The Heathrow Express is faster but pricier: 15 minutes to Paddington for £26 one-way at any time, or from £10 if you book an advance single. The Elizabeth line takes about 28 to 30 minutes to Paddington, calls at more stops, and costs a flat £14.60 with contactless or Oyster, the same fare at any time of day.
Heathrow Express vs Elizabeth line: the short version
| Heathrow Express | Elizabeth line | |
|---|---|---|
| Journey time to Paddington | 15 minutes, nonstop | About 28 to 30 minutes |
| Adult single fare | £26 (any train), from £10 booked in advance | £14.60, same fare at any time |
| Stops | None between Heathrow and Paddington | Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hayes & Harlington, Heathrow T2&3 |
| Frequency | Every 15 minutes | About every 15 minutes, more on some sections |
| Contactless/Oyster accepted | No, tickets only | Yes |
| Onward London Underground and rail connections | Only at Paddington | At Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, and more |
How the Heathrow Express works
Heathrow Express runs nonstop between Heathrow Central (serving Terminals 2 and 3) and London Paddington, taking exactly 15 minutes, with an extra 6 minutes if you're travelling to or from Terminal 5. It leaves every 15 minutes.
- Single ticket: £26 standard class, valid on any train that day, no time restriction
- Advance discounted single: from £10, booked for a specific train in advance
- Same-day return: £30
- Return: £42
- First class (Premier+): £32 single, £36 same-day return, £46 return
Because a single ticket lets you catch any train on the day, it suits travellers who don't know their exact arrival time, for example after landing and clearing immigration, or ahead of a flight where you want flexibility if plans change.
How the Elizabeth line works
The Elizabeth line runs through Heathrow and central London on the same shared track as the Heathrow Express for part of the route, but stops at intermediate stations, which is why it's slower.
- Fare: £14.60 for an adult single with contactless or Oyster, the same price whether you travel at peak or off-peak times
- Journey time: around 28 minutes from Paddington, a little longer to or from Terminals 4 and 5
- Stops: Ealing Broadway, West Ealing and Hayes & Harlington between Heathrow and Paddington, with the line continuing further east through central London to Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf and beyond
- Ticketing: pay as you go with a contactless card, phone, or Oyster card; there's nothing to book in advance, and daily fare capping applies across the wider TfL network
If you're travelling beyond Paddington, for example straight to the City or Canary Wharf, the Elizabeth line often gets you there without changing trains, while a Heathrow Express passenger would need to change onto the Underground at Paddington.
So which should you choose?
- Choose the Heathrow Express if: you're short on time, travelling to or from Paddington specifically, or landing with a train you need to catch onward, since 15 minutes leaves the widest margin
- Choose the Elizabeth line if: cost matters, you're travelling beyond Paddington without changing, or you're already using contactless or Oyster for the rest of your trip
- Book an Advance Heathrow Express single if: you know your exact train and want Express speed without the full £26 fare
For most leisure travellers not in a rush, the Elizabeth line's flat £14.60 fare and one-change-fewer routing to much of central London make it the better value option. For business travellers or anyone catching a connecting train from Paddington, the Heathrow Express's 15-minute nonstop run is worth the extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Elizabeth line cheaper than the Heathrow Express?
Yes. A single is £14.60 on the Elizabeth line versus £26 on the Heathrow Express, though an Advance Heathrow Express single booked ahead can be cheaper, from £10.
How much faster is the Heathrow Express than the Elizabeth line?
The Heathrow Express takes 15 minutes to Paddington, nonstop. The Elizabeth line takes about 28 to 30 minutes, calling at three stops along the way.
Can I use contactless or Oyster on the Heathrow Express?
No. Heathrow Express requires a ticket, bought online, via the app, or at the station. The Elizabeth line accepts contactless and Oyster pay as you go.
Does the Elizabeth line go to Terminal 5?
Yes, though only 2 of the line's 6 trains an hour to Heathrow continue to Terminal 5; the rest serve Terminals 2, 3 and 4.
Is the Heathrow Express fare the same at peak and off-peak times?
Yes, the £26 standard single is the same price at any time of day. The Elizabeth line's £14.60 Heathrow fare is also flat, unlike many other TfL fares which vary by peak and off-peak.
Which is better for connecting to the London Underground?
Both stop at Paddington, but the Elizabeth line also calls at Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street, giving more direct interchange options without a change at Paddington.
Checked 2026. Fares are as published by Heathrow Express and Transport for London; always check current prices before booking, since rail fares are revised periodically.