Transit Options from LHR to Kings Cross
If you want to reach the busy Kings Cross Railway Station, lying centrally in London, you’ll have to contrast your options. Thus, depending on your needs, wishes, and budget, you can settle on an airport taxi, a Heathrow airport transfer, or a car rental for your ride from Heathrow Airport to Kings Cross. Alternatively, train and subway rides are ideal for passengers who don’t mind the hassle (compared to the comfortable taxis and the luxurious private transfers) but want to save money on their traveling expenses or be independent of the notorious London traffic jams.
| Options | Price (£) | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 60 | 70.20 | 75.30 | 50-60 min |
| Train | 13.30 | 15.40 | 16.40 | 40 min |
| Subway | 5.60 | 6.50 | 7 | 65 min |
Heathrow to Kings Cross by Taxi
Heathrow airport taxis are a commonly selected option for rides from LHR to Kings Cross, one of the busiest rail hubs in the city. Verily, passengers arriving at London Heathrow often pick a London black cab or hire a minicab for their journey to downtown London. So, what’s the difference between the well-known black taxis and the private-hire vehicles?
No matter the choice, you’ll relish trustworthy rides from London Heathrow to Kings Cross, as all drivers are background checked and pass through regular medical checkups.
Black taxis (or hackney carriages) are especially-made vehicles with an up-to-5-passenger capacity. They can be of any color, albeit they are called black. You can distinguish a licensed black taxi by its “Taxi” light on the roof (lit when it is available and off when it is busy), the green or yellow license sticker on its windshield, and the white license plate. Black cabs can be hired from the airport taxi stands (you’ll find one after the Arrivals Exit doors of each terminal). Moreover, passengers can call for a hackney carriage. In any case, during rush hours, you may have to wait in line for your cab.
Conversely, private-hire vehicles (also known as minicabs) can be of any size, model, or color. They are all official as long as they have the Transport for London license disk on their windows and their drivers bear their private-hire ID. Although Heathrow black taxis can be hired in advance or get caught at the taxi stands, minicabs can be only pre-booked. Thus, if you opt for a minicab ride from LHR to Kings Cross, you’ll find your minicab at the Short-term Parking of your terminal. Please keep in mind that waiting time at the parking lot may be added to the final fare.
Both London black cabs and minicabs charge approximately the same. Overall, minicabs are slightly less pricey and offer set fares, whereas black cabs are metered. In fact, their fares are calculated via a complicated system, while some drivers may negotiate fixed rates with their passengers. Nevertheless, if the taximeter’s indication is lower, that’s what the passenger has to pay.
In any case, the ride from Heathrow Airport to Kings Cross lasts 50-60 minutes and costs around 60£/70.20€/75.30$, whereas under heavy traffic conditions, the journey’s duration can be up to even 90 minutes, and the black cab’s final price may be considerably higher.
Heathrow to Kings Cross by Train/Subway
You won’t find a bus running from Heathrow Airport to Kings Cross. Nevertheless, you can opt for a train or subway ride to reach your destination. Train rides aren’t direct, whereas Heathrow Underground is. In any case, the top value-for-money option for your train journey from LHR to Kings Cross is the combination of the Elizabeth Line with the London Underground.
Elizabeth Line + London Underground
Elizabeth Line calls at all Heathrow terminals. Thus, it runs from the T2/T3 London Underground Station from 05:21 am (05:54 am on Sundays) to 00:12 am, from the T4 Rail Hub from 05:30 am (06:03 on Sundays) to 11:47 pm, and from the T5 Train Station from 05:15 am (05:49 am on Sundays) to 00:07 am. Routes from T2/T3 depart every 15 minutes, whereas trains leave the T4 and T5 Train Stations every 30 minutes.
Elizabeth Line travels to downtown London but doesn’t stop at Kings Cross Station. Thus, you’ll have to alight at Farringdon Station after a 36-minute journey and take the Hammersmith & City Line or the Circle Line to Kings Cross St Pancras Tube Station.
Your total ride will last around 40 minutes and cost 13.30£/15.40€/16.40$, no matter the time of the day. You can buy a paper ticket from the airport’s vending machines and ticket offices. Nevertheless, it will be slightly costlier. Still, it is a worthy option in case you aren’t going to use London public transit means ever again. Alternatively, you can opt for an Oyster Card, a smart card that can be loaded with cash or Travelcards. Oyster Cards are priced at 7£/8.10€/8.65$ and are valid for all public rides. Oyster card holders can benefit from the “pay as you go” system. Therefore, as long as they touch in the card at the departing station (at the yellow card readers) and touch it out at the destination point, they will be charged up to a daily limit (a daily cap). After paying that amount of money (based on factors such as the traversed London’s Zones, the duration of each ride, etc.), they travel for free until 04:29 am the following day. Are you traveling with children? You should keep in mind that up to 4 kids -11-15 years old- per adult travel out of charge. Apart from the ordinary Oyster Cards, you can also opt for the Visitor Oyster Card available through the VisitBritain Shop. Visitor Oyster Cards must be bought in advance as they are sent to the purchaser’s home address. They cost 5£/5.80€/6.20$ and can’t be topped up with Travelcards. Travelcards, on the other hand, offer unlimited rides with all public modes of transit. Travelcard for Zones 1-4 can be used for rides inside Zones 1-4. Thus, to travel from LHR Airport (lying in Zone 6), you’ll have to buy a Travelcard for Zones 1-6. There are Travelcards valid for 1, 2, or 3 days. A 24-hour Travelcard for Zones 1-6 costs 15.20£/17.60€/18.80$. If you have settled on a Travelcard, you should keep in mind that you’ll have to buy it online, prior to your journey (it will be delivered to your house). Finally, the most convenient option is contactless payments. Nevertheless, to benefit from the “pay as you go” system’s perks, you’ll have to touch in and out the same device.
