saw people dragged their luggage up the stairs due to no lifts.

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

I’d agree with this, as when I’m travelling home to Ireland on SailRail from Manchester to Dublin via Holyhead, I always carry a huge suitcase and changing trains at Chester on Transport For Wales or Avanti Trains Wales is a real hassle as you don’t have much time to change trains at opposite ends of the station on arrival from Manchester, where on one occasion, I almost missed my connection to Holyhead - and it’s even worse at Dublin Port when trying to get to Dublin Busaras Coach Station for Bus Éireann coaches (as my family live in Rural Ireland) and from Dublin City Centre to the Irish Ferries Terminal at North Wall for the ferry to Holyhead

[@tthoman]

Nice! Thank you, very helpful...

[@X3MASONGAMING]

Great video hope u enjoyed yourself on the train🙂

[@JalanSantaii]

hi thank you for your informative video. I'll go to London tomorrow from Indonesia. thank you so much. it means a lot to me. God Bless you

[@abderrhmancherit5674]

Nice video, thank you very much

[@MrJacobs55]

Great video! I love London, the capitol of Europe

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@matthewviti2241]

Great video

[@cclam6058]

Thanks for the informative video.

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamessmith6402]

Excellent video very informative 👍

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GostFlash]

00:50 Heathrow Express 4£-20£ 00:45 Elizabeth Line 11£ 01:13 Piccadilly Line 4£

[@Farleigh1050]

false, pic and elizabeth is £5.50 (85p child) unless you use the cheap travel trick on the pic line which reduces it to £3.30 (85p child still) i believe (not entirely sure). the express is £25 per adult and free for children

[@AeroBennett855]

What about $?

[@paulwild4330]

Heathrow express is amazing and comfortable, a bit fast though as I want to leave the Heathrow pain before the London nightmare

[@andysaunders92]

This was really helpful, thank you. I've decided to take the Heathrow Express, costs more but is faster and comes more frequently.

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Glad it was helpful!

[@evgeniiilin3679]

Спасибо тебе!!! Такой большой объем работы ты проделал!!! Молодец

[@paulbaker945]

This was awesome thank you. Can you please advise best travel from London to Chichester? Thanks.

[@ObjectCosmosJuno]

There used to be a rail line called Heathrow connect but it got replaced by TfL rail in 2018

[@carmentrabajo1007]

Thank you for you information is really apreciate, is very neccesary this information if you arrive yo a Big city👏👏👏

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WCGP]

Good video. I will be traveling from Heathrow just to Paddington and I plan to take the Elizabeth line. How long was that leg of your journey? Thanks.

[@greatnation4328]

A very interesting analysis indeed. You walked very briskly coz you are conversant with routes, names and rail line networks. How straightforward will it be for a visitor.

[@desertchuck2001]

I've checked for advanced tickets for 5 months out on the Heathrow Express site and they want 33 British Pounds for a return from Heathrow-Paddington-Heathrow on the same day. That's a big difference from what is told in the video. They're charging 16.50 pounds for a one-way ticket.

[@jlizamavera]

With no heavy luggage and no rush i like both options. The Tube is cheaper indeed but taking the express train is far cheaper than a taxi and for me it is better than a bus😊.

[@andrewwalker4066]

You should have done a taxi journey as well to cover all modes of transport to central London from Heathrow

[@Anrong1]

Can't agree more with your conclusion. But I will take the E. Line and have done so in my last journey.

[@devonmoors]

I always take Heathrow Express to Paddington,buy my return ticket for GWR to Exeter St David’s. Never a problem.

[@KendalMike]

The real test would have been to do this comparison while carrying actual luggage (1 checked-in bag, 1 cabin bag and a small backpack). If I'm going to use Heathrow it will be with luggage so it would be useful to see a real life test which rules out using escalators and having access to luggage space on trains.

[@inesnis50]

Thanks a lot

[@galeocean4182]

Thank you. This was very informative. For us, the stairs in various areas will be too much with the luggage. I'm wondering how wheelchair travelers manage the stair areas. There must be some ways for them to get to the various trains. You did mention lifts, so maybe that's the answer. I guess the bus or taxi/uber might be better for us.

