London Heathrow (LHR)
Airport Overview
London Heathrow Airport — officially known as Heathrow Airport — is the primary and largest international airport serving London, the capital of the United Kingdom. Originally named London Airport upon opening in 1946 following World War II development, it was renamed Heathrow Airport in 1966 after the small hamlet of Heath Row that previously occupied the site. The airport lies approximately 23 kilometres (14 miles) west-southwest of Central London in the London Borough of Hillingdon, and covers roughly 1,227 hectares (3,030 acres) of land.
Heathrow is the principal hub for British Airways, a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which holds approximately 50% market share at the airport. It also serves as a major hub for Iberia and as a focus city for dozens of international carriers spanning all three major airline alliances. The airport operates four passenger terminals — numbered 2, 3, 4, and 5 — following the closure of the original Terminal 1 in 2015. Terminal 5, the flagship facility opened in 2008, serves British Airways and Iberia exclusively, while Terminal 2 (the Queen's Terminal, reopened June 2014) primarily hosts Star Alliance carriers. Terminal 3 handles long-haul international flights from oneworld partners and independent carriers, and Terminal 4 serves SkyTeam and other global airlines.
In 2024, London Heathrow Airport handled a record-breaking 83.86 million passengers — surpassing the previous record of approximately 80 million set in 2019 — and representing a 5.9% increase over the 79.2 million recorded in 2023. This makes Heathrow the busiest airport in Europe and the fifth-busiest airport in the world by total passenger traffic, while simultaneously ranking as the world's most internationally connected airport with direct services to 214 destinations across 84 countries. The airport recorded 473,965 air traffic movements in 2024 and handled 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, a 10.4% increase year-on-year.
Heathrow's significance extends far beyond passenger numbers. It contributes over £6 billion annually to the UK economy, supports approximately 72,000 on-site jobs and 114,000 supply-chain roles, and facilitates roughly £188 billion in annual trade. The airport is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited, with major shareholders including Ardian, the Qatar Investment Authority, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The airport is legally capped at 480,000 annual air traffic movements — a restriction that keeps it operating at near-capacity and has fuelled an ongoing debate about a proposed third runway, with planning proposals expected to be submitted to the UK Government in 2025.
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Terminals & Gates
Terminal 2 — The Queen's Terminal
Terminal 2 — officially named "The Queen's Terminal" in honour of Queen Elizabeth II — opened in its current form on 4 June 2014, having replaced the original Europa Building (1955), which was demolished in 2010. Designed by Luis Vidal + Architects, the terminal has a total area of approximately 250,000 square metres and is designed to handle around 20 million passengers per year. It is home to Star Alliance carriers, making it the alliance hub at Heathrow.
Key airlines at Terminal 2 include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Air New Zealand, South African Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS, despite SkyTeam membership since September 2024, SAS retained T2 operations), and TAP Air Portugal. Terminal 2 has two concourses: the main building with gates A1–A26, and satellite Terminal 2B with gates B31–B46, connected by an underground walkway. An underground pedestrian walkway also links Terminal 2 to Terminal 3.
- Lounges: Lufthansa Business & Senator Lounges (T2, reopened Jan 2025 after renovation); United Club; Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (renovated 2024); Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (T2B, near gate B44); No. 1 Lounge (payable access); Priority Pass dining credit at Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen (gate A20)
- Facilities: Extensive duty-free and retail on levels 4 and 5; multiple dining options post-security including Wagamama, Itsu, Carluccio's, and WHSmith; family zones; prayer room
- Inter-terminal connections: Underground walkway to Terminal 3 (5 min walk); free Elizabeth line/Heathrow Express shuttle to Terminals 4 and 5
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 opened as the "Oceanic Terminal" on 13 November 1961 and was designed to handle long-haul departures to the United States and Asia. The terminal has undergone extensive renovation and expansion over the decades and today handles primarily long-haul international flights from oneworld partners and major independent carriers. It is directly connected to Terminal 2 via an underground pedestrian walkway.
Key airlines at Terminal 3 include British Airways (some long-haul and short-haul codeshare flights), American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Jordanian, and Finnair. The terminal has gates 1–22 and 23–42, with the farther gates (13–22) requiring a 10-minute walk through a long corridor with moving walkways.
