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Trains to Heathrow
Plan your journey to Britain’s biggest airport, staying prepared as you visit the capital’s hub for air travel.
Fly stress free in no time
Home to five terminals and approximately 1,300 flights per day, Heathrow is a frequent destination for people all over the UK, and now it’s easier to reach than ever! You can book both your train and a London Underground ticket with us to get you from door to gate without looking for a machine.
Our faster services from the north can reach London in just over 4 hours, and getting from most central stations to Heathrow takes under an hour. With more weekday trains and even shorter journeys from Leeds and Newcastle, you can get your holiday started stress free.
Our website offers cheap fares on LNER trains to London - with no booking fees!
Plus, when you join LNER Perks you'll get £5 free and 2% credit back every time you travel with us.
Heathrow takes up over 3,000 acres which is bigger than the principality of Monaco
Fact about Heathrow - there’s a private sixth terminal reserved for royals and heads of state
Heathrow takes up over 3,000 acres which is bigger than the principality of Monaco
Fact about Heathrow - there’s a private sixth terminal reserved for royals and heads of state
Popular trains to London Heathrow
Getting to Heathrow from London terminus hubs
Make your trip down to Heathrow stress free, with a plan of how to get straight to the gate from your London arrival station. You can book a London Underground ticket with LNER to make the transition from one train to the next easy, or utilise the rest of the TfL network to get to your terminal with time to spare.
Here are the times and routes to get to Heathrow from some of London’s main terminus points. Be sure to always check the final destination of London Underground trains as many terminate before Heathrow, or at a Heathrow terminal that is not yours.
View Terminus Information
View Terminus Information
*Note: Heathrow Express is not part of Transport for London. It does not stop at terminal 4. Tickets start at £26 and can be purchased through LNER.
Heathrow Terminals
It’s important to know there are four passenger terminals at Heathrow, all of which are accessible via London Underground. Terminals 2 and 3 are connected, accessed from a single transit station. Terminals 4 and 5 are further away, and unconnected to each other, each with their own terminus station. If you are going to terminal 4 or terminal 5, ensure your train terminates at your exact terminal to ensure you get to your gate on time.
Heathrow Express does not service terminal 4, if you choose to use it you’ll need to transfer to a London Underground line at the stop for terminals 2&3.
Using the Tube
Using the London Underground, aka the Tube, is fast and easy even if you’re from out of town. You can use contactless payments with a debit or credit card, or with your smart device to board any train, just be sure to use the same card or device to tap off when you reach your destination.
Tickets can be purchased from stations with cash or card, and oyster cards are widely available from main stations and shops, and can be reloaded in any station or online.
Remember to always leave additional time when using transit options as London Underground trains can be subject to delays and cancellations.
Lounges
If your train timetable lines up to get you to Heathrow early, there are a number of lounges in each terminal to rest and eat. A great option if you don’t want to check into a hotel, or you’re looking to get some work done before your flight, plus you can also prebook your lounge pass to be prepared before you even get on the train!
Or, stop for a rest before reaching your destination in our London King’s Cross First Class Lounge!
Be sure to check what each option offers before you arrive, as amenities differ from lounge to lounge. There are also some available before security and at arrivals.
Plaza Premium Lounges
There is a Plaza Premium lounge in every terminal, each offering food and drink and quiet spaces to relax before travel. The option in terminal 2 also has private rest areas for sleep.
British Airways Lounges
Terminal 5 features a number of lounges accessible depending on your level of British Airways membership or the ticket you’ve booked. They also have a lounge in terminal 3.
Runway Views
Many lounges feature unique sights of takeoff and landings to enjoy while you prepare for your flight. Enjoy some plane spotting while you prepare for your own flight.
Plaza Premium Lounges
There is a Plaza Premium lounge in every terminal, each offering food and drink and quiet spaces to relax before travel. The option in terminal 2 also has private rest areas for sleep.
British Airways Lounges
Terminal 5 features a number of lounges accessible depending on your level of British Airways membership or the ticket you’ve booked. They also have a lounge in terminal 3.
Runway Views
Many lounges feature unique sights of takeoff and landings to enjoy while you prepare for your flight. Enjoy some plane spotting while you prepare for your own flight.
Where to eat
In case you didn’t get enough to eat on the train, there are options available for food at every terminal, as well as before security and arrivals. Whether you’re just looking for a casual bite, snacks to pack for the flight, or a fine dining experience, you can find it at Heathrow. Avoid getting hungry on your flight with 28 different options spread across terminals.
