Heathrow sits in the far west of London. The O2 sits in the east, on the Greenwich Peninsula. By road, the two are about 25 miles apart. That gap catches many visitors out, especially after a long flight.
This guide explains how to get to the O2 Arena from Heathrow by Tube, train, taxi, car and pre-booked chauffeur. Each route is set out step by step, with the changes marked. You will also find a landing-day plan, advice on luggage and rush hour, and help with the trip back.
The Short Answer
Most people use the Tube or the Elizabeth line, and change once to reach the Jubilee line. A taxi or chauffeur is the only option with no changes. Driving works, but parking at The O2 needs planning.
| Option | Typical time | Changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piccadilly line, then Jubilee line | About 1 hour 10 minutes | 1 (Green Park) | Light bags, tight budgets |
| Elizabeth line, then Jubilee line | About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes | 1 (Bond Street or Canary Wharf) | Most solo travellers and couples |
| Taxi or private hire | About 50 minutes in light traffic | None | Luggage, groups, late nights |
| Pre-booked chauffeur | About 50 minutes in light traffic | None | Families, groups, concertgoers |
| Driving yourself | About 50 to 55 minutes in light traffic | None | Drivers who book parking early |
These times come from journey planners and the venue’s travel pages. Real journeys vary, so check the TfL Journey Planner on the day. Our check date was 26 October 2026.
Where You Are Going: North Greenwich Station
The nearest station to The O2 is North Greenwich. It sits on the Jubilee line, in Zones 2 and 3. The arena is a short walk from the station, and the route is signposted. Lifts link the platforms, ticket hall and street, so the station has step-free access.
The Jubilee line is the only Underground line that serves North Greenwich. So every Tube or train route from Heathrow to The O2 ends with a Jubilee line ride. The O2 says you can reach it from central London in about 20 minutes, and from Stratford in about 10.
The real question is how to reach the Jubilee line from Heathrow. There are two good answers: the Piccadilly line and the Elizabeth line.
Your Terminal Matters
Heathrow has several rail stations, and they do not offer the same service. This table uses Heathrow’s published frequencies.
| Terminal | Elizabeth line | Piccadilly line |
|---|---|---|
| Terminals 2 and 3 | Shared station, six trains an hour to Abbey Wood | Shared station, a train about every five minutes |
| Terminal 4 | Own station, four trains an hour to Abbey Wood | Own station, about every 10 minutes |
| Terminal 5 | Own station, two trains an hour to Shenfield | Own station, about every 10 minutes |
Landing at Terminal 5? Do not expect an Elizabeth line train to be waiting. The Piccadilly line gives you a train from your own terminal. Check the live departures board in the station before you choose.
Heathrow to The O2 by Underground
This is the cheapest rail route. It is also the one with the fewest surprises. You use two lines and make one change.
Terminals 2 and 3 share one Underground station, reached through a short walkway. Terminal 4 has its own station below the arrivals hall. Terminal 5 has one in the basement of the terminal.
Step by step
- Follow the Underground signs to the Piccadilly line. Take a train towards Cockfosters.
- Ride to Green Park. This is the longest part of the trip.
- At Green Park, follow the signs to the Jubilee line. Take an eastbound train towards Stratford.
- Stay on the Jubilee line until North Greenwich. The stops include Westminster, Waterloo, London Bridge and Canary Wharf.
- Leave the station and follow the signs to The O2.
Every second Piccadilly train from Terminals 2 and 3 goes round the Terminal 4 loop first. That adds about 10 minutes. Check the destination board before you board.
Journey planners show about 1 hour 10 minutes for the full trip to North Greenwich. The Jubilee line part takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
Fare and payment
Tap in and out with a contactless card or phone, using the same one each time. Journeys that start or end at Heathrow and pass through Zone 1 are charged at the peak rate at any time of day. TfL’s 2026 fare for the Piccadilly line between Heathrow and Zone 1 is £5.90. North Greenwich is further out, so the full fare is a little higher. Use the TfL fare finder for the exact figure.