- Lounges: British Airways Galleries Club Lounge; American Airlines Admirals Club (Lounge H area, gates 13–22 connector); American Airlines International First Lounge; Qantas International Business Lounge; Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse; Cathay Pacific Lounge; Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge; Emirates Lounge (near gate 1); My Lounge; No.1 Lounge; Centurion Lounge (American Express); Plaza Premium Lounge (T3, near gates 1A/1B); Priority Pass dining credit at Oceanic Pub & Kitchen
- Facilities: Duty-free with luxury brands (Harrods, Burberry, Gucci, Tiffany & Co.); Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food restaurant; Pret A Manger; WHSmith; pharmacy; left luggage; prayer room
- Inter-terminal connections: Underground walkway to Terminal 2 (5 min walk); free shuttle/Elizabeth line to Terminals 4 and 5
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 opened in 1986 and is located south of the southern runway, accessed via its own dedicated road and Elizabeth line station. It underwent a renovation that upgraded the departures lounge and added capacity for Airbus A380 operations. Terminal 4 is primarily a SkyTeam terminal, housing Air France, KLM, Korean Air, China Southern, and Air Europa, along with several independent carriers including Malaysia Airlines and Saudia.
- Lounges: KLM Crown Lounge; Air France Lounge; YOTEL (sleeping pods — compact cabins available for 4-hour blocks, starting around £50); No.1 Lounge; Plaza Premium Lounge (Priority Pass-accessible)
- Facilities: Quieter, more business-traveller-oriented atmosphere; duty-free; cafes; prayer room
- Inter-terminal connections: Free Elizabeth line service to Terminals 2/3 (approximately 7 min); free Heathrow Express shuttle also available. Note: Terminal 4 is geographically separate — allow at least 20–30 minutes for inter-terminal transfers
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 is Heathrow's flagship terminal, exclusively serving British Airways (and some Iberia flights). Inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on 14 March 2008 after a construction cost of approximately £4.3 billion, it was designed by Richard Rogers Partnership (now Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners). The main building spans approximately 353,000 square metres and has a capacity for around 35 million passengers per year — it handled approximately 29.31 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the busiest single-airline terminals in the world.
The terminal consists of the main building (T5A) with gates A1–A23, plus two satellites: T5B (gates B31–B50) and T5C (gates C52–C70), all connected by an underground automated Heathrow Transit train. T5 also has its own road access, parking (including the unique driverless Pod parking system), and Heathrow Express station.
- Lounges: British Airways Galleries First Lounge & Spa; British Airways Galleries Club Lounges (multiple); British Airways Concorde Room (First class & Gold Card); Plaza Premium Lounge; No.1 Lounge; Priority Pass dining credit at The Globe Pub & Kitchen (near south security)
- Facilities: Upscale retail including Harrods, Mulberry, Fortnum & Mason, Burberry; sit-down restaurants including Heston Blumenthal's The Perfectionist's Café; extensive duty-free; family zones; prayer room; medical centre; business centre; showers (in BA lounges)
- Inter-terminal connections: Free Heathrow Express shuttle to Terminals 2/3 (approximately 7 min — free ticket required); free Elizabeth line to all terminals
Transportation Guide
Getting to Central London from Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow is exceptionally well-served by public transport. Four main options connect the airport to Central London: the Heathrow Express premium rail service, the Elizabeth line (Crossrail), the London Underground Piccadilly line, and National Express coaches. Taxis, private hire cars, and ride-hailing apps round out the choices. All four terminals have direct access to at least one rail service; the Elizabeth line serves all four terminals, making it the most versatile option.
Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express is the fastest public transport link to Central London, making a non-stop journey to London Paddington station in just 15 minutes from Terminals 2 & 3, and 21 minutes from Terminal 5. Trains run every 15 minutes daily, approximately 05:10–23:25. Terminal 4 passengers must first take the free Elizabeth line shuttle to the Terminals 2 & 3 station (allow an additional 10 minutes). Children aged 15 and under travel free when accompanied by an adult.
