The Complete Guide to Heathrow Airport: Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

Heathrow Airport is the United Kingdom's largest and busiest airport, and one of the busiest international airports in the world. For a great many people, it is the first thing they see of Britain and the last thing they see before leaving it. It sits in the London Borough of Hillingdon, in West London, roughly 15 miles from the centre of the city. Two runways, four operating passenger terminals, and a schedule that runs from before dawn until late at night. If you are flying long-haul to or from the UK, there is a strong chance you are flying through Heathrow, because it is where most intercontinental carriers concentrate their British operations. Heathrow is not the only London airport, and it is worth understanding how it differs from the others. Gatwick handles a large volume of leisure and charter traffic. Stansted and Luton lean heavily towards low-cost European carriers. London City serves short-haul business routes from the Docklands. Heathrow is the long-haul hub — the airport where transatlantic, Middle Eastern, Asian and African routes concentrate, and where the major alliance networks connect. That has practical consequences for travellers. Heathrow is bigger, busier and more complicated than its siblings. Terminals are far enough apart that moving between them is a journey in itself. Security queues at peak times can be substantial. And the sheer number of passengers means that the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one usually comes down to preparation — knowing your terminal, allowing realistic time, and having your onward travel sorted before you land. This guide covers all of it: the terminals, arrivals and departures, security, transport into London, accessibility, lounges, hotels, parking, connections, and the mistakes that catch people out. It is written to be read before you travel and referred back to while you are there. What is the best way to get to and from Heathrow Airport? The best option depends on where you are going and how much luggage you have. The Elizabeth line offers the best balance of speed, cost and coverage for most travellers heading into central London. The Heathrow Express is the fastest route to Paddington. The Piccadilly line is the cheapest but the slowest. A pre-booked private transfer or taxi is usually the most practical choice for families, passengers with heavy luggage, late-night or early-morning flights, and anyone travelling to an address not near a station. Fares and timetables change, so check current rates with the operator before you travel. Heathrow Airport at a Glance Airport name London Heathrow Airport IATA code LHR ICAO code EGLL Location Hillingdon, West London Distance from Central London Approximately 15 miles Operating passenger terminals Four — Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 Runways Two Main airlines British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and the major Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam carriers Rail connections Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line Road access M4, M25, A4 Official website heathrow.com Terminal One closed in 2015 and no longer operates. If you come across older guidance referring to Terminal 1, disregard it. Understanding Heathrow's Terminals Heathrow operates four passenger terminals. They are separate buildings, some of them a considerable distance apart, and going to the wrong one is the single most common and most costly mistake travellers make at this airport. One warning applies to everything in this section. Airlines move between terminals. It happens more often than passengers expect, sometimes at relatively short notice, and it can vary by route — the same airline may operate from one terminal for one destination and a different terminal for another. The descriptions below cover the general pattern at each terminal, but your booking confirmation and your airline's own website are the only authoritative sources for your specific flight. Check them, and check them again the day before you fly. Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 Terminal 2, known as The Queen's Terminal, is the newest of Heathrow's terminal buildings, opened in 2014 on the site of the original Terminal 2. It is the airport's principal Star Alliance base. Airlines. Star Alliance carriers predominate, alongside several non-alliance operators. If you are flying with a Star Alliance member, Terminal 2 is the likely starting point — but confirm it. What to expect. A modern, relatively legible building with good natural light and a straightforward layout. Departures are upstairs, arrivals down. The central departure area after security is where most shopping and dining is concentrated, with gates spread across the main building and a satellite pier reached on foot. Dining and shopping. A solid range of sit-down restaurants, cafés and grab-and-go outlets, plus duty-free and fashion retail. Lounges. Several airline lounges, plus independent pay-to-enter options. Accessibility. Step-free throughout, with lifts, accessible toilets and assistance points. As the newest terminal, its accessibility provision is generally the most modern at the airport. Transport. Served by Heathrow Central station, shared with Terminal 3, where the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line all stop. The station connects to the terminal by pedestrian walkway. Worth knowing. The walk from the main building to the satellite pier is longer than many passengers anticipate. If you have limited mobility or are travelling with small children, allow extra time after security and check your gate as early as possible. Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 Terminal 3 is one of Heathrow's older buildings and has been progressively refurbished over the years. It handles a broad mix of long-haul carriers. Airlines. A varied mix, including several oneworld carriers and a number of major independent long-haul operators. Some British Airways routes operate from Terminal 3 rather than Terminal 5, which surprises people every day of the week — so if you are flying BA, check rather than assume. What to expect. Busier and more compact in feel than Terminal 2, with a long departures hall and a check-in area that can get very congested at peak times. It is an older building and shows it in places, though the retail and dining areas after security are strong. Dining and shopping. One of Heathrow's better retail offerings, with substantial luxury and duty-free presence and a wide spread of restaurants. Lounges. A large concentration of premium airline lounges, including several flagship long-haul carrier lounges, plus independent options. Accessibility. Step-free access with lifts and assistance points throughout, though distances within the terminal can be significant. Transport. Heathrow Central station, shared with Terminal 2, reached via a pedestrian walkway. Worth knowing. Check-in at Terminal 3 can be slow during peak long-haul departure banks, typically mid-morning and evening. Allow for it. Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 Terminal 4 sits on the south side of the airport, separate from the central terminal area, and is reached by its own rail station and road access. Airlines. Historically a SkyTeam base, alongside a range of other international operators. Terminal 4's airline roster has changed considerably in recent years, so this is one to confirm with your airline rather than rely on memory or older guides. What to expect. Generally the quietest of the four terminals, which many passengers find a relief. A single main departures hall, a straightforward layout, and less crowding than Terminals 3 and 5. Dining and shopping. A more modest offering than the central terminals, though perfectly adequate. If you are hoping for extensive luxury retail, this is not the terminal for it. Lounges. A smaller selection of airline and independent lounges. Accessibility. Step-free access throughout, with assistance available. Transport. Terminal 4 has its own station on the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line. Heathrow Express services do not run directly to Terminal 4, so if you are using the Express you will need to change and connect onward — check the current service pattern before you rely on it, and add the transfer time to your plan. Worth knowing. Its separation from the central terminal area is the key practical point. Allow substantially more time if you are connecting to or from Terminal 4, and be careful when arranging pick-ups — a driver who defaults to the central terminal area will be in the wrong place entirely. Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Terminal 5 opened in 2008 and is Heathrow's largest terminal complex, purpose-built for British Airways. Airlines. Predominantly British Airways, plus Iberia and certain partner airlines. Note that not all British Airways flights depart from here. What to expect. A vast, airy main building (T5A) plus two satellite buildings (T5B and T5C) reached by an automated underground transit shuttle. The scale is genuinely large, and the transit ride to the satellites takes a few minutes plus walking time at either end. Dining and shopping. Extensive — arguably Heathrow's most comprehensive retail and dining offering, with significant luxury brand presence and a wide range of restaurants. Lounges. A large concentration of British Airways lounges across several tiers, plus other options. Accessibility. Modern step-free provision throughout, including the transit to the satellites, with assistance points and accessible facilities. Transport. Terminal 5 has its own station directly beneath the terminal, served by the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line. Worth knowing. If your gate is in T5B or T5C, budget realistically for the transit — 15 to 20 minutes from the main departure lounge to the gate is a sensible allowance, more if you are moving slowly or have children in tow. Gates are often announced relatively late. Do not settle in somewhere distant from the transit entrance without checking the screens. How to Find Your Heathrow Terminal Getting this right costs you two minutes. Getting it wrong can cost you the flight. Check in this order: Your booking confirmation. The terminal is usually stated on your e-ticket or itinerary email. Treat this as a starting point rather than gospel — it reflects the assignment at the time of booking, which may have been months ago. Your boarding pass. More current than your original booking, and generated closer to departure. Your airline's website or app. The most reliable source, because the airline knows where it is operating from. Check the day before you fly and again on the morning of travel. Heathrow's official website. heathrow.com publishes live departure information by flight number, including terminal. Airport information screens. Useful once you have arrived, but a poor plan A — if you are already at the wrong terminal, you have lost time you may not have. If you are being collected or dropped off, make sure your driver has the terminal number, not just "Heathrow". Terminals 4 and 5 in particular are separate road journeys from the central terminal area. A pre-booked transfer with your flight number attached avoids this problem entirely, because the terminal can be confirmed against the live flight. Arriving at Heathrow Airport Here is what happens, in order, from the moment the aircraft doors open. Leaving the aircraft and following signs Disembark and follow signs for Arrivals and UK Border. Depending on your gate you may face a substantial walk, and at some terminals a transit ride. Heathrow's signage is generally good — follow it rather than following the crowd, as passengers around you may be connecting rather than entering the UK. Passport control At the UK Border you will pass through immigration control. There are two main routes. eGates are automated passport gates available to holders of eligible passports. Both the list of eligible nationalities and the minimum age for children travelling with an adult have changed several times in recent years, so check the current position on GOV.UK before you travel rather than relying on what applied last time. Staffed desks handle passengers who are not eligible for eGates, or cases where the gates cannot read a passport. Queue times here vary enormously depending on the time of day and how many long-haul arrivals have landed together. UK entry requirements Requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Some travellers need a visa. Others need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) obtained before travel, under a scheme that has been rolled out progressively across different nationalities. Check GOV.UK for your own nationality well before you travel. Do not rely on what a friend told you, or on a travel blog — including this one. Requirements change, and they are enforced at the point of departure, not on arrival. Getting this wrong means you do not board. Baggage reclaim After immigration, follow signs to baggage reclaim and find your flight number on the screens to identify your belt. Trolleys are available. If your bag does not appear, report it to the baggage desk in the reclaim hall before you leave the area — this is much harder to resolve afterwards. Customs There are separate channels for passengers with nothing to declare and passengers with goods to declare. Allowances cover alcohol, tobacco, cash above a threshold, and goods over a certain value, and the penalties for getting it wrong are real. Current allowances are published on GOV.UK — worth two minutes if you have been shopping. Meeting someone at arrivals Each terminal has a designated arrivals meeting point. Terminals are large, and "I'll meet you at Heathrow" is not a plan — agree the terminal and a specific point in advance, and remember that mobile signal and roaming can be unreliable for newly arrived international passengers. One point often overlooked: the person meeting you cannot see when you clear immigration, and clearing immigration and baggage can