A daily cap stops you paying more than a set amount in one day. For Zones 1 to 6, it is reported at £16.30 for 2026. TfL froze the caps until March 2027.
Piccadilly line trains are smaller than Elizabeth line trains, and space is tight at busy times. With a large suitcase, the Elizabeth line is easier.
Heathrow to The O2 by Train: The Elizabeth Line
Heathrow to The O2 by train usually means the Elizabeth line. It is faster than the Piccadilly line for most trips, and its stations through central London are wide and step-free. You then change to the Jubilee line, in one of two places.
Option 1: Change at Bond Street
- Board an Elizabeth line train heading east from Heathrow. Trains go to Abbey Wood or Shenfield.
- Stay on until Bond Street.
- Follow the signs to the Jubilee line, in the same station complex.
- Take an eastbound Jubilee train towards Stratford to North Greenwich.
The Jubilee ride from Bond Street takes about 20 minutes. Journey planners put the whole trip from Terminals 2 and 3 at about an hour. This option has the shortest walk between platforms.
Option 2: Change at Canary Wharf
- Board an Elizabeth line train to Abbey Wood. These leave Terminals 2 and 3, and Terminal 4, and call at Canary Wharf.
- Get off at Canary Wharf.
- Walk to the Jubilee line station. The two stations are separate, so allow 10 minutes or more.
- Take a Jubilee train one stop to North Greenwich.
The walk between the two stations is the weak point. In the rain, or with heavy bags, Bond Street is easier.
From Terminal 5
Elizabeth line trains from Terminal 5 go to Shenfield through Stratford. You can stay on until Stratford, then take the Jubilee line to North Greenwich. That ride takes about 10 minutes. You can also change at Bond Street, as above.
Times and fare
Heathrow’s Elizabeth line page dates from a 2023 timetable change, so check live times before you go.
TfL raised the Elizabeth line fare between Zone 1 and Heathrow to £15.50 in March 2026. Heathrow’s own page still shows an older “from £13.90” figure, so trust the TfL fare finder. The Elizabeth line costs more than the Piccadilly line. Many people pay it for the extra speed and space.
Other rail and bus options
The Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes. It costs more than the Elizabeth line, and you still need another train from Paddington. The time saving is small. Buses are not practical: journey planners that pair the Piccadilly line with the 188 bus show trips of over two hours.
Taxi and Private Hire from Heathrow to The O2
A taxi or private hire car takes you from the terminal to The O2 with no changes.
For Heathrow to The O2 London by road, black cabs wait at ranks outside each terminal. They use a meter, so the fare depends on traffic and the route. TfL publishes the metered tariff on its taxi fares page. One journey-planning site estimates £120 to £150 for this trip. Treat that as a rough guide only.
Heathrow also lists approved private hire providers with fixed rates and desks in the arrivals halls. A fixed quote protects you if traffic is bad. Always ask what it includes.
Heathrow charges every vehicle £7 to enter a terminal drop-off area. This covers taxis and private hire cars, and it matters on your return to the airport. Ask whether it is part of your fare.
For a closer comparison, read our guide to black cab vs chauffeur service in London.
Driving from Heathrow to The O2
Drive time is about 50 to 55 minutes in light traffic. Heavy traffic can double it. The O2 warns that major roadworks around the venue are slowing traffic, especially after events. Use the postcode SE10 0DX in your sat nav.
Charges to expect
- Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels: if your route crosses the Thames at either tunnel, you pay a user charge. From 21 September 2026, TfL’s charge for cars is £4.20 at peak times. Peak means northbound from 6am to 10am, and southbound from 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday. Registered Auto Pay users pay £1.55 at other times between 6am and 10pm. There is no charge from 10pm to 6am.
- ULEZ: Heathrow and The O2 both sit inside London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone. A car that does not meet the standard pays £12.50 a day.
