Waking up before sunrise to catch an early morning flight at Heathrow is often a struggle — but thanks to Heathrow Express, things are about to get a little easier.
More than 400 flights depart from the UK airport before 7am each month, and demand for pre-dawn transport is soaring.
Passengers may opt for early morning flights as they are often cheaper than more conveniently-timed options. They may also be desirable for travellers taking a long weekend holiday who want to maximise their time in a new location.
However, getting to the airport at the crack of dawn can be a struggle, with limited public transport options. That’s why Heathrow Express has introduced its earliest-ever service: a 4:34am train from London Paddington, dropping flyers at the airport in just 15 minutes.
The early morning scramble
“We know early flights can turn mornings into a scramble,” said Aoife Considine, Business Lead at Heathrow Express, “that often means the important things – like breakfast – get pushed aside.
“By looking closely at how and when our passengers travel, we identified a clear need for earlier services to help reach 6am departures.
“Our new 4:34am train is designed to make those early flights easier to catch. With just a 15-minute journey from Central London to Heathrow, it’s a smarter, more efficient way to travel – so you can arrive calm, prepared, and with time to start your day right.”
Heathrow Airport said last month was its busiest April on record serving nearly 7.1 million passengers. The airport experienced chaos in March, with over 1,000 flights cancelled due to an electrical substation that it relies on catching fire.
Non-stop trains
The Heathrow Express service launched in 1998, offering daily non-stop trains between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport. Passengers can choose between two seating classes: standard and business first class.
Business first class passengers can enjoy extra leg room and more bag space, alongside a free Fast Track Airport Security at Heathrow airport.
The new Heathrow Express train will run from Monday to Saturday. Advance fares start at £10. Kids under 15 can travel for free if they’re accompanied by an adult.
The service offers all the same perks as the later trains, such as free Wi-Fi, spacious luggage racks and onboard toilets.
Tickets can be purchased online or via the Heathrow Express app, but not through machines or sales colleagues.