take well over an hour at busy times. Anyone waiting should check the flight's landing time and then add a realistic buffer, rather than arriving at the scheduled arrival time and waiting in the hall. Onward transport from arrivals From the arrivals hall, follow signs to your chosen option. Rail. The Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line are all accessed from the terminal stations and clearly signposted. Black cabs. Official taxi ranks sit outside each terminal, marked and staffed. Fares are metered. Pre-booked private hire. Your driver will typically meet you inside the terminal at the arrivals meeting point, or direct you to a designated pick-up area. Follow your operator's instructions. Coaches. The Central Bus Station serves the central terminal area, with connections available from Terminals 4 and 5. Car hire. Desks and shuttle collection points are signposted from arrivals. One word of caution. Do not accept transport from anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a ride. Licensed private hire vehicles in the UK must be pre-booked, and legitimate drivers do not tout for business in arrivals halls. Use the official ranks, or a booking you made in advance. Departing From Heathrow Airport Getting to the correct terminal Confirm your terminal on the day of travel. If you are driving or being dropped off, note that terminal forecourts carry a drop-off charge per visit, and that free drop-off is available at the Long Stay car parks with a shuttle bus connection to the terminals. Current charges and payment deadlines are published on heathrow.com. Check-in Online check-in typically opens 24 to 48 hours before departure depending on the airline, and is worth doing — it secures your seat, generates your boarding pass, and often gives you access to a faster bag drop queue. Airport check-in desks open a set period before departure, usually a few hours, and close firmly at a stated time before the flight. That closing time is not negotiable, and it is earlier than most people assume. Check your airline's specific cut-off. Bag drop. If you have checked in online you still need to hand over hold luggage at a bag drop desk, subject to the same cut-off. Some airlines offer self-service bag drop. Check your baggage allowance before you get to the desk. Excess baggage charges paid at the airport are considerably more expensive than pre-purchasing additional allowance online. Security Follow signs from the departures hall. Queue times vary from a few minutes to considerably longer at peak periods. Full details in the next section. Departure lounge Once through security you reach the main departure area, where shopping, dining and lounges are located. Check the screens for your gate — and note that at Heathrow, gates are frequently announced later than at smaller airports, sometimes only 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Boarding gates When your gate is announced, go. Depending on terminal and gate, the walk can be lengthy, and may involve a transit shuttle at Terminal 5 and, for some gates, Terminal 2. Screens display walking times — treat them as minimums rather than estimates. Gates close before departure time, typically well before, and airlines do close them on passengers who are still shopping. Once the gate closes, it does not reopen. How early should you arrive? General guidance rather than a guarantee: Short-haul European flights: around 2 hours before departure Long-haul flights: around 3 hours before departure Families with young children, or passengers requiring assistance: add at least 30 to 60 minutes Peak periods — school holidays, summer weekends, major public holidays: add more Always check your airline's own recommendation, and check for advisories from the airport before you set off. Heathrow Airport Security: What Travellers Need to Know The screening process You will place your cabin baggage and personal items into trays and pass through a scanner. Coats and jackets come off. Belts, watches and items in pockets typically come off. You may be selected for additional screening, which is routine and not cause for concern. Hand luggage Size and weight limits for cabin baggage are set by your airline, not the airport, and they vary considerably — particularly between full-service and low-cost carriers. Check your airline's limits and, if in doubt, measure your bag at home. Liquids The rules governing liquids in hand luggage have been through a period of change at UK airports as new scanning technology has been introduced, and they have not always been consistent between airports or over time. For that reason, check Heathrow's official guidance shortly before you travel. Do not assume the rules are the same as at your departure airport, and do not assume they are the same as on your last trip. This is the single most common cause of items being confiscated at security. Medicines, baby food and baby milk are generally subject to different provisions, usually requiring declaration at security. Check in advance if this affects you. Electronics Larger electronic items such as laptops and tablets may need to be removed from your bag and screened separately, depending on the technology in use at the time. Pack them somewhere accessible rather than at the bottom of a full bag. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must travel in cabin baggage, not in the hold, and are subject to capacity limits. Check your airline's policy. Prohibited items Sharp objects, tools over a certain length, flammable substances and a range of other items are prohibited in cabin baggage. Some items are prohibited entirely. The full list is published by the airport and on GOV.UK — worth a glance if you are carrying anything unusual, and particularly worth checking for the items people forget are restricted: multi-tools, corkscrews, sports equipment and certain aerosols. Why you must check before travelling Aviation security rules change, sometimes at short notice, and they can differ between airports and between countries. What was permitted on your outbound flight may not be permitted on your return. Always check the current official guidance before you fly. How to Travel From Heathrow Airport to Central London Heathrow is unusually well connected for a major international airport — three separate rail options plus extensive road links. The right choice depends less on which is objectively best and more on where you are actually going, how much you are carrying, and who is travelling with you. Option Approximate journey time Best for Luggage Cost Availability Heathrow Express Around 15 minutes to Paddington Speed to Paddington and west London Good — dedicated space Premium fare; cheaper booked in advance Frequent daytime service; check first and last trains Elizabeth line Around 30 minutes to Paddington Most travellers — best overall balance Good — spacious carriages Moderate; Oyster or contactless Frequent; check late-night service Piccadilly line Around 50 to 60 minutes to central London Budget travellers with light luggage Poor at peak — crowded, steps at many stations