- Congestion Charge: this applies only if your route enters the central zone. Our Congestion Charge guide explains how it works.
Parking at The O2
Event parking for arena shows is in Car Park 1. You can pre-book through JustPark, via the link on The O2’s parking page. Booking closes 24 hours before the show, and The O2 advises booking ahead in case the car park fills.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Car, early bird (until 3 weeks before the show) | £29.39 |
| Car, standard pre-booked | £35.28 |
| Car, pay on the day (if space remains) | £40 |
| Minibus or coach, pre-booked | £59.35 |
| Minibus or coach, pay on the day | £65 |
| Valet, pre-booked | £75 |
| Valet, on the day | £85 |
Valet parking opens two hours before doors and serves arena events only. Car Parks 2, 3 and 4 are for non-event visits and charge hourly. Blue Badge bays are in every car park, and the holder must be in the car. The O2 also has a free drop-off and pick-up point in Car Park 1, just off Millennium Way. It suits anyone being driven by a friend.
Prices can change, so check The O2’s parking page before you book.
A Landing Day, Worked Through
Plan backwards from your show, not forwards from your landing time. Say doors open at 6pm. That is an example, so check your own ticket.
- 5pm: arrive at North Greenwich. This leaves an hour for food and the entrance queue.
- About 3.45pm: change onto the Jubilee line.
- About 3pm: board your train at the airport.
- Before that: passport control, baggage reclaim and the walk to the station. Airports do not publish a guaranteed time for these, so add your own honest allowance.
On this example, a 1pm landing is comfortable. A 2.30pm landing is tight. A taxi or chauffeur saves the changes, but it does not shorten your wait in the terminal.
For an evening show, a safer plan is to land earlier, drop your bags at a hotel and travel to The O2 later. Our guide to the best hotels near Heathrow may help. If your flight is delayed, change your plans early. A chauffeur booking with flight tracking adjusts for this. A train ticket does not.
Which Option Is Best for You?
- International arrivals: you may be tired, carrying large bags and new to London. A taxi or chauffeur is the least effort. On rail, use the Elizabeth line and change at Bond Street.
- Families and groups: children, buggies and bags make train changes tiring. One car keeps everyone together, and a group of four or more can split the cost.
- Business travellers: if time matters more than cost, a pre-booked car gives you a fixed arrival time and a quiet seat to work.
- Budget travellers: the Piccadilly line and Jubilee line combination costs least, especially from Terminal 5.
- Evening event attendees: thousands of people leave at once after a show. Plan your return before you leave Heathrow.
Luggage and The O2’s Bag Rule
Many guides miss this. The O2 allows one bag per person, no larger than A4. Backpacks, travel cases, laptop bags and large tote bags are not allowed inside the arena.
If you must bring a large bag, leave it at the bag storage outside the main entrance. It costs £10 per bag and closes one hour after the show ends. The simplest fix is to drop your bags at your hotel first.
On the Tube, TfL asks you to bring luggage you can carry and control. Keep bags clear of the doors and never leave them unattended at busy interchanges such as Bond Street.
Rush Hour and Timing
TfL says its busiest times are 05:45 to 08:15 and 16:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. Trains are crowded then, and luggage space is limited. Roads are slow at the same times. Our guide to rush hours in London shows the busy periods in more detail.
On event nights, North Greenwich fills up before the doors open. Check your ticket for the door time, not just the show start.
Return Journeys and Late-Night Travel
The return trip needs more thought than the outward one.
Many arena shows end after 10:30pm. Check the last trains before you buy your ticket. The last Elizabeth line train from Paddington to Heathrow leaves at 23:24 on weekdays for Terminals 2, 3 and 4, and at 23:09 for Terminal 5. These times are earlier on Sundays, so you may miss them after a show. Heathrow lists a later last Piccadilly train from Green Park, at 00:33, also earlier on Sundays. Check both for your date.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the Night Tube operates on the Jubilee and Piccadilly lines. The Piccadilly service goes to Terminal 5 through Terminals 2 and 3. It does not serve Terminal 4. If your flight leaves from Terminal 4, you will need another way to finish the trip. Heathrow also lists the N9 night bus, which links Terminal 5 and Heathrow Central bus station with central London.
