Travelers heading to Heathrow Airport this weekend need to plan ahead as the entire Piccadilly Line will be closed from midnight on January 16 until the evening of January 18, 2026. This popular route, frequently used by passengers traveling from central London, will not be available, prompting the need for alternative transport options to the airport.
For those looking for the quickest way to reach Heathrow, the Heathrow Express offers a reliable service. Departing every 15 minutes from London Paddington, the train reaches Terminals 2 and 3 in just 15 minutes and Terminal 5 in slightly over 20 minutes. Tickets for the Heathrow Express start at £10, and children up to 15 years old can travel free of charge. Passengers heading to Terminal 4 will need to take a shuttle bus or the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow Central, both available at no additional cost.
Using the Elizabeth Line and Coaches
The Elizabeth Line, often referred to as the “Lizzie Line,” also serves as an alternative. From Paddington, it takes about 28 minutes to reach the airport. Trains are available from several other stations, including Bond Street and Liverpool Street. On Saturday, the service frequency includes six trains per hour to Terminals 2 and 3, four trains to Terminal 4, and two trains to Terminal 5. The fare from Zone 1 to the airport is £13.90. However, travelers should note that a reduced service is expected on Sunday, affecting the number of trains available.
For those preferring coach travel, both National Express and FirstBus provide services from central London. National Express departs from London Victoria Coach Station, with tickets priced at £9.30 for a one-way journey, typically taking around 35 minutes. FirstBus operates from Charing Cross and Leicester Square, with travel times around one hour to various terminals.
Other Travel Options and Considerations
Local bus routes also serve Heathrow, with options including routes 105, 111, and 350, among others. Taxis are available but are the most expensive option, with fares ranging from £45 to £120, depending on the starting point in London. An additional charge of £6 applies for dropping off passengers at terminal drop-off zones.
For those who prefer to drive, Heathrow offers three Park and Ride car parks, which are the most economical option for parking. Rates start at £46.80 for the first day, dropping to £37.90 for subsequent days. Alternatively, Terminal Parking costs start at £98 per day. Visitors can also expect an £8 charge for drop-offs at designated points.
With various alternatives available, passengers are encouraged to leave ample time for their journey to ensure a smooth travel experience. Keeping informed about the latest transport updates can also help navigate the changes this weekend effectively.
