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"There is not a lot you can watch in 15 minutes" says Jago in a video clocking in at 12:28. :)

“Today, I’m going to do something different from my usual fare.” Opening line deserves a standing ovation.

Another reason that the Elizabeth line has made the Heathrow Express a bit pointless is that its target market of business travellers are most likely going to be heading to the City or Canary Wharf, which are better served by the Elizabeth line.

You forgot about the 4th option which is the N9 bus. At £1.50 for a 70 min nap and possibly a warm beer with a weird chap from Hounslow it's an absolute win!

Nothing beats the £2.10 on the Piccadilly line from Zone 2 though, as anyone living on the Overground/District line stretch in SW and North London can attest; even the discomfort and an up to 15 minutes’ longer ride don’t justify the price difference. Also, the advance fare on Heathrow Express excludes the rest of TfL services, so unless someone’s staying at Paddington, the grand total is higher still

A slight correction: the HEX quietly eliminated £5.50 fares for 90-day advance bookings late last year, making it a _significantly_ less compelling option for long-term planners. I would have expected them to reduce their fares somewhat given the competition from the Elizabeth Line; instead their business strategy now seems to be: appealing to elites for which £10 or £20 or £30 makes absolutely no difference at all. Another nice HEX side business is preying on ignorant or befuddled tourists coming from Heathrow that mistakenly board a "purple train" thinking it was the Elizabeth Line.

There’s one thing this video misses. Before the Elizabeth Line (and TfL Rail), there used to be two services. Heathrow Express (unchanged), and the Heathrow Connect. The Heathrow Connect was a service run by FGW (and Heathrow too I think), which did the same stopping routes (Hayes/Southall/Hanwell/WestEaling/Ealing). TfL bought this line and branded it into the Elizabeth Line. So since the Heathrow tunnel existed, we’ve always had a fast & expensive and slow & cheaper option along the GWR tracks.

Since the introduction of the Lizzy line, I've seen the Heathrow Express as almost something of a tourist trap - for the people arriving from elsewhere to London Heathrow, the Heathrow Express is the most advertised option (understandably), so they'll probably end up booking a £25 per person ticket at the station itself, vs getting a similar experience for half the price, and probably getting you closer to where you want to go or interchange (particularly if you get a single day travelcard). I've recommended the Elizabeth Line to people who are coming into London from overseas to save some money and potentially travel time as it's not as immediately obvious that can also take you to Paddington in a fairly short length of time. I didn't know about the cost savings booking for the Heathrow Express that far in advance though, that's useful info!

I’d love to see a gatwick express / Thameslink comparison please! Seems like the logical next episode following this one.

When I arrived at Heathrow T3 in January, intending to take the Heathrow Express into Paddington. I was surprised not to find the expected HEx ticket sellers at the bottom of the escalator down to baggage reclaim. On arriving landside, I noticed a Heathrow Express desk, and asked the member of staff there for a ticket. They directed me to the Elizabeth Line, not even giving me the option! Fair play...

Would like to see a Gatwick video with Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink!

When we were in London last August the Elizabeth line was having issues and the train we were on was having to wait longer and longer at each station. We were getting anxious as our time cushion was rapidly evaporating. Finally at Paddington they said "This train ends here, everybody off" .....ugh. We sprinted upstairs and paid top dollar for a Heathrow Express ticket. We made our flight with time to spare. Heathrow Express 1 : Elizabeth Line 0

A major problem with modern rail is that trains are designed for commuters, not travellers, and have little luggage space. The peak of comfortable long distance rail was the HST, with luggage space between the seats, overhead luggage racks cabpable of taking my student rucksack, and a guards van for those days I couldn't face a 150 mile trip on my Norton 650SS, so let the guard look after it. My memories of trying to get to Heathrow in the early '80s are that it was hell with luggage.

@7.01 Blink and you would miss them, 46100 Royal Scot and D3905 (08737) Class 08. Good capture Jago!

