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London Heathrow Airport Guide (LHR)

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In short

London Heathrow handles flights from Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, west of the city on the M4 and M25. Allow 2 hours for short-haul and 3 for long-haul. The Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes, while the Piccadilly line takes about an hour for far less. Terminals stay open overnight and Wi-Fi is free.

By the bookingMentor Travel Desk · Updated · How we research

Heathrow is big but well signed once you know your terminal. This guide covers each terminal, the options into London, transfers and where to rest.

Please note: Flights, hotels near the airport and car hire with driver on this page can be booked directly on bookingMentor. We list places on merit, and bookings never affect what we say about them.

What to expect

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the UK's busiest airport and one of the busiest in the world for international passengers. It lies about 23 km west of central London in the borough of Hillingdon, between the M4 and the M25, and it is the main hub of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Four terminals are in use. Terminal 2 serves Star Alliance airlines and several others, Terminal 3 most Oneworld carriers, Virgin Atlantic and Delta, Terminal 4 SkyTeam members and a mix of Middle Eastern and Asian airlines, and Terminal 5 British Airways and Iberia. Terminals 2 and 3 share a central area and station; Terminals 4 and 5 sit apart on the southern and western edges, linked by free trains.

Heathrow has three rail links into London: the non-stop Heathrow Express to Paddington, the Elizabeth line straight through the West End and the City, and the cheaper but slower Piccadilly line. Every terminal has its own hotels within walking distance or a short Hoppa bus ride, and lounges range from airline flagships to pay-at-the-door options.

From London Airport to Heathrow

Heathrow opened for civil flights on 25 March 1946 as London Airport and took the name Heathrow in 1966. Terminal 3 is the oldest building still in use, opened on 13 November 1961 as the Oceanic Terminal for long-haul flights. Terminal 4 followed in 1986, Terminal 5 was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 14 March 2008 and received its first passengers on 27 March 2008, and the rebuilt Terminal 2, the Queen's Terminal, opened on 4 June 2014.

All of that traffic runs on just two parallel east–west runways, 3,902 m and 3,660 m long, which is why Heathrow is so often full and why landing slots there are so valuable. In 2024 the airport handled 83,859,729 passengers, its busiest year so far and seventh in the world. A third runway was backed by the government in October 2016. The airport is owned by Heathrow Airport Holdings.

Night flights and early arrivals

Heathrow is not a 24-hour airport in practice. Between 23:00 and 04:00 the noisiest aircraft types cannot be scheduled, and during the night quota period from 23:30 to 06:00 a cap applies to the number of flights and their total noise. A voluntary agreement keeps early-morning arrivals from landing before 04:30.

Body scanners, hand searches and liquids rules

Security uses full body scanners. If you prefer not to go through one, you can ask for a hand search, which takes place in a private room. Rules on liquids and electronics in hand luggage have been changing across UK airports as new scanners come in, so check Heathrow's own security page for your terminal shortly before you fly. Allow extra time at Terminal 5 and Terminal 2 in the morning peak and during school holidays.

Landside and airside

Landside at Heathrow means the check-in halls, arrivals halls and the stations of each terminal. Airside begins after security and covers the departure lounges, gates and the airside transfer routes. International transfer passengers follow the purple Flight Connections signs and stay airside.

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Good to know

  • IATA / ICAOLHR / EGLL
  • Terminals in useTerminals 2 · 3 · 4 and 5
  • Open24 hours
  • To city centre~23 km
  • Fastest to the cityHeathrow Express · About 15 min
  • Free WiFiYes
  • Lounges6
  • Left luggageAvailable
About this guide

How we research this airport guide

This guide is written and maintained by the bookingMentor Travel Desk. We check terminal, transport and facility details against Heathrow Airport, TfL and airline sources, and update the page when something changes.

Last updated . Fares and hotel prices change; check TfL and Heathrow before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed · Updated when rules or prices change

Checked against trusted sources:
Heathrow Airport official websiteTransport for London fares and Heathrow ExpressGOV.UK guidance on Electronic Travel Authorisation

See all 5 sources
  1. Heathrow Airport official website
  2. Transport for London fares and Heathrow Express
  3. GOV.UK guidance on Electronic Travel Authorisation
  4. Heathrow: by rail or train
  5. Heathrow Express timetable

Flight board

Departures and arrivals listed on bookingMentor for London Heathrow Airport.

No departures from LHR are listed yet Search the airlines' fares for your dates instead. Search flights from LHR

Times are from the flights listed on bookingMentor, not a live departure feed. Always confirm with your airline before travelling.

Flight routes

Direct routes from the airport, each with its airlines, aircraft, flight time and travel tips

Direct routes

International2 destinations

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Airlines at this airport

Heathrow is the hub of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic and the UK's main long-haul gateway. These are the airlines with scheduled passenger services.

Domestic carriers

3 airlines

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International carriers

65 airlines

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Airport lounges

Heathrow has a dense network of airline lounges and several pay-at-the-door lounges.