- Price (standard single): from £10.00 when booked in advance online; up to £25.00 walk-up fare at the station (approx. €12–€30)
- Business First single: from £28.00 advance / £34.00 walk-up — includes Airport Fast Track Security
- Return: from £17.00 advance online
- Carnet deals: 6 tickets for the price of 5, or 12 tickets for the price of 9 — ideal for frequent travellers
- On-board: Free WiFi, power sockets, air conditioning, luggage space, accessible toilets
- Booking: heathrowexpress.com or at self-service machines in all terminals
Elizabeth Line (Crossrail)
Opened through Central London in 2022, the Elizabeth line offers a fast, comfortable, and competitively priced alternative to the Heathrow Express. The line serves all four Heathrow terminals and connects to major Central London stations including Paddington (30 min from T2/3), Bond Street (~36 min), Tottenham Court Road (~40 min), Farringdon (~44 min), Liverpool Street (~50 min), and Canary Wharf (~55 min). Services run approximately every 10–15 minutes. Trains run Monday–Sunday from around 05:30 to midnight (subject to engineering works).
- Single fare (Oyster/contactless, any time): approximately £13.90 (zone 1, early 2025 rate); rises to £15.50 from January 2026
- Paper single to Paddington: £12.80
- Zones 1–6 Travelcard (all modes): £16.60/day
- Journey time: ~30 min to Paddington; ~50 min to Liverpool Street
- On-board: Free WiFi, air conditioning, step-free access at all Elizabeth line stations
- Note: Oyster is not valid west of West Drayton (outside London zones); use contactless for journeys to/from Heathrow
London Underground — Piccadilly Line
The Piccadilly line is the most budget-friendly rail option, running from all Heathrow terminals through Central London and beyond. Three underground stations serve the airport: Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 (Zone 6), Heathrow Terminal 4 (Zone 6), and Heathrow Terminal 5 (Zone 6). Journey time to Central London (e.g., Leicester Square or King's Cross) is approximately 45–60 minutes depending on destination. Trains run every 5–10 minutes during the day and early evening.
- Single fare (Oyster/contactless, off-peak): from £3.70 (zone 1–6 off-peak); peak fare approximately £5.90 from Zone 1 (from Jan 2026 increase)
- Operating hours: approximately 05:30–00:30 Monday–Saturday; reduced Sunday hours
- Note: Luggage space is limited during peak hours; not recommended for large bags during rush hour
National Express Coach
National Express operates frequent coach services from Heathrow's Central Bus Station (between Terminals 2 & 3) to London Victoria Coach Station and dozens of UK destinations. Coaches run throughout the day and night, making this the best option for early morning or late-night travel when rail services are limited.
- Heathrow to Victoria: from £6.00 advance / £10.00 walk-up; journey ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes to Victoria
- Online booking: nationalexpress.com
Taxi (Black Cab)
London's iconic black taxis (Hackney Carriages) are available at all terminals from designated taxi ranks. All black cabs are metered; there are no fixed fares to Central London. Prices vary by time of day and traffic conditions.
- Approximate fare to Central London (e.g., Hyde Park Corner): £45–£85 depending on time and traffic (approx. €53–€100)
- Journey time: 30–60 minutes (heavily traffic-dependent)
- Night tariff: applicable 22:00–05:00 and on public holidays; adds approximately 20% surcharge
- Payment: Cash and card accepted
Ride-Hailing: Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee
Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee all operate at Heathrow. Pick-up zones are designated away from the terminal kerbsides — follow signage to the official pick-up areas. Addison Lee is a popular premium alternative for business travellers and accepts card payment.
- Uber/Bolt approximate fare to Central London: £35–£65 depending on service level and surge pricing
- Addison Lee (pre-booked minicab): £55–£85 to Central London; fixed-price booking available
- Pre-booking recommended to avoid surge pricing at peak times
Car Rental
All major car rental companies operate at Heathrow, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt. All terminals have rental desks in arrivals. The rental car centres are located a short shuttle or walkway distance from terminals. Heathrow falls within the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) — check vehicle compliance before hiring.
