Heathrow Express

The Heathrow Express is a train service from Heathrow Airport to Paddington in central London operated by the Heathrow Express Operating Authority, a wholly-owned subsidary of BAA[?].

The service operates from approximately 5am until midnight with trains every fifteen minutes. There are two stops at Heathrow, one for terminals 1,2 and 3 (journey from Paddington, approximately 15 minutes) and one for terminal 4 (journey time approximately 22 minutes). The service costs around £13 for a single journey in standard class and around £22 for first class (2003 prices) and is non-stop from London to Heathrow. The service, which opened on 23 June 1998, offers trains that are modern by British railway standards, featuring on-board televisions and the ability to use mobile phones throughout the journey, even when in tunnels.

The service, whilst generally well-received, not least because steps were taken to reduce the environmental impact of the train line, such as disguising ventilation shafts as barns, has received some criticism principally because of its cost. Per kilometre, the journey is more expensive than travelling on Concorde.

Other transport options from Heathrow to Central London

• The London Underground's Piccadilly Line runs from Heathrow to central London. Typical cost for a single trip, £4.50. Journey time approx. 45mins to 1hr.
• Taxi, using the M4 motorway. Typical cost £40-60. Typical journey time 30mins to 90mins depending on destination.
• Bus, operated by Airbus. Typical cost £6. Journey time 60-75 mins.
• Bus, operated by London Transport. Typical cost £1. Journey time 75mins.

External links

• Heathrow Express homepage (http://www.heathrowexpress.co.uk/)