One of the best features about travelling around the Heathrow area has finally vanished, with the Heathrow free travel zone being scrapped.
Farwell, Free Travel Zone – Image, Heathrow Airport
The move has been done in stages, but from the 12th of June, if you want to use the buses, you will need to pay to use them.]
Heathrow announced in November 2020 we announced that they would be suspending the Heathrow Free Travel Zone (FTZ) and end some other local transport subsidies, effective from 1 January 2021.
From this date, some bus services in the Heathrow Free Travel Zone were no longer free (4, 7, 8, 442, 555).
From 12 June 2021, the remaining buses will no longer be free.
This includes TFL service 105, 111, 278, 285, 350, 423, 482, 490, U3, N9 and N140
In completing the move the airport says
We are hoping these changes will be short-lived and once Heathrow’s financial health has been restored, we plan to introduce an improved programme of subsidised and sustainable travel for our colleagues, communities and passengers.
Trying to help those who commute to Heathrow
Heathrow still requires people to make it work. As such, the airport has been working with bus, coach and rail operators that serve Heathrow to minimise the impact of suspending travel subsidies.
There are some subsidies, or companies offering subsided fares – a full list is published a full list by Heathrow Airport is published here.
And if you want the Hotels on Bath Row…
Sadly, it’s time to pay for the bus. Or pay through the nose for the Hotel Hoppa.
Will I be able to use the Heathrow Express/TfL Rail between the terminals for free?
Yes. Trains continue to run between the Heathrow Central Terminal Area (Terminals 2 & 3) and Terminal 5. At least that much is free for now.
You’ll either need to grab a ticket from a machine or use a contactless payment card.
The Underground option is also possible for those who wish to try that still -but you will need use a contactless payment card.
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