The fastest practical route from Heathrow to Notting Hill is the Piccadilly line to Earl's Court, then a change onto a District or Circle line train towards Edgware Road for two stops to Notting Hill Gate, around 45-50 minutes in total for a £5.60-£5.90 contactless or Oyster fare. A taxi covers the same trip door to door in roughly 35-55 minutes depending on traffic, typically £75-£130 metered or £45-£75 pre-booked. Portobello Road Market itself is a further 10-15 minute walk north from Notting Hill Gate station. Checked against TfL and Heathrow's own published routes, 2026.
Route 1: Piccadilly line, one change at Earl's Court
Notting Hill Gate isn't on the Piccadilly line that runs directly from all three Heathrow Underground stations, so reaching it means one change. Take the Piccadilly line to Earl's Court, about 30-32 minutes from Terminals 2&3, then change onto a District or Circle line train signed for Edgware Road rather than the main southbound District services. These trains call at High Street Kensington, then Notting Hill Gate, adding roughly 10-15 minutes including the change. All told, budget 45-50 minutes from Terminals 2&3, a little longer from Terminal 4 or 5 since you join the Piccadilly line further out.
The single fare with contactless or Oyster pay-as-you-go is £5.60 to £5.90 to Zone 1, the same rate throughout the day, and it covers the whole journey including the change, since TfL charges one combined fare for a single continuous Underground journey rather than two separate fares.
Route 2: Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express via Paddington
If you'd rather avoid the Underground change at Earl's Court, or you're flying into Terminal 5 and want to skip the longer Piccadilly line run from that end of the airport, go via Paddington instead. The Elizabeth line takes about 30-40 minutes to Paddington for a £15.50 single to Zone 1; the Heathrow Express covers the same leg in 15-21 minutes for £26 walk-up, or from £10 if booked 30 or more days ahead. From Paddington, Notting Hill Gate is just two stops on the Circle or District line (via Bayswater), adding around 6-8 minutes.
This route costs more than the direct Piccadilly line option above, but it avoids carrying luggage through an Underground interchange, which is worth something if you're travelling with cases or with young children.
Route 3: Taxi
A metered black cab to Notting Hill runs on broadly the same tariff as other inner west London destinations, typically £75-£130 depending on traffic and time of day, over 35-55 minutes. A pre-booked minicab or private-hire transfer is usually cheaper and fixed in advance, commonly £45-£75 with the Heathrow drop-off charge included. This is the most practical choice with heavy luggage, a group, or late at night when Tube frequency drops and the Earl's Court change becomes less convenient.
Comparison table
| Route | Time (from T2/3) | Cost | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piccadilly line + change at Earl's Court | ~45-50 min | £5.60-£5.90 | One |
| Elizabeth line/Heathrow Express via Paddington + Circle/District | ~45-65 min | £15.50-£26 plus a short Tube fare | One |
| Taxi | ~35-55 min | £75-£130 metered, £45-£75 pre-booked | None |
Getting to Portobello Road Market from Notting Hill Gate
Portobello Road Market itself sits a little north of Notting Hill Gate station, a walk of around 10-15 minutes up Pembridge Road and onto Portobello Road. If you'd rather not walk, a short bus hop or a brief taxi ride covers the same distance in a couple of minutes, though for a journey this short, walking is usually just as quick once you account for waiting. Ladbroke Grove station, on the Hammersmith & City and Circle lines, is the closer Underground stop to the market's northern, less touristy end, useful if you're planning to start at the Golborne Road end rather than the main Portobello Road junction.
When to go for the market
Portobello Road's famous Saturday market, with the full run of antiques, vintage and bric-a-brac stalls, is the busiest and most complete version of the market; weekday visits still have food, clothing and some general stalls open, but far fewer traders and none of the Saturday antiques crowd. If your flight timing only allows a weekday visit, expect a quieter, smaller-scale market rather than the full Saturday spread most guidebooks describe.
Which should you choose?
For the best balance of cost and journey time, the Piccadilly line via Earl's Court is the sensible default for most travellers landing at Terminals 2 or 3. If you're arriving at Terminal 5, carrying a lot of luggage, or simply want to avoid an Underground change, the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to Paddington is worth the extra fare. A taxi remains the only fully door-to-door option and the most practical choice late at night or with a group.
For the wider central London picture, see our guides to Heathrow to Kensington and Heathrow Express vs Elizabeth Line. For black cab and minicab pricing in more detail, see our black cab vs minicab guide, and for taxi ranks by terminal, see our taxi pickup points guide.
Fares and journey times can change, so check TfL's own journey planner for the current position before you travel. Checked 2026.
FAQs
How do I get from Heathrow to Notting Hill Gate by Tube?
Take the Piccadilly line to Earl's Court, about 30-32 minutes from Terminals 2&3, then change onto a District or Circle line train towards Edgware Road for two stops to Notting Hill Gate. Total journey time is around 45-50 minutes.
Is there a direct Tube line from Heathrow to Notting Hill?
No. Notting Hill Gate isn't on the Piccadilly line that serves Heathrow directly, so you need one change, most simply at Earl's Court onto a District or Circle line train towards Edgware Road.
How much is the Tube from Heathrow to Notting Hill?
£5.60 to £5.90 with contactless or Oyster pay-as-you-go, the standard Zone 1 fare, covering the whole journey including the change at Earl's Court.
How far is Portobello Road Market from Notting Hill Gate station?
About 10-15 minutes on foot, heading north up Pembridge Road onto Portobello Road. Ladbroke Grove station is closer to the market's northern, Golborne Road end.
What's the fastest way from Heathrow to Notting Hill with luggage?
A pre-booked taxi or private-hire transfer, typically £45-£75 and 35-55 minutes, since it avoids carrying cases through an Underground change at Earl's Court.
Is Portobello Road Market open every day?
Some stalls, mostly food and general goods, trade most days, but the full antiques and vintage market that Portobello Road is famous for runs on Saturdays. A weekday visit will be noticeably quieter and smaller in scale.