Cheapest rail option Very frequent; limited night service Black cab 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic Door-to-door without pre-booking Excellent Metered — variable, can be high 24/7 from the ranks Pre-booked private hire 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic Families, groups, early or late flights, heavy luggage Excellent Fixed if quoted as such 24/7, pre-booked Fixed-price airport transfer 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic Anyone wanting a known cost in advance Excellent Fixed at booking 24/7, pre-booked Chauffeur or executive 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic Business travellers, premium requirements Excellent Higher, fixed 24/7, pre-booked Coach 60 to 120 minutes Budget travel, and destinations outside London Good — hold storage Low Scheduled, less frequent Car hire Variable Onward travel beyond London Excellent Variable, plus fuel, parking and emissions charges Desks at terminals Two things catch people out on the road options. London's Ultra Low Emission Zone and Congestion Charge apply to much of the capital and can add cost to a self-drive journey — check whether your route and vehicle are affected. And traffic on the M4 and A4 corridor is genuinely unpredictable; the difference between a 45-minute and a 90-minute journey is often just the time of day. On the rail options, remember that journey time to a station is not journey time to your door. A 15-minute train followed by a 20-minute walk with two suitcases in the rain is not a 15-minute journey. Work out the whole trip, not the headline number. Heathrow Express vs Elizabeth Line vs Underground All three run from Heathrow into London. They are genuinely different products, and the marketing around them tends to obscure that. The Heathrow Express is a non-stop premium service to Paddington. It is the fastest option and the carriages are built for luggage. You pay for that, and the fare is materially higher than the alternatives — though advance booking reduces it substantially. It only helps you if Paddington is convenient for your destination. The Elizabeth line is, for most people, the answer. It takes roughly twice as long as the Express to reach Paddington but costs considerably less, and — critically — it does not stop at Paddington. It continues through Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and on to Canary Wharf, which for a great many travellers means no change at all. The Piccadilly line is the cheapest and the slowest. It stops frequently, it gets very crowded at peak times, and many of its central London stations have stairs, escalators and long interchange tunnels. It is an excellent option with a backpack and a poor one with three suitcases. Which should you choose? Tourists. The Elizabeth line, generally. It reaches the West End directly and the fare is reasonable. If your hotel is near a Piccadilly line station and you are travelling light, the Underground saves money. Families. The Elizabeth line or a pre-booked transfer. The Elizabeth line is manageable with children and luggage. The Piccadilly line at rush hour with a pushchair is genuinely difficult, and step-free access is limited at many stations. Business travellers. The Heathrow Express if you are Paddington-bound and time is the constraint. The Elizabeth line if you are heading to the City or Canary Wharf, where it goes directly. A chauffeur or executive transfer if you need to work en route, or are going somewhere the rail network does not serve conveniently. Budget travellers. The Piccadilly line, provided you can manage your luggage on it. Contactless or Oyster is cheaper than a paper ticket. Passengers with heavy luggage. The Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express among the rail options, or a door-to-door transfer. Avoid the Piccadilly line. Older passengers. A transfer, or the Elizabeth line, which has level boarding and lifts at Heathrow. Consider the destination station carefully — step-free access across the London network is patchy, and Transport for London publishes a step-free map worth consulting. By area. Paddington and west London favour the Heathrow Express. The West End, City, Farringdon and Canary Wharf favour the Elizabeth line. South London, and anywhere off the rail network, generally favours a road transfer. Taking a Taxi or Private Airport Transfer From Heathrow How Heathrow taxis work Licensed black cabs operate from official ranks outside every terminal. You do not book them — you join the rank and take the next available vehicle. Fares are metered, so the final cost depends on distance and traffic, and a journey into central London during rush hour will cost more than the same journey at midnight. Black cab drivers are extensively trained on London's geography, all vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and card payment is accepted. It is a reliable option and requires no forward planning. Where to find the official ranks Follow signs for "Taxis" from the arrivals hall in each terminal. Ranks are marshalled at busy times. Only use the official rank — anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering a taxi is not operating legitimately. Why pre-booking can be useful Pre-booking a private hire vehicle addresses several things a rank cannot. You know the price before you travel. A fixed-price quote holds regardless of traffic, time of day, or how long you sat on the runway. The vehicle is matched to your party. Eight people with luggage need a specific vehicle. Turning up at a rank and hoping is a poor plan. There is no queue. Rank queues at peak arrival times can be long. Late-night and early-morning cover is arranged in advance, rather than depending on what happens to be available at 4am. Fixed-price airport transfers A fixed-price transfer is quoted at the point of booking and does not change afterwards. The distinction from a metered fare matters most where the journey is long, the timing is unsociable, or the traffic is unpredictable — which describes a great many Heathrow journeys. This is what RushXO does: a quoted price, agreed before travel, that does not move for traffic, time of day or demand. Meet-and-greet With a meet-and-greet service, your driver waits inside the terminal at the arrivals meeting point, usually with a name board, and helps with luggage to the vehicle. It is particularly useful for first-time visitors, families, older travellers, and anyone arriving after a long-haul flight who would rather not navigate an unfamiliar airport. Flight tracking A well-run transfer operator tracks your flight and adjusts the pickup time to the actual landing time. This matters more than people realise — a two-hour delay should not mean the driver has left, nor a bill for two hours of waiting. Waiting time Operators typically include a period of free waiting time after landing to allow for immigration and baggage. Terms vary between companies, so check what is included when you book, particularly for international arrivals where clearing the border can take a while. Door-to-door and luggage The