- Terminals 2 & 3: Car rental desks in arrivals hall; vehicles in adjacent multi-storey car park
- Terminal 5: Car rental centre integrated into Terminal 5 arrivals
- Terminal 4: Rental desks in the arrivals area
Hotel Shuttles
Several airport-adjacent hotels operate complimentary or paid shuttle services. The Sofitel London Heathrow (Terminal 5) is directly connected via covered walkway. The Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 is connected via covered walkway to Terminal 4. Premier Inn (Terminals 2–4 area) and Holiday Inn Express operate courtesy shuttles. Confirm shuttle availability when booking.
| Transport | Time to Central London | Price (approx.) | Frequency | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | 15 min (to Paddington) | £10–£25 single | Every 15 min | ~05:10–23:25 |
| Elizabeth Line | 30–50 min | £12.80–£15.50 | Every 10–15 min | ~05:30–00:00 |
| Piccadilly Line (Tube) | 45–60 min | £3.70–£5.90 | Every 5–10 min | ~05:30–00:30 |
| National Express Coach | 60–90 min | £6–£10 | Every 20–30 min | 24/7 |
| Black Taxi | 30–60 min | £45–£85 | On demand | 24/7 |
| Uber/Bolt | 30–60 min | £35–£65 | On demand | 24/7 |
Hotels Near the Airport
Hotels Inside or Directly Connected to Heathrow
Heathrow offers several hotels with direct terminal connections, ideal for early morning departures or overnight layovers.
- Sofitel London Heathrow (Terminal 5) — 5-star luxury hotel connected directly to Terminal 5 via covered walkway. Features 605 rooms, multiple restaurants including La Belle Époque fine dining, spa, and fitness centre. Rates typically £200–£400/night.
- Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 — 4-star hotel directly connected to Terminal 4 by covered walkway. Features 395 rooms, swimming pool, fitness centre, and bar/restaurant. Rates typically £130–£250/night.
- Premier Inn London Heathrow Airport (Bath Road) — Budget-friendly 3-star option within the airport campus, on Bath Road near Terminals 2/3. Free shuttle bus to terminals. Rates typically £60–£120/night.
Hotels Within 5 km of Heathrow
- Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Heathrow / Sheraton Heathrow Hotel (Bath Road) — 4-star, approximately 0.5 km from terminals, complimentary shuttle. Rates £100–£200/night.
- Novotel London Heathrow — 4-star, Bath Road, approximately 1 km. Free shuttle, indoor pool, fitness centre. Rates £90–£180/night.
- Crowne Plaza London Heathrow — 4-star, Sipson Road, approximately 1 km. Executive floors, gym, shuttle service. Rates £90–£180/night.
- Holiday Inn London Heathrow Ariel — 4-star, immediately adjacent to the airport perimeter, complimentary shuttle. Family-friendly with pool. Rates £80–£160/night.
- Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow — 4-star, Bath Road, approximately 1 km. Business-oriented with conference facilities. Rates £100–£200/night.
- ibis London Heathrow Airport — 3-star budget option, free shuttle, simple and clean rooms. Rates £55–£95/night.
Budget and Short-Stay Options
- YOTEL London Heathrow (Terminal 4) — Compact "cabin" hotel inside Terminal 4, airside and landside options. Premium cabins (approx. 7 sqm) bookable by the hour (4-hour minimum, from ~£50) or overnight. Ideal for transit passengers with long layovers.
- Sleeperz / Pod Hotels: No dedicated capsule hotel currently operates at Terminals 2, 3, or 5, though rest zones with reclining chairs are available in some lounges (e.g., Plaza Premium).
Overnight Stay at the Airport
Heathrow operates 24/7 and passengers can remain in the public areas after their flight, though the terminals are quieter overnight. Landside areas remain accessible. The No.1 Lounge in Terminals 2 and 3 offer day-pass access (pre-booking recommended) with comfortable seating and refreshments, ideal for long layovers.
---Parking Options & Rates
Official Heathrow Airport Parking
Heathrow Airport Holdings operates several official parking categories across all four terminals. Pre-booking online consistently provides the lowest rates; drive-up prices can be 50–100% higher than advance rates. The airport recommends booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance for the best prices during school holidays and peak summer travel.