[@PeterboyWorld]

Underground. :P Up to you, but in my opinion makes sense to go by metro/train in any airports to city instead of paying those expressive taxis. xD

[@BlueSky-ei5fy]

Thank you very much. We are going to London from Paris in 10 days. I'm very much appreciated your great work!!!😀

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Wonderful! Enjoy your time in London!

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

Hi Max - I think that it’s way better than Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport or Manchester Victoria - Liverpool John Lennon Airport - also, Dublin Airport could do with a DART or LUAS connection despite Bus Éireann having direct coach connections to all parts of Ireland

[@srfurley]

If you’re at terminal 5 with a long wait for the Elizabeth Line with a Heathrow Express train darting first take that to Terminals 2&3 and change there for the Elizabeth Line; there will usually be an Elizabeth Line train about five minutes later because this station is also served by trains coming from terminal 4, so there is a service every 15 minutes. All trains are free for transfers between terminals, so you don’t need a ticket for the Heathrow Express part to Terminals 2&3. A lot depends on where in London you need to get to; if you’re going to Hammersmith for example the Underground would be the best way. There are also many local buses and long Distance coaches from the Heathrow Central Bus Station near terminal 2.

[@aditya7428]

Is it feasible to take heavy luggage in local buses? Also how do you get a time with virtually no crowd like this video guy had? Saturday, Sunday, 1pm, etc?

[@FarhanIshrakAhmedUchchash]

Can anyone help I need to travel to Heathrow Terminal 4 on Saturday early morning. Got 8 luggages and I have to carry most of them myself . Wife will accompany me with a 6m baby. Options are - Travel to Stratford station/Customs House via taxi which is going to take £15, take Elizabeth line straight to Heathrow Terminal 4 Question is will I get enough time to board the train with all my luggages? How long does the train wait at each station? Other option is to hire a taxi which will cost £80 Quite expensive but easier on the back. What should I do?

[@srfurley]

@@FarhanIshrakAhmedUchchash To be honest, with eight items of luggage I think you would struggle, though I don’t know how fit you are. The trains wait for some time at terminal 4, but Stratford is a very busy station, and the trains only stop for a couple of minutes there at most. The other issue is that the Elizabeth Line trains do not have dedicated space for luggage, which I think is ridiculous given that they directly serve all Heathrow Terminals, and with one change of train can be used to reach all five other London airports. I think Stratford would definitely be the bigger problem, all platforms can be reached by lift but there is a step up from the platform. The leaflet I have says that the trains from Sheffield, which serve Stratford, go to Terminal 5, so you would need to change toa train coming from Abbey Wood, which do serve terminal 5. Starting from Custom House your Elizabeth Line train would go direct to terminal 4, so that might be a better option, but I don’t know that station very well, and have never got on a train there. Trains tend to stop for less time at Custom House than at Stratford because there are less people using that station. There do not seem to be any planned engineering works which will affect services on the Elizabeth Line that day. Do you have a friend who could accompany you to the airport and help with the luggage? There are no luggage trollies at Custom House or Stratford, there are at Heathrow but they cannot be taken onto the platform. I think you would struggle with that amount of luggage on your own, so if you cannot get somebody to help you the taxi may be a better option.

[@oliverzhao1005]

good

[@nigelbenn4642]

As they say in LDN, Lizzy Line every time.

[@user-kz5xj9nc1f]

after i get on the elizabeth line, which station i have to get off to go tower bridge? please reply brother?

[@GostFlash]

And which are the options to go to Gatwick from Royal National Hotel?

[@user-xc4eh4kp9n]

Great Content!!! I was wondering if you know if the Heathrow airport has a direct train ride to St. Pancras station?

