The Piccadilly Line is the cheapest direct Underground option from Heathrow Airport to central London. It serves Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5, and the journey to central London usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes.
Quick answer: should you use the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow?
- Best for budget travelers: Piccadilly Line
- Fastest option: Heathrow Express
- Best overall: depends on your budget, luggage and destination
- Travel time to central London: around 50 minutes
- Heathrow terminals served: 2 & 3, 4 and 5
👉 Compare all Heathrow and London airport transfer options here
Piccadilly Line map
Piccadilly Line overview
The Piccadilly Line is one of the most useful London Underground lines for tourists because it connects Heathrow Airport with central London and passes through important stations such as King’s Cross St Pancras, Russell Square, Holborn, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park and South Kensington.
For many visitors, it is the first Tube line they use after landing in London. It is slower than Heathrow Express, but much cheaper and often more practical if your final destination is not near Paddington.
- Airport served: Heathrow Airport
- Heathrow terminals served: Terminals 2 & 3, 4 and 5
- Approximate journey time to central London: 45–60 minutes
- Best for: budget-conscious visitors
- Night Tube: available on Friday and Saturday nights
Piccadilly Line vs other Heathrow options
| Option | Approx. time | Best for | Main strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piccadilly Line | 45–60 min | Budget travelers | Cheapest Tube option |
| Elizabeth line | ~30 min to central London | Balanced price/speed | Best value for many tourists |
| Heathrow Express | 15 min to Paddington | Speed | Fastest option |
| Taxi / private transfer | Traffic dependent | Heavy luggage / groups | Door-to-door comfort |
If you want the full comparison of airport options, see:
London Airport to City Center guide
If you are not sure which fare to use on the Underground, check:
London Tube Tickets: Oyster, Contactless & Travel Cards
Using the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow: what to know
The Piccadilly Line is simple to use, but there are a few practical things tourists should know before choosing it.
- It is much cheaper than Heathrow Express, but slower.
- It is usually the easiest low-cost option from Heathrow.
- If you travel with large luggage, it can feel less comfortable than Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth line.
- If you use contactless or Oyster, always touch in and touch out with the same card or device.
Service status
For disruptions, engineering works and planned closures, always check live service status before you travel. The Piccadilly Line also runs Night Tube services on Friday and Saturday nights.
Tourist attractions on the Piccadilly Line
- King’s Cross St Pancras – major rail hub and international connections
- Russell Square – near the British Museum
- Covent Garden – one of the best central areas for visitors
- Leicester Square – cinema district and central connection point
- Piccadilly Circus – iconic central London square
- Green Park – useful for Buckingham Palace area
- South Kensington – museums and cultural attractions
- Heathrow Airport – all main terminals on the line
Important transport links on the Piccadilly Line
- King’s Cross St Pancras – access to national rail and Eurostar
- Heathrow Airport – direct airport access
- Holborn – interchange in central London
- Green Park – useful for central transfers
Piccadilly Line stops
The Piccadilly Line serves 53 stations between Cockfosters, Heathrow Airport and Uxbridge.
The table below shows all stations served by the line.
| Station | Zone |
|---|---|
| Cockfosters | 5 |
| Oakwood | 5 |
| Southgate | 4 |
| Arnos Grove | 4 |
| Bounds Green | 3 |
| Wood Green | 3 |
| Turnpike Lane | 3 |
| Manor House | 2 |
| Finsbury Park | 2 |
| Arsenal | 2 |
| Holloway Road | 2 |
| Caledonian Road | 2 |
| King’s Cross St Pancras | 1 |
| Russell Square | 1 |
| Holborn | 1 |
| Covent Garden | 1 |
| Leicester Square | 1 |
| Piccadilly Circus | 1 |
| Green Park | 1 |
| Hyde Park Corner | 1 |
| Knightsbridge | 1 |
| South Kensington | 1 |
| Gloucester Road | 1 |
| Earl’s Court | 1-2 |
| Barons Court | 2 |
| Hammersmith | 2 |
| Turnham Green | 2-3 |
| Acton Town | 3 |
| South Ealing | 3 |
| Northfields | 3 |
| Boston Manor | 4 |
| Osterley | 4 |
| Hounslow East | 4 |
| Hounslow Central | 4 |
| Hounslow West | 5 |
| Hatton Cross | 6 |
| Heathrow Terminal 4 | 6 |
| Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 | 6 |
| Heathrow Terminal 5 | 6 |
| Sudbury Town | 4 |
| Sudbury Hill | 4 |
| South Harrow | 5 |
| Rayners Lane | 5 |
| Eastcote | 5 |
| Ruislip Manor | 6 |
| Ruislip | 6 |
| Ickenham | 6 |
| Hillingdon | 6 |
| Uxbridge | 6 |
Ticket price
Piccadilly Line fares vary depending on the ticket type, payment method and route. For most tourists, contactless or Oyster is the easiest and cheapest way to travel.