"...hopefully they don't die mysteriously..." Oof! 😂

I work as an international courier. A few years ago, I flew to Heathrow to deliver something to an address near St. James's Park tube station. Upon arrival in Heathrow, my customer told me I can take the taxi for the final part of the delivery. I looked up the travel time on Google Maps. Taking the Piccadilly & District line took only slightly longer than the projected travel time by car. And it was still well within the promised delivery time. Being a huge fan of the London Underground, I asked and received permission to take this option. Not to mention it was a lot cheaper with contactless payment. It never even occurred to me to take the Heathrow Express or TfL Rail (as the Elizabeth Line was called at the time).

Jago, it cheers me so greatly that you always use the correct phrase ‘raises the question’

A prominent selling point when HEX opened was the check in facility at Paddington. Did everything that check in at LHR did. Luggage was conveyed under the platforms and carried in the front of the train - really useful if you came into ‘town’ for a day before flying somewhere. Long since demised unfortunately.

I'm all for future comparison videos. Thanks Jago.

I was involved in wiring up the BR lines for the Heathrow Express..... from working the Millers foundation trains through to sitting on class 09's (006 & 007 in Mainline Freight blue) putting up the overheads..... terribly cold things to sit on in winter, they made class 37s seem warm!

It's about market segment - HEx was originally pitched at people who would not naturally think to use public transport, such as business types on expense accounts - it helped wean them off using a taxi down the M4, thus reducing their carbon footprint and keeping them out of everyone else's way - all-round win! \m/

Great vid jaggoi have 3 vid suggestions 1. Comparing London's 2 crosrails - Thameslink vs eliz line 2. Help a local learn more about the St Albans signal box (at SAC not SAA) 3. Talk about the abandoned Hatfield to St Albans railway that's now been turned into the Alban way

9:01 sorry to be a pedant but they are technically on different tracks, the Elizabeth line uses the relief lines against the Heathrow Express on the fast lines.

One other benefit of the Heathrow Express, is that for visitors to London who would have got a black cab from Heathrow, they can save a fortune and vast amount of time by getting the Express to Paddington and then getting a black cab.

I have enjoyed watching many of your productions - thanks! This is the first that I could genuinely relate to. I worked for a co based in California that bought a London competitor. We moved them from Kings Cross to Canary Wharf. I travelled to London 2 or 3 times annually. Being a tech nerd with limited real-world skills, I knew Heathrow Express to Paddington, Bakerloo to Baker St, Jubilee to Canary Wharf. I retired b4 Elizebeth line completed but I did get to spend some time in the station with the arboretum above. I genuinely miss visits to London and hope I can come as a (not annoying) tourist soon.

I believe the eliminated the 5.50 GBP fares. When I booked my HEX ticket for July 7th way back on January 14th, the cheapest tickets for standard class were 15 GBP each. I confirmed that just now making a dummy booking for December 13th (also 15 GBP for the early bird saver fare).

I've been visiting the UK since 1992 and first rode the Heathrow Express when it opened in 1998. Back then you could check in for your flight and leave your luggage at Paddington, a great feature that is gone forever. As a traveler from the USA I always know my plans well in advance and have never paid more than £5.50. Even when I was only carrying a gym bag, the Picadilly Line is not made for transporting you and your bags. Incidentally, if you don't have a lot of luggage get off at Earls Court (Zones 1 & 2) and then back on to continue to Central London. It's only £4.80 that way (£2.10 + £2.70). If you have luggage and book in advance the Heathrow Express is a great deal although it's not worth £25. And who would pay extra for business class on a 15-minute trip?

In February I returned to London throw Heathrow and got a Terminal-Link ticket for Heathrow express, I took the advantage and went all the way to Paddington with it and back to Heathrow for the tube just for the fun of it

Took the HEx to Heathrow back in 1999 for a flight to Chicago and checked in for my fight at Paddington which included my luggage drop-off - very convenient. On arrival at Chicago in baggage reclaim I heard my name called out on the tanoy, which is never a good sign. Went to the baggage desk to be told, "sorry Sir, your luggage has not arrived". I asked how that was so as I had checked it in at Paddington 3 hours before the flight. "You haven't heard about the train smash Sir?". I hadn't. Ladbrook Grove 5th October 1999. My HEx was one train ahead of the crash; my luggage was on the one train behind it. Quite sobering.