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Thanks! The Piccadilly line can take you directly from Heathrow to King’s Cross St Pancras in 60-75 mins

[@user-xc4eh4kp9n]

Thanks, so when you left the airport and came down the escalator, you went through terminal 5 and accessed the piccadilly line? Just wanted to confirm.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

I’m just going from Heathrow airport to Paddington station next week. If I take the Elizabeth line, it still goes to Paddington station right? And there’s a lift I can use instead of escalators? I don’t have very much luggage but what I have I don’t want to juggle on an escalator since I’m a little older. Also on the Lizabeth line is there a place to store your luggagelike on the Heathrow express or is just putting it by your seat enough? Thanks for all your information and work on your video

[@Listenerandlearner870]

Elisabeth Line trains now go from Heathrow and through central London to Whitechapel and Abbey Wood. Change in the central area for trains toward Stratford and Shenfield.

[@xxxmickyxxx3]

Is there a direct underground or train from Heathrow terminal 2 to euston station?? And do you know how much it costs to get from Heathrow to euston please?? Great video

[@maxTravelsRailways]

There is no direct service from Heathrow to Euston so the quickest way is to get the Heathrow Express to Paddington and then the Circle Line to Euston Square. Or the (cheaper) Elizabeth line to Tottenham Court Road and then the Northern line to Euston

[@UncleWill1957]

Thank you for your video. the one thing you did not discuss is purchasing the ticket for the heathrow Express. If coming from Heathrow to Paddington do you suggest to do it before you even arrive to Heathrow? and how far is the walk from baggage claim to the train? thank you.

[@maxTravelsRailways]

I suggest buying the ticket online in advance, it can be cheaper than buying on the day. I’d say the walk from baggage reclaim to the train station is ~10 mins

[@Spacejerem81]

hello, how much is the train ticket for the heathrow express please? and the oyster card for the day for all areas please?

[@MistressValkress]

Do you mention that the handrails on the tube trains 'generally' match the colour of the same tube line on the LUL Map? This is an 'inclusive' feature of the London Underground!

[@GostFlash]

I’m travelling to London 17/11/23 but I don’t see any offer on Heathrow express, are any?

[@negamboa]

Hello, thanks for your help. I have a son 15 years old, he pay ticket in Picadilly Line Underground? Thanks.

[@ishratjahan915]

I want to go Chingford, which line will be best for me?

[@GostFlash]

How often do trains leave?

[@ManuelPerez1406]

Is the Heathrow Connect option still available? I saw is the same as Heathrow express but cheaper because it has more stops

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Great question! Heathrow Connect became TfL Rail which in turn became the Elizabeth Line in May 2022.

[@revatitiwari3009]

Pls vidio shear heathrow airport to plymouth

[@mpichka8807]

Would be fair if you didn't cost waiting time and moments for example at escalators

[@jomeljoseph5403]

I need to go from heathrow to London Bridge. What are my best option ?

[@LenLen-mj2vk]

What is the best route from Heathrow to Victoria station? Great video by the way :)

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Thanks! I’d do Elizabeth Line to Bond Street, then Jubilee line two stops to Westminster and then either Circle or District line two more stops to Victoria 😊

[@HH-oj2wh]

So i’m going next week and I normally use the heathrow express. I am so excited to use the new line and safe some money 🤣 (should I use the new line though 😃?)

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Absolutely do use it! From this Sunday the Elizabeth Line trains will begin going directly through Central London, so no need to change at Paddington.

[@GostFlash]

Is Piccadilly line ticket price standard?

[@097534]

We should have a huge sign saying "Welcome to broken Britain where nothing works!!

[@iswish_41]

Wasn't easier to get off at Leicester Square instead of Picadilly Circus? You would have avoided a change of line and save a lot of time in the process.

[@JTChi]

Hello there - can I use the oyster card on Elizabeth line if I have a 10 hour layover? And can I use the same card through and forth to Heathrow with the daily cap? Thank you so much

[@maxTravelsRailways]

Hi JT, you can use the Oyster card at any time. However, I can recommend you use any bank card to pay for your journeys, it’s the same pricing and daily capping, but you don’t have to pay extra £7 just to get an Oyster card.

[@JTChi]

@@maxTravelsRailways thank you so much. I’ll use my bank card then.

[@joyainuk]

How do i get from 129 Sebert Road, London E7 0NN, UK to 3 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DD?

