
Blog >
Why Choose Airport Executive for Travel from Central London to Heathrow?
Travelling from Central London to Heathrow can be stressful - especially when managing tight schedules, group travel, or navigating public transport with luggage. While there are several ways to get to the airport, Airport Executive offers a seamless alternative that combines comfort, reliability, and excellent value for groups and professionals alike.
In this article, we compare six key transport options from Piccadilly Circus to Heathrow Airport: Airport Executive, the London Underground, black cabs, buses, Heathrow Express, and ride-hailing apps like Uber. We assess each based on time, cost, luggage handling, availability, reliability, experience, and comfort—specifically for groups of 4, 5, and 6 passengers travelling with luggage.
1. Airport Executive Chauffeur Service
- Travel Time: Approx. 45–60 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Cost: £87 total (up to 3 passengers) or £108 total (up to 6 passengers)
- Availability: 24/7, pre-booked
- Reliability: High – professional drivers, real-time traffic monitoring, and dedicated service
- Luggage: Our chauffeurs personally assist with your luggage, making your departure or arrival stress-free
- Experience: Travel in comfort with door-to-door pickup from your home, office, or hotel. No need to carry
heavy bags through stations or across busy streets - Added Benefits:
Complimentary 1-hour meet and greet at Heathrow arrivals
15-minute grace period at all other pickup points
We track your inbound flight and adjust pickup time in case of delays
Child seats available on request, offering peace of mind for families - Comfort: Outstanding – Executive vehicles with leather seating, air conditioning, spacious interiors, and a quiet environment tailored to your schedule
- Value: Fixed pricing means no surprise costs, even during busy periods
2. London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
- Travel Time: 55–70 minutes
- Cost: Per person: £5.60, Group of 4: £22.40, Group of 5: £28, Group of 6: £33.60
- Availability: Frequent during the day; Night Tube only on weekends
- Reliability: Generally good, but delays and closures are not uncommon
- Luggage: No assistance – passengers must carry bags up and down stairs/escalators and manage them in crowded conditions
- Experience: Travellers must first get to the nearest Underground station. Trains can be dirty, crowded, and uncomfortable, especially at peak times. There's also a risk of antisocial behaviour or crime, particularly late at night
- Comfort: Low – Basic seating, no air conditioning on older trains, limited space for luggage, and standing likely
3. London Black Cabs
- Travel Time: 45–75 minutes
- Cost: £85–£120 (metered fare, depending on time and traffic)
- Availability: 24/7 – can hail on street or from ranks
- Reliability: Variable – dependent on traffic and cab availability
- Luggage: Varies by cab type, but no guaranteed assistance with bags
- Experience: Convenient if hailed nearby, but expensive during traffic or for longer distances. No flight tracking or complimentary waiting time
- Comfort: Moderate – Practical for short trips, but space can be tight with 5–6 passengers. No luxury features or child seats unless arranged in advance
4. London Buses and Airport Coaches
- Travel Time: 90–120+ minutes
- Cost: Local bus: £1.75 per person
Coach services: £10–£15 per person, Group of 4: £7–£60, Group of 5: £8.75–£75, Group of 6: £10.50–£90 - Availability: Limited overnight; often requires transfers
- Reliability: Low – subject to delays, changes, and crowding
- Luggage: Minimal space, and you carry everything yourself
- Experience: Often the least practical choice for airport travel with luggage or in groups. Long durations, multiple transfers, and minimal assistance
- Comfort: Low – Basic seating, crowded conditions, no luggage support or space
5. Heathrow Express (via Paddington Station)
- Travel Time: 15 minutes (train only) plus 15–30 minutes to get to Paddington from Piccadilly. Total: 30–45 minutes, not including waiting or transfers
- Cost: Heathrow Express: £25–£37 per person
Tube to Paddington: £2.80 per person
Taxi to Paddington: £10–£20, Group of 4: £112–£160, Group of 5: £140–£200, Group of 6: £168–£240 - Availability: Frequent trains during day and evening; no overnight service
- Reliability: High once onboard
- Luggage: Dedicated racks, but space fills quickly
- Experience: Quick ride, but requires travel to Paddington with all luggage. No pickup service, flight tracking, or flexibility
- Comfort: High – Clean, air-conditioned carriages with quiet zones. Less convenient for families or groups with bags due to transfers
6. Uber & Ride-Hailing Apps
- Travel Time: 45–75 minutes
- Cost: Typically £60–£130 but varies based on demand, traffic, and surge pricing.
- Availability: 24/7, though wait times vary
- Reliability: Moderate – driver availability and cancellations can be unpredictable
- Luggage: Varies by car type – no guaranteed space for groups with large bags
- Experience: Convenient booking via app, but lacks guaranteed service quality, meet-and-greet, or flight tracking. Child seats are not available, which may be a concern for families
- Comfort: Moderate to High – Varies by vehicle. Ride comfort and cleanliness are inconsistent
- Value: Unpredictable – Fares fluctuate, especially during peak demand. No fixed rates like Airport Executive
Important Notes to Consider:
- Airport Executive pricing is fixed and includes luggage assistance, meet and greet, and child seats on request.
- London Underground: The price shown is for the journey to Paddington. Additional costs apply for the rest of the journey to Heathrow via Heathrow Express or other means.
- Black Cab prices vary significantly based on traffic and time of day.
- Bus/Coach ranges from local buses to dedicated airport coaches.
- Heathrow Express price includes the Underground fare from Piccadilly to Paddington.
- Uber/Ride-Hailing prices fluctuate depending on demand and vehicle type, and do not include extras like child seats or flight tracking.
Why Airport Executive Comes Out on Top
When considering group size, convenience, reliability, luggage handling, family-friendliness, and overall value, Airport Executive offers a superior travel experience.
- Fixed pricing: £87 for up to 3 passengers, £108 for up to 6
- Personalised pickup: From your home, office, or hotel
- Luggage assistance: Our chauffeurs handle it for you
- Flight tracking: So we’re there when your delayed flight lands
- Complimentary meet and greet: 1-hour wait at Heathrow arrivals, 15 minutes at other pick-ups
- Child seats available: Safety and comfort for the whole family
- Executive comfort: Spacious, clean, and quiet vehicles – no stress, no rush
Ready for a better airport transfer experience? Book with Airport Executive and travel in style, comfort, and complete peace of mind.
👉 Book Now
* Please note that prices are correct at time article was published
Book Your Vehicle Now
Don’t leave your travel plans to chance. Whether it's a business trip or a family getaway, book your vehicle now and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey. Act fast and make your reservation now!
Book Now