Heathrow to Greenwich: Travel Time by Train, Tube & Car

Heathrow to Greenwich spans ~22 miles (35 km) across west-to-east London. No direct rail link exists, so every option involves a transfer. Here's the realistic breakdown.

By Rail (Fastest & Most Reliable)

Elizabeth Line + DLR (Best Combo)

• Route: Heathrow (Elizabeth) → Canary Wharf (change) → DLR to Cutty Sark / Greenwich / Island Gardens.
• Time: ~55–65 minutes (Elizabeth 45m + 3–5m transfer + DLR 8–12m).
• Frequency: Elizabeth 4–8/hr; DLR 8–12/hr.
• Cost: £12.80 peak / £10.80 off-peak (contactless, Zones 1–6).

Heathrow Express + Tube + DLR (Premium, Rarely Worth It)

• Heathrow Express → Paddington (15m) → Circle/Hammersmith & City → Canary Wharf (25m) → DLR (8m).
• Total ~55 min but £25+ for Express. Elizabeth Line does it cheaper, same speed.

By Tube Only (Slowest Rail Option)

• Route: Heathrow (Piccadilly) → Green Park (Jubilee) → Canary Wharf (Jubilee) → DLR to Greenwich.
• Time: ~1h 15m–1h 30m (Piccadilly 50m + transfer 5m + Jubilee 15m + DLR 10m).
• Cost: £5.60 off-peak / £7.10 peak.
• Reality: Crowded Piccadilly, two transfers, luggage nightmare. Avoid unless budget is absolute priority.

By Car / Taxi

• Distance: ~22 mi via M4 → A4 → Rotherhithe Tunnel / Blackwall Tunnel → A206.
• Time: 1h 15m–1h 45m (highly traffic-dependent). Blackwall Tunnel queues add 20–40 min routinely.
• Cost: Taxi £65–£95; Uber £45–£75 (surge variable). ULEZ + Congestion Charge apply.

Summary Table

Take the Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf, transfer to DLR. It's the only rational choice for most travelers.