You’ve just landed. Your bags are heavy, the air in the terminal feels slightly recycled, and you realize you need to get from Heathrow to Euston station to catch a train to the North. It sounds simple on a map. In reality, London’s transit system is a beast with many heads. If you pick the wrong one, you’re stuck underground with no AC and a massive suitcase blocking the aisle while a commuter sighs loudly behind you.
I’ve done this trip dozens of times. Sometimes it’s a breeze. Other times, it’s a total nightmare because the Northern Line decided to have a "signal failure" or the Heathrow Express cost more than the flight itself.
The Elizabeth Line: The New King of the Route
Honestly, since the Elizabeth Line fully opened, the whole game changed. Before, you were stuck choosing between the slow-motion Piccadilly Line or the wallet-draining Heathrow Express. Now? You hop on the purple train. It’s clean. It has Wi-Fi that actually works. Most importantly, it has air conditioning that doesn't feel like a weak fan in a desert.
You take the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow (Terminals 2 & 3, 4, or 5) directly to Tottenham Court Road. Don't stay on until Liverpool Street; that's too far. Once you hop off at Tottenham Court Road, you’re just two stops away from Euston on the Northern Line (Charing Cross branch, northbound).
It takes about 45 minutes total. You’ll spend roughly £13.30 if you’re using contactless, which you absolutely should. Don’t buy a paper ticket. Just tap your phone or your debit card. It’s cheaper and you won't look like a confused tourist fumbling with a yellow slip of cardboard at the gates.
The walk at Tottenham Court Road is a bit long though. They built these stations deep. You’ll be following purple signs for a while, then switching to black signs for the Northern Line. It’s a hike, but it’s manageable if your bags have wheels. If you’re carrying a literal trunk, maybe rethink this.
Why the Heathrow Express is Kinda a Trap for Euston
People love to talk about the Heathrow Express because it’s fast. 15 minutes to Paddington! Sounds great, right?
But here’s the thing: Paddington isn't Euston.
When you get to Paddington, you still have to get to Euston. You can take the Hammersmith & City or Circle Line, which is fine, but those platforms are a long walk from the Express platforms. Or you grab a black cab. By the time you’ve paid the £25 for the Express and another £15-£20 for a cab because you’re tired, you’ve spent £45 to save maybe eight minutes.
It’s just not worth it unless someone else is paying for your business trip. If you do go this route, follow the signs for the "Suburban" platforms at Paddington to find the Hammersmith & City line. It’s a straight shot to Euston Square. Just remember: Euston Square station is not inside Euston station. You have to walk about five minutes down the street once you exit.
The Budget Move: The Piccadilly Line
If you’re a student or just someone who hates spending money on trains, the Piccadilly Line is your best friend. It’s the "Classic" way to get from Heathrow to Euston station.
You sit down. You stay down. For a long time.
It’s about 50 minutes to Leicester Square or Holborn, then a quick swap to the Northern Line or a 15-minute walk. Or, you can take the Piccadilly all the way to King’s Cross St. Pancras. From there, Euston is literally one stop away on either the Northern or Victoria lines. Or, honestly, just walk it. It’s a 10-minute stroll along Euston Road. You’ll pass the British Library. It’s actually quite nice if it isn't raining sideways.
The downside? The Piccadilly Line trains are tiny. They were designed for people in the 1920s who apparently didn't own large suitcases or have shoulders. During rush hour, it’s a sensory overload. If you have three bags, please, for the love of everything, don't do this at 8:30 AM or 5:30 PM. You will be hated.
Navigating the "Two Eustons" Confusion
This trips up everyone. There is Euston Station (the big one with the trains to Manchester and Glasgow) and Euston Square Station (the underground station).
If you are taking the Hammersmith & City, Circle, or Metropolitan lines from Paddington, you will get off at Euston Square. When you come out of the station, turn right. Walk past the Wellcome Collection—which is a cool museum if you have an hour to kill—and keep going until you see the big 1960s concrete plaza. That’s Euston.
If you take the Northern or Victoria lines, you arrive directly underneath Euston station. You just take the escalator up and you’re in the main concourse. It’s much easier.