Terminal Parking (Short Stay)
Terminal Parking — previously called Short Stay — is located in the multi-storey car park directly adjacent to each terminal, ideal for pick-ups, drop-offs, or stays of a few hours. No shuttle required; walk directly to the terminal.
Park & Ride (Long Stay)
Park & Ride — formerly Long Stay — offers the most affordable official pre-bookable option. Free bus transfers depart every 10–30 minutes and take approximately 10–20 minutes to reach the terminals. EV charging points are available in selected bays.
Priority Park & Ride
Priority Park & Ride (formerly Business Parking) offers higher-frequency shuttle buses, dedicated drop-off zones, and a more premium experience. Note: the Priority P&R car park for Terminals 2 & 3 was temporarily closed in early 2025; Terminal 5 Priority P&R remains open.
Valet / Meet & Greet
Heathrow Valet Parking is available at all terminals: simply drive to the designated kerbside drop-off point and a professional driver parks the vehicle in a secure, CCTV-monitored compound. On return, the car is waiting at the kerbside. This is the most expensive option but adds maximum convenience for business travellers.
Pod Parking (Terminal 5)
Terminal 5 features a unique driverless automated Pod system linking the Pod car park to the terminal. The Pods are electric vehicles running on a dedicated guideway. Due to planned engineering works, the Pod system may be intermittently replaced by bus services — check the Heathrow website for current status.
Off-Airport Parking
Numerous third-party operators (Maple Parking, NCP, Purple Parking, Holiday Extras Meet & Greet) offer competitively priced alternatives, typically 20–40% cheaper than official parking for pre-booked stays of 7+ days. All reputable operators offer shuttle buses. Compare via holidayextras.com or parkvia.com.
| Parking Type | Location | Pre-book Price (7 days, approx.) | Drive-Up Price | Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Parking (Short Stay) | Multi-storey at each terminal | £25–£50/day advance | Higher on day | No shuttle — walk to terminal |
| Park & Ride (Long Stay) | Off-terminal lots | £80–£150 for 7 days (advance) | £20–£35/day | Free bus (10–20 min) |
| Priority Park & Ride | Off-terminal (T5 open; T2/3 closed 2025) | £100–£180 for 7 days (advance) | N/A | High-freq. free bus |
| Valet / Meet & Greet | Terminal kerbside drop-off | £130–£250 for 7 days (advance) | Higher on day | No shuttle needed |
| Third-Party Park & Ride | Within 3–5 km of airport | £60–£120 for 7 days (advance) | Varies | Free bus (15–30 min) |
EV Charging: Available in Terminal Parking at Terminals 2, 3, and 5. Rapid chargers also available at selected Park & Ride facilities.
Motorcycles: Free parking in dedicated motorcycle bays close to each terminal; motorcycles are not permitted in multi-storey car parks.
Payment: Credit/debit card and contactless accepted; cash not accepted in most official car parks.
Booking: heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/heathrow-parking
---Services & Facilities
WiFi
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout all four terminals at Heathrow. Connect to the "Heathrow Free Wi-Fi" network, open your browser, and accept the terms and conditions. The service is provided by BT and is available landside and airside. Speed is adequate for streaming and video calls, though performance may degrade during peak periods.
Lounges — Summary
Heathrow has one of the richest lounge ecosystems of any airport in the world, with over 30 lounges across four terminals. Independent pay-access lounges accessible regardless of airline or travel class include the No.1 Lounges (T2 and T3; ~£35–£55 advance, £55 walk-up), My Lounge (T3), Plaza Premium Lounges (T3 and T4), and the Centurion Lounge (T3, American Express Platinum/Centurion card holders). Priority Pass members can access No.1 Lounge (T2), Plaza Premium (T3 and T4), and selected dining credits. Full-day access to the No.1 Lounge is available at the door for £110 per person. British Airways Galleries Lounges are accessible to BA business, first class, and executive club Gold/Silver members across T3 and T5.