practical case for a transfer over rail is simple: it takes you from the terminal to your actual destination, with your bags in the boot, without changes. For a single traveller with a backpack, that advantage is small. For four people with six suitcases, it is decisive. Executive and chauffeur options Executive services use premium vehicles with professional chauffeurs. They suit corporate travel, client collection, and occasions where the arrival matters. Expect a higher fare in exchange for the vehicle and the standard of service. A note on comparisons. Which option is cheapest genuinely depends on your circumstances. For a solo traveller with hand luggage going to a hotel near a Piccadilly line station, the Underground is the sensible choice and no transfer company should pretend otherwise. For a family of four arriving at 11pm with hold luggage, a fixed-price transfer will usually work out better on both cost and sanity. Work out which one you are. Heathrow Airport to Popular London Destinations Central London and the West End. The Elizabeth line to Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road is direct and efficient. The Piccadilly line also serves the area directly and costs less. A transfer suits heavy luggage or late arrivals. Westminster. The Piccadilly line to Green Park then a short change, or the Elizabeth line to Bond Street. Roads around Westminster are congested and subject to the Congestion Charge, so rail is often faster during the day. Mayfair. The Piccadilly line to Green Park or Hyde Park Corner, or the Elizabeth line to Bond Street. A common destination for executive transfers, given the hotels and offices there. Knightsbridge. The Piccadilly line runs direct to Knightsbridge, which is genuinely convenient. Transfers suit shoppers with luggage. Kensington. The Piccadilly line to Gloucester Road or South Kensington, direct and straightforward. Chelsea. Less well served by rail from Heathrow — expect a change. Often a case for a road transfer. Paddington. The Heathrow Express is the fastest option and this is its natural destination. The Elizabeth line also serves Paddington more cheaply. Victoria. The Piccadilly line with a change, or the Elizabeth line with a change. There is no single direct rail option, so consider a transfer if you are carrying luggage. King's Cross and St Pancras. The Piccadilly line runs direct, which is useful for onward Eurostar or national rail connections. Allow generous time if you have a train to catch, and remember that Eurostar has its own check-in deadlines. The City of London. The Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street or Farringdon, direct and quick. This is where the Elizabeth line is at its most useful. Canary Wharf. The Elizabeth line, direct. Before it opened this was an awkward journey; now it is one of the easiest. As a general principle: if the Elizabeth line goes there, take the Elizabeth line. If it does not, weigh the number of changes against your luggage. Heathrow Airport for Families and Children Heathrow is a large airport, and large airports are hard work with small children. Some things that help. Allow more time than you think. Every stage takes longer with children — check-in, security, walking to gates. Add at least 30 to 60 minutes to whatever you would allow travelling alone. Baby-changing facilities are available in all terminals, in both public and post-security areas. Family facilities. Terminals have areas suitable for families, and some have children's play areas. Provision varies by terminal, so it is worth checking heathrow.com for your specific terminal before you travel. Pushchairs. You can generally take a pushchair to the gate and have it returned either at the aircraft door or at baggage reclaim, depending on the airline and route. Check with your airline in advance — the difference matters a great deal on arrival. Security with children. Baby food, formula and milk are subject to specific provisions and usually need declaring. You may be asked to taste them. Allow extra time, and check the current guidance before travelling. Feed and change before boarding, not at the gate. Gate areas at Heathrow can be a long way from facilities. Transfers with children. A door-to-door transfer removes the hardest part of the journey — moving tired children and luggage through stations and interchanges. If you are considering it at all, arriving late at night with young children is when it earns its cost. Child seats. UK law requires appropriate child restraints in most vehicles, with specific exemptions that apply to some licensed taxis and private hire vehicles. Requirements depend on the child's age and height, and the current rules are set out on GOV.UK. If you need a child seat, arrange it when you book — do not assume one will be available, and check what your operator provides. Accessibility and Assisted Travel at Heathrow Heathrow provides free assistance to passengers who need it, and the service is generally well regarded — but it works best when arranged in advance. Arrange assistance through your airline, ideally at least 48 hours before departure. The airline passes the request to the airport. Turning up without a booking does not mean you will be refused help, but it may mean waiting. Wheelchair users. Assistance is available from arrival at the terminal through to the aircraft, and on arrival through to onward transport. Terminals are step-free with lifts throughout. You can generally use your own wheelchair to the gate — check with your airline about carriage arrangements. Passengers with reduced mobility. Assistance covers help through check-in, security and to the gate, including buggy transport over long distances. Given the walking distances at Terminals 2 and 5 in particular, this is worth requesting even if you manage short distances comfortably. Older travellers. The same assistance service applies, and there is no requirement to have a diagnosed condition. If the distances or the standing would be difficult, request help. Hidden disabilities. Heathrow participates in the Sunflower lanyard scheme, which discreetly signals to staff that a passenger may need additional time, patience or support. Lanyards are available at the airport free of charge. Quiet routes and sensory support. Provision for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities has expanded in recent years, and Heathrow publishes pre-visit resources on its website that are worth looking at before you travel. Onward transport. All London black cabs are wheelchair accessible. If you need an accessible private hire vehicle, book it in advance and confirm the specification — accessible vehicles are a limited part of most fleets and cannot be guaranteed at short notice. The key message is simple: contact your airline before you travel. Assistance is free, it is a legal entitlement, and it works considerably better when the airport knows you are coming. Heathrow Airport for Business Travellers Lounges. Extensive airline lounge provision across all four terminals, plus independent lounges available to buy into. Most offer workspaces, Wi-Fi and refreshments. Getting in and out efficiently. For Paddington, the Heathrow Express is the fastest option. For the City or Canary Wharf, the Elizabeth line is direct and often quicker door-to-door than a car. For anywhere else, or where you need to work or take calls en route, an executive transfer is usually the better choice. Executive transfers and chauffeur services. Pre-booked, fixed-price, with flight tracking and meet-and-greet. The practical advantage for business travel is predictability — a known cost, a driver who is there when you land, and no queue after a long flight. Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is available across the terminals. Working at the airport. Lounges are the most comfortable option. Terminals also have seating areas with power, and meeting facilities are available at some locations around the airport. Hotels. Several business-grade hotels sit at or adjacent to the terminals, with meeting and conference facilities — useful for meetings scheduled around a flight rather than in the city. Heathrow Airport Lounges Airline lounges are operated by carriers for their premium cabin passengers and elite frequent flyers. Access depends on your ticket class, your status, or your alliance membership. British Airways has a substantial presence at Terminal 5, and other carriers operate flagship lounges at Terminals 2, 3 and 4. Independent lounges are open to anyone willing to pay, regardless of airline or cabin, and operate across the terminals. You can generally get access by: flying in a premium cabin holding airline or alliance status holding certain credit cards or travel memberships paying at the door, or booking online in advance — usually cheaper booked ahead What you can expect: seating, Wi-Fi, food and drink, workspaces and washrooms. Higher-tier lounges may offer à la carte dining, showers and spa treatments. What varies: everything. Access rules, opening hours, capacity and whether a lounge is accepting walk-ins on a given day all change. Popular lounges do reach capacity and turn people away at peak times. If lounge access matters to your plans, book in advance and check the current terms. Shopping and Dining at Heathrow Duty-free is available in all terminals. Allowances depend on your destination and the rules have changed in recent years, so check what applies to your route rather than assuming. Luxury retail. Heathrow has one of the strongest airport luxury offerings in Europe, concentrated at Terminals 3 and 5, with major fashion, watch, jewellery and beauty brands. Restaurants. Full-service restaurants across all terminals, including several from well-known chefs and restaurant groups. Cafés and fast food. Extensive coverage of the familiar coffee and quick-service chains, plus independents. Dietary requirements. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available. Halal, kosher and allergen-specific options are more limited — check in advance if this matters to you, and consider bringing food through security if your requirements are specific. Before or after security? After, almost always. The post-security areas hold the great majority of the retail and dining, and the choice is far better. Clear security first, then eat. The main exception is if you have hold luggage and want to buy something bulky — but bear in mind that liquids restrictions apply to anything you carry through. One practical warning: do not lose track of time. Heathrow's shopping is genuinely absorbing and gates can be a long walk away. Check the screens. Wi-Fi, Charging and Other Airport Facilities Wi-Fi. Free across the terminals. Charging. Charging points and USB sockets are available in seating areas and lounges, though at peak times they are in demand. A power bank is worth carrying — in your cabin baggage. ATMs and currency exchange. Available in all terminals, before and after security. Airport exchange rates are generally poor compared with what you can arrange in advance, so if you need a significant amount of foreign currency, sort it before you travel. Toilets. Throughout all terminals, including accessible facilities and baby-changing. Prayer and quiet spaces. Multi-faith prayer rooms are available in the terminals, along with chaplaincy support. Medical support. First aid provision is available at the airport. In an emergency, contact any member of staff immediately. Pharmacies. Available in the terminals for minor requirements. If you take prescription medication, bring it in your hand luggage in its original packaging, with a copy of the prescription for longer trips. Information desks. Staffed points in each terminal. Staff are helpful, and it is usually quicker to ask than to work it out yourself. Lost property. Heathrow's lost property service operates an online reporting process and a collection point, with current details published on heathrow.com. If you have lost something, report it as soon as possible. Luggage storage. Left luggage facilities are available at the airport for a fee, which is useful during long layovers. Showers. Available in some lounges, and in some cases as a paid facility. Heathrow Airport Hotels Heathrow has one of the largest airport hotel clusters in Europe, ranging from budget to genuinely luxurious. Hotels connected to terminals. A small number connect directly to a terminal building, meaning you can walk from your room to check-in without going outside. These command a premium, and they are worth it if you have a very early flight or arrive very late. Budget hotels. The familiar budget chains operate around the airport perimeter, typically a short shuttle or taxi ride from the terminals. Mid-range hotels. A wide selection of established chains within a few minutes of the airport, most with shuttle services. Luxury hotels. Several upper-tier properties serve the airport, catering largely to business travellers and premium passengers. How to choose Match the hotel to your terminal. Heathrow's hotels are scattered across a wide area, and a hotel convenient for Terminal 5 may be genuinely awkward for Terminal 4. Check the actual location, not just the word "Heathrow" in the name. Check the shuttle. Many hotels run shuttle buses to the terminals, but frequency, hours of operation and cost vary enormously. A hotel with no shuttle before 5am is no use for a 6am flight. Confirm before booking. For very early flights, a connected or immediately adjacent hotel usually justifies the extra cost. The alternative is a 3am start and a drive, which is worse and not always cheaper once parking is counted. For long layovers, consider whether you can leave the airport at all — this depends on your connection type, your visa status and the length of your layover. If you cannot, look at day-use rooms and lounges instead. Some hotels offer rooms by the hour. Heathrow Airport Parking Short-stay parking. Multi-storey car parks immediately adjacent to each terminal. The most convenient and the most expensive per hour. Suitable for pick-ups, drop-offs and stays of a few hours. Long-stay parking. Larger car parks further from