Short answer: from Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Southall or Hayes, Heathrow is one of the shortest airport runs in London, so a pre-booked minicab is a straightforward option. The Elizabeth line also serves several of these areas, so the choice usually comes down to luggage, group size and time of day.
This guide covers Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Southall and Hayes across W3, W5, W7, UB1 and UB3. Fares on our site are estimates confirmed when we accept your booking.
Elizabeth line or a car?
The Elizabeth line stops at Acton Main Line, Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell, Southall and Hayes & Harlington. Not every train serves Heathrow, so check TfL's journey planner for the service you need. Ealing Broadway also has the Central and District lines.
Rail is a good fit for one traveller with light luggage in the daytime. A minicab tends to win when:
- you have two or more large cases, a pushchair or sports gear
- you are travelling in a group and splitting the rail fare gives little saving
- you are leaving very early or arriving late, when services are thin
- you want a door-to-terminal journey with no change
Our Elizabeth line versus minicab guide sets out the comparison, and Heathrow Express versus a car covers the other rail option.
Routes and pickups
- The M4, A4 and A312 are the usual roads. Heavy traffic on the M4 and around the Chiswick and Hanger Lane approaches can add time at peak.
- Ealing Broadway and Uxbridge Road are bus-heavy with restricted stopping. Your driver may suggest a side street.
- Southall Broadway and the Broadway shopping streets are busy through the day; give a clear meeting point.
- Residential parking zones in Acton and Ealing mean your driver may stop a few doors from the address.
Pick the right terminal
Heathrow has several terminals, and the wrong drop-off point is a common delay. Check with which Heathrow terminal do I need. For drop-off and pickup details see our Heathrow guide and airport charges guide.
Other airports from west London
Heathrow is the obvious choice, but a cheaper flight from Gatwick or Luton is a longer trip. See Heathrow to Gatwick transfers and airport-to-airport transfers if you are connecting between airports.
Area pages: Ealing and Hounslow.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is it worth booking a minicab to Heathrow from Ealing? A: It can be, especially with luggage, a group, or an early or late flight. For a single traveller with a small bag, the Elizabeth line may be simpler.
Q: Does the Elizabeth line go to Heathrow from Southall or Hayes? A: Hayes & Harlington and Southall are on the Elizabeth line, but not every train goes to Heathrow. Check TfL's journey planner for the service you need.
Q: Which Heathrow terminal should I give my driver? A: The one your airline uses. Check your booking confirmation or our terminal guide before you travel.
Q: Can I book a minicab for 5 people from Acton to Heathrow? A: Not in a standard four-passenger car. Book a minibus, or two cars; see our group minicab guide.
Q: How early should I leave for Heathrow from west London? A: Longer than the distance suggests, because the M4 and A4 can back up. See how early to arrive at the airport.
Q: Can I pre-book a return pickup from Heathrow? A: Yes. Add your return flight details when you request an estimate so we can plan around any delay.
Get an estimated fare for your Heathrow minicab from Ealing, Acton, Southall or Hayes.