What Makes The UK's MOST EXPENSIVE Rail Journey SUCH A RIP OFF? Heathrow Express First Class Review! 

Oh for the early days of HEX when you could check your bags in at Paddington, on a morning, and spend the day in London before your evening flight out.

My dad always insist on Piccadilly line to Heathrow 😂

I remember first class on the Class 332s. It was outrageously comfortable with huge reclined seats and the biggest isle you've ever seen in a 2+1 configuration. Shame the journey was so short!

I’m cabin crew and use the Heathrow Express to commute. I agree, I’d never pay for Business First as it seems barely any different to Express class. Great video. A top tip I have for this journey is to sit in Express by the Business First doors in the carriage as it’s guaranteed to be less busy, because the outside of the carriage implies it’s only Business First inside but it isn’t, so fewer other passengers embark there

Time is money, and $32 although expensive, the business travellers and those that can afford the ticket price will pay it, just to get into town as fast as possible. I've used the service a few times, and loved the fact that 16 minutes later you're in central London. Oh, and back in the late 80's early 90's sitting on the tube to Heathrow and stopping at every station along the way, or getting the slow Greenline coach service was a real mood killer. Great video, and thank you for the ride along.

To be honest isn't really needed anymore, the Elizabeth line is much more cheaper and reliable especially the London Underground as well. Its kind of showing that Heathrow Express trains are not needed anymore. 😂😅

What you don’t realize because you don’t use this as much, is the fact that ppl who use first class seat regularly are either business trips or personal weekend getaways where you can use the fast track security service at Heathrow with a Heathrow express first class ticket. It is not necessarily they can expense that but sometimes just to get through security a bit quicker

Good thing is that your only travelling for 15 minutes so the seats shouldn't become a massive problem

I think it's literally an option as you say for expensing business travellers who'll use the 15 minute journey window to send a few emails, keeping them away from the riff-raff.

I remember in the early days some airlines such as BA offered check-in services at Paddington. Your bag was loaded onto a secure portion of the train and then hopefully onwards to your flight

The so called 'extensive refurbishment' did not replace the GWR green carpets. The seats in First Class are identical to the First Class seats aboard Thameslink Siemens Class 700 Desiro City EMU trains and Standard Class aboard Hitachi Class 80x IET/Azuma/Paragon trains. The seats in Standard Class are identical to those aboard both the Class 387 EMU trains and Thameslink Siemens Class 700 Desiro City EMU trains. Best wishes and take care. Kind regards, Peter Skuce. St Albans. Hertfordshire.

When you have just got off a 15hr flight into LHR, and hung around for your luggage, you welcome the presence of the toilets on HEX over the Elizabth Line on your trip into the City!

My first time landing at Heathrow I had a hard time finding the access to the tube. I finally found a very small Underground symbol at the elevators bringing me down to the tube access tunnel. But fancy huge posters and ticket sales for the Heathrow express. Sadly in Vienna, Austria they did the same with their version of a rip off train: CAT. The airport signs were removed from the S7 line and at the airport they built a wall to not see the S7 platforms.

Almost rode this train when visiting London before seeing all of the locals making fun of it online.

So underrated! Glas I found your channel ❤

Luton airport to Luton Airport Parkway. £4.90 for a trip that takes 2 minutes 38 seconds and is just over a mile long. No return fare discounts.

The existence of business class for a 20ish minute journey is really funny in my opinion. I can’t imagine anyone going for it except for recording videos like this

unpopular opinion but if you actually feel ripped off by this train then you probably deserve it. The Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly are available as cheaper alternatives with decent travel times too… I can bet people who actually do pay for this train probably don’t feel ripped off because the 15min travel time they save is worth it...in many cases, they are either rich, or a company is paying for it.

As a former semi-frequent HEX user, I'll add my 2 pennies... I used to use HEX a lot - at least once a month. Luckily, by BA Gold card grants me access to the Business/First carriages for the price of the standard class. However... I live in Cambridge. Where previously to get to Heathrow by train I would have to go from King's Cross to Paddington via tube then get the HEX, I now get the Thameslink from Cambridge to Farringdon, where it is a very easy swap to the Elizabeth Line, direct to Heathrow. HEX consequently have now lost one formerly semi-frequent passenger to the much cheaper Elizabeth Line. Yes, the Elizabeth Line is slower to Heathrow from Paddington with more stops, but that is more than made up by convenience and time saved by not having to change trains twice. I cannot be the only one who has abandoned HEX for the Elizabeth Line. I expect Heathrow Express to slowly die as a result.

