For one person going to Paddington, the Heathrow Express is cheaper: £26 on the day, or from £10 booked 30 days or more ahead. For three or more adults, or anyone going somewhere other than Paddington, a taxi usually works out cheaper or more practical. Our fixed fare from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Paddington is £64 in a saloon.
The prices
| Heathrow Express (Standard) | Our taxi, Terminal 5 to Paddington | |
|---|---|---|
| Price basis | Per adult | Per car |
| On the day | £26 | £64 saloon, £71 estate, £83 MPV / 8-seater |
| Booked ahead | From £10 (30+ days) | Same fixed fare |
| Children | 15 and under free with a paying adult | Included in the car fare |
| Journey | 15 minutes, Paddington only | Door to door |
Train fares from Heathrow Express; taxi fares from our booking system, both checked October 2026.
Cost by group size, buying on the day
| Group | Heathrow Express | Taxi | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 adult | £26 | £64 saloon | Train |
| 2 adults | £52 | £64 saloon | Train, by £12 |
| 3 adults, 2 cases | £78 | £64 saloon | Taxi, by £14 |
| 4 adults, 4 cases | £104 | £71 estate | Taxi, by £33 |
| 2 adults, 2 children | £52 | £71 estate | Train, by £19 |
| 6 adults | £156 | £83 8-seater | Taxi, by £73 |
Two things change the picture. Children travel free on the Heathrow Express, which keeps the train ahead for most families. And advance fares from £10 make the train very cheap if you can commit to a date a month ahead.
Paddington is not usually the destination
The Heathrow Express runs to Paddington and nowhere else. Most people then need a Tube, a black cab or a walk with luggage to reach their hotel or home. The taxi fare above is to Paddington for a fair comparison, but the taxi will take you to the actual address. For example, Terminal 5 to Victoria is £66 and to King’s Cross £69 in a saloon.
When the taxi is the better choice
- Three or more adults. The taxi is cheaper than buying train tickets on the day.
- Heavy luggage. No carrying cases through Paddington and onto the Tube.
- Late or very early arrivals. Our fares are the same at any hour.
- An address away from Paddington. The door-to-door journey avoids a second leg.
When we collect you, your driver meets you inside arrivals and we give you 60 minutes of free waiting from landing. Fares to other London destinations are on our Heathrow taxi prices page.
Common questions
Is the Heathrow Express cheaper than a taxi?
For one or two adults, yes. For three or more adults buying on the day, a taxi to Paddington is cheaper.
How much is the Heathrow Express?
£26 for a Standard single bought on the day, or from £10 booked at least 30 days ahead. Children 15 and under travel free with a paying adult.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Paddington?
£64 in a saloon from Terminal 5, £71 in an estate and £83 in an MPV or 8-seater.