Heathrow terminal four to have direct rail link

Heathrow Connect has announced that it will begin offering a direct rail connection to terminal four at Heathrow Airport from next year.

The service will be available from Paddington station as of March 2008, around the same time that Heathrow's terminal five is due to open.

Passengers can currently reach the fourth terminal at Britain's busiest airport by changing at any of the first three passenger facilities.

The Heathrow Connect service stops off at Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell and other stations on its way to the airport.

Brian Raven, managing director of the firm, said: "Since its launch in 2005, Heathrow Connect has gone from strength to strength. Its popularity is beyond doubt as passenger numbers have far exceeded initial expectations.

"As the direct terminal four rail service from March 2008, Heathrow Connect ensures high quality, effective transport links for air passengers travelling between Heathrow Airport and Central London."