Heathrow: sudden hike in train and Tube fares hits airline passengers

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Off-peak fares on trains and the Tube linking central London with Heathrow airport have suddenly been scrapped. On the Elizabeth line between Heathrow and London Paddington, the £2 fare rise is the same but the proportionate increase is lower, at 19 per cent, due to the higher base fare. “This fare increase was chosen as one which would have a lower impact on Londoners currently worried about the cost of living, and to ensure that journeys that avoid Zone 1 will not be affected, helping to protect those living near and working at the airport.” Rob Burgess, editor of the frequent-flyer website Head for Points, said: “It was always ironic that the London airport most associated with high fares has always been the one that was, by far, the cheapest to reach by rail. “Even at £5.50 it is difficult to complain given the cost of Stansted Express, Luton or Gatwick trains, although adding even more complexity to the Underground fare structure for a modest rise in overall fare revenues clearly isn’t helpful to anyone.” All “pay as you go” journeys will continue to benefit from daily and weekly caps.