Pret a Manger
There is a Pret a Manger cafe in every terminal for anyone needing a pick me up or a sandwich.
Gordon Ramsay Plane Food Market
Enjoy a fine dining experience at this exclusive Gordon Ramsay location in Terminal 5, spanning world cuisines just like destinations from Heathrow.
Check your terminal
Be sure to check the options for your terminal before you travel, so you can ensure that you have options that meet your dietary and tastebud restrictions.
Pret a Manger
There is a Pret a Manger cafe in every terminal for anyone needing a pick me up or a sandwich.
Gordon Ramsay Plane Food Market
Enjoy a fine dining experience at this exclusive Gordon Ramsay location in Terminal 5, spanning world cuisines just like destinations from Heathrow.
Check your terminal
Be sure to check the options for your terminal before you travel, so you can ensure that you have options that meet your dietary and tastebud restrictions.
Amenities before and after security
Phones and charging
Find a variety of support options for your devices all around the airport. SIM cards are sold at arrivals in every terminal, and at departures in terminal 4, and charging stations can be found after security and at check-in in each terminal as well. Heathrow charging stations are compatible with UK and European plugs and USB cables. In a pinch there are also payphones throughout each terminal.
Changing Places
There are not dedicated changing places available in every terminal, only terminals 3, 4, and 5. These changing places can be found after security in terminals 3, 4 and 5, as well as at arrivals in terminal 4.
Showers
Showers are available in select lounges after you’ve passed through security. The Plaza Premium lounges in terminals 2, 4, and 5 have showers, as well as the Skyteam lounge and The House lounge in terminal 4. There’s also a shower available at check in in the Regus Express Business Lounge in terminal 3.
Toilets
Every terminal has public toilets available before and after security, so you don’t need to stress about waiting in lines before reaching relief. These include unisex, wheelchair accessible toilet options, as well as inclusive toilets.
Cafes
Grab a pick me up before dealing with the lines of check in and security. There is a Pret a Manger before security in every terminal, as well as a Caffe Nero at terminals 2, 3, and 5, or a Black Sheep Coffee at terminal 3. Even more options for coffee, tea, and casual cafe eats are available after security.
Pubs and Bars
Grab a casual bite to eat and a drink to start your holiday off right at one of the pre-security pubs and bars at Heatherow. Terminal 2 features the Queen’s Arms, Terminal 3 has The Oceanic, Terminal 4 hosts the Co-Pilots Bar and Kitchen, and Terminal 5 boasts The Globe. Once you’re through security more options are available, including Wetherspoons in terminals 2, 4 and 5, and elevated options like Wild Olive in terminal 4 and the Evergreen in terminal 3.
Phones and charging
Find a variety of support options for your devices all around the airport. SIM cards are sold at arrivals in every terminal, and at departures in terminal 4, and charging stations can be found after security and at check-in in each terminal as well. Heathrow charging stations are compatible with UK and European plugs and USB cables. In a pinch there are also payphones throughout each terminal.
Changing Places
There are not dedicated changing places available in every terminal, only terminals 3, 4, and 5. These changing places can be found after security in terminals 3, 4 and 5, as well as at arrivals in terminal 4.
Showers
Showers are available in select lounges after you’ve passed through security. The Plaza Premium lounges in terminals 2, 4, and 5 have showers, as well as the Skyteam lounge and The House lounge in terminal 4. There’s also a shower available at check in in the Regus Express Business Lounge in terminal 3.
Toilets
Every terminal has public toilets available before and after security, so you don’t need to stress about waiting in lines before reaching relief. These include unisex, wheelchair accessible toilet options, as well as inclusive toilets.
Cafes
Grab a pick me up before dealing with the lines of check in and security. There is a Pret a Manger before security in every terminal, as well as a Caffe Nero at terminals 2, 3, and 5, or a Black Sheep Coffee at terminal 3. Even more options for coffee, tea, and casual cafe eats are available after security.
Pubs and Bars
Grab a casual bite to eat and a drink to start your holiday off right at one of the pre-security pubs and bars at Heatherow. Terminal 2 features the Queen’s Arms, Terminal 3 has The Oceanic, Terminal 4 hosts the Co-Pilots Bar and Kitchen, and Terminal 5 boasts The Globe. Once you’re through security more options are available, including Wetherspoons in terminals 2, 4 and 5, and elevated options like Wild Olive in terminal 4 and the Evergreen in terminal 3.