👉 See our London Tube Tickets guide
Piccadilly Line first and last train times
The table below shows example first and last train times for major stations including Heathrow Airport.
| Departure Station | First Train | Last Train |
|---|---|---|
| Cockfosters | 05:09 (Mon–Sat) / 07:00 (Sun) | 23:54 (Mon–Sat) / 23:00 (Sun) |
| Heathrow Terminal 5 | 05:23 (Mon–Sat) / 06:07 (Sun) | 23:42 (Mon–Sat) / 23:25 (Sun) |
| Heathrow Terminal 4 | 05:02 (Mon–Sat) / 05:46 (Sun) | 23:35 (Mon–Sat) / 22:37 (Sun) |
| Uxbridge | 06:20 (Mon–Fri) / 08:43 (Sat–Sun) | 23:04 (Mon–Sat) / 22:04 (Sun) |
You can also check the official TfL website for live timetable details.
FAQ – Piccadilly Line
Is the Piccadilly Line useful for tourists?
Yes. The Piccadilly Line is one of the most useful London Underground lines for tourists because it connects Heathrow Airport with central London and serves popular areas including South Kensington, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and King’s Cross St Pancras.
What colour is the Piccadilly Line on the London Tube map?
The Piccadilly Line is shown in dark blue on the official London Underground map.
Does the Piccadilly Line go to Heathrow Airport?
Yes. The Piccadilly Line directly serves Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5, making it one of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel between Heathrow and central London.
How long does the Piccadilly Line take from Heathrow to central London?
The journey from Heathrow to central London usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your terminal and final destination.
Is the Piccadilly Line cheaper than the Heathrow Express?
Yes. The Piccadilly Line is generally much cheaper than the Heathrow Express, although the journey takes longer. It is particularly suitable for budget-conscious travellers.
Is the Piccadilly Line or Elizabeth line better from Heathrow?
The Piccadilly Line is usually the better choice for a low-cost journey, while the Elizabeth line is generally faster and may be more comfortable with luggage. The best option also depends on where you are staying in London.
Does the Piccadilly Line go to Heathrow Terminal 5?
Yes. Heathrow Terminal 5 has its own Piccadilly Line station, providing a direct Underground connection with central London.
Does the Piccadilly Line go to Heathrow Terminal 4?
Yes. Heathrow Terminal 4 is served by the Piccadilly Line. Because Heathrow services can follow different routes, check the destination information before boarding.
Does the Piccadilly Line go to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3?
Yes. Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 are served by a single Piccadilly Line station located between the two terminals.
Does the Piccadilly Line go to King’s Cross St Pancras?
Yes. The Piccadilly Line serves King’s Cross St Pancras, providing convenient access to National Rail services and St Pancras International.
Does the Piccadilly Line go to Covent Garden?
Yes. Covent Garden has its own Piccadilly Line station, making the line particularly convenient for the market, theatres, restaurants and other West End attractions.
Does the Piccadilly Line go to Piccadilly Circus?
Yes. Piccadilly Circus is directly served by the Piccadilly Line and is one of the most convenient stations for exploring the West End, Regent Street and nearby attractions.
Which Piccadilly Line station is best for Buckingham Palace?
Green Park is the most convenient Piccadilly Line station for Buckingham Palace. The palace is within walking distance through Green Park.
Which Piccadilly Line station is best for the Natural History Museum?
South Kensington is the best Piccadilly Line station for the Natural History Museum. It is also convenient for the Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum.
Which Piccadilly Line station is best for the British Museum?
Russell Square is a convenient Piccadilly Line station for the British Museum. Holborn, which is also served by the Piccadilly Line, can be another useful option depending on your route.
Does every Piccadilly Line train go to Heathrow?
No. Not every westbound Piccadilly Line train goes to Heathrow. Some trains run towards Uxbridge, so always check the destination shown on the train and station information screens before boarding.
Can I use an Oyster card on the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow?
Yes. You can use an Oyster card to travel between Heathrow Airport and central London on the Piccadilly Line.
Can I use contactless payment on the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow?
Yes. You can normally use a contactless bank card or compatible mobile device for Piccadilly Line journeys from Heathrow. Use the same card or device when touching in and touching out.
Does the Piccadilly Line run at night?
The Piccadilly Line operates Night Tube services on Friday and Saturday nights on part of the route, making it useful for some late-night journeys. Check the latest TfL information for the stations served and current operating times.
Does the Piccadilly Line run every day?
Yes. The Piccadilly Line normally operates seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays. Engineering works or service disruptions can occasionally affect journeys, so check the latest service status before travelling.