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31.7 km • ~50 mins

How to Get from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Tower of London

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is about 31.7 km west of the Tower of London, across central London. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes roughly 50–80 minutes by car, coach or train.

✓ Verified Oct 28, 2026 • 31.7 km road distance

London Black Cab (Taxi)

Metered
50 mins •Available 24/7 at Official Ranks
€84 - €143 (Per Vehicle, Metered)
Luggage: 1-2 large bags usually fit
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs from Arrivals to the official black cab rank outside your terminal.
  2. Queue at the licensed rank; never accept rides from touts inside the terminal.
  3. Tell the driver 'Tower of London' and confirm they start the meter.
  4. Pay by card or cash at the end; ask for a receipt.
  5. The journey takes roughly 50-60 minutes to the Tower Hill entrance.

Elizabeth Line to Liverpool Street

Fast Public Transport
60 mins •Every 10 Minutes
€18.50 / Person
Luggage: Luggage space available
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to 'Trains' at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4 or Terminal 5 station.
  2. Tap a contactless card or Oyster at the Elizabeth line gates, or buy a single ticket.
  3. Board any Elizabeth line train towards London; all trains stop at Liverpool Street.
  4. Ride about 35-40 minutes to Liverpool Street station.
  5. At Liverpool Street, change to the Circle or District line one stop east to Tower Hill, or walk about 15 minutes through the City to the Tower of London.

London Underground Piccadilly Line

Cheapest
80 mins •Every Few Minutes (05:00-23:30)
€7.00 / Person
Luggage: No luggage racks
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the Underground at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3, 4 or 5.
  2. Tap a contactless card or Oyster at the gates; single fare to Zone 1 is £5.90 (about €7.00).
  3. Board an eastbound Piccadilly line train towards central London.
  4. Ride about 40 minutes to Earl's Court, then change to a District line train heading east towards the City and Tower Hill.
  5. Get off at Tower Hill and walk 5 minutes to the Tower of London.

National Express Coach to Victoria

Budget Coach
70 mins •Up to 77 Coaches Daily
€13.00 / Person (from)
Luggage: Luggage included
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Terminals 2 & 3 follow signs to the Central Bus Station; from T4/T5 use the coach stop outside the terminal.
  2. Book online or at the station; board the National Express coach towards London Victoria.
  3. Ride about 40 minutes to London Victoria Coach Station.
  4. From Victoria, take a local bus or black cab east to the Tower of London (about 20-30 minutes).
  5. Get dropped at the Tower Hill entrance.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official black cab rank or a pre-booked licensed minicab; ignore touts inside Arrivals who offer unlicensed rides.
  • Make sure the taxi meter starts at the rank and is set to the TfL tariff; black cabs accept card, so pay by card and ask for a receipt.
  • Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line accept contactless/Oyster; don't buy tickets from people near the station platforms claiming to sell discounted fares.
  • Pre-book private transfers with a fixed price agreed at booking; do not accept a driver whose details you haven't been sent by the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Heathrow to Tower of London?

The Piccadilly line is the cheapest rail option at about €7 per person from Heathrow to Zone 1. Change at Earl's Court to the District line for Tower Hill, then walk 5 minutes to the Tower of London.

How long does it take from Heathrow to Tower of London?

By car or taxi in light traffic around 50-60 minutes; by Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street and Circle/District to Tower Hill about 60 minutes; Piccadilly line with a change takes about 75-85 minutes.

Do London black cabs take credit cards?

Yes, London black cabs accept card payment; the meter combines distance and time. The typical metered fare from Heathrow to the Tower of London is roughly €84-€143 depending on traffic.

Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Tower of London?

No direct train to Tower Hill; the fastest rail route is the Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street, then the Circle or District line one stop to Tower Hill, or walk about 15 minutes.

Which transfer is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer gives door-to-door service, fixed price and space for luggage, making it the easiest with children and bags. The Elizabeth line also has luggage space if you prefer public transport.

Can I use contactless payment from Heathrow to Tower of London?

Yes, contactless bank card or Oyster works on the Piccadilly line, Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express. You can also use contactless on London buses and the Circle/District line.

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