[@vibeuk2003]

googlemaps

[@roblyndon5267]

You'd be much quicker going to Leicester Square and walking down to Trafalgar Square -- it's barely more walking than from Charing Cross.

[@kevinpowers9024]

Can you access the Elizabeth Line to and from Heathrow from Goodge Street Station? Our hotel is close by.

[@maxTravelsRailways]

No, but Goodge Street is a short walk from Tottenham Court Road where you can catch the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow

[@kevinpowers9024]

@@maxTravelsRailways Thank you. Videos like this really help first time travelers to London.

[@wrs10]

Might be better to get off at Leicester Square (Piccadilly Line) and walk down to Trafalgar Square. Not any quicker but less hassle.

[@danielspencer6174]

I sayed before Heathrow express need go further to Berkshire to Windsor other branch in South west England people get they quickly to and from London than South west train for same price.

[@luxpursuits]

Piccadilly and District

[@gaetanomaximus8650]

Costs?

[@xihuantiyu]

Very nice video. Among all three options, the difference is only 10 or 15 minutes. Paying $25 for Heathrow Express is not worth it to me.

[@bills1779]

How much do you suggest putting on your Oyster card? Is there a max? Can you buy via CC ?

[@maxTravelsRailways]

It depends where you stay. £20 should be enough for two days in zones 1-3. And yes you can pay by CC

[@amzarsyahmi9136]

bro is it true that your 4th public ride will be free? someone said to me that you will only have to pay for your 1st,2nd and 3rd ride only after that it will be free (using oyster card)? thanks

[@matthowells6382]

There's a daily (and weekly) fare cap on the Oyster Card, so once you reach it, all other trips are free. It get's kind of complicated because the cap changes depending on the zones you travel in ie. how far from central London and the times you use it. The daily cap for travelling in zones 1 and 2, which is central London, is £7.70 I think. So once you reach that, any more trips that day will be free :)

[@amzarsyahmi9136]

@@matthowells6382 alright thanks

[@patronusstag]

Is it immediately obvious to an outsider thst you're supposed to change trains at Paddington? When I look at the tube map, the Elizabeth Line seems to go straight from Paddington to Tottenham Court Road.

[@konyctg]

Bro this video is outdated………… You don’t have to change at Paddington anymore if you are just travelling by Elizabeth line beyond Paddington

[@paullane9240]

Not sure why you bothered to make those dreadful connections from Piccadilly Line in Central London to the Bakerloo. Change at Hammersmith to an Eastbound District Line - you just walk across the platform. Get off at Embankment and walk up Villiers Street to the front of Charing X station and Trafalgar Square. Would be interesting to see a timing for that route?

[@maxTravelsRailways]

This is definitely another way of doing this, I agree :)

[@FarhanIshrakAhmedUchchash]

Can anyone help I need to travel to Heathrow Terminal 4 on Saturday early morning. Got 8 luggages and I have to carry most of them myself . Wife will accompany me with a 6m baby. Options are - Travel to Stratford station/Customs House via taxi which is going to take £15, take Elizabeth line straight to Heathrow Terminal 4 Question is will I get enough time to board the train with all my luggages? How long does the train wait at each station? Other option is to hire a taxi which will cost £80 Quite expensive but easier on the back. What should I do?

[@adrijamitra7867]

Can I purchase an Oyster card from Elizabeth line at Heathrow terminal 4? I have to travel to Paddington using the Elizabeth line.

[@maxTravelsRailways]

You can purchase an Oyster card from any ticket machine, but I can suggest using your contactless bank card instead. It’s the same journey price on the Elizabeth line, but you don’t have to spend the £7 deposit to buy an Oyster card

[@adrijamitra7867]

@@maxTravelsRailways Thanks for the information 🙂

[@Plante82]

Why didn’t you get off the Piccadilly Line at Leicester Square and then walk dow to Trafalgar Square ? You would have saved time.

[@AndrewG1989]

Which one is better to get to Heathrow Airport. Piccadilly Line, Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line. Or perhaps it doesn’t really matter.

[@Moshimulations]

Price to performance would state Elizabeth Line.

