Hounslow is one of Heathrow's closest towns, and unlike most Heathrow-area destinations, it sits directly on the same Piccadilly line branch as the airport, so no change is needed. The tube takes roughly 6 to 15 minutes depending on which Hounslow station you're heading to, with fares from about £2.30 to £2.40 off-peak. A taxi covers the same 3 to 4 mile trip for around £20 to £30. Checked 2026.
Is there a direct tube from Heathrow to Hounslow?
Yes, and this is what sets Hounslow apart from most other nearby towns covered on this site: it's on the same Piccadilly line branch as Heathrow's own terminals, not a separate branch requiring a change. Heathrow's official Underground guidance notes that Piccadilly line trains from the terminals run roughly every ten minutes even off-peak, and Hounslow's three stations (Hounslow West, Hounslow Central and Hounslow East) are simply a handful of stops closer to central London than the airport itself.
Hounslow West is the closest station, in Travel for London's fare Zone 5, followed by Hounslow Central and Hounslow East, both in Zone 4. Journey time from Heathrow's Terminal 2/3 station to Hounslow West is typically well under 10 minutes, with Hounslow Central and East a few minutes further on.
Fares
According to Heathrow's own published Piccadilly line fare guidance, off-peak single fares from Heathrow are from £2.30 to a Zone 5 destination and from £2.40 to Zone 4, covering Hounslow West and Hounslow Central/East respectively. These fares apply with Oyster or contactless payment; the Underground doesn't sell cheaper single tickets for such a short hop, so pay as you go is the simplest way to travel.
Is there a direct bus from Heathrow to Hounslow?
Yes. Transport for London's route 423 runs directly between Heathrow Terminal 5 and Hounslow Bus Station, calling at intermediate stops including Hatton Cross and along the Bath Road corridor. It's slower than the tube because it's a local bus with many stops, so it's mainly useful if you're travelling to or from an address directly on its route rather than needing to reach central Hounslow quickly. Like all TfL buses, it runs on the standard £1.75 pay as you go fare, with the Hopper fare covering a same-hour connecting bus at no extra cost.
Taxi: cost and journey time
By road, Heathrow to Hounslow is a short trip of around 3 to 4 miles, usually taking 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic on the A4 or Bath Road. Minicab operators quoting this specific route commonly advertise fares in the region of £20 to £30 for a standard saloon, reflecting the short distance; as with any pre-booked transfer, confirm the exact price with your operator since minimum fares and surcharges vary. Given how close Hounslow is, a taxi rarely offers much time saving over the tube unless you're going door to door with luggage.
Comparing your options
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piccadilly line | £2.30 to £2.40 off-peak | ~6 to 15 min | Cheapest and usually fastest, no luggage hassle |
| Route 423 bus | £1.75 (Hopper fare applies) | Slower, more stops | Addresses directly on the route |
| Taxi | ~£20 to £30 | 10 to 20 min | Door-to-door, luggage, groups |
Why Hounslow matters for Heathrow travellers
Hounslow is the London borough that actually contains Heathrow Airport, and the town centre has a large concentration of airport hotels, serviced apartments and long-term parking sites used by staff and passengers alike. It's also a practical base for travellers with an early departure who want somewhere close by the night before without paying central London prices, or for airport and cargo staff commuting in daily. Because it's directly on the Piccadilly line, it avoids the bus-and-change routine that towns like Staines or Uxbridge require.
Night and early morning travel
The Piccadilly line runs between about 05:00 and 23:30 on most days, with the Night Tube running all night between Heathrow and London on Friday and Saturday nights, according to Heathrow's own published timetable guidance. Outside those hours, or for an unusually early departure, a taxi or the N9 night bus (which serves Terminal 5 and Heathrow Central Bus Station) become the only realistic options, since neither the Piccadilly line nor route 423 run a full 24-hour service.
Which to choose
For almost everyone, the Piccadilly line is the easiest and cheapest way to travel between Heathrow and Hounslow: it's direct, frequent and inexpensive compared with most Heathrow-area journeys. A taxi is worth it mainly for heavy luggage, a very early or late journey when tube frequency thins out, or a destination that isn't a short walk from one of the three Hounslow stations. The bus is rarely the best choice unless your specific stop sits directly on route 423's path.
If you're staying in Hounslow before an early flight, see how early to arrive at Heathrow for timing guidance, and compare the wider rail options on Heathrow Express vs the Elizabeth line. For fixed-price taxi options, see the taxis page.