Simple choice for old codgers like me - Freedom Pass not valid on Heathrow Express but can party all day on the Lizzie Line without charge. 😀 Mind you, the Superloop 9 bus is probably handiest for me anyway - as long as I travel light.

As someone who frequently flew into Heathrow for business in the before times, I would have loved the Liz line because I could easily get to where I was going (the city, usually). I used to use the express regularly, but connections at Paddington are annoying especially when you're completely knackered after a red eye from North America. I actually switched to staying in Kensington and taking the pickled Willy to earls court. It was slower, but it had no connection, I could flop down for 45 minutes and catch my breath, and hopefully rock up to my hotel in Kensington at 10 am and be able to check in (something you can very rarely do at the big hotels in the city). Travel to the customer was meh, but IMO it was mostly a wash- it was rare I would get a hotel next to the customer anyway so I was always going to have to tube it. So why not stay somewhere a smidge nicer and have an extra 10 minutes on the tube?

Several years ago, my family of 6 had to get from Central London to Heathrow, on our way back to the States. The Heathrow Express was more than 100 pounds and cost-prohibitive. We took the Piccadilly Line, which was much less expensive, but took over an hour to get to Heathrow.

Main purpose of the Heathrow Express, as I remember, was that at inception you could check in, and possibly even clear security, at Paddington, before boarding the train, which then, obviously went direct. As this was scrapped after a year or two, does seem a bit pointless, now, other than shaving that quarter of an hour off journey time

In other cities it would seem like an insane luxury to have three frequent rail options to choose from when going to the airport.

I flew into Heathrow from NZ October 2022, arriving at rush-hour on a Friday and getting off a Paddington, so I can confirm that A) the Elizabeth line trains have hard seats, B) there was plenty of space for my large suitcase and small carry-on and C) it's a much quicker and nicer journey compared to the Piccadilly line. Also, after 28 hours in there air across two flight, don't arrive anywhere at rush-hour 😂

The one time I caught the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow was during a busy period and the train was packed by Tottenham Court Road - literally half passengers and half luggage which took up half the seats on the train. I think the spaciousness and lack of anxiety of getting luggage into an already very crowded train (unless outside peak times) is worth the extra cost, hands down.

The only time I've used the Express is when it came bundled with my flight. It was nice, but normally I'm a lazy planner and just take the tube. Next time I will have Lizzy line option, I might take it for variety.

The Elizabeth Line is a 'stopping' service, whereas the Heathrow Express is 'non-stop'. In other words it does not stop at any stations between London Paddington and Heathrow. The clue's in the name - 'Express'! So there is still a point to having the Heathrow Express. And while many (including me) find it too expensive.... there will always be plenty of people who will gladly pay the fare ....for the privilege of having a 'non-stop' service. Oh, and the seating is more spacious on the HE.....plus it's not orientated alongside the windows (like the Underground and Overground). It's more like those found in medium/regional distance trains.

I had a five-hour stopover at LHR and wanted to see friends in London for a few quick pints near Paddington, so I chose the Heathrow Express option as I got 30 extra minutes (for a roundtrip) of friends time which made it worth it. (I was not organized enough to book ahead.)

You can use Oyster or contactless for the Heathrow Express. That's how I've done it the few times I've used the HE.

Another great video. The silent Goldfinger was a nice touch.

At 11:20 I totally expected the ding-ding of not just bikes. :-)

You know when the Heathrow Express is going, but the Elizabeth Line is a complete lottery. At Paddington one evening last year, at about 19:40, I encountered four consecutive trains that terminated there, then a Reading, then another terminator and finally the seventh train was a Heathrow. I was only going to West Ealing but imagine what that looks like to someone heading for a flight!

It depends on where at Heathrow you want to go/depart from. I don't know if this changed, but in late July 2022 me and my friend landed at Heathrow T4. On their site, HX advertise (or used to, at least at that time) that you would take a shuttle train to Heathrow T2-3 which would be timed to connect to a HX train from T5. This wasn't the case, we waited close to 10 minutes at T4 and when we got to T2-3 we also had to wait for the next HX train as the previous one had just departed. The "shuttle" train was actually an Elizabeth line train. It arrived at Paddington only 9 minutes after the HX train we got on and it would have been twice as cheap and wouldn't have required a change and some wait time at T2-3. And this was before through running was a thing, so as we had to get to Farringdon, I wouldn't make the same choice today, Lizzy all the way.

