Heathrow to Paddington: quick answer
- Fastest: Heathrow Express
- Heathrow Express: about 15 minutes from T2 & 3
- Elizabeth Line: about 28 minutes
- Heathrow Express standard single: £26
- Heathrow Express advance: from £10
- Direct trains: both services go directly to Paddington
How to get from Heathrow to Paddington
The two main direct train options from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington are Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line.
Both services use Heathrow rail stations, but they differ significantly in journey time and fare.
| Option | Typical time | Typical fare | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | About 15 minutes from T2 & 3 | £26 standard single | Fastest journey |
| Elizabeth Line | About 28 minutes | TfL pay as you go fare | Better value for many passengers |
Heathrow Express to Paddington
Heathrow Express is the fastest direct train between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington.
The journey from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to Paddington takes approximately 15 minutes. Terminal 5 takes around five minutes longer.
Trains normally run every 15 minutes.
Read the full Heathrow Express guide →
Elizabeth Line from Heathrow to Paddington
The Elizabeth Line also runs directly between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington.
The journey takes approximately 28 minutes.
Although slower than Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line can offer better value and continues beyond Paddington to stations including Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street.
Read the full Elizabeth Line Heathrow guide →
Heathrow Express vs Elizabeth Line to Paddington
Both trains use Heathrow rail stations and travel directly to Paddington, but they are designed for slightly different types of journey.
| Heathrow Express | Elizabeth Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time | About 15 minutes from T2 & 3 | About 28 minutes |
| Frequency | Every 15 minutes | Several services per hour |
| Standard fare | £26 | TfL pay as you go fare |
| Advance discount | From £10 | No advance ticket required |
| Beyond Paddington | Terminates at Paddington | Continues through Central London |
Heathrow Terminal 2 and 3 to Paddington
Terminals 2 and 3 share the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 rail station.
From this station, both Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line services run directly to Paddington.
Heathrow Express takes around 15 minutes, while the Elizabeth Line takes approximately 28 minutes.
Heathrow Terminal 5 to Paddington
Terminal 5 has direct Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line services to Paddington.
Heathrow Express takes approximately 20 minutes from Terminal 5 to Paddington.
The Elizabeth Line also runs directly from Terminal 5, normally with two trains per hour.
Read our Heathrow Terminal 5 guide →
Heathrow Terminal 4 to Paddington
Terminal 4 has direct Elizabeth Line services towards Paddington.
Heathrow Express does not directly serve Terminal 4. Passengers using Heathrow Express must transfer at Terminals 2 & 3.
Can I use contactless from Heathrow to Paddington?
Yes. Contactless payment and Oyster cards can be used on Elizabeth Line journeys between Heathrow and Paddington.
Contactless and Oyster are also accepted on Heathrow Express. Heathrow Express uses its own fare structure.
Which Heathrow train should I take to Paddington?
Choose Heathrow Express when you want the fastest possible journey to Paddington.
Choose the Elizabeth Line when price is more important, or when you plan to continue beyond Paddington towards another Central London station.
Heathrow to Paddington FAQ
How long is Heathrow to Paddington?
Heathrow Express takes about 15 minutes from Terminals 2 & 3. The Elizabeth Line takes approximately 28 minutes.
What is the fastest train from Heathrow to Paddington?
Heathrow Express is the fastest direct service.
Does the Elizabeth Line go directly to Paddington?
Yes. The Elizabeth Line runs directly from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington.
Does Heathrow Express go directly to Paddington?
Yes. Heathrow Express operates directly between Heathrow Airport and London Paddington.
Can I use Oyster from Heathrow to Paddington?
Yes. Oyster is accepted on the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express.
Can I use contactless from Heathrow to Paddington?
Yes. Contactless payment can be used on both the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express.