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Free travel for children under 15 on Heathrow Express

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Anyone who is familiar with the pricing on Heathrow Express will not be surprised to know that passenger numbers across Heathrow Express and the much smaller Heathrow Connect service fell by 2.9% in 2012.

That said, over 6 million people still used the services over the year – a frankly amazing result given that Economy ticket prices start at £20 for a one-way ticket.

Historically, Heathrow Express has run discount codes in conjunction with various airlines, but these have all now expired.

This article outlines the various methods for getting a discount on Heathrow Express, including special deals for 2 adults travelling together and groups of 4.

Recently, Heathrow Express has launched a new deal.

Children under 15 can now travel free on Heathrow Express when accompanied by an adult (maximum 2 children per adult).

Children under 5, of course, always travel free on Heathrow Express. Older children still had to pay 50% of the usual fare, though, so this is not a bad deal. Unfortunately, it cannot be combined with any of the other offers.

You need to use Heathrow Express promotional code KIDSFREE12 when you book via the website. For July and August ONLY, you can also get this deal if you buy your ticket from a ticket office, on the train or from one of the people who shout at you as you exit the departures hall at Heathrow!

Two adults and two children would pay £68 in total for Standard Class return tickets from Paddington. This is still not a great deal, but clearly better than the £108 that it would normally cost! The cheapest alternative deal would be the DUO12 code (two adult returns for £50) with the children at standard rate.

Comments (10)

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  • Will says:

    You should also see if your employer has a corporate discount.

    https://www.heathrowexpress.com/business-corporate-travel

    Username and password required but i save about 20% with my company’s deal

  • AndyWP says:

    Interesting – there’s two of us likely to have to use HE in December so have been worrying about options to make it cheaper – DUO12 seems to fit the bill.

    You have me interested by this comment tho:
    “or from one of the people who shout at you as you exit the departures hall at Heathrow!”

    Who are these people? 😀

    • Rob says:

      In the arrivals hall, at the exit to the arrivals duty free shop, there are usually 2 people with handheld ticket machines trying to sell you one.

      • Alan says:

        Ahh I was wondering about them too as I hadn’t seen them before, but it sounds like they’re at international arrivals, not domestic arrivals (I normally have hand baggage only and just turn right at the bottom of the escalator and exit past M&S, etc)

  • iantowns says:

    As a railway employee I get 75% off these fares, which makes a single £2.38 and a return £4.76 on Connect (£5 single, £8.50 return on Express). However, I still use the Piccadilly line when I can. OK it may take a while longer but I refuse to support a service which is so overpriced for what it delivers.

  • Andy says:

    Once crossrail is open will anyone actually use the Heathrow express?

    • Dave says:

      Is it still planned for Crossrail to only serve T4 and T123?

      I wonder how many people from T5 will change onto Crossrail at Heathrow Central and how many will just stay on the HEX for convenience or speed (or don’t know any better).

  • Dave says:

    Don’t forget railcard discounts!

    When I used to live in London my annual travelcard gave me 33% off the HEX. You needed to buy your ticket from the ticket office at LHR, in Paddington the HEX machines won’t sell you a discounted tickets but the National Rail (FGW) ticket machines will let you get a railcard discount.

    The discount for the annual travelcard is known as the Network Gold Card. It’s surprising how many people have one and don’t know that it gives you 33% off most rail travel in the south east for up to 4 people.

    • Me says:

      “33% off most rail travel south east for up to 4 people.”
      Well, I never knew you can have traveling companions too!

      Don’t forget though the discount is only valid after 10am M-F though and there are minimum fares.

      Got my Network Card free as my other half has a Annual Season Ticket entitling them to a second Network Card for a £1 (not that they got charged).

    • flyforfun says:

      Just a point on the Railcard discount on HEX, it won’t work before 9.30 or 10am iirc, Monday to Friday. I preordered and went to collect them from the FGW ticket machines and a big banner flashed up saying they weren’t valid a the specific times.

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