[@Moshimulations]

@@charlesjay8818 you say that, but you don't know exactly when you will land, especially in windy days where you may have go arounds. What about if your luggage takes longer than usual to come out. You would miss your train. Elizabeth Line doesn't take that much longer, if anything it is about the same time. With Elizabeth Line, you aren't required to book a ticket and if you have a freedom pass or student pass, that would be valid. We were looking at the costs of the heathrow express and would have paid a lot more. To be honest, we were travelling at peak times aka summer where costs would have easily been risen.

[@andis9076]

I'm going to London in 2 weeks. I plan to bring 2 big luggage. at 2:25 , there's barricade and sign. Can I bring 2 big Luggage using the train ?

[@ashiqaziz8202]

Hi did you go? How was the journey with the 2 pc luggage? I am also travelling next month

[@andis9076]

@@ashiqaziz8202 I can sneak it big luggage through it, need to wiggle to follow the form on some of the gate (I came from Terminal 3, the video from Terminal 5). There is elevator nearby but i didnt use it. U can use underground but u have to lift big luggage through some stair when changing line and get out on some station. Use wheel chair entrace/exit when carry big luggage since regular one will close the door since it thought 2 people tail gating.

[@andis9076]

@@ashiqaziz8202 I knew about the stair when using tube so I bring only 1 big luggage with me. If you bring 2 big luggage, you need another person who can lift up to 50 pounds up/down the stair.

[@ashiqaziz8202]

@@andis9076 thats my concern... I will be having 2 luggages and 1 backpack... Isn't there another way without the stairs? Am elevator or escalator?

[@andis9076]

@@ashiqaziz8202 At airport, there's escalator as you can see on the video. Are you taking tube(picadeli line) or heathrow express or elizabeth line ? If you're taking tube, the challenge will be transition between line (picadeli line to another line) and get out from the station (some has stair). Worst case, you do one luggage at a time. You can check some youtube video and see how it looks like. The tube ussually crowded on the weekend since London people going out with family mostly using tube.

[@Listenerandlearner870]

There are only 2 Elisabeth Line trains per hour but it is likely to be worth waiting for. If one is cancelled there could be a long wait, alternatively, use other services. When travelling back to Heathrow, very occasionally there are major disruptions at Paddington due to damage to overhead cables, points failures and signal failures which can take hours to fix. It is good to allow lots of extra time. Check each time you travel whether the trains are running. If there are delays that could last a long time a taxi might be necessary.

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

By the way Max, I have subscribed to your channel and put a like on the video, as soon as I saw your handsome face in the shot - you are a handsome man and I’d date you in a heartbeat hun ❤

[@fazeboombastic]

Bus?

[@FarhanIshrakAhmedUchchash]

​@@dwayner901 Can anyone help I need to travel to Heathrow Terminal 4 on Saturday early morning. Got 8 luggages and I have to carry most of them myself . Wife will accompany me with a 6m baby. Options are - Travel to Stratford station/Customs House via taxi which is going to take £15, take Elizabeth line straight to Heathrow Terminal 4 Question is will I get enough time to board the train with all my luggages? How long does the train wait at each station? Other option is to hire a taxi which will cost £80 Quite expensive but easier on the back. What should I do?

[@forbaldo1]

t3 to t4 the stations are very dirt, staff are unhelpful ( could have been long shifts overworked)T4 to T3 will take you 30 minutes don't forget to get your ticket for the free ride? you will need to ask three times what to do, there is three very non-intuitive moments! two of which the signs are incorrect from past construction, and one you must enter an elevator with no indication where to get off ,on one of our trips the elevator was so full people were pressed against the buttons and the elevator would not move

[@geromelim810]

Hello Greetings! Asking big favor and I do appprciate a million miles. Which is easier way and cheaper from Premier Inn Hotel (Heathrow Airport) going to London Euston Station for Manchestr Picadilly....Thanks a million. Traveling with 2 Senior adult ....thank you...brother.

[@danielspencer6174]

Elizabeth line should not got terminal 5 because Heathrow express does good service terminal 5 . All Elizabeth Heathrow trains call at terminal 4 .

[@vibeuk2003]

The Elizabeth Line does go to T5