Heathrow Express

The client

Heathrow Express operates the express, non-stop, train service between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

Trains depart every 15 minutes (pre-Covid) from dedicated platforms at London Paddington, arriving at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 just 15 minutes later, and Heathrow Terminal 5 station after a further 5 minutes. Customers can change at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 for a shuttle service to Heathrow Terminal 4.

Heathrow Express trains are unique in being the only trains in Britain to feature “1+1” seating in 1st Class.

Heathrow Express is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heathrow Airport, and so is an ‘open access’ operator, with rights to operate trains until at least 2028; since 2019 it has subcontracted out the operations of these to GWR.

The challenge

Heathrow Express had a bespoke ticketing system that was not integrated with RSP systems, and so could not issue tickets beyond the Heathrow Express route.

Our solutions

We worked together with Heathrow Express’ systems integration and front end partner to provide the online ticket retailing APIs to power the Heathrow Express website and apps. Since the launch we’ve added new payment options including ApplePay, with more payment options - especially those aimed at the huge inbound Chinese tourist market - in the pipeline.