West Ealing is about as close to Heathrow as central-ish London gets: eight miles of road, and an Elizabeth line station on the Broadway with trains straight to the airport. So why book a car at all? Because for many trips, especially with luggage, children, early flights or Terminal 4 and 5, the door-to-door option is simply easier. A taxi from West Ealing W13 to Heathrow Airport costs from £39 for a saloon, fixed at booking, and takes 20 to 25 minutes.
A short run west
From West Ealing, the driver usually heads west along the Uxbridge Road to Hanwell, then south on the A3002 or through Osterley to the Great West Road, and onto the M4 at junction 3 or the A4 into the airport. For Terminal 5, the driver will take the M4 and the spur, or the A4 Bath Road, depending on the traffic. It is about eight miles.
In normal traffic, it takes 20 to 25 minutes. The Uxbridge Road through Hanwell and the junctions around the Great West Road are slow at rush hour, and the A4 near the airport can back up. For early-morning flights, it is often under 20 minutes.
The Elizabeth line is a genuine alternative
It would be odd not to mention it. West Ealing station is on the Elizabeth line, and trains on the Heathrow branch run directly to the airport, reaching the central terminals in around 20 minutes. Some trains continue to Terminal 4 or Terminal 5. For a solo traveller with a small bag who lives near the Broadway, that is quick and cheap.
The car is the better choice when you have heavy cases, small children or older relatives, an early flight before the trains are frequent, or a home a long walk from the station. For two or three people, the fixed fare is close to the combined train fares, and it starts at your front door.
Around W13
W13 covers West Ealing Broadway and the shops along the Uxbridge Road, the Victorian and Edwardian streets around Northfields and Drayton Green, the area around Ealing Hospital's northern edge, and the quieter roads up towards Castlebar and Brentham's southern end. Most streets have controlled parking during the day, which does not affect a quick pickup. If you live in a flat above a shop on the Broadway, tell us the nearest side road.
Which Heathrow terminal?
Heathrow has four working terminals in three places: 2 and 3 in the central area, 5 on its own road at the western end and 4 on the southern side. Tell us your terminal when you book so the driver takes the right approach. From W13, Terminal 5 is usually reached via the M4 spur and the dedicated T5 road, while Terminal 4 has its own access from the A30 side.
Heathrow's drop-off charges
Since January 2026, every entry to a Heathrow terminal drop-off zone has cost £7, up from £6, with a strict ten-minute limit enforced by cameras. Overstaying or not paying leads to an £80 penalty notice, cut to £40 if paid within 14 days. If a friend drops you off, the free option is the Long Stay car park, where the first 30 minutes are free and a shuttle bus runs to the terminals.
With a pre-booked taxi, the fixed fare covers the drop-off.
Short trips and the minimum fare
On a short trip, the fixed fare covers more than the miles. The driver has to travel to your home, wait while you load up, and handle the airport drop-off. On the return, they park at Heathrow and wait while you clear passport control. That is why short trips have a minimum fare, and why the price is fixed whatever the traffic.
Coming home to West Ealing
The same fixed fare applies from Heathrow back to W13. Your driver tracks your flight, waits in arrivals with a name board and helps with your bags. If you land early or late, the pickup moves automatically.
Families and early flights
The Elizabeth line is great for a solo traveller, but for a family with car seats, a buggy and four cases, it is a different story. The car takes you from your door to the terminal drop-off, with child seats fitted free of charge. For early-morning flights, a pickup at 4.30am or 5am gets you to Heathrow before the trains are running frequently.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from West Ealing to Heathrow?
From £39 for a saloon carrying up to four passengers, fixed at booking.
How long does it take?
Around 20 to 25 minutes for about eight miles.
Is the Elizabeth line quicker?
It can be, for a solo traveller near the station. Trains from West Ealing reach Heathrow in around 20 minutes.
Do you go to all Heathrow terminals?
Yes: 2, 3, 4 and 5. Tell us your terminal when you book.
Is the Heathrow drop-off charge included?
Yes. The fixed fare covers it.
Can the driver wait on the Broadway?
It is better to meet on a side road. Tell us the nearest one when you book.
Will the driver wait if my flight is late?
Yes. Delays are covered: we watch the flight and move the pickup accordingly.