Shopping
Get all your duty free shopping in before you fly for additional savings and souvenirs, or pick up bits to celebrate someone special’s arrival. There are lots of options for grabbing last second necessities that got forgotten in the rush or to treat yourself to something special.
Heathrow has designed its shopping experiences to be seamless, so you can have purchases delivered directly to your home, leave your purchase at the airport for pick up on return, and shop from retailers in other terminals with the help of Shopping Services. Plus, Heathrow offers complimentary personal shoppers available for booking ahead of time.
Heathrow features a number of uniquely British brands to shop from as you wait for your flight.
Fortnum & Mason
Enjoy this tea brand that hails from the 18th century, supplying top quality brews, gifts, and scents in display-worthy tins.
Glenmorangie
Treat yourself or the whisky enthusiast in your life to a Highland single malt from the famous distillery in Dornoch, Scotland.
Marks & Spencers
Grab favourites in snacks and treats before you fly, taking the true taste of British picky bits with you wherever you’re heading.
Fortnum & Mason
Enjoy this tea brand that hails from the 18th century, supplying top quality brews, gifts, and scents in display-worthy tins.
Glenmorangie
Treat yourself or the whisky enthusiast in your life to a Highland single malt from the famous distillery in Dornoch, Scotland.
Marks & Spencers
Grab favourites in snacks and treats before you fly, taking the true taste of British picky bits with you wherever you’re heading.
Hotels
When you’re coming to Heathrow from outside London it’s vital you get the rest you need before a big flight. Catch an LNER train after work to Heathrow, check in to a comfortable hotel nearby, and be ready for the travel day ahead feeling fresh.
Heathrow has a number of hotels attached to terminals, so if convenience is key when you’re getting off a long train from afar, like York, Newcastle or Edinburgh, you have options available. Hotels attached to Heathrow are all easily accessible within approximately 1 hour from London King’s Cross.
DoubleTree by Hilton
4 star rating
Near to Terminals: 2, 3 and 4
Best for: Convenience
Hilton Terminal 4
4 star rating
Near to Terminal: 4
Best for: Convenience
Holiday Inn Express
3 star rating
Near to Terminal: 5
Best for: Price
The Leonardo Hotel
4 star rating
Near to Terminals: 2, 3
Best for: Price
Marriott Heathrow
4 star rating
Near to Terminals: 2, 3
Best for: Luxury
Sheraton Heathrow Hotel
4 star hotel
Near to Terminals: 2, 3, 5
Best for: Luxury
DoubleTree by Hilton
4 star rating
Near to Terminals: 2, 3 and 4
Best for: Convenience
Hilton Terminal 4
4 star rating
Near to Terminal: 4
Best for: Convenience
Holiday Inn Express
3 star rating
Near to Terminal: 5
Best for: Price
The Leonardo Hotel
4 star rating
Near to Terminals: 2, 3
Best for: Price
Marriott Heathrow
4 star rating
Near to Terminals: 2, 3
Best for: Luxury
Sheraton Heathrow Hotel
4 star hotel
Near to Terminals: 2, 3, 5
Best for: Luxury
There are also many hotels in the surrounding Heathrow area that provide a wide range of budget and luxury options, just be sure to check your terminal and transit times beforehand. Just be sure your hotel is accessible via your preferred transport method before booking!
Plane spotting
Looking to spot your favourite airplanes on takeoff and landing at Britain’s biggest airport? We’ve got you covered.
Heathrow is a paradise for air travel enthusiasts, with so many coming and going per day there’s no end of opportunities to pick out new planes in flight.
If you’re departing there’s an opportunity for spotting in every terminal, as listed below. Be aware some of the ideal plane spotting areas are in lounges or other paid locations.
Terminal 2: the Wondertree restaurant in the departure lounge.
Terminal 3: the No. 1 Traveller Lounge, and select departure gates.
Terminal 4: the View Heathrow observation deck near gates 15 and 16 offers 270-degree views of the southern runway as well as binoculars and flight tracking screens.
Terminal 5: the departure lounge, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, and Wagamama.
If you’re not travelling from Heathrow and just want to enjoy a day of riding LNER trains and plane spotting, you can still enjoy views of the northern runway from the Heathrow Academy on Newall Road.
How to save on LNER train tickets to Heathrow
Advance Tickets
We know you can't always plan ahead but once you’ve booked your plane ticket, book your train ticket too and you can save you a lot of money. In fact, booking at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date can save you an average of up to 47%* compared to on-the-day train ticket prices!