A great comparison, thank you Jago. I just used the Heathrow Express and it's an easy trip. I did book an advance ticket, which with my senior discount made it a quite reasonable fare

As a driver of the HEX route... I can tell you that at 8:57 the footage shot is from the Elizabeth line (most likely!) due to it's coming in from the relief lines rather than the normal fast lines... A super geeky little tidbit for you there! Love the work!

Another option for foreign visitors is a BritRail pass. Our in-laws from Bermuda wanted to visit several friends in the South West (Exeter, Crewkerne, Bradford-on-Avon, Bicester and Southhampton. They were able to buy a 7 day BritRail_South_Western pass foreign visitors rail card for a good price, and this included the Heathrow Express. The only problem with the pass is that it is only valid for GWR and South Western trains within the geographical area. Cross Country are excluded. Bradford on Avon to Bicester took some careful planning.

I often travel from Diss to Liverpool St on The Great Eastern Mainline and then onto Paris for both business and pleaure. Until the Elizabeth Line opened, I routinely used Eurostar for the London - Paris leg of the journey. But now, due to the through service from Liverpool Street to LHR, I take the plane from time to time. Yes please to more such videos.

The reason the Heathrow Express still runs and hasn't been totally replaced by the Elizabeth Line is because it serves a part of west London where there are a lot of hotels. It's fairly convenient for the West End and you can hop on the Circle Line once you get to Paddington. The Elizabeth Line serves the City and east London, as well as intermediate stations on the Great Western.

As a frequent tourist to London I have a huge soft spot for the PIC, but after a 9 hour flight from the west coast US the crowded sardine nature of the ride is trying. The Elizabeth is an absolute gamechanger. Far more comfort with excellent connections to tube/overground network which makes hotel selections so much easier. The future new PIC trains will certainly favor the ride comfort. The Heathrow Express was never a choice simply because it dumped you into Paddington which is a more intolerable exchange compared to the more simple transfer stations that dont involve National Rail stations

Wasn't the Elizabeth Line Heathrow service just a replacement for Heathrow Connect that had been there previously?

Thanks Jago. Forgive me but I should point out that the 91 and latterly 116 LT buses used to go to Heathrow, as well as the BEA airline buses, well before the Piccadilly Line reached London Airport.

First time I travelled to London (2021, so before the Lizzy Line) I took the Heathrow Express even though I knew Picadilly would have been much less expensive. My experience with public transport was extremely limited as I am from smalltown US, so looking at tube maps and trying to figure out which train to get on and if it'd take me to my stop was way too stressful in a place entirely new to me. After the first time, I switched to the Picadilly and now I use the Lizzy Line every time, since it can take me straight to Stratford. In essence, I think a hugely underrated feature of Heathrow Express is its simplicity for people who aren't local. Its price is baffling for "day of" travel and for a while it made me mad, but it's usefulness extends past toilets, storage space, and even speed.

The Jacobite steam train or the scheduled service from Fort William to Mallaig. Go on, treat yourself. You know you want to!

Lovley bit of Hanwell Footage

I love the Elisabeth line. Easy convenient and goes straight through the city. The connectivity, price and frequency makes it great. Especially when you want to be flexible.

Travelled to London this past September. Used the Purple Train from Heathrow to Tottenham Court Road, where our hotel was located. This was very convenient. My only complaint was the very long walk to the station at the airport, and the cramped platform at the airport. There were quite a few of us waiting for the train, and we were jammed in behind the yellow lines by the station staff. I don't think they took into consideration luggage when planning the station. :) But overall it was quick, clean, and convenient. Bravo!

We used the Elizabeth Line to go from the Airport to Paddington Station on our last visit to London. We had Oyster cards so it was easy. The seats were fine - the isles are very wide so we sat on the isle seats with our bags in front of us and there was still plenty of room. It was during the morning rush hour, but the train was not overcrowded. On our return journey, we used the Heathrow Express. We booked early via Trainline and as we had done a number of other rail journeys, we had a "2 together" Railcard which gave us a 30% discount. This meant that the fares were very comparable. If we had been able to get our Railcard at Heathrow, we may have used the Express both ways to save time, but we were happy with the Elizabeth Line as it was a new experience.

