Immigration queues at UK airports can be long — a good moment to message home and plan your route into town. With your UK eSIM installed before the flight, you are online as soon as you switch off airplane mode.
When you land
- Turn off airplane mode.
- Check that the eSIM is your mobile-data line and that data roaming is on for it.
- The phone connects to EE, O2 or Three within moments; if not, switch airplane mode off and on.
London Heathrow (LHR)
The Elizabeth line and the Heathrow Express run to Paddington, and the Piccadilly line runs through central London. Contactless bank cards and phones work for the Elizabeth and Piccadilly lines; check fares in Citymapper or TfL Go.
London Gatwick (LGW)
Trains run from the airport station to central London, including the Gatwick Express to Victoria and Thameslink services through London Bridge and St Pancras. Book or check fares in Trainline.
Manchester (MAN)
Trains run from the airport station to Manchester Piccadilly, and the Metrolink tram links the airport with the city.
Edinburgh (EDI)
The tram runs from the airport to the city center, and the Airlink express bus is another option.
If your eSIM does not connect
Use the free airport Wi-Fi, run through the quick fixes in our complete UK eSIM guide and contact us if you need help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from Heathrow to central London?
Usually the Piccadilly line on the Underground. The Elizabeth line is faster; the Heathrow Express is the quickest to Paddington.
Can I pay for London transport with my phone?
Yes. Contactless bank cards and phones work on the Tube, buses and the Elizabeth line, with daily fare caps.
Should I install the eSIM before flying to the UK?
Yes. Install it at home on Wi-Fi; the plan only starts when it first connects in the UK.
Get online in the UK the moment you land
UK eSIM from $0.90 · QR code by email · EE, O2, Three