Honestly FC shouldn't even be an option on a 20 min journey. Alas these trains are filled by tourists who don't know any better I guess. Class 332 was a much better product. Great Video Midland.

Just got a one way fare on the HE for £3.65, bargain! Sure, it’s in second class, I used my old fart railcard and booked it eight months in advance but how smug will I look as we whiz past the Elizabeth Line train that has stopped at Hayes and Harlington on that day 😁

The reason you were doing 80 through Ealing Broadway is because it looks like you were on the relief line not the main.

Steve, there are so many things I could tell you about my stay in Budapest last year. It was BRILLIANT! The best city I’ve ever been to and so much to see. You did more walking than me, I trammed it everywhere (I like trams). I see that, like me, you took the most expensive funicular in the world! But apart from that, lots of great value stuff to see including the 2nd oldest metro in the world and the museum attached to it. Well, I could go on but the three days I spent there wasn’t anywhere near enough time to see it. Great video, an amazing city. Can’t wait to go back 👍

I don't know if something has changed in the last few months since you made this, but you can now absolutely book this early and get a half decent price. You can also add your railcard if you happen to have one. I recently booked a return ticket in standard class for early January with my railcard and it was £7.30, actually cheaper than the two underground fares @£5.60. Without the railcard, it's £11, so still 20p cheaper than the underground fare, much faster and less walking involved. First class is still a waste of money though don't bother with that, get yourself some duty free or something instead.

What's the point in paying extra for first class for a 15 minute journey? I use the underground for Heathrow, and there's now the Elizabeth line too.

I took the Heathrow Express once. Horrified at the price, but I was impressed with the Class 332 trains and the standard class was quite comfortable. The Class 387 trains don't look as good .

I accidentally bought tickets in the wrong direction for the Heathrow Express and they wouldn't refund me because the first set of tickets 'were such a great deal'. Not such a good deal when I can't use them but had to pay for them.

Heathrow Express isn’t needed into Paddington. With the Elizabeth line doing that. They should be utilising the Heathrow express and mainline platforms to link Heathrow airport directly with places like Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol etc, to cut down on domestic flying and link major cities to Heathrow without the need to change at Paddington. It would be a game changer.

Everybody knows first class in a short haul train is a waste of money, which is why most commuter train services have got rid of it.

Just use the Elizabeth line.

Anyone who puts their mind to it - places like Hammersmith, or Croydon, Harrow, can be reached for £1.65 on the bus from Heathrow, and from what I have seen - a similar alternative transport is available from most capital airports in the world. The logic is simple for anyone who has a head for reasoning - the barista, the cleaner, etc. who has to travel to work at the airport every day - do you think they can afford to pay taxi prices even for ONE day, let alone seven???????

If you are heading to the City or Docklands from Heathrow. The 15 minutes saved getting to Paddington will disappear trying to transfer to another train. I don’t see the service continuing unless they drop the price or allow it to become a service on the Lizzy Line.

There is certainly nothing impressive about that First Class but then every few years what passes for First Class across the entire rail network gets worse and worse in terms of comfort anyway. Concerning the cost, this product is obviously intended for business travellers who can claim the cost of the ticket against their expenses and (within reason) couldn't care less how much it costs.

youtube compressed the hell out of this video. In Belgium from brussels south to the Airport is 30 minutes and costs 10.30 euros in second class and for first class it's just 1 euro extra.

At least with the opening of the Elizabeth Line, there is now a viable alternative to the snoozefest that is the Tube journey from Heathrow.

The train from Sydney Airport to Central Station (about 8km) is around $18, or $2.25 per km to stand or sit in a suburban train with no luggage facilities. I can understand why one of the carriages is named “Sydney”. They have a common theme going being far too expensive.

Why take the Heathrow Express when it costs quarter of the price via the Elizabeth Line. Give it a miss.

If you get advance tickets, or take the train directly from elsewhere to Heathrow, it can actually be quite cheap or cheaper than the EL, but the rest of the time it's not at all worth the money

I liked the detailed description of the history of the type of train. It is a pity that you filmed on a day when it doesn't reach normal top speed. Very hard to get the camerawork effective when it is dark outside and light inside regarding reflections on the window. Shame you missed the point where the train branches off on to the Heathrow spur. It is dawn, not 'dusk' by the way (dusk is in the evening). Good point regarding the expense - they used to say it was more expensive per mile than Concorde.