Speaking of airport extensions I live near the city of Cleveland, Ohio. They extended their heavy rail line (equivalent to the Tube and called "The Rapid") to Cleveland Hopkins in 1968, beating London's Heathrow extension by 7 years.

You can use your National Railcard on the Heathrow Express, too.

Slightly off topic, but this video reminded me: I don't know what the arrangement at Terminal 5 is now, but prior to the Purple Train the Tube station and Heathrow Express stations had no connection between them on the same level; you had to go up to the main concourse and down again. I was once asked by a couple of tourists on the Tube platform how to get to the Heathrow Express, and before I could think about it I found myself saying: "You can't get there from here."

Having tried the Express, Elizabeth and Piccadilly in different size groups and with varying amount of luggage then they all have a purpose. Nothing beats the Express if you have a large group or a lot of luggage.

It doesn't matter what you make (aside from HS2), I'll be there to watch it. Your "something different is almost always interesting. I love your channel. Big hugs.

First time commenting. Great video as always Jago! I note Heathow Connect (mentioed by others). It accepted normal train tickets until Hayes and Harlington, then you were charged to go.into the tunnel. The tfl operation I belive was not vary straightforward. You asked for a comparison video - I suggest Brighton to London by Gatwick and Thameslink. Big differences there, d the price structure is interesting... please do take a look. :-)

Another point in the Elizabeth line’s favor: it’s new and cool and has platform screen doors!

I've done the Heathrow Express and Piccadilly line before. The Elizabeth is more convenient than both. I took it from Farringdon to Terminal 5 this past Monday the 19th on my way home to Toronto. A nice way to go.

I remember 20 years ago when the Heathrow Express offered airline check-in at Paddington. This was nice especially if you just missed a train and wanted to utilise that time to check in.

The differences between the Elizabeth line and the Heathrow express are cost and travelling time, simple. However, for those of us who live south of the river, the Piccadilly line is better than both. The last time I flew into Heathrow, I took the Piccadilly line to South Ken and then changed over to the Circle/District lines for Cannon Street.

I was once on the Lizzie line one Friday morning to T5 when the train stopped in the middle between West Ealing and Hanwell. We managed to stop at Hanwell after going super low speed we got told there was a derailed train up ahead by the conductor and they had no idea how long the delayed was. The issue is, is semi middle of nowhere, so you can't simply change trains. I was a bit early so u waited a bit but a lot of poor people was frantic and left to find other ways to get to their designations (I assumed is mostly Heathrow due to the luggages)

Las October, I rode the Elizabeth line in to Canary wharf from Heathrow and we passed the Heathrow express which I thought was quite funny. However, a week later on the return trip, it was pouring rain and the Elizabeth line was flooded and I had to change to the Victoria line coming back from Canary wharf. So in theory, I love the concept of the Elisabeth line, but in practice least at that time it still had a few kinks that needed to be worked out

Perhaps this is a detail you didn't want to get into in the video, but you can pay oyster/contactless for the Heathrow Express. It's the same £25 as a same-day paper ticket.

I was going to say that both Lizzy and HEX benefit from going out of the only London station to have a Millie's Cookies, but I double-checked and there's now one at Victoria, so the nearby coach station is back in the game. 24-hour running and generally cheaper tickets help too, mind.

i guess you should complete the set and discuss Gatwick Express vs Southern/Thameslink, I've heard GX is especially useless (but it might be better if you're going to Brighton maybe??)

That was useful information about the advance puchase prices.

I wonder how the Elizabeth line has affected the usage of the Heathrow Express.

I really like "fewest changes" as an option in transit, and "fewest turns" in driving too. If CrossRail can save you a transfer, then it wins hands-down.

3:57 I loved that little dig at Boeing, well played.

I can't believe a grateful HM Government does not provide Jago with a gold Oyster Card.

A most helpful comparison. Even though I’m not planning to go to Heathrow in the near future!

