Taxi Ride Estimate

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to City Center

Complete guide for getting from London Heathrow Airport to London city center. Find out about taxi fares, distance, duration, and travel tips.

GB

Airport Details

Taxi from London Heathrow Airport to City Center

Taxi fares from Heathrow Airport to central London range from £90 to £110 for black cabs during off-peak times. Peak hours or night tariffs push costs to £100 to £115, depending on the terminal like T2, T4, or T5. Pre-booked minicabs offer fixed prices around £65 to £90, avoiding metered surprises.

London uses tariffs based on time: Tariff 1 for daytime weekdays, Tariff 2 for evenings and weekends, and Tariff 3 for nights with higher rates like £9 to £13 for the first mile. Heathrow adds a small extra charge of £1.60 that drivers can include. No fixed zones apply, but traffic and distance of 15-20 miles affect the total.

Private hires and ride apps like Uber provide fixed fares starting at £65, cheaper than ranks during surges. Night surcharges apply under Tariff 3 from 22:00 to 05:00. Always confirm the price upfront to dodge extras.

Taxi Tips & Safety

Find official black cabs at designated ranks outside every Heathrow terminal, like near arrivals. Follow the queue if present to get licensed taxis with green lights on top. Avoid touts offering rides inside or near exits.

Pre-book minicabs or use apps for fixed rates, but check reviews and licenses via TfL. Scams include overcharging or long routes; insist on meters for black cabs or fixed quotes for privates. Pay by card, cash, or contactless, all accepted.

Stay safe by noting the taxi number, sharing details with someone, and using well-lit ranks. Official taxis display licenses; report issues to police or TfL. Travel in groups at night for extra caution.

Alternative Transport

The Heathrow Express train to Paddington takes 15 minutes from T5 or 20 from T2/T3, costing £25 one-way or £37 return. Elizabeth Line offers a slower 30-45 minute ride to central stops for £12.80 peak, cheaper at £10.60 off-peak. Connects to Tube easily.

National Express coaches run 24/7 to Victoria or other hubs in 50-90 minutes for £6 to £12, depending on booking time. TfL buses like the 105 or N9 provide budget options at £1.75 flat fare, but take 1-2 hours with traffic.

Shuttles like hotel transfers vary, often £20-40 per person. Compare: taxis £90+, trains £12-25 fast, buses £6-12 slow. Trains beat taxis for speed to center, buses for value.

Tips for Airport Transfers

Sources