Book cheap train tickets
Join LNER Perks
Did you know that if you join our loyalty scheme, you can save money on every trip you take with LNER? Yep, that's right. LNER Perks members get £5 credit free on their account to spend on travel as a thank you for signing up. AND all members earn 2% credit back on every single journey. Too bad you can’t book your plane ticket with us too, eh?
Join LNER Perks now
Save 1/3 with a Railcard
Looking for travel deals? Enjoy cheap train fares and save up to 1/3 on train ticket prices with a range of Railcards.
From Two Together Railcards, Senior Railcards, and many more, there are Railcard discounts to be had for all!
Railcards
Advance Tickets
We know you can't always plan ahead but once you’ve booked your plane ticket, book your train ticket too and you can save you a lot of money. In fact, booking at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date can save you an average of up to 47%* compared to on-the-day train ticket prices!
Book cheap train tickets
Join LNER Perks
Did you know that if you join our loyalty scheme, you can save money on every trip you take with LNER? Yep, that's right. LNER Perks members get £5 credit free on their account to spend on travel as a thank you for signing up. AND all members earn 2% credit back on every single journey. Too bad you can’t book your plane ticket with us too, eh?
Join LNER Perks now
Save 1/3 with a Railcard
Looking for travel deals? Enjoy cheap train fares and save up to 1/3 on train ticket prices with a range of Railcards.
From Two Together Railcards, Senior Railcards, and many more, there are Railcard discounts to be had for all!
Railcards
*Saving average based on all Standard Advance tickets bought on the LNER website and App at least four weeks before you travel vs buying any Standard ticket on the day you travel.
Relax in First Class
Feel ready for your flight without needing a Heathrow lounge pass. LNER First Class ticket holders enjoy wider seats, additional leg space, complimentary food and beverage service, plus you get access to our First Class Lounges. All LNER First Class passengers will also enjoy:
Larger tables, and reclining seats.
Free Wi-Fi and power at every seat.
Quieter coaches for a more relaxing ride.
Related FAQs
Which station is the easiest to get to Heathrow from?
Which station is the easiest to get to Heathrow from?
Paddington Station is the nearest main London terminus to Heathrow, with the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express for easy transfers to Heathrow bound trains
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
Do you offer a student discount on train tickets?
We don't offer a student discount however, you can purchase a 16-25 Railcard and save 1/3 on train tickets.
How can I get cheap train tickets to London Heathrow?
How can I get cheap train tickets to London Heathrow?
It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to London Heathrow. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Pre-book a London Underground ticket with us to reduce stress as well as cost. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are there any LNER trains that go directly to Heathrow?
Are there any LNER trains that go directly to Heathrow?
No, while there are many LNER trains that can take you into London, you’ll need to transfer to a London Underground train, Heathrow Express train, or other transit option to reach your terminal.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to London Heathrow?
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to London Heathrow?
Yes, if you’re travelling from outside of London there are several types of Railcards you can use to save on your trip to Heathrow, these include:
Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
How long do trains to London Heathrow take?
How long do trains to London Heathrow take?
LNER train times vary greatly by destination, from less than an hour to just over 4 hours depending on where you’re coming from. Check out our estimated times from popular locations in the table above. Transit from London terminus stations to Heathrow typically take between 30 and 80 minutes.
Make sure you book your ticket with plenty of time to spare to allow for any potential delays or unexpected busy periods.
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
How can I apply for compensation if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Please note that if you miss a flight because of a delayed or cancelled train we cannot refund you the cost of your plane ticket. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and build in extra time to ensure you reach Heathrow on time.
Cancelled train
Cancelled train
In the rare event that your train is cancelled, we offer full refunds on your train ticket (assuming you don't take an alternative train). Be sure to apply for the refund within 28 days of the cancelled journey date.
If you meet these conditions, follow these steps for your refund:
- Swipe down the page and click on ‘Amend journey’ or ‘Request a refund’
- Notify us of the reason for the refund request by pressing 'My train was cancelled' and then ‘Continue’
- Enter your details and submit your request
Already collected your tickets or had them posted to you?
If you’ve already received your printed tickets, you'll need to fill in our Change of Plans form and follow the instructions included.
Was your train delayed by at least 30 minutes?
Was your train delayed by at least 30 minutes?
On our Delay Repay page, you can learn about compensation if your train is delayed. For future LNER journeys, book through our website or app, then choose One-Click Delay Repay to ensure claiming for a delayed journey is as easy as possible.