I don't see any £5 90 day fare, so not sure where you saw that. All I can see is the early bird £15 fare, which at £3 more than the EL is still competitive if going to/from Paddington. I'd say that the HEX (at the £15 price, not the £25 on the day price) is worth it if you need to make the trip at rush hour. The EL will be busy, and so with baggage it'll be quite unpleasant at those times, so paying £3 more for a much emptier train with more baggage space is well worth it. The HEX has become less useful for many given that most people aren't goint to/from paddington, so you'll have to take another train, so the Lizzie will be quickest to get from A to B for a lot of people.

There's no longer 5.50 tickets on heathrow express. Now the cheapest is 15 quid (9.90 with a railcard)

I think you're wrong about the 5.50 tickets. From my quick googling, I believe those tickets have been discontinued, but even when they were a thing they only applied to select low demand days (such as tues-thurs).

Looks to me like those planning to go on holiday can book the Heathrow express more cheaply and get there quicker. However, if you are just meeting someone at Heathrow then the Elizabeth line with it's turn up and go more frequently option may suit perhaps. 🤷‍♂️

I fell asleep while watching this and dreamt I logged all the different date options and travel advantages/disadvantages in spreadsheet form. I consider this a very happy dream.

Great video as always. Would love to see you compare some of the southern options. For example London to Brighton/Gatwick between Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick express

Definitely going to look into the HE for our next trip to London. Cheers!

For prestige reasons a hub airport would welcome a dedicated rail link. Hence Paris CDG, which is well served by RER, is currently building a dedicated rail link connection to CDG from Paris Est.

That was incredibly useful. Thank you!

…your timing is impeccable, my nephew is trying to figure out the best option for getting in from Heathrow so that tip regarding the cheaper fares in advance saves him a few dollars and time

Thanks Jago, good to know !

I've never been on the Heathrow Express. Really interesting and thorough article.

Nice to see old Jago featured Trellick Tower at 9:40 in the clip. On the Heathrow side, how close is the Elizabeth Line/Heathrow Express to the Piccadilly platforms? Planning on picking up, I.E. photograph, the Piccadilly Heathrow labyrinths for the tube collecting endeavour on my next visit to London. My guess for today's chatchphrase: "You are the luggage racks for my airport travel." EDIT: Wow, so close this time.

My bladder wouldn’t enjoy the Elizabeth Line. So it’s Heathrow Express for me just for the peace of mind and if I was flying from Heathrow then the sort of flight I’d be taking would be a holiday fight and therefore booked well in advance, so the Heathrow Express would actually be cheaper As for my bladder, well I’ve already been caught short heading for Heathrow on the Piccadilly Line. Basically on 7 July 2007 I flew to Heathrow from Teesside Airport (long story) to see the Prologue Stage of the Tour De France. After the stage finished I made my way back to Hyde Park Tube Station to catch the Underground to Heathrow and even went to the loo in a pub along the way. I gets to Northfields and needed it again. Very very unpleasant journey that was.

The Heathrow Express 90 day advance ticket is now £15 and not £5.50.

1:30 the other purpose of the Piccadilly line was to allow airport workers a commuting route and avoid additional car traffic/parking requirement

I arrived in Heathrow for the first time last October. I wanted to take the new Elizabeth line to Paddington, but as a dumb tourist coming off a nine-hour red eye flight I ended up lost in an airport elevator lobby somewhere. When I asked two airport workers for directions to the Elizabeth line they insisted that I just take Piccadilly. I gave up and took the Piccadilly and transferred somewhere for Paddington. The trip was fine and still faster than most other major city airport trips, but regret that I did not get to ride the new line.

Thank you sir. Honestly just what I needed today

As someone that just made this journey a day ago on the Elizabeth line with baggage, Paddington had step-free access, 30 minutes is amazingly fast, and the 345 trains were nice and wide when travelling with luggage. The biggest faff was getting from platform level to terminal at the airport. The wait for the lifts took forever with huge crowds waiting, and the walk from station to terminal was really long (and had yet another lift to wait for/crowd onto at the end). None of this is avoided with the Heathrow Express.

The minimum is £15 for Heathrow express now. Even in advance. They don't offer the £5 one anymore