the terminals, connected by free shuttle buses. Substantially cheaper per day and the standard choice for holidays. Allow time for the shuttle in both directions. Business parking. Positioned between the two on both price and convenience. Meet-and-greet and valet parking. You drive to the terminal, hand the car to a driver, and collect it on your return. The most convenient option and priced accordingly. Use only official airport services or a well-established, properly insured operator — this is an area where third-party operators vary considerably in quality, and stories of poorly handled vehicles are not rare. Booking in advance is almost always cheaper than turning up and paying the drive-up rate, often dramatically so. Two things to plan for. First, overstay charges — if your return flight is delayed and you exceed your booked period, the additional charge is applied at the barrier and it is not cheap. Second, the Ultra Low Emission Zone: Heathrow sits within it, so a non-compliant vehicle incurs a daily charge. Check your vehicle against the current requirements on the Transport for London website before you decide to drive. Current parking products, terms and charges are published on heathrow.com and are worth checking directly, as they change. Heathrow Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off Guide Dropping off Terminal forecourts carry a drop-off charge per visit, payable online or by phone within a set deadline after your visit. Unpaid charges escalate into penalties, so pay promptly. The current charge and payment method are published on heathrow.com. The free alternative is to drop off at the Long Stay car parks, which do not carry the forecourt charge, and use the free shuttle bus to the terminal. It costs you time rather than money, and works well if you are not rushing. Forecourts are for setting down only. You cannot wait there, and enforcement is active. Picking up Do not wait on the forecourt. Use the designated short-stay car parks, where you can park and meet your passenger properly, or wait in a designated waiting area and go in when they call. Meeting passengers inside the terminal is the least stressful approach for both parties. Each terminal has a designated arrivals meeting point. Time it properly. Landing time is not arrival-in-the-hall time. Immigration and baggage reclaim commonly take 45 minutes to well over an hour for international arrivals. Track the flight, then add a realistic buffer. Pre-booked private hire Your driver will normally either meet you inside at the arrivals meeting point, or wait in a designated pick-up area and contact you. Follow your operator's instructions rather than improvising — the airport's layout does not reward improvisation. Make sure your booking has the correct terminal and your flight number. The flight number is what lets the operator track delays and adjust; without it, a delayed flight becomes a problem. For drivers Rules, charges and permitted areas at Heathrow change periodically, and enforcement is thorough. Check the current guidance on heathrow.com before you drive to the airport, particularly if it has been a while since your last visit. Connecting Flights at Heathrow How connections work. If you are connecting at Heathrow, follow signs for Flight Connections after leaving your inbound aircraft. Do not follow signs for Arrivals or the UK Border unless you are entering the UK. Changing terminals. Many connections require a terminal change. Free transfers are available on the rail network between terminals, and dedicated transfer buses also operate. Allow real time for this — moving from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 is a significant journey within the airport, not a stroll. Security during connections. You will normally pass through security screening again when connecting, even if you have already been screened at your origin airport. Liquids restrictions apply, which catches out passengers who bought duty-free liquids at their departure airport. These usually need to be in a sealed tamper-evident bag with the receipt visible, and even then the rules vary by route — check before you buy. Minimum connection times. Heathrow publishes minimum connection times, which vary by terminal pairing and connection type. These are minimums, not comfortable allowances. If you are booking a connection yourself rather than on a single ticket, build in considerably more than the minimum — and understand that on separate tickets, a missed connection is your problem, not the airline's. Baggage. On a single booking, your bags are normally transferred automatically. On separate bookings you will usually need to reclaim your bags, clear the border and check in again, which requires far more time and may require entry clearance for the UK. Confirm with your airline. International to international. Generally the simplest case: follow Flight Connections, clear security, proceed to your gate. You do not normally pass through UK immigration. International to UK domestic. You will normally clear UK immigration and customs before continuing, as domestic flights depart from the cleared area. Allow additional time. Follow your airline's instructions. Connection procedures vary by airline, terminal and route. Where this guide and your airline disagree, your airline is right. How Much Time Should You Allow at Heathrow? Guidance, not guarantees. Always check your airline's advice and the airport's current status. Situation Suggested allowance before departure Short-haul, hand luggage only, off-peak 2 hours Short-haul with hold luggage 2 to 2.5 hours Long-haul 3 hours Long-haul at peak periods 3.5 hours or more Families with young children Add 30 to 60 minutes Passengers requiring assistance Add 30 to 60 minutes, and pre-book assistance Terminal 5 with a satellite gate Add 20 minutes for the transit What pushes these upward: school holidays, summer weekends, bank holidays, major events, industrial action and severe weather. Check for advisories before you set off, and check your flight status — a delayed inbound aircraft changes your day. What people underestimate: the walk to the gate, the transit at Terminal 5, the queue at bag drop rather than at security, and traffic on the M4 corridor. Common Heathrow Airport Mistakes to Avoid Going to the wrong terminal. The most expensive mistake at this airport. Terminals 4 and 5 are separate journeys, and discovering the error late may cost you the flight. Arriving too late. Check-in and bag drop close well before departure, and the deadline is enforced. Assuming your terminal has not changed. Airlines move. Check the day before and the morning of travel. Not checking for transport disruption. Engineering works, strikes and closures affect both rail and road. Check before you leave. Carrying prohibited items. Multi-tools, corkscrews, oversized liquids and certain aerosols are routinely confiscated. Getting the entry requirements wrong. Visa and authorisation requirements are checked at boarding, not on arrival. Get this wrong and you do not fly. Overlooking passport validity. Many