Real Talk on Taxis and Ubers
Don't take a taxi from Heathrow to Euston unless you have no other choice. Seriously.
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The M4 motorway is a giant parking lot most of the day. You’ll sit there watching the meter climb while you stare at the back of a delivery van. It can take 90 minutes. It can cost £80. If there’s a protest or a broken-down car in the Chiswick Flyover, you’re doomed.
The only time a car makes sense is if you’re a group of four people with tons of luggage. Even then, pre-book a "minicab" or a private hire like Addison Lee. Don't just jump in a Black Cab at the rank unless you’re feeling incredibly wealthy and patient.
The "Secret" Bus Option (National Express)
Most people forget about the coaches. National Express runs from the Heathrow Central Bus Station to various points in London. Sometimes there’s a direct to Victoria, but rarely to Euston. You’d have to get to Victoria and then take the Victoria Line (light blue) straight up to Euston.
It’s comfy. You get a guaranteed seat. Your luggage is under the bus so you don't have to wrestle with it. But it’s slow. Only do this if you really want to see the suburbs of West London through a window.
Accessibility and Elevators
London is old. The Underground is old. This means "Step-Free Access" is a hit-or-miss game.
- Heathrow: 100% step-free. Lifts everywhere.
- Elizabeth Line: 100% step-free.
- Euston (Underground): The Victoria and Northern lines have some lifts, but it can be a maze.
- Euston Square: Not fully step-free. If you have a wheelchair or a massive heavy stroller, avoid Euston Square. Use the main Euston station via the Northern Line instead.
Check the TfL (Transport for London) "Step-Free" map before you go. Nothing ruins a trip like realizing you have to carry a 20kg bag up three flights of narrow stairs because the lift is "under maintenance."
What to Do When You Arrive at Euston
So you've made it. You're at Euston. If you have time before your train, don't sit on the floor of the concourse. It’s crowded and the seating is weirdly limited.
Upstairs, there’s a balcony with a few bars and food spots. It’s slightly quieter. If you have a First Class ticket for Avanti West Coast, go to the lounge. It’s hidden away and has free coffee and biscuits. It’s a sanctuary.
If you need food that isn't a sad sandwich, walk out of the station to Drummond Street. It’s right next door and has some of the best Indian vegetarian food in the city. Diwana Bhel Poori House is a legend. It’s cheap, fast, and way better than anything you'll buy on the train.
Summary of the Best Routes
For most people, the Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road, then the Northern Line to Euston, is the gold standard. It balances cost, comfort, and speed perfectly.
If you’re on a tight budget, take the Piccadilly Line to King’s Cross and walk ten minutes.
If you’re in a massive hurry and money is no object, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington and grab a taxi from the dedicated rank at the top of the station.
Actionable Steps for Your Journey:
- Download Citymapper: Forget Google Maps for London. Citymapper is way more accurate for real-time tube delays and tells you exactly which carriage to get on so you’re next to the exit.
- Check the Status: Before you leave the Heathrow terminal, check the TfL website or boards. If the Northern Line is down, your plan needs to change instantly to the Victoria Line or a bus.
- Use Contactless: Don't buy an Oyster card unless you want a souvenir. Just tap your phone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) or a contactless bank card. The daily cap ensures you won't overpay.
- Mind the Gap: It’s a cliché, but some of those platforms at Euston have huge gaps. Watch your wheels on the suitcases; they love to get stuck.
- Prepare for Heat: Even in winter, the deeper Underground lines like the Northern and Piccadilly get hot. Dress in layers you can strip off easily.
That’s basically it. Get your card ready, follow the purple signs, and don't stop in the middle of the ticket barriers to check your phone. You’ll be at Euston in under an hour.
Safety Note: Always keep an eye on your bags in the crowded areas of Euston and on the Tube. It’s generally very safe, but tourist-heavy routes are always a magnet for pickpockets who look for people distracted by maps and heavy luggage. Keep your phone tucked away when you're standing near the carriage doors. Enjoy the ride. The North is waiting for you.