Underground -=- Train -=- Taxi -=- Bus -=- Car

London Underground

Heathrow Terminals 1,2 and 3 are served by one station and Terminal 4 by another, both on the southwest end of the Picadilly Line. Both stations are in Zone 6.

Running Times?
Monday to Saturday - Terminal 4 between 0504 and 2356, Terminals 1,2,3 between 0513 and 0022. Sundays - T4 between 0547 and 2326, T1,2,3 between 0552 and 0024. (Note that the latest train does not stop at Terminal 4.)

Cost?
£3.60 adult single to Central London; off-peak travelcard £5. For other fares (child, family groups etc) see thetube.com.

Ease of use?
Some long subways/travelators (but luggage trolleys can be used), most direct route to many areas of London. Crowded in rush hour (0800-0900 and 1730-1830) - can be better to grab a coffee and wait for the lull.

Disabled Access?
Yes - lift access to platforms. To check access at interchange and destination stations, see the Access Guide on thetube.com.

Official Website?
http://www.thetube.com

Train (Heathrow Express)

The Heathrow Express departs roughly every quarter hour, and travels directly to Paddington where it arrives about 15 minutes later. From Paddington you should continue your journey by train, tube or taxi.

Running times?
First train is around 0510, last train around 2330 (both directions).

Cost?
£12 single (standard class), £20 single (first class).

Ease of use?
Simple, and the trains are fitted with screens showing news and weather reports. However, they can be very busy (standing room only). On joining the Underground at Paddington, you will have to negotiate at least one flight of stairs.

Disabled Access?
Yes, full access to the trains - although there is no disabled access onto the Underground at Paddington.

Official Website?
http://www.heathrowexpress.co.uk

Taxi

Black cabs can be caught from ranks outside the airport, or prebooked via Computer Cabs. Alternatively you can hire a minicab - however, beware of touts who may approach you. Genuine taxis will have a license plate on the back and the inside of the vehicle. Genuine minicabs will be able to show you an ID badge and a company card.

Running Times?
24 hours.

Cost?
Approximately £35 to Central London, but fares can vary considerably.

Ease of use?
Simple.

Disabled Access?
Yes, all black cabs have disabled access and most drivers are willing to assist.

Official Website?
http://www.taxicab.co.uk
http://www.london-taxi.co.uk
http://www.computercab.co.uk

Bus and Coach

The dedicated Airbus connects Heathrow with several stops in Central London. The journey takes around 1hr 45m from end to end.

If you are coming from outside London, National Express also run coaches which stop at Heathrow. Both Airbus and National Express information is available on the website below.

Running Times?
Airbus from Heathrow - first bus 0530, last bus 2145. Buses to Heathrow start and finish about 90 minutes earlier.

Cost?
£8 single (adult), £4 single (child).

Ease of use?
Simple.

Disabled Access?
Yes - all Airbuses are wheelchair accessible.

Official Website?
http://www.gobycoach.com

Car

You can either drive your own car to Heathrow and make use of their parking facilities, or hire a car from the airport.

Running Times?
Many car hire companies are open 24 hours at Heathrow.

Cost?
Car rental starts from around £20 per day for both Practical Cars and 1car1, other companies' prices may vary. Parking at an NCP in Central London can cost between £20-40 for up to 24 hours, and it is not much less if you only park for part of the day. Some car parks are cheaper at weekends.

Ease of use?
Parking can be hard to find in Central London. Spaces are limited and can be expensive. If you are driving to Heathrow, NCP also have a carpark there.

Disabled Access?
Limited - it is not easy to hire vehicles adapted for the disabled - this would need to be arranged in advance. Unlike the rest of the UK, Blue Badge holders cannot park on yellow lines in much of Central London, but a few metered bays are reserved for disabled users. For more information on parking, see the City of London website.

Official Website?
http://www.practicalheathrow.co.uk
http://www.1car1.com
http://www.ncp.co.uk