destinations require six months' validity beyond your travel dates. Check yours well in advance. Underestimating baggage costs. Excess baggage charges at the airport are far higher than pre-purchased allowance. Confusing terminal and gate. Being in the right terminal is not being at the right gate — some gates are a 20-minute walk away. Losing track of time while shopping. Gates close. They do not reopen. Not allowing for the Terminal 5 transit. T5B and T5C are not a short hop from the main lounge. Meeting someone without agreeing a terminal. "See you at Heathrow" is not a plan. Not booking assistance in advance. It is free, and it works far better when arranged ahead. Assuming the liquids rules are the same as last time. They may not be. Check. Booking a hotel by name rather than location. "Heathrow" in the hotel name does not mean it is near your terminal. Top Heathrow Airport Travel Tips Check your terminal the day before and again on the morning of travel. Check in online as soon as it opens. Book assistance at least 48 hours ahead if you need it. Track your flight rather than relying on the scheduled time. Pre-book parking — it is significantly cheaper than the drive-up rate. Use the Long Stay car parks for free drop-off if you want to avoid the forecourt charge. Pre-book your transfer with your flight number attached, so delays are handled automatically. Book the Heathrow Express in advance if you are using it — the walk-up fare is much higher. Use contactless or Oyster on the Underground and Elizabeth line rather than paper tickets. Pack electronics and liquids where you can reach them at security. Keep power banks in your hand luggage — they are prohibited in the hold. Eat after security, not before. The choice is far better. Carry a power bank rather than relying on finding a free socket. Check your baggage allowance before you leave home, not at the desk. Check passport validity months ahead, not days. Take a photo of your parking bay and car park name. You will not remember it in two weeks. Screenshot your boarding pass in case of a flat battery or no signal. Sort foreign currency before you travel — airport rates are poor. Allow more than the minimum for terminal-change connections. If you are meeting someone, agree a specific point and a realistic time. Frequently Asked Questions About Heathrow Airport How far is Heathrow from Central London? Approximately 15 miles west of central London. Journey time varies from around 15 minutes by Heathrow Express to Paddington, up to 90 minutes or more by road in heavy traffic. What is the best way to get from Heathrow to London? For most travellers, the Elizabeth line offers the best balance of speed, cost and coverage. The Heathrow Express is fastest to Paddington. The Piccadilly line is cheapest. A pre-booked transfer is usually best for families, heavy luggage, and early or late flights. How many terminals does Heathrow have? Four operating passenger terminals: Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Terminal 1 closed in 2015. Which terminal is the biggest? Terminal 5 is the largest terminal complex, comprising a main building and two satellite buildings connected by an underground transit. How early should I arrive at Heathrow? Around 2 hours for short-haul flights and 3 hours for long-haul, with extra time for families, passengers needing assistance, and peak periods. Check your airline's specific guidance. Is Heathrow open 24 hours? The terminals operate through the night, but flight operations are subject to night-time restrictions, and individual shops, restaurants and check-in desks have their own hours. Not everything is available overnight. Can I sleep at Heathrow? Passengers do sleep in the terminals during long layovers, though it is not comfortable and facilities are limited overnight. Airport hotels, including some offering short day-use stays, are a far better option where practical. Is there free Wi-Fi at Heathrow? Yes, free Wi-Fi is available across the terminals. How do I transfer between Heathrow terminals? Free transfers are available on the rail network between terminals, and dedicated transfer buses also operate. Allow real time, particularly to and from Terminal 4. Can I book a taxi from Heathrow in advance? Yes. Pre-booked private hire and fixed-price airport transfers can be arranged before you travel, typically including flight tracking and meet-and-greet. Black cabs at the official ranks cannot be pre-booked and are metered. Is Heathrow accessible for wheelchair users? Yes. All terminals are step-free and free assistance is available, ideally arranged through your airline at least 48 hours before travel. All London black cabs are wheelchair accessible. What is the fastest way from Heathrow to Central London? The Heathrow Express to Paddington is the fastest scheduled service. Whether it is the fastest option for your journey depends on where you are going — the Elizabeth line is often quicker door-to-door for the City and Canary Wharf. Where can I meet someone at Heathrow? Each terminal has a designated arrivals meeting point. Agree the terminal and the point in advance. What should I do if my flight is delayed? Check with your airline first — they handle rebooking and are responsible for your care during delays. If you have a booked transfer, a good operator tracks your flight and adjusts automatically. If you have booked parking, check the overstay position. How can I check live Heathrow flight information? Through heathrow.com, your airline's website or app, and the information screens in the terminals. Is there luggage storage at Heathrow? Yes, left luggage facilities are available for a fee. Do I need a visa or travel authorisation to enter the UK? It depends on your nationality. Some travellers need a visa, others an Electronic Travel Authorisation obtained before travel. Check GOV.UK for your own nationality well before you fly. Planning Your Heathrow Journey Heathrow is a large and busy airport, but it is a manageable one if you deal with a handful of things before you leave home. Confirm your terminal with your airline, the day before and again on the morning of travel. Check your documents — passport validity, and whether you need a visa or travel authorisation for your destination or for entering the UK. Do this weeks ahead, not days. Check your flight status before you set off. Know your check-in and bag drop deadlines, and work backwards from them rather than from the departure time. Arrange your transport in advance. Whether that is a rail ticket, a parking booking or a pre-booked transfer, sorting it before you travel is cheaper and less stressful than sorting it at the airport. Book assistance if you need it, at least 48 hours ahead, through your airline. Check the current rules for security, liquids and customs shortly before you travel. They change. Get those right and Heathrow is straightforward. Get them wrong and it is a very large airport in which to have a problem. Last updated: July 2026. Airport procedures, charges and requirements change — always check heathrow.com and GOV.UK before travelling.