Heathrow Express to accept Contactless Payments and Oyster Cards

It’s taken long enough, but Heathrow Express will start to accept Contactless Payments and Oyster Cards for use on its services from the 19th February 2019

Heathrow Express Train at London Heathrow Terminal 5 – Image, Economy Class and Beyond. 

So that’s the positive news – you can use a contactless card on Heathrow Express. The bad news? It’s going to set you back the standard peak or off-peak fare.  At current fare prices that’s:

• Peak: £25
• Off-Peak: £22

If you want cheaper fares, you will need to book in advance via the Heathrow Express site or via the app.  If however you love paying full price, the following contactless payment methods are accepted:

• American Express
• MasterCard and Maestro
• Visa and V PAY

Note, if you’re using these contactless methods and are using a non-UK credit card, you may be stung for a transaction fee on top.

Transport for London Oyster Cards will also be accepted too – but not subject to TfL fare caps. 

If you really  want to splurge, you can also upgrade from Express (Standard Class) to First class. Just beep your contactless payment method. Note that Heathrow Express fares are not subject to any fare capping in place.

A long time coming, but expensive.

It’s good to see Heathrow Express joining the contactless revolution that TfL Rail, Gatwick Express and Thameslink have long joined to provide easy travel to arrivals in the United Kingdom.

However, the prices remain shocking at £22 for a one-way ticket off-peak and £25 at peak.

If you are planning to use Heathrow Express, I would always recommend booking in advance to try to save a few pennies.

Your wallet will thank you.

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