With an early flight the next day, staying near the airport is often easier than crossing London at midnight.
Booking a Chauffeur Transfer from Heathrow Airport to The O2 Arena
A pre-booked chauffeur is the simplest way to get from Heathrow to The O2 for many travellers. It removes the train changes, the crowds and the navigation.
With a chauffeur service to The O2 Arena from National Executive Transfers, you book a fixed price before you travel. Your driver tracks your flight, so an early or late landing does not leave you stranded. They meet you inside the arrivals hall with a name board and help with your bags. Our guide to Heathrow meet and greet explains how arrival pickups work. NET includes 60 minutes of waiting time on international arrivals, and 45 minutes on domestic arrivals.
This suits several types of traveller:
- Passengers with luggage. The driver loads the bags, so you do not carry them through stations. A Mercedes V-Class carries up to seven passengers and seven bags.
- Families. NET arranges child seats at no extra charge when you give the child’s age at booking. One car also means no splitting up at platform changes.
- Groups. One vehicle keeps everyone together and avoids separate tickets or taxis.
- Concertgoers. You skip the Jubilee line crowds after the show. You can agree a collection point away from the busiest exit.
When you book, give your terminal number, your flight number and your bag count. These help the team choose the right car and track any delay.
Plan the return trip at the same time. Give NET your show’s end time and your preferred pick-up point. Late finishes are common at arena events, so a realistic time helps. Booking both legs together means you do not have to find a ride after the show.
Prices depend on your pickup, car and date. Availability also varies, and busy event dates fill up earlier, so book as soon as you know your plans. Every NET vehicle meets the ULEZ standard, so there is no ULEZ charge on your booking.
To get an exact price, visit the Heathrow Airport chauffeur service page, or use the online booking form. For concerts and shows, see NET’s event chauffeur service. NET also offers a Heathrow to London transfer and a London chauffeur service.
Conclusion
The best route depends on your bags, your group and your time. If you have light luggage and a flexible schedule, the Elizabeth line and the Jubilee line give you a reliable trip for a fair fare. If you are tired, travelling with others, or heading to an evening show, a pre-booked car removes the guesswork.
Before you set off, do four things. Check TfL for line closures. Online, check the door time on your ticket. Check the A4 bag rule. And decide how you will get back, because that is the harder half of the trip.
Related Articles
How to Get To and From Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport Terminal Guide
Black Cab vs Chauffeur Service in London
Chauffeur Service for Events in London
Frequently Asked Questions
North Greenwich, on the Jubilee line. It is a short walk from the arena, with lifts from the platforms to the street.
No. The Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line both reach central London. You then change to the Jubilee line for North Greenwich.
By Tube or train, journey planners show about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. By car or taxi, it is about 50 to 55 minutes in light traffic. Rush hour and event traffic add time.
The Piccadilly line fare from Heathrow to Zone 1 is £5.90. The Elizabeth line fare from Zone 1 to Heathrow is £15.50. North Greenwich is further out, so use the TfL fare finder for the exact price.
No. Only bags up to A4 size are allowed inside. Storage is available outside the main entrance for £10 per bag.
Yes. Car Park 1 is for arena events and can be pre-booked through JustPark. Early bird car parking is £29.39 until three weeks before the show. The standard pre-booked price is £35.28.
Yes. From 21 September 2026, a car pays £4.20 at peak times, or £1.55 off-peak with Auto Pay. There is no charge from 10pm to 6am.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the Piccadilly line operates to Terminal 5 through Terminals 2 and 3. It does not serve Terminal 4.
