Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

LHRUnited KingdomTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

London Heathrow Airport

London, United Kingdom

Drop-off

Central London (West End / Soho)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Heathrow Express

rail · 15m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Heathrow Express
Headway: 15
Backup: Elizabeth line · 10m

Note

Non-stop train between Heathrow Airport (Terminals 2&3 and 5) and London Paddington, taking about 15 minutes to Paddington and around 21 minutes to Terminal 5. Paddington offers quick onward Underground links to Oxford Circus, Soho and the West End via the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Elizabeth lines.

Budget focus

London: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likelondon airport busandlhr to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: National Express Heathrow–London Victoria
Mode: coach
Freq: 20-30m
Note: Direct coach services from Heathrow Central Bus Station and some terminals to London Victoria Coach Station, with some trips via Earl’s Court and Hammersmith for Underground connections to the West End. Fastest journeys take about 40 minutes to Victoria, running roughly every 20–30 minutes across most of the day and through the night, traffic permitting.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Heathrow Express
Mode: rail
Freq: 15m
Note: Non-stop train between Heathrow Airport (Terminals 2&3 and 5) and London Paddington, taking about 15 minutes to Paddington and around 21 minutes to Terminal 5. Paddington offers quick onward Underground links to Oxford Circus, Soho and the West End via the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Elizabeth lines.

eSIMComing Soon

Stay connected from landing

Skip the airport SIM queue. We're partnering with eSIM providers to get you online before you even leave the gate.

✓Instant activation✓Local rates✓No SIM swap

FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.