It probably makes sense to withdraw it given crossrails success. I’d like to these units migrate over to Gatex even though there probably isn’t enough for just a Vic-GTW run

I get 1st class from Sheffield to Heathrow for work regularly. And the 1st class section on the Heathrow express is pointless. Anyone just sits in it and no one checks tickets.

Who needs all those conveniences for a bloody 20 minute journey?

A few months ago there was an hour delay at heathrow, the elizabeth line was only stopping at heathrow and paddington, and it was one elizabeth line every 15 minutes. Although Swanley/ orpington/ bromley south has fast 15-20 minute services to london bridge/ victoria, the timetable is not efficient imo. My proposal: Bakerloo extention to Lewisham then tunnel to terminate Hither green Overground extended to Slade Green, then looped back to lewisham via charlton South eastern ONLY on the crayford line and the main Sevenoaks line, and NEVER calling at lewisham I would argue BML2 is more useful than the original elizabeth line, or rather should have taken place at the same time, and similarily a "BML3" but croydon to brixton then Oval (alhough that would have been alot more expensive, and its the NLE that should have happened) Similar to how Tfl would take over south eastern , it could do the same with the west, so now you get frequent metro services from wimbledon to waterloo/ victoria , without a timetable but rather every 3 minutes (different destinations in the opposite direction Now finally ill get to the point i wanted to make, with the much more efficient time tabling, it would probably be possible to have a Heathrow express from Ebbsfleet to Heathrow (via Feltam) calling at ONLY Lewisham and Clapham junction maybe Denmark hill too (so now you wont need the Sladegreen to Victoria, and that would allow more Thameslink services that go through Denmark hill/ Nunhead. Brunel line going to Mitcham Junction could arguably be more useful too ] Sorry for the wall of text

Everytime I go to London I use the Heathrow Express. I don't like to stop at any stations I don't mind paying extra for a quick train ride.

Would have been great if they could have used short Intercity225s to maintain the luxury feel and offer more luggage space. Nice overall experience though.

2:22 It's nice to see a train carriage named after my own city

I used the old service on the 332s a number of times and the current service once. Its definitely a step down while the price has continued to step up!

I always try to stay at a hotel on the Piccadilly line so I don't take the Heathrow Express but I was able to plan months in advance and get a single ticket from Paddington to Heathrow for £5.50.

The last time I travelled from Shanghai to London the metro from central Shanghai to Pudong airport cost 6元, 70 pence approx 30kms. On arrival in London a tube from Heathrow to King's Cross cost £5.50, 48元 approx 23kms. Rip off Britain

The rip off is that they moved these trains off the Thameslink, when you could get super off peak returns from St Pancras to Brighton for a tenner.

The most essential shop is the Paddington Bear one though.

Which is better - the 332 or 387? I don't know myself since I've never ridden on this service.

The Glasgow Airport Express bus, 15 - 20 mins, is £8.50 for a single.

Thanks for sharing, standard class it is for me!

Put simply, Heathrow Express is a glorified “Taxicab” train service between the airport and central London. It’s only useful if you’re seriously in a rush.

Suggestion: Corby to London St.Pancras on first class

The bells and whistles seem so unnecessary for a 20 minute trip.

It's about the same price as the Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo. However, the latter is 3x further when it comes to distance. So per mile, it's insanely expensive. However, it's still a good option provided you are staying within walking distance from Paddington station as you can be on your destination in no time

Try the Luton Dart, has to be UK's most expensive railway

We have a similar situation here in South Africa at OR Tambo airport with the Gautrain service to and from the airport. It is ridiculous expensive, almost three times the price compared to a normal price ticket. You end up paying the price as it is still cheaper than travelling by taxi/uber.

You know, whenever I fly in from Heathrow, I take the Elizabeth Line.

Did the train change direction 8:25 or did you change seat 💺

If I’m being honest, everybody books flights in advance so book the Heathrow express in advance and get it for £5.50

I only take the regular underground into city center from Heathrow. Sure it takes a little longer but I also will count stations and names so I know where I am.

What is the odometer app you are using at 8:02?

I agree that 1st class is a complete waste of money, and I can't understand why anyone uses it. If you book ahead in standard class you can get a ticket for about five pounds.

