Ah, here’s where it gets fun. The Heathrow Connect (which sounds like a dating app for planes) and the Elizabeth Line (the shiny new purple train) do accept Oyster cards. So you could technically take a slower, cheaper route using Oyster, stop at a dozen stations, and arrive in London feeling like you’ve completed a pub crawl without the beer. The Express is the only child throwing a tantrum.
Contactless And Oyster Goes Live On Heathrow Express
Fun fact: the Elizabeth Line is actually faster than the Express for part of the journey because it doesn’t stop at every station, but it still takes a few extra minutes. However, if you’re in a rush, the Express is the caffeinated cheetah. But if you’re cheap (like me), Oyster on the Lizzy line is a beautiful compromise.
How to avoid looking like a tourist (even if you are one)
If you swipe your Oyster card at the Express gate and it beeps angrily, don’t panic. You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last. Just smile, step aside, and buy a paper ticket from the machine—or better yet, tap your contactless card. The machine will charge you the full £25, and you’ll feel a momentary sting, but at least you won’t miss your train.
Surprising fact: You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay on the Express, because apparently phones are now fancier than Oyster cards. If your Oyster card is a national treasure, your phone is the international space station. The Express accepts space station payments. Got it?
Review: London Heathrow Express airport train to Paddington - Executive