Plaza Premium Lounges

Several terminals

Pay at the doorShowers

Access: Paid entry, bookable in advance

No1 Lounges

Terminal 3

Pay at the door

Access: Paid entry, bookable in advance

Club Aspire

Several terminals

Pay at the door

Access: Paid entry · lounge programmes

British Airways lounges

Terminals 3 and 5

ShowersAirline lounge

Access: BA premium passengers · Oneworld elite members

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Terminal 3

ShowersAirline lounge

Access: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class · Flying Club Gold

Star Alliance and SkyTeam lounges

Terminals 2 and 4

Airline lounge

Access: Premium passengers and elite members

Water, showers & mobile charging

Drinking water

London tap water is safe to drink. Water refill points are available after security in every terminal.

Showers

Showers are available in many lounges and at Aerotel. There are no free public showers.

Mobile charging

Charging points are at most gates. The UK uses type G sockets at 230 V, so most visitors need an adapter.

Luggage storage & lockers

Excess Baggage Company runs left-luggage counters in the terminals. Prices depend on size and time; check before you leave bags.

Left luggage rates by bag size
Bag sizeUp to 24 hoursExtra days
Standard bag, Excess Baggage counterPriced per itemPer extra day

WiFi & connectivity

Free WiFi
Yes
Time limit
None for basic service
Registration
Browser sign-in page
SIM cards
Shops and vending machines

Free Heathrow Wi-Fi covers all terminals, with paid faster speeds. SIM cards are sold in WHSmith and other shops.

Food & drinks

Every terminal has chain cafés and pubs landside and a wider choice airside.

Pret A Manger
All terminals
Sandwiches, salads and coffee.
Daytime hours
Wetherspoon
Terminals 2, 3 and 5
Pub chain serving breakfast and meals at moderate prices.
Daytime hours
Gordon Ramsay Plane Food
Terminal 5, airside
Sit-down restaurant near the main departure lounge.
Daytime hours
WHSmith and Boots
All terminals
Meal deals, snacks and drinks.
Daytime hours

More airport information

Search for what you need: try "money", "bag", "pray" or "train".

ATMsIn every terminal.
Currency exchangeIn arrivals and departures; rates are poor.
Free WiFiHeathrow Wi-Fi throughout.
HotelsLinked or close to every terminal.
Left luggageExcess Baggage Company counters.
Medical helpFirst aid in each terminal through information desks.
Pod parking shuttleDriverless pods to the Terminal 5 business car park.
Prayer roomsMulti-faith rooms in every terminal.
Terminal transfersFree trains and buses between terminals.
Wheelchair assistanceRequest through your airline at least 48 hours before travel.

Airport hours

Terminal
Open 24 hours, few night flights
Check-in opens
3 hrs before
Check-in closes
Set by airline
Overnight access
Public areas open

The terminals stay open, but scheduled flights are limited at night and most shops and restaurants close in the evening. The Piccadilly line runs all night on Friday and Saturday, and the N9 night bus runs every night.

Arriving and departing, step by step

The order of things at Heathrow, from the aircraft door to the train and back.

Arriving

From the gate to London

  1. 1
    Follow the Arrivals signs

    Walks from the gate to the UK Border can be long, especially in Terminals 3 and 5.

  2. 2
    UK Border

    Eligible passport holders use eGates; others queue for an officer. Have your ETA or visa details ready.

  3. 3
    Baggage and customs

    Collect your bags and leave through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.

  4. 4
    Arrivals hall

    ATMs, currency exchange, cafés and car hire desks are in each arrivals hall.

  5. 5
    Onward transport

    Follow the signs to the trains (Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, Underground), the bus station or the taxi rank.

Departing

From the train to your Heathrow gate

  1. 1
    Arrive early

    Two hours for short-haul and three for long-haul. Confirm your terminal on the airline's booking.

  2. 2
    Check in and bag drop

    Most airlines use online check-in plus a bag drop. Have your passport ready.

  3. 3
    Security

    Rules on liquids vary as new scanners are rolled out; follow the signs at your terminal.

  4. 4
    Departure lounge

    Gates are shown about 45 minutes before departure. Walks to satellite gates in T3 and T5 can take 15 minutes or more.

  5. 5
    To the gate

    In Terminal 5, gates B and C are reached by the airside transit train.

Getting to & from the airport

Heathrow is on the M4 and M25 west of London. Rail is the reliable way into the city; road journeys vary heavily with traffic. For Paddington, the Heathrow Express is fastest; for the West End, the City and Canary Wharf direction, the Elizabeth line saves a change; and the Piccadilly line is the cheapest and serves every terminal. Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and takes about 15 minutes from Paddington to Terminals 2 and 3, with Terminal 5 a few minutes further on. Tickets can be bought in advance. The Elizabeth line runs through central London without a change, calling at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Stratford, and Heathrow puts the journey to central London at under 40 minutes. It takes contactless cards and Oyster. The Piccadilly line on the London Underground is slower, at under an hour to central London, and calls at Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and King's Cross St Pancras. It is the best choice if you are staying near one of its stations or travelling on a tight budget.

