Future of the Heathrow Express
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Featured in the Future Transport London Newsletter July 2026
Since the extension of the Elizabeth line to Heathrow passenger numbers on the Heathrow Express (HEX) have plummeted – there are now an average of 80 passengers on each 460-capacity train. A recently published position paper from Future Transport London1 suggests that this is an inefficient use of the heavily used lines out of Paddington and that the contract, which expires in 2028, should not be renewed.
The Elizabeth line certainly cannot compete for comfort. HEX has luggage racks, toilets and spacious and comfortable seats. As the trains have no intermediate stops passengers don’t have to cope with the hassle of people getting on or off at each stop. For these benefits a hefty premium fare is charged.
Speed is also an advertised attraction. Trains take 15 minutes for the non-stop run from Paddington to Terminal 2 and 3, whilst the Elizabeth line takes around 27 minutes; although this time saving is eaten into by passengers travelling from central London or Canary Wharf who can travel direct without having to change at Paddington.
Travel to Heathrow is predicted to increase substantially in the coming years, particularly if a third runway is built. HEX trains have a total capacity of 460 whilst 1500 can be carried by each Elizabeth line train, (although seated it’s 374 against 454). There is limited scope to increase the Elizabeth line service to Heathrow at present because of Heathrow Express trains and the track configuration. There would be much more scope if the HEX trains were withdrawn.
The urgency of new rail links with Heathrow is highlighted in the annual update of TfL’s transport strategy. An 80 per cent increase of travellers through Heathrow is anticipated. Combined with a target to increase the percentage of travellers arriving by public transport there would need to be a 150 per cent increase in public transport capacity.
Specific rail developments planned are the western link from the Great Western main line at Langley into terminal 5 and links to Staines (from Waterloo) and Virginia Water (for Woking and the south west).
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