Passengers travelling to London Heathrow Airport this weekend face a significant change to their usual plans, as a full closure of the Piccadilly line comes into effect. The vital Tube link will be suspended from midnight on Friday, January 16, until Sunday evening, January 18, 2026.
Alternative Rail Routes to Heathrow
While the Piccadilly line is the most budget-friendly option, its absence opens the door to faster services. The Heathrow Express from London Paddington remains the quickest rail link, reaching Terminals 2 and 3 in just 15 minutes. It departs every quarter of an hour, with a journey to Terminal 5 taking just over 20 minutes. Tickets start from £10, and children under 15 travel free.
Alternatively, the Elizabeth line offers a slightly longer but still efficient journey from central London. From Paddington, the trip takes approximately 28 minutes, with services also available from Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, and Farringdon. On Saturday, six trains per hour serve Terminals 2 and 3. Be aware of a reduced Sunday service, with only four trains per hour to those terminals.
Road and Coach Travel Options
For those preferring road transport, several coach services operate from central London. National Express runs from Victoria Coach Station to Heathrow for £9.30 one-way, with a typical journey time of 35 minutes. FirstBus coaches depart from Charing Cross and Leicester Square stations, taking roughly an hour to reach the airport.
A wide array of local bus routes also serve the airport, including the 105, 111, 285, 350, and several night buses (N9, N30). While taxis offer door-to-door convenience, they are the most expensive choice, with fares ranging from £45 to £120 plus a £6 terminal drop-off charge.
Driving and Parking at Heathrow
If you choose to drive, you must factor in parking costs. The most economical option is the Park and Ride service, costing £46.80 for the first day and from £37.90 for each subsequent day. Closer Terminal Parking is available from £98 per 24-hour period. Remember, the £8 terminal drop-off charge applies to private vehicles, though the Park and Ride offers a free 29-minute window for drop-offs.
The key advice for all travellers this weekend is to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey to Heathrow. While the Piccadilly line is out of action, multiple reliable alternatives ensure you can still reach your flight on time.