Car hire with driver

Best for: Fixed price, door-to-door
Book on bookingMentor
PriceFixed when you book
PickupMeets you at arrivals
Book byHour, day or trip

Pre-book a car with a driver on bookingMentor before you land. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall, the price is agreed in advance, and you skip the queues. Useful for families and trips to Oxford, Windsor or the Cotswolds.

Book car hire on bookingMentor

Heathrow Express

Best for: Speed to Paddington
Premium
Fare£25 walk-up; less in advance
To PaddingtonAbout 15 min
FrequencyEvery 15 min

Non-stop from Terminals 2 and 3 (and Terminal 5) to Paddington. Book online for the cheapest fares.

Elizabeth line

Best for: West End and City, no change
Mid-range
FareContactless or Oyster; check TfL
To PaddingtonAbout 28 min
FrequencySeveral per hour

Direct to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street. Step-free throughout.

Piccadilly line

Best for: Cheapest rail option
Budget
FareContactless or Oyster; check TfL
To King's CrossAbout 1 hour
HoursAbout 05:00 – midnight; all night Fri and Sat

Underground line with stations at Terminals 2 and 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Slow but direct to the West End.

National Express coach

Best for: Victoria and UK cities
Budget
FareFrom about £6
To Victoria40 – 50 min
Board atCentral Bus Station

Coaches to London Victoria and many UK cities from the Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3.

N9 night bus

Best for: Overnight into London
Budget
FareStandard bus fare
JourneyAbout 1 hr 10 min
FrequencyAbout every 20 min

Night bus to central London via Hammersmith and Trafalgar Square. Pay by contactless; buses do not take cash.

Black cab

Best for: Groups, door-to-door
Premium
Typical fareFrom about £55
To central London40 min – 2 hours
RankOutside arrivals

Metered taxis from the ranks outside each terminal. Fares rise sharply in traffic.

Free inter-terminal trains

Best for: Changing terminals
Free
CostFree
RideAbout 5 min
FrequencyEvery 15 min

Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line trains are free between Terminals 2 and 3 and Terminal 5; a shuttle train links Terminals 2 and 3 with Terminal 4.

Security & safety

Heathrow is a safe, heavily policed airport. The usual problems are unlicensed minicab touts, long walks and slow queues at the border.

1Use licensed taxisTake black cabs from the official ranks or book a licensed private hire car. Ignore touts in the arrivals hall.
2Check your ETA or visaMake sure you have the right UK entry permission before flying; airlines check it at boarding.
3Allow time between terminalsChanging terminals takes longer than most travellers expect.
4Watch your bagsKeep bags with you; unattended items are removed.
Pro tip: the Elizabeth line is the best value for most visitors: it costs far less than the Heathrow Express, needs no change for the West End or the City, and is step-free for luggage.
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Sleeping at the airport

Heathrow is not designed for sleeping, but the terminals stay open and several hotels are joined to or very near the terminals.

Landside sleep spots

LandsideArrivals halls

Seating in each arrivals hall, with cafés opening early. Fine for a few hours.

LandsideAerotel, Terminal 3

Cabin hotel inside the Terminal 3 arrivals area, sold by the night or in shorter stays.

LandsideTerminal-linked hotels

Sofitel at Terminal 5 and Hilton at Terminal 4 can be reached on foot.

Airside sleep spots

AirsideQuiet gate areas

Gates with no early departures are calmer, but cleaning and announcements continue.

Rest & relaxation zones

There are no free sleeping pods. Bookable rest rooms and hotels are the reliable options.

Cots for sleeping

The airport does not routinely hand out cots. Under UK rules your airline must offer care during long delays, so start at its desk.

Sleep pods, day rooms & transit hotel

Every terminal has a hotel within walking distance, and the Bath Road hotels are a short Hoppa bus ride away.

Nearest hotel
Linked to Terminals 4 and 5
Sleep cabins & pods
Yes
Day rooms
Yes
Free shuttles
No

Sofitel London Heathrow Landside

Joined to Terminal 5

Five-star hotel connected by walkway to Terminal 5.

Walk to terminalDay rooms

Hilton London Heathrow Airport Landside

Next to Terminal 4

Four-star hotel linked to Terminal 4.

Walk to terminal

Aerotel London Landside

Terminal 3 arrivals

Compact rooms inside the terminal, good after a late arrival.

Inside the terminalShower

Hilton Garden Inn Terminals 2 and 3 Landside

Next to Terminal 2

Mid-range hotel close to the central terminal area.

Walk to terminal

Premier Inn Heathrow Terminal 4 Landside

Linked to Terminal 4 by walkway

Budget chain hotel within walking distance of Terminal 4.

BudgetWalkway

Layover sightseeing

With nine hours or more and permission to enter the UK, the Elizabeth line puts the West End about 40 minutes away.

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Layover planner

Tell us how long you have and whether you can leave the secure area.

How long is your layover?

Immigration, security and London traffic are already factored in.

Popular car hire destinations

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Everything travellers ask before flying through London.
Checked against Heathrow Airport, TfL, GOV.UK and Wikivoyage, October 2026.

Getting there

About 23 km west of central London. The Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes, the Elizabeth line in around 30, and the Piccadilly line takes about an hour to the West End.

Prices & payment

General