Route and stations
The line runs from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, with 41 stations. In central London it stops at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Whitechapel. The Abbey Wood branch also serves Canary Wharf.
In the central tunnels trains run up to 24 times an hour at peak. The line carried about 257 million passengers in 2025/26.
Fares from Heathrow
From March 2026 a single from Heathrow to Zone 1 costs £15.50. Journeys that start, end or pass through Zone 1 are charged at peak rates during peak hours.
The line is part of the TfL fare system. Daily caps apply, so a trip from Heathrow can count towards the Zones 1-6 daily cap of £16.30. Fares change, normally each March.
How to pay
Tap a contactless bank card, phone or Oyster card on the reader at the start and end of the trip. You can also buy tickets from machines at the airport stations.
No booking is needed and seats are not reserved. Just go to the platform and take the next train to central London.
Tips for travellers
From Terminals 2 and 3 use Heathrow Central station. Trains to Terminals 4 and 5 use separate branches, so check the destination screen before boarding.
Trains have wide doors, step-free access at many stations and space for luggage. Arrive at Paddington for mainline trains to the west, or at Liverpool Street for trains to the east of England.
If you are on a tight budget, the Piccadilly line Tube from Heathrow is cheaper but slower. If speed matters most, the Heathrow Express to Paddington is faster but costs more.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.
