Airport · LHR
London Heathrow Airport
London, United Kingdom
Rod Allday — CC BY-SA 2.0
IATA
LHR
ICAO
EGLL
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Transport
Getting To & From London Heathrow Airport
Travel to and from London Heathrow is anchored by high-frequency rail options. The Heathrow Express runs non-stop from Terminals 2 and 3 to London Paddington in about 15 minutes (about 21 minutes from Terminal 5), and fares vary with advance booking. The Elizabeth Line connects the airport to central London stations (such as Bond Street and Liverpool Street) in under 45 minutes. The London Underground Piccadilly Line offers the most budget-friendly rail connection, reaching central London in about 50 to 55 minutes. National Express and other regional coach operators serve the central bus station from numerous UK cities. Taxis and rideshares are readily available outside each terminal, though road transit into central London frequently takes an hour or more depending on traffic.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
Heathrow operates four active passenger terminals (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5; Terminal 1 is closed). Terminal 2 (The Queen's Terminal) hosts Star Alliance carriers, while Terminal 3 is heavily utilized by Oneworld members, Virgin Atlantic, and various international airlines. Terminal 4 handles a mix of SkyTeam and independent long-haul carriers from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Terminal 5 is the main base for British Airways, which also flies some routes from Terminal 3. Terminals 2 and 3 are linked by a walkway, and Terminals 4 and 5 are reached by free transfer services, so follow the transfer signs.
Hours of Operation
Heathrow is not a true 24-hour facility for standard flight schedules; it enforces strict government-mandated night-flight restrictions and quota limits between 23:30 and 06:00 to minimize local noise impact. While terminal buildings scale back operations overnight, they do not generally function as 24-hour open-access passenger waiting hubs outside of limited stranded-passenger circumstances.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Allow ample time for security screening, which utilizes advanced 3D scanners in many lanes but can experience severe morning congestion during peak international departure banks.
- For international-to-international or terminal-to-terminal connections, allocate a minimum connection time of 90 minutes to two hours to account for inter-terminal shuttle transfers and secondary security checks.
- Ensure you check whether your transit through the UK requires a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or a standard visitor-in-transit visa based on your nationality, even if you are remaining airside.
- Utilize contactless payment cards or mobile devices for the London Underground and Elizabeth Line rather than purchasing paper single tickets to secure standard Transport for London fare caps.
Comfort
Lounges
London Heathrow Airport features an extensive selection of airline-operated and independent pay-per-use lounges distributed across all four active passenger terminals. In Terminal 2 (The Queen's Building), independent options include the No1 Lounge and the Plaza Premium Lounge, complemented by Star Alliance carrier spaces such as the Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounges. Terminal 3 boasts the highest concentration of independent facilities, hosting the No1 Lounge, My Lounge, Clubrooms, and a Plaza Premium Lounge, alongside premier alliance hubs like the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and American Airlines Admirals Club. Terminal 4 provides a Plaza Premium Lounge and the boutique Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium. Terminal 5—the primary base for British Airways—features the expansive British Airways Galleries and Concorde Rooms, alongside independent alternatives including the Club Aspire Lounge and the Plaza Premium Lounge. Independent walk-in access typically starts around £40 to £48 per adult, subject to pre-booking availability.
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available across all terminals at Heathrow under the network name Heathrow Wi-Fi, requiring no time limits or subscription packages to browse or stream. Public device charging infrastructure is widely deployed throughout departures and arrivals zones via freestanding Power Poles supporting UK, European, and USB standards, alongside a rollout of high-speed ChargeBox stations offering multi-cable connections and wireless charging pads. While general terminal seating areas provide adequate power access near structural pillars, dedicated quiet workspaces outside of private airline or independent lounges are practically limited.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
Heathrow offers hundreds of food and beverage outlets ranging from grab-and-go cafes to sit-down dining establishments tailored to international travelers. Terminal 2 houses popular spots like Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen and The Perfectionists' Café by Heston Blumenthal. Terminal 3 features diverse choices including the Evergreen Bar & Restaurant and various champagne bars. Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 mirror this breadth with high-street favorites, artisan coffee houses, and traditional pub settings such as The Globe Pub & Kitchen in Terminal 5, ensuring comprehensive landside and airside options regardless of your departure point.
Driving In
Parking
Official parking at Heathrow is structured by proximity and service tier, with pre-booking heavily recommended to secure discounted rates against drive-up tariffs. Terminal Parking (formerly Short Stay) is located within a 1-to-2-minute covered walk of each terminal, with short-term stays priced from £8.00 for up to 29 minutes. For multi-day trips, Park & Ride (formerly Long Stay) serves as the most affordable official option, with rates starting around £46.80 for the first day and free 15-minute shuttle transfers to the terminal doors. Premium alternatives include Meet & Greet and Valet Parking starting from approximately £143.40, alongside specialist options like Terminal 5 Pod Parking.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
Heathrow features several fully integrated, walkable hotels connected directly to terminals via indoor walkways or skybridges, eliminating the need for external shuttles. The Sofitel London Heathrow is directly linked to Terminal 5, while the Hilton London Heathrow Airport connects via a covered walkway to Terminal 4. For the central hub, the Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 is a short covered walk from Terminal 2 and a little further from Terminal 3, and Aerotel London Heathrow operates micro-rooms located directly inside Terminal 3 arrivals. The budget-friendly Premier Inn Heathrow Terminal 4 is also within walking distance of Terminal 4.
Sources: Heathrow Airport Official Website, Heathrow Express, Official Heathrow Airport Lounges & Hotels, Priority Pass LHR Lounges, Official Heathrow Parking Options