Our Tip: You can take the fast Heathrow Express to Paddington and then hop on London Underground to Kings Cross. Nevertheless, you’ll have to walk for around 8-10 minutes to get to the subway platform and you’ll be charged around 28£/32.70€/35.10$.
London Underground from LHR to Kings Cross
Heathrow airport subway (Picadilly Line) travels directly from Heathrow Airport to Kings Cross. London Underground operates at a 5-10-minute frequency from all the airport terminals. However, during rush hours, it gets crowded, while luggage space is limited. In any case, its running hours vary depending on the day and the time. Explicitly, its timetable is:
| Heathrow Terminal | Monday - Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T2/T3 | 05:12 am - 11:45 pm | 05:12 am - 03:07 am | 03:17 am - 03:07 am | 03:17 am - 11:20 pm |
| T4 | 05:02 am - 11:35 pm | 05:02 am - 11:37 am | 05:06 am - 11:38 am | 05:42 am - 10:37 pm |
| T5 | 05:22 am - 11:42 pm | 05:22 am - 03:04 am | 03:14 am - 03:04 am | 03:14 am - 11:25 pm |
The journey via London tube from Heathrow to Cross St. Pancras Underground Station lasts around 65 minutes and is priced at 5.60£/6.50€/7$. You can pay the Picadilly Line fare using various payment methods. Hence, Oyster Cards, Travelcards, and Visitor Oyster Cards are accepted for subway rides and so are contactless payments. Alternatively, you can opt for a paper ticket from the airport ticket offices (open from 05:00 am to midnight) or the vending machines. However, you’ll have to pay a 6.70£/7.80€/8.30$ fee.
Car Rental from Heathrow to Kings Cross
A Heathrow car rental is usually the number one choice for passengers with a taste for independent rides. With a rental car, you can plan your transit from LHR to Kings Cross in whatever way you feel like it and even make intermediate stops if time is on your side. On the other hand, airport car rentals can be pricey. However, since a wide variety of providers are present at the airport, you can easily find a value-for-money option. Indeed, early bookings usually come with low prices.
You should expect a 50-60-minute ride from London Heathrow to Kings Cross. However, when roads are congested, the traveling time can be up to one hour and a half. On the other hand, as soon as you reach Kings Cross Station, you’ll have to park your London car rental. Unfortunately, street parking in the nearby area is a hard task. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of car parks lying close by. Once again, if opting for an early reservation, you’ll find lower prices and more deals. Please note that St Pancras Station offers parking services.
Heathrow Airport Transfers from LHR to Kings Cross
Are you looking for the most comfortable and stress-free option for your ride from LHR to Kings Cross? A Heathrow airport transfer is the solution to all of your transit problems. Verily, your driver will be waiting at the Arrivals hall, on tap to take your luggage, show you the way to the vehicle of your preference, and drive you relaxed and hassle-free to the Kings Cross Station’s doors. Tailored rides and personalized services are guaranteed with a private airport transfer. On the other hand, you may worry about the cost of your journey, as Heathrow airport transfers tend to be pricier than black taxis and minicabs. Still, LHR Airport hosts many transfer companies, competing with each other in terms of quality and low cost. Thus, a thorough search-and-compare process can reveal generous offers and irresistible deals.
FAQs
How to get from airport to Kings Cross?
If you want to get from Heathrow Airport to Kings Cross, you’ll have the following options in your hands: for a comfortable ride, you should opt for a Heathrow airport taxi or a private airport transfer. On the other hand, independent rides are guaranteed with car rentals, whereas for an affordable, direct, yet time-consuming journey, you should settle on London Underground (Piccadilly Line). Alternatively, you can combine Elizebeth Line and the London tube and travel from LHR to Kings Cross in 40 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Heathrow to Kings Cross?
The cost of the taxi ride from LHR to Kings Cross varies depending on the traffic and the chosen taxi type. Verily, even though black cabs (metered) and minicabs (offering set prices) charge approximately the same, minicabs tend to be more affordable. In any case, the usual fare for the journey from London Heathrow to Kings Cross is 60£/70.20€/75.30$.
How long does it take to get from Heathrow to Kings Cross by taxi?
The duration of your taxi ride from LHR to Kings Cross depends on the traffic levels. Thus, journeys during rush hours can be up to even one hour and a half, whereas rides from Heathrow to Kings Cross at other times should last around 50-60 minutes.
How long is the tube from Heathrow to Kings Cross?
Picadilly Line travels directly from London Heathrow to Kings Cross. Thus, the tube journey to Cross St. Pancras Underground Station lasts 65 minutes and costs 5.60£/6.50€/7$.