Shopping
Heathrow is one of the world's premier airport retail destinations. Duty-free shops (for non-EU-bound passengers departing the UK post-Brexit) are operated by World Duty Free and span all terminals. Luxury brands represented include Harrods, Burberry, Mulberry, Fortnum & Mason, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Cartier, and Jo Malone. Terminal 5 and Terminal 3 offer the widest retail selections. Essential retailers include Boots (pharmacy and toiletries), WHSmith, and WH Smith Departure.
Dining
Dining options range from quick grab-and-go (Pret A Manger, Costa Coffee, Itsu, Wasabi) to full-service restaurants. Notable options include Plane Food by Gordon Ramsay (Terminal 3, post-security, open from 05:30; mains £18–£35), The Perfectionist's Café by Heston Blumenthal (Terminal 5, post-security), and Wagamama (Terminal 2). Most food outlets operate from approximately 04:30 to the last departure. Limited 24-hour options are available landside. Budget for main meals at £12–£35 per person. A full meal with a drink will typically cost £20–£40.
Medical and Pharmacy
- Medical centres: Available in all terminals. Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 have dedicated medical rooms staffed during peak hours.
- Boots pharmacy: Located in all four terminals (landside and airside); open from approximately 05:00 to last flight.
- Defibrillators: Located throughout all terminals for emergency use.
Family Facilities
- Baby care and changing rooms in all terminals (both landside and airside, gender-neutral and gendered)
- Family security lanes available at all terminals — look for "Family" or "Special Assistance" signage
- Play areas for children in Terminal 2 and Terminal 5
- Buggy/pushchair loan service available through the airport
Accessibility — PRM Services
Heathrow provides comprehensive Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM) assistance, including wheelchair services, assistance through security and boarding, and accessible toilets in all terminals. Pre-book assistance at least 48 hours before travel directly with your airline. All Elizabeth line stations at Heathrow are step-free from street to platform. The airport has a dedicated Special Assistance call point at each terminal entrance.
Currency Exchange
Travelex, ICE (International Currency Exchange), and MONEYCORP desks are located in all terminals, both landside and airside. Rates at the airport are typically less favourable than high-street rates or ATMs. For best rates, withdraw GBP from ATMs using a multi-currency card (e.g., Wise, Revolut) — ATMs are located in all terminal arrivals and departures areas. Mastercard and Visa ATMs are widely available.
Luggage Storage
- Left luggage: Operated by Excess Baggage Company in all terminals; located in arrivals halls
- Price: approximately £8–£15 per item per day depending on size
- Hours: typically 06:00–22:00; confirm hours for each terminal
- Booking: Online pre-booking available via heathrow.com/at-the-airport/left-luggage
Smoking
Heathrow Airport is entirely smoke-free, including all terminal buildings and indoor areas. Designated outdoor smoking areas are located outside each terminal before the security checkpoints (landside only). There are no smoking areas airside in any terminal. E-cigarettes and vaping devices follow the same restrictions. Passengers with long layovers wishing to smoke must exit through arrivals and re-enter security.
Prayer Rooms and Chapels
Multi-faith prayer rooms are available in all four terminals, both landside and airside. A full Airport Chapel is located in Terminal 2, operated by the Heathrow Airport Chaplaincy, serving all faiths. Wudu (ablution) facilities are adjacent to prayer rooms in all terminals.
Showers
Public showers for non-lounge passengers are available through selected pay-access lounges (No.1 Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge — shower access typically included in the lounge day pass from ~£35–£55). British Airways Galleries Lounges offer showers to eligible members. There is currently no standalone public shower facility airside at Heathrow outside of lounge access. YOTEL Terminal 4 cabin bookings include en-suite shower facilities.
---Airlines & Destinations
Hub and Home Airlines
British Airways (oneworld) is the dominant carrier, holding approximately 50% of all passenger traffic at Heathrow. BA operates from Terminals 3 and 5 (primarily T5), serving over 180 destinations worldwide with its short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul network including its flagship Club World business class and First class cabins. Iberia (oneworld), the Spanish flag carrier, also uses Terminal 5 as its main Heathrow hub.
Airlines by Alliance
Star Alliance (Terminal 2): United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Air New Zealand, South African Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), ANA All Nippon Airways.
oneworld (Terminals 3 and 5): British Airways, American Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, Iberia, Vueling.