It’s not even that expensive if you plan it. If I travel after 10am weekday or anytime weekends I can get a 1/3 off with a Network Railcard, buying the tickets on Trainline. Even with the Oyster fare to Paddington it works out not that much more expensive, plus it has more comfortable seating, tray tables, wifi, is quicker and doesn’t get too busy, and has toilets on board. The Elizabeth Line looks like a ripoff in comparison imho

Yes, the price is high. But the trip is comfortable and fast. First Class is a perfect option when silence and the lack of crowds are Important. Kids travel for free on HEX, Even in first class. With my family, it was worth the price.

Just got a ticket for July. 5pounds 50p.

Curious where the T5 airline board gets the flight data from?

The 745s which are used for Stansted really ought to be used for this. Ideally we'd have an extra set of tunnels & then we could have Heathrow-Stansted service. Although, ironically, their low-floor carriages would make them unsuitable for Heathrow!

What’s the app called that you use to track the line limits and trains speed

i use King's Cross a lot and can sit on the Piccadilly line for an hour to Heathrow.

Such a rip-off I agree. I didn’t even know it had first class. And as some others have commented it is a bit redundant now.

That Luton DART service is a disgrace, £4.9 single for a 5 mins ride

Hi unusual request here but can anyone tell me if there is sound coming from the tvs in business class or are they on mute? Many thanks

HX has a market. For me and my railcard, a return journey in standard in advance was £18.50 vs the liz line of £11 each way or something ridiculous like that

what app did you use?

I'm tossing up between the express class and business class. Given we'll be on holiday I think I might splurge and do the business class experience!

Are there any ticket inspectors onboard to check if u have a flight from heathrow?

Why do vloggers always travel Busines / First Class?

its not a rip off really if you get on Elisabeth line there are no luggage racks (which is odd really) and on heathrow express you are pretty much gaurenteed more space also it is much quiker if you dont want to spend that money than you can use other means rail services but it is in no way a rip off, gatwick expres for example on the other hand almost defiantly is

Why would you take any class to Heathrow? The whole service is a rip off. By comparison in Madrid if you use their inter city services, you can transfer by train from the Airport to Central Madrid for free! Even if you have to pay its only a few euros. The Elizabeth line gets you further into Central London if you are a tourist for half the price. And if you really are on a budget you can get the Piccadilly Line to Central London with multiple stops in the tourist zone. Paddington

1) As a passenger, you don’t get to make use of the free wifi, TV and newspapers in the 20 minutes onboard. 2) When they say that the train goes to Central London, it only really takes you to West London. Central London would be where Big Ben, Southbank, Shard is. Unless your final destination is in paddington, you are likely to still have to trek a little via Circle or Hammersmith and city line to get to the tourist areas of LDN. 3) If you wanted to go somewhere more specific in West London the Piccadilly and Elizabeth lines are a better bet as they stop at more stations. 4) Heathrow Express exists only to con tourists, occasionally some airport workers use it but they have massive discounts applied to their fares making the journey somewhat justifiable

Go for the cheap option Fly into Manchester, the train into the city a 20 min journey is £4.60 or get the Tram At £4. 60. Rail connections to all of UK and no London rip off prices!

Can you do london northwestern railway

By the time you’ve raised your hand to wave at the sensor, it’s already detected the top of your head, and even your approaching body-heat.

I'm sure the heathrow express won't go 125mph even in decent weather. The line speed may be 120 but not sure that train could do it.

Business class ticket gets you access to fast track security at Heathrow. Excellent value if you’re flying economy.

How tall are you? For leg room comparison

whats the name of that speed app you are using?

Apparently work for BAA and it’s free!

since when they got rid of 332s that was the start of the end of heathrow express

I found Heathrow express so unreliable and a number of times ended up doing the Piccadilly line rush nearly missing a flight. The old shuttle to Terminal 4 never used to sync up with the main service so glad I don't do that any more.

Did you arrive on time ?

You also get fast track at Heathrow as part of the ticket for business class.

I just wonder how much longer Heathrow Express will be operating?

You have to accept that the railways no longer give a shit about comfort, train design. You've only got to look at the current atrocities that are being introduced on the rails to see that. Look at the state of the new Merseyrail trains.

Annoyingly you can't use your oyster card because it's a separate service so you have to buy a separate ticket. Never done the Heathrow services before.

Frankly, London in general, is a mega rip-off so why would this journey be any different?