Bus to Heathrow
Buses & Coaches at Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) offers one of the largest airport bus and coach networks in the United Kingdom, connecting passengers with Central London, nearby towns, railway stations, hotels, and destinations across the country.
Although rail services are usually faster for Central London journeys, buses and coaches remain a practical and affordable option for budget travellers, regional connections, hotel transfers, and overnight transportation.
Heathrow Central Bus Station
The Heathrow Central Bus Station is the airport’s main coach and bus hub, located between Terminals 2 and 3.
Short walk from Terminals 2 & 3
National Express Coaches
National Express is one of the most popular coach operators at Heathrow, connecting the airport with Victoria Coach Station and many UK cities.
Around 50 minutes to Victoria
Local London Buses
Several local bus routes connect Heathrow Airport with west London districts, nearby towns, and suburban railway stations.
Oyster and contactless payments accepted
Bus & Coach Services Overview
| Service | Main Destination | Travel Time | Best For | Typical Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Express Popular Option |
Victoria Coach Station | 50 min | Airport-city transfers | £6-£7.50 |
| Local London Buses | West London areas | Varies | Budget travellers | £1.75 approx. |
| Night Bus N9 | Central London | 60-90 min | Late-night arrivals | Standard TfL fare |
| Hotel Hoppa | Airport hotels | 10-25 min | Hotel transfers | £5 single |
| Long-Distance Coaches | UK cities | Varies | Regional travel | Depends on route |
Heathrow Central Bus Station
The Heathrow Central Bus Station is the airport’s main hub for local buses, airport coaches, and regional transport services.
It is located between Terminals 2 and 3 and can easily be reached on foot from both terminals through covered walkways.
Bus Station Features
- 24-hour station access
- Indoor waiting areas
- Travel information desks
- Ticket machines available
- Connections to all Heathrow terminals
- Coach departure bays
Useful Information
- Travel centre hours: 06:00-23:30
- Direct access from T2 & T3
- Nearby Underground & rail stations
- National and local services available
- Good signage throughout airport
National Express Coaches
National Express operates frequent airport coach services between Heathrow and London Victoria Coach Station, as well as many other UK destinations.
| Destination | Approximate Time | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Coach Station | 50 min | Every 15-20 min | Main London route |
| Birmingham | 2h 30m+ | Daily services | Popular UK connection |
| Bristol | 2h+ | Frequent daily coaches | Regional route |
| Southampton | 2h approx. | Scheduled service | Cruise passengers |
Local London Bus Routes
Several Transport for London (TfL) bus routes connect Heathrow Airport with nearby districts, railway stations, and west London neighbourhoods.
| Route | Main Destination | Useful For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | Greenford | West London connections | Frequent local service |
| 111 | Kingston | Southwest London | Popular suburban route |
| 285 | Feltham | Rail connections | Useful for National Rail |
| 423 | Hounslow | Nearby districts | Low-cost option |
| N9 Night Bus |
Central London | Overnight travel | Operates during night hours |
Hotel Shuttle Services
Many hotels near Heathrow Airport offer direct shuttle services between the terminals and hotel properties.
Hotel Hoppa is one of the main operators serving Heathrow airport hotels.
| Service | Useful For | Typical Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Hoppa | Airport hotels | £5 single / £9 return | Serves multiple terminals |
| Private Hotel Shuttles | Premium hotels | Varies | Some included with booking |
| Walking Access Hotels | Terminal hotels | Free | Some connected directly |
Long-Distance Coach Services
Heathrow Airport also provides long-distance coach connections to many cities across England and Wales.
| Operator | Main Routes | Useful For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Express | UK-wide network | Regional travel | Largest operator |
| Megabus | Budget UK routes | Low-cost travel | Advance booking recommended |
| The Airline | Oxford connection | University travel | Day & night services |
| RailAir | Reading & Guildford | Rail connections | Integrated transport option |
| FlixBus | UK & Europe | International routes | Growing route network |
Walking Distances to Bus Areas
| Transport Area | Walking Time | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Bus Station | 3-5 min from T2/T3 | Easy | Covered walkways |
| Terminal Bus Stops | 1-3 min | Very Easy | Located outside terminals |
| Hotel Shuttle Stops | 2-5 min | Easy | Terminal dependent |
| Coach Bays | Short walk | Easy | Inside bus station complex |
Heathrow Bus Tips
Buses and coaches at Heathrow provide affordable and flexible transport options for both London travel and regional UK connections.
Cheapest Local Option
Local London buses are usually Heathrow’s lowest-cost public transport option.
Night Arrivals
The N9 night bus is useful when Underground and rail services are reduced overnight.
Regional Connections
Long-distance coaches can avoid the need to travel into Central London first.
Use Contactless Payment
Most local buses operate cashless payment only using Oyster or contactless cards.