SkyTeam (Terminal 4): Air France, KLM, Korean Air, China Southern Airlines, Air Europa, Saudia (independent, T4).
Independent and LCC carriers: Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, EL AL, Aer Lingus (T2), Flybe (regional), and others.
Top 10 Busiest Routes from Heathrow (2024)
| Rank | Destination | Route Code | Approx. Annual Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York (JFK) | LHR–JFK | ~4.0 million |
| 2 | Dubai (DXB) | LHR–DXB | ~3.5 million |
| 3 | Doha (DOH) | LHR–DOH | ~2.5 million |
| 4 | Dublin (DUB) | LHR–DUB | ~2.3 million |
| 5 | Los Angeles (LAX) | LHR–LAX | ~2.2 million |
| 6 | Delhi (DEL) | LHR–DEL | ~2.0 million |
| 7 | Madrid (MAD) | LHR–MAD | ~1.9 million |
| 8 | Mumbai (BOM) | LHR–BOM | ~1.8 million |
| 9 | Hong Kong (HKG) | LHR–HKG | ~1.5 million |
| 10 | Singapore (SIN) | LHR–SIN | ~1.4 million |
Key Long-Haul Destinations
Heathrow serves an unparalleled range of long-haul destinations. North American cities served include New York (JFK and EWR), Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Washington D.C. Key Asian destinations include Tokyo (NRT and HND), Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Sydney. The Middle East is heavily served with multiple daily flights to Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv. Heathrow is particularly notable for being one of the very few airports in the world offering non-stop routes to all six inhabited continents simultaneously.
---Distances & Travel Times
Distances from London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
| Destination | Distance | By Car (M4/M25) | By Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central London (Hyde Park Corner) | 23 km / 14 miles | 30–55 min (traffic-dependent) | 15 min (Heathrow Express to Paddington) / 45 min (Piccadilly line) |
| London Paddington Station | 22 km / 14 miles | 25–45 min | 15 min (Heathrow Express) |
| London Victoria Station | 25 km / 15 miles | 35–60 min | 50–65 min (Elizabeth line + Underground or bus) |
| London City Airport (LCY) | 42 km / 26 miles | 50–80 min | 70–90 min (Elizabeth line to Canary Wharf, then DLR) |
| London Gatwick Airport (LGW) | 55 km / 34 miles | 50–80 min (M25) | ~80 min (bus + Gatwick Express) |
| Windsor Castle | 12 km / 7 miles | 20–35 min | 30–40 min (bus or short drive) |
| Oxford | 75 km / 47 miles | 55–80 min (A40) | 85–100 min (Oxford Tube coach from Terminals) |
| Wembley Stadium | 20 km / 12 miles | 25–40 min | 45–60 min (Piccadilly line + Jubilee line) |
| ExCeL London (convention centre) | 35 km / 22 miles | 40–70 min | 60–80 min (Elizabeth line to Custom House) |
| Birmingham City Centre | 165 km / 102 miles | 90–120 min (M40) | ~100 min (rail via London Euston) |
Passenger Statistics
Heathrow Airport — Passenger Traffic Statistics
London Heathrow Airport has been Europe's busiest airport for decades and holds the distinction of being the world's most internationally connected airport. After the dramatic COVID-19 pandemic impact in 2020–2021, traffic recovered strongly and surpassed all previous records in 2024.
