The RAF Museum London, in Colindale, is about 18 miles from Heathrow. By Tube it takes roughly 70 to 90 minutes with one change, and by taxi around 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. There's no direct line, so most visitors either change trains once on the Underground or take a direct pre-booked taxi. Entry to the museum itself is free. Checked against the RAF Museum's own site and TfL, October 2026.
Where is the RAF Museum London?
The museum sits on Grahame Park Way in Colindale, north-west London (postcode NW9 5LL), next to Colindale Underground station on the Edgware branch of the Northern line. It's a popular add-on day trip for aviation enthusiasts flying through Heathrow, since it's one of the few major London museums directly next to a Tube station.
Heathrow to the RAF Museum: options compared
| Option | Time | Approx. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underground (Piccadilly + Northern line) | 70-90 min | Single fare depends on time of day, since the route crosses Zone 1 | One change, usually at Kings Cross St Pancras |
| Taxi or pre-booked minicab | 30-45 min | Roughly £40-60 | Fastest, no changes |
| Bus | Around 2 hours | A few pounds | Not recommended; one or more changes and a long run |
By Underground: one change, via Kings Cross
There's no single Tube line connecting Heathrow to Colindale. The standard route is the Piccadilly line from any Heathrow terminal into central London, changing onto the Northern line (Edgware branch) at Kings Cross St Pancras, then riding north to Colindale. Allow roughly 70 to 90 minutes in total, including the change. Because the journey starts at Heathrow (Zone 6) and passes through Zone 1, it's priced as a Zone 1-6 journey rather than the cheaper zone-to-zone fare, so check the exact current single fare on TfL's Single Fare Finder before you travel, since it varies with time of day.
From Colindale station, exit and turn left, then walk straight for about 10 minutes to reach the museum, which sits just behind Colindale Police Station. The 303, 326 and other local buses also stop near the museum entrance if you'd rather not walk.
By taxi: faster, no changes
A taxi or pre-booked minicab covers the roughly 18-mile route in 30 to 45 minutes outside peak traffic, typically via the M4, A406 (North Circular) and A5. Fixed-fare comparison sites put this route at roughly £40 to £60 one way. This is the most direct option if you're travelling with family, luggage, or want to avoid the Tube change.
Is the RAF Museum London free to enter?
Yes, general admission to the RAF Museum London is free, in line with the UK's other major national museums. Some special exhibitions or simulator experiences may carry a separate charge, so check the museum's own site for anything beyond the standard galleries before you go.
FAQs
How far is the RAF Museum London from Heathrow?
About 18 miles, which is roughly 30 to 45 minutes by taxi or 70 to 90 minutes by Underground with one change.
Is there a direct train or Tube from Heathrow to the RAF Museum?
No single line runs directly. The standard route is the Piccadilly line into central London, changing to the Northern line at Kings Cross St Pancras, then north to Colindale.
How much does the Tube cost from Heathrow to Colindale?
It varies by time of day because the journey passes through Zone 1, so it's priced as a Zone 1-6 fare rather than a short zone-to-zone hop. Check TfL's Single Fare Finder for the current price on your travel date.
Is the RAF Museum London free?
Yes, general admission is free. Some special exhibitions or simulator experiences may have a separate charge.
How do I walk from Colindale station to the RAF Museum?
Exit the station, turn left, and walk straight ahead for about 10 minutes. The museum is just behind Colindale Police Station.
Is a taxi worth it over the Tube for this trip?
If you're short on time or travelling with family and luggage, yes: a taxi takes roughly half the time of the Tube route for this journey, for a fixed fare of about £40-60.