London Heathrow Airport
LHRThe UK's busiest airport and one of the world's great aviation hubs, serving over 200 destinations from four terminals.
London Heathrow (LHR) is the UK's largest airport and one of the busiest in the world, handling around 80 million passengers a year. It sits 15 miles west of central London in the London Borough of Hillingdon and operates four passenger terminals — T2, T3, T4, and T5 — spread across a large campus connected by the free Heathrow Express inter-terminal service and the Underground. Heathrow is the primary long-haul gateway for the UK, with direct flights to over 200 destinations across six continents.
Terminals at Heathrow
Heathrow's four terminals each serve different airlines and alliances. Knowing your terminal before you travel is essential — the campus is large and getting between terminals takes time. Your boarding pass or airline app will confirm which terminal you need.
Terminal 2 — The Queen's Terminal
Home to Star Alliance carriers and a number of other airlines. Opened in 2014, it is one of the most modern terminals at Heathrow with an impressive retail and dining offer. United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and ANA all operate from T2.
Key airlines
Terminal 3
Serves a mix of long-haul carriers outside the main alliances, including American Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific. T3 is one of the older terminals but has been significantly refurbished. It is connected to T2 by a short walkway.
Key airlines
Terminal 4
Located on the south side of the airport, away from the main terminal campus. Served by its own Underground and bus connections. Home to SkyTeam carriers including KLM, Air France, and Korean Air, as well as Malaysia Airlines and some charter operators.
Key airlines
Terminal 5 — British Airways
Exclusively used by British Airways and its partner Iberia. The largest and most modern terminal at Heathrow, with two satellite buildings (T5B and T5C) connected by an automated transit system. Home to the BA Galleries lounges and the flagship Concorde Room for First class passengers.
Key airlines
Getting to Heathrow
Heathrow is exceptionally well connected by public transport. The Elizabeth line has transformed journey times from central London, and the Heathrow Express remains the fastest single option.
Elizabeth Line (Crossrail)
The fastest value-for-money rail option since opening in 2022. Trains run to Paddington in around 25 minutes, and through to the City and Canary Wharf without changing. Serves T2/T3 and T4/T5 with separate branches. Accepts contactless payment — no need to buy a ticket in advance.
~25 min to Paddington · Every 10 min · Contactless accepted
Heathrow Express
The fastest rail link to London Paddington, taking just 15 minutes non-stop. Runs every 15 minutes and serves T2/T3 and T5 (T4 requires a free transfer). Premium pricing — book in advance online for the best fares. Worth it if time is critical.
15 min to Paddington · Every 15 min · From ~£25 advance
London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
The cheapest rail option, running to central London in around 50–60 minutes with multiple stops. Serves all four terminals. Useful if you are heading to a destination on or near the Piccadilly line — King's Cross, Russell Square, Leicester Square. Not ideal with heavy luggage.
~50–60 min to central London · Frequent · From ~£6 with Oyster
National Express Coach
Extensive coach network connecting Heathrow to destinations across the UK including Oxford, Bristol, Birmingham, and beyond. The Central Bus Station between T2 and T3 is the main hub. Good value for longer journeys outside London.
Central Bus Station · Nationwide routes · Advance fares from ~£5
Driving & Drop-off
Heathrow is accessed via the M25 (Junction 14/15) and M4 (Junction 4). Drop-off charges apply at all terminals — a free set-down area is available but requires a short walk. Traffic on the approach roads can be severe during peak hours; allow extra time.
M25 J14/15 or M4 J4 · Drop-off charges apply · Allow extra time in peak hours
Parking at Heathrow
Heathrow offers a wide range of parking options from terminal-adjacent short stay to off-site long-stay parks. Pre-booking is essential — walk-up prices are among the highest of any UK airport.
Short Stay
Multi-storey car parks directly connected to each terminal. The most convenient option for pick-ups and drop-offs. Expensive for anything longer than a few hours — charges escalate quickly.
Long Stay
Located further from the terminals with a free shuttle bus transfer. Significantly cheaper than short stay for trips of more than a day. Pre-book well in advance for the best rates — prices rise sharply close to travel dates.
Meet & Greet
Drive to the terminal forecourt, hand your keys to a valet, and collect your car on return. The most seamless option for families or those with a lot of luggage. Book early as slots fill quickly, particularly at T5.
Business Parking
Premium covered parking close to the terminals, aimed at frequent business travellers. Includes faster access lanes and covered walkways. Available at T2/T3 and T5.
Facilities & Lounges
Heathrow has one of the best airside retail and dining offers of any airport in the world, particularly in T2 and T5. All terminals have a range of lounges available to passengers regardless of airline or class.
Airport Lounges
Every terminal has independent pay-access lounges including No1 Lounge, Aspire, and Plaza Premium. Priority Pass and Lounge Key are widely accepted. British Airways operates its Galleries lounges in T5 for eligible passengers, with the flagship Concorde Room reserved for First class. American Express Centurion Lounge is located in T3.
Dining & Bars
Heathrow's airside dining is extensive. T5 has the strongest offer, including Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food, Heston Blumenthal's The Perfectionist's Café, and a wide range of casual options. T2 has a well-curated selection including Comptoir Libanais and Wagamama. All terminals have Pret, Costa, and grab-and-go options.
Shopping
World Duty Free operates large stores in all terminals, with T5 housing the flagship location. Heathrow's retail offer includes luxury brands (Harrods, Burberry, Mulberry), high street names, and a strong beauty and fragrance selection. The T2 shopping area is particularly well designed.
Families & Accessibility
Dedicated family security lanes operate in all terminals. Children's play areas, nursing rooms, and baby changing facilities are available airside. Heathrow has a comprehensive assisted travel service — passengers requiring help should pre-notify their airline and can request meet-and-assist from the airport's dedicated team.
Tips for Travelling Through Heathrow
Always confirm your terminal before leaving home — it is easy to assume and wrong. T4 is on the south side of the airport and requires its own Underground or bus connection; it is not a short walk from T2/T3. Your boarding pass will state your terminal clearly.
The Elizabeth line is now the best everyday option for getting to Heathrow from central London. It is significantly cheaper than the Heathrow Express, accepts contactless payment, and the journey time to Paddington is only 10 minutes longer. Use the Express only if every minute counts.
Heathrow security queues can be very long, particularly at T5 during the morning bank of BA departures (5am–9am). Allow at least three hours before long-haul flights and two hours for short-haul. Heathrow publishes live security wait times on its website and app.
If you are departing from T5B or T5C (satellite buildings), factor in extra time after clearing security. The automated transit from the main T5 building to the satellites takes around 5 minutes, and gates in T5C can be a further 10-minute walk. Check your gate as early as possible.
Heathrow parking is among the most expensive in the UK at walk-up rates. Book as far in advance as possible — prices can be 60% lower when booked weeks ahead. Always book through the official Heathrow website rather than third-party aggregators to avoid hidden fees.
Travelling to a different airport?
Browse all UK airports