| Year | Total Passengers | YoY Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 80.1 million | +2.6% | Previous all-time record (pre-pandemic) |
| 2020 | 22.1 million | –72.4% | COVID-19 pandemic; borders closed |
| 2021 | 19.4 million | –12.2% | Ongoing pandemic travel restrictions |
| 2022 | 61.6 million | +217.5% | Strong post-pandemic recovery |
| 2023 | 79.2 million | +28.6% | Near-complete recovery to pre-pandemic levels |
| 2024 | 83.86 million | +5.9% | All-time record; #1 Europe, #5 World |
Key 2024 Statistics
- Total passengers: 83.86 million (record; +5.9% vs 2023)
- International passengers: 78.9 million (94% of total)
- Domestic passengers: 4.95 million (6% of total)
- Air traffic movements: 473,965 (near the legal cap of 480,000)
- Cargo volume: 1.5 million tonnes (+10.4% vs 2023)
- Busiest month (2024): August (over 8 million passengers); busiest single month in airport history
- Busiest day (2024): Christmas Day, December 25, 2024 — 160,000 passengers (daily record)
- European ranking: 1st (approximately 4 million more passengers than 2nd-place Istanbul)
- Global ranking: 5th busiest by total passengers; 2nd busiest by international passengers
- British Airways market share: approximately 50%
- 2025 Forecast: 84.2 million passengers projected (subject to capacity constraints)
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
General Airport Information
Phone: +44 (0)844 335 1801
24/7
Official Website
Social Media
Twitter: @HeathrowAirport
Facebook: HeathrowAirport
Instagram: @heathrowairport
Special Assistance (PRM)
Phone: Contact your airline; airport call points at each terminal entrance
24/7 pre-booking with airlines recommended 48 hours before travel
Lost & Found (Lost Property)
Phone: +44 (0)20 8745 7727
Location: Operated by the Excess Baggage Company; offices in each terminal arrivals hall. Items found on aircraft: contact your airline directly.
Open: 07:00–23:00 daily
Security & General Enquiries
Email: [email protected]
Pro Tips for London Heathrow
- If you're in Terminal 3 and your gate is numbered 13–22, start walking 15–20 minutes before the gate closes — it's a long corridor with moving walkways and can take 10+ minutes from the departures lounge to the farthest gates. Gates 23–42 (north) have limited food options, so buy food in the main departures lounge before heading there.
- Terminal 5's free Pod parking system is uniquely convenient if you're a British Airways frequent flyer — the driverless Pods pick you up right from your parking bay and drop you at T5 without any shuttle bus. Check if Pods are running (occasional maintenance closures) before booking Pod Parking.
- The No.1 Lounge in Terminal 2 or 3 (buy access at the door for £55/2 hours or pre-book for ~£35 advance) offers showers, hot food, and a bar — excellent value versus overpriced terminal cafés, especially for early morning or late-night departures.
- For connecting passengers, use the free Heathrow Express inter-terminal shuttle between T2/3 and T5 rather than the Elizabeth line if you're in a hurry — it takes approximately 7 minutes and requires picking up a free ticket at the platform machines.
- Always verify your terminal on your airline's app or boarding pass — British Airways uses both T3 and T5 depending on the flight, and getting this wrong means a 20-minute underground journey and potential missed boarding. T5 is BA's main hub; T3 handles certain codeshare and partner flights.
- Book the Heathrow Express online at heathrowexpress.com at least a few days in advance — prices start at £10 versus £25+ on the day. If you're catching a connecting flight from another London station, the Elizabeth line at ~£12–£14 can be better value and gets you further into Central London.
- Pre-book official Heathrow Parking or a reputable third-party (Maple Parking, Holiday Extras) at least 4–6 weeks ahead during school holidays and summer — on-the-day parking can be 2–3× the advance rate, and Terminal Parking fills up quickly.
- Heathrow falls within London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Check your vehicle's compliance at tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle before driving to the airport — non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50/day.
- Assuming Terminal 4 is quick to reach from T2/3 — it's south of the southern runway and requires the Elizabeth line or a shuttle (approximately 20 minutes). If you have a tight connection involving T4, Heathrow recommends at least 90 minutes minimum connection time.
- Attempting to carry liquids over 100ml through security without declaring them — UK post-Brexit rules still enforce the 100ml liquid restriction in carry-on bags. However, as of June 2024, new CT scanners are being rolled out at some security lanes which may relax this rule for certain lanes; check current Heathrow guidance before packing.
- Ignoring the ULEZ and Congestion Charge — anyone driving into Central London from Heathrow (e.g., for a day trip before a flight) must pay both the ULEZ charge (£12.50/day for non-compliant vehicles) and the Congestion Charge (£15/day weekdays 07:00–18:00, £15 weekends 12:00–18:00) if entering the central zone.