… and there are some big ones.
With Ticket Barriers being installed in preparation for the take over of the Heathrow Connect service by Elizabeth Line services on the 20th May, Heathrow Express has changed some key travel conditions.
And these are big ones.
- Tickets must be used in the direction they were booked – e.g., if you book a Heathrow Express ticket from London Heathrow to Paddington, it will only be valid in that direction. Previously, tickets could be used in either direction.
- Single Tickets – These are only valid on the date of travel specified on the ticket when purchased.
- Return Ticket Validity
- Outbound journey: Must be made within 5 days of the date of travel specified on the ticket when purchased.
Return journey: Must be made within 30 days of the date of travel specified on the ticket when purchased.
- Outbound journey: Must be made within 5 days of the date of travel specified on the ticket when purchased.
- Peak Travel Times – Heathrow Express Peak hours have modified their peak travel times
- Morning Peak 0630 ‑ 0930
- Evening Peak 1600 ‑ 1900
No mention has been made if a ticket will be required to travel between terminals yet (although with barriers to get to the train, a contactless payment method, or a “free” method may have to be issued).
Heathrow Express are making these changes – to quote:
We are making changes to some of our terms and conditions to bring us in line with other national rail services and to make sure our tickets work with the new ticket barriers at Heathrow.
Heathrow Express currently sits outside the UK rail franchising system (and will soon be managed by Great Western Railway).
These changes will mean if you’re travelling using Heathrow Express – you’re going to need to be more careful when booking Heathrow Express tickets.
Or… seriously consider Heathrow Connect. This service will accept contactless/TfL Oyster from the 20th May…
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