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London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 train ticket prices
£11.63
On Sun 13
London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Heathrow Express vs Elizabeth line: Which one to choose?
Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line are the two direct rail options between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5. The journey covers approximately 15 miles, with six direct trains to Terminal 5 operating each hour.
Heathrow Express trains run every 15 minutes, and all continue to Terminal 5, while Elizabeth line services to Terminal 5 operate twice per hour, with other trains serving Terminal 4 instead.
The table below compares journey times, station facilities and onboard features to help you.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|
Heathrow Express | 21 minutes | Speed and business travel | Non-stop journey, dedicated luggage racks, at-seat power sockets, premium seating, free Wi-Fi, Contactless and Oyster payment |
Elizabeth line | 32 minutes | Budget travel and cross-London connections | Contactless and Oyster payment, walk-through carriages, air conditioning, direct services through central London |
- Journey time: Heathrow Express is around 10 minutes faster than the Elizabeth line.
- Service frequency: Heathrow Express departs every 15 minutes, while direct Elizabeth line trains to Terminal 5 run every 30 minutes.
- Value for money: The Elizabeth line offers lower fares, particularly for contactless payment users.
Train travel from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5
Travelling from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 is one of the quickest airport rail journeys in the UK.
Departure from London Paddington
London Paddington handles more than 69 million passenger journeys each year and is one of the capital's busiest transport hubs.
Specific transport links
- The Tube: The Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines serve Paddington, providing direct links from central London, Westminster, King's Cross and the City.
- Elizabeth line: Cross-London Elizabeth line services connect Paddington with Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street, Stratford and Reading without requiring a change.
- Local bus services: TfL routes 7, 23, 27 and 36 stop along Praed Street, offering straightforward connections from Victoria, Marble Arch and nearby districts.
- Taxi and rideshare: The official black cab rank is located near Platform 12, while designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off points are clearly signposted outside.
Station layout
- Main concourse: Platforms 1-12 form the historic train shed and accommodate most long-distance Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express departures.
- Heathrow Express platforms: Services to Heathrow Airport depart from Platforms 6 and 7, with departure boards confirming platform allocation.
- Elizabeth line platforms: Follow the purple Elizabeth line signs to the low-level Platforms 14 and 15 beneath Eastbourne Terrace.
Pre-departure essentials
Boots and Marks & Spencer Simply Food are popular for meal deals, snacks and travel essentials, while coffee shops along the main lawn concourse provide a quick caffeine stop. Digital departure boards are positioned throughout the station, making it easy to monitor platform information while grabbing food or drinks.
Onboard trains from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5
The rail journey covers approximately 15 miles, with trains reaching speeds of up to 110 mph on sections of the Great Western Main Line.
The scenic side
- Sit on the left-hand side when leaving Paddington for views of Old Oak Common, one of Britain's largest rail infrastructure projects and a future HS2 interchange.
Key landmarks
- Old Oak Common: This major redevelopment site is being transformed into one of the UK's largest integrated transport hubs.
- Wharncliffe Viaduct: Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this Grade I-listed structure remains one of Britain's most important railway landmarks.
- Grand Union Canal: Sections of the canal run alongside the railway through west London, offering glimpses of historic industrial waterways.
- Hayes and Harlington: The route passes through this key west London railway junction before diverging towards Heathrow Airport.
Arriving at Heathrow Terminal 5
Heathrow Terminal 5 station is located approximately 20 metres below ground and serves more than four million combined rail and Underground passengers annually.
The correct exit
- Main terminal exit: Use the central lifts or escalators to enter the Terminal 5 arrivals concourse for check-in desks, baggage reclaim and terminal facilities.
- Flight departures access: Follow the overhead signs from arrivals to the departure level using the terminal's lifts and escalators.
- Taxi rank exit: Continue towards the ground-floor forecourt to reach the official London black cab rank and authorised private hire collection zones.
- Hotel connections: Follow terminal wayfinding signs for hotel shuttle pick-up points serving nearby Heathrow accommodation.
Onward travel
- Terminal 5 Bus Station: Follow the clearly marked signs from arrivals to reach local TfL buses and regional coach services within a two-minute walk.
- National Express coaches: Direct long-distance coach services operate from the bus station to destinations across England and Wales.
- Free inter-terminal transfers: Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line services are free between Heathrow terminals.
- London Underground: The Piccadilly line provides direct Tube connections to central London, King's Cross St Pancras and Covent Garden.
Walkability
Heathrow Terminal 5 is highly walkable within the airport environment itself. The station connects directly to the terminal via step-free indoor routes, making it easy to reach check-in areas, shops, lounges and terminal hotels.
However, Heathrow is surrounded by major roads and airport infrastructure, so walking beyond the airport complex is impractical. For nearby hotels, surrounding towns or other terminals, use the airport's rail, bus, shuttle or taxi services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Why book London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 start from just £11.63 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line on the London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 train travel guide
Travelling by train from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London Paddington, you can reach Heathrow Terminal 5 in just 17m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5?
Ticket prices from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 average around £11.63, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5?
What is the fastest train from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5?
The fastest train journey time from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 is 17m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5?
No, there are no direct trains from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 route?
The route from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 is operated by Heathrow Express. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap London Paddington to Heathrow Terminal 5 train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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