Paddington is the closest of the big London termini to Hounslow. Great Western Railway trains run from here to Reading, Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Cornwall. It is also a major Elizabeth line station and the London end of the Heathrow Express. For many Hounslow residents heading to the West Country or South Wales, it is the station they use most.
The route to Paddington
From Hounslow, drivers follow the A4 Great West Road through Brentford and Chiswick, join the A40 Westway at the Hogarth or Hammersmith side of the network, and leave the Westway for Paddington. The trip is about 11 to 13 miles.
Typical times:
- Early morning and late evening: 30 to 40 minutes.
- Weekday daytime: 40 to 55 minutes.
- Rush hour: allow an hour.
Paddington sits just outside the Congestion Charge zone, which keeps things simple for most journeys.
Drop-off at the station
Drivers use the station's permitted set-down area so you can get straight to the concourse. If you have a lot of luggage, mention it when you book and the driver will help you unload.
Why take a taxi to Paddington from Hounslow?
You can reach Paddington by tube, but it means a change, often at Hammersmith or Acton Town, and lots of stairs. The Elizabeth line does not serve Hounslow directly. For a family holiday to Cornwall with suitcases and a buggy, or an early business train to Bristol, a car from your door is the easy option.
Paddington, Heathrow and the hotels
Paddington is linked to Heathrow by the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line, so some travellers land at Heathrow, stay a night in Hounslow and take a train west the next day. We run that whole chain. Our Heathrow taxi page covers the airport, and our hotel transfer taxi page covers Heathrow hotel pick-ups.
Coming home from Paddington
Late GWR trains from the west often arrive after the tube has quietened down. Book a collection with your train time and the driver will be waiting. If the train is delayed, which can happen on long-distance routes, call us and we will adjust the pick-up.
Other London stations
If your train leaves from elsewhere, we cover all the main termini. King's Cross and Euston serve the north. Victoria and Waterloo serve the south. Paddington is usually the shortest run of them all from Hounslow.
Where we pick up from
We collect from Hounslow town centre, Hounslow West, Lampton, Brentford, Isleworth and the surrounding areas. Brentford is on the A4 itself, so Paddington trips from there are often the quickest of all. Choose a saloon, an estate or an MPV depending on your party and luggage, and pay by card or cash.
Long-distance trains and luggage
Trains from Paddington head as far as Penzance, which means many passengers travel with holiday luggage, surfboards in bags or bikes. Tell us what you are carrying so we send a vehicle with enough room, such as an estate or MPV. For a family with a lot of luggage, one larger car is usually more comfortable than two small ones.
If you are heading to Paddington for an early GWR service, we suggest leaving Hounslow about an hour before departure on weekdays and a little less at weekends.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a taxi from Hounslow to Paddington?
Typically 35 to 55 minutes via the A4 and the A40 Westway. Allow around an hour in the rush hour.
Is Paddington in the Congestion Charge zone?
Paddington sits just outside the zone, so most journeys from Hounslow do not enter it. Your fare is fixed when you book.
Can you pick me up from Paddington after a late train?
Yes. Bookings are taken 24/7. Give us your train time and call if it is delayed.
Is a taxi or the tube better for Paddington?
The tube from Hounslow needs a change. A taxi goes door to door, which is easier with luggage, children or early trains.
Can I book a taxi from a Heathrow hotel to Paddington?
Yes. Give us the hotel name and postcode and your train time, and we will plan the pick-up.