Sir Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) have called for the future of the Heathrow Express to be reconsidered in light of the Elizabeth line's success. The Mayor of London and TfL have urged the government to determine whether the current service represents the best use of valuable train paths into Paddington station.
Joint Report on Heathrow Expansion
The joint report regarding the expansion of Heathrow Airport stops short of explicitly calling for the route to be axed. However, it suggests that alternative options should be explored to increase ridership at a lower cost to customers using the airport. The Heathrow Express, owned by the airport's managing company, currently outsources its day-to-day operations to Great Western Railway. The existing service contract, signed in 2018, is set to expire in 2028.
Elizabeth Line Success
The Elizabeth line has become TfL's primary route from Central London to Heathrow since its opening in 2022. An additional ten trains are scheduled to enter service throughout 2026 and 2027 ahead of HS2's launch from Old Oak Common, which could further bolster services heading toward the airport. During the same period, TfL will roll out a new fleet of 94 Piccadilly line trains—the cheapest but longest route to Heathrow. This upgrade will boost capacity on the Tube service, making it a more attractive option for passengers.
Pricing and Journey Times
An off-peak Piccadilly line journey from Zone 1 to Heathrow currently costs £5.90 and takes roughly an hour. In comparison, the Elizabeth line offers a 30-40 minute journey for £15.50, while the Heathrow Express provides a 15-minute journey for £26, though tickets can be purchased in advance at lower prices.
Heathrow Airport's Response
Heathrow Airport has pushed back against City Hall and TfL's suggestion that ridership on its express route is steadily falling. Instead, the airport cites a year-on-year increase from 4.3 million passengers in 2024 to 4.5 million in 2025. Heathrow emphasizes that the Express offers a distinct service compared to the Elizabeth and Piccadilly lines, featuring dedicated luggage space and on-board toilets. The airport believes all three routes work together to encourage more passengers to travel to Heathrow via public transport.
Aoife Considine, Heathrow Express Business Lead, said: "Ridership on Heathrow Express rose to 4.5 million last year, demonstrating its enduring popularity amongst travellers. Passengers value our convenient, direct service—twice as quick as the Elizabeth Line—and this is reflected in the latest Rail Customer Experience national survey, where Heathrow Express achieved 90% passenger satisfaction and ranked among the top performers in the UK for value for money."
Government Involvement
The Department for Transport has confirmed that it is engaging with Heathrow Airport Limited regarding the future operator of Heathrow Express services. A spokesperson stated: "No decision has yet been made on the future operator of the Heathrow Express. The current franchise exemption ends in 2028 and a decision will be announced in due course." City Hall was also contacted for comment.
