How to get to London Heathrow Airport this weekend with major closures on the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express

It’s always a good idea to have a solid travel plan before you go away on holiday. But if you’re catching a flight from Heathrow this weekend, planning ahead is going to be particularly important. That’s because Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line services won’t be running to the airport, thanks to planned engineering.

Don’t stress – there are still plenty of options for getting to Heathrow. They’re just likely to be a lot more in demand than usual, meaning you’ll need to leave yourself ample time ahead of boarding.  

Whether you’re jetting off for some winter sun or embracing that start of festive season with a snowy break, the last thing you want is to miss your flight. So, here’s everything you need to know about getting to Heathrow Airport from London this weekend. 

RECOMMENDED: London travel disruption this weekend, November 14-16.

When are the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express closed?

Lizzie line services between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow, and Heathrow Express services won’t be running on Saturday, November 15 or Sunday, November 16. 

How to get to Heathrow Airport

Tube

You can still catch the Piccadilly line to all Heathrow terminals, but it’s expected to be much, much busier than usual and to take longer than scheduled.

Train

The Heathrow Express is the only train that goes direct to Heathrow. If you take the train into London King’s Cross you’ll be able to change onto the Piccadilly line. 

Coach

Alternatively,  National Express and FirstBus both run coaches from central London to Heathrow terminals. National Express services pick passengers up at London Victoria Coach station for £9.30 one-way. It takes around 35 minutes. 

FirstBus runs from Charing Cross Underground station for Terminals 2 and 5 or from Leicester Square station for Terminal 4. Those services take roughly an hour. 

Bus

There are a load of local bus routes that serve Heathrow terminals and Heathrow Central bus station, too. They are: 105, 111, 278, 285, 350, 423, 482, 490, A10, U3, H21, H30, SL7, SL9 and, between 11.40pm and 05.35am, the N9, N30, N40 and N140. 

Taxi

Taxis are the most expensive way to get to Heathrow Airport, Depending on demand and where in London you are, a trip can cost anything from £45 to £120. There’s an extra £6 charge for dropping off passengers in one of the terminal drop-off zones at Heathrow Airport to help drivers cover the cost of the Terminal Drop-Off Charge. 

Car

As with taxis, if you have a friend or family member dropping you off at a designated drop off point there’ll be a £6 charge, or they can leave you off in the Park and Ride car park, which is free for the first 29 minutes. 

If you need to leave your car at the airport while you’re away, you can book parking at the relevant terminal here (short stay) or prebook a space at the Park and Ride here (long stay). Prices at the terminals start at £94.50 for every 24 hour period and at the Park and Ride, it’s £40.80 for the first day and £32.90 each day thereafter (£46.80 and £37.40 on peak dates).