Information

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London's Biggest International Airport

London's Heathrow Airport is the Worlds' busiest international airport. We offer some guidance as how to get to, and through the airport. It is a very big airport with continual traffic movements. Congestion can occur on the ground and in the air. Security is tight and you should ensure that you obey all airline and customs rules as to what can be carried on the aircraft.

Heathrow Airport has 5 terminals. They are numbered 1,2,3,4 and 5! Terminals 1,2 and 3 are in the centre of the airport between the main runways; Terminal 4 is to the south of the main runways and Terminal 5 is to the west.

Find out which terminal your flight arrives at or departs from.

See the list of airlines but double check with the airline for terminal details; last changes can occur particularly to smaller airlines. Please note that unlike some airports each airline does not use exclusively one terminal. If you are flying with British Airways, British Midland or Virgin Atlantic you must check the terminal, since these airlines operate from more than one terminal.

Travel

London Taxi

Taxi ranks outside each terminal.

London Underground - Tube (subway system or metro)

The Tube is operated by London Transport who have a comprehensive web-site designed for tourists. It includes a tourist guide which can be downloaded in a number of languages (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).  There is also a guide on To and From the Airports

London's Heathrow Airport is on the Piccadilly Line (dark blue on 'tube' maps). Trains run every 5 to 9 minutes.

Average journey time is 47 to 60 minutes into Central London.

The trains take a circular one-way trip around the airport. From Central London the train first arrives at TERMINAL 4. If your flight leaves from Terminal 4 ensure you get off;

The train then arrives 5 minutes later at TERMINALS 1, 2 AND 3. If you missed Terminal 4 then you cannot 'go back' on the tube train. There is a bus service between the terminals (see below).

London is divided into six zones with Zone 1 in Central London and Zone 6 in the outer suburbs.

London Heathrow is in Zone 6.

If travelling after 09:30 (weekends) or all day at weekends we would recommend the Travel Card. This gives the freedom of London on tube, bus and train across the whole of London.

Ticket information is provided by London Transport.

Tube Maps: Printable Maps (needs Abode Acrobat).  First you have to accept the disclaimer.

Bus

The Central Bus Station is reached via subways linking Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The Coach Station adjacent to Arrivals, Terminal 3 operates services to Gatwick, Stansted, Reading/Woking and the Airbus Service to Central London ( W1).

A courtesy bus service provides links between all terminals.

Rail

Heathrow Express: A link to London's Paddington station is now open.  Every 15 minutes.

Road

London's Heathrow airport has excellent motorway (highway, freeway, autobahn) connections to both the M4 (junction 4) for Central London and the west and Wales and the M25 (London's Orbital Motorway). M25 Junction 15 for Terminals 1,2 and 3; M25 junction 14 for Terminal 4.

Car Parking

There are many car parks, parking is expensive even for very short periods. Very Short Term Car Parks are available close to the Terminal Buildings but can be congested and are very expensive even for a few minutes. Short Term (Business) Car Parks are often a bus ride away from the terminals buildings. Long Term Car Parks can be a considerable distance from the airport. There is also a range of valet parking available. Some local garages will even service your car whilst your away on a trip which could work out cheaper than the parking charges.

Make sure you know which terminal your flight leaves from before you start your journey. A complete list in alphabetical order of airlines is available but double check with the airline; last changes can occur particularly to smaller airlines. Park in the Car Park designated for the terminal and write down the zone and car park details of where you leave your car. There are many car parks and they can look identical.

Details on car parking are available from the airport's web-site.

Car Hire

Facilities at the airport are provided by:

Alamo 79 New Road, Harlington, Hayes, Middlesex
T: +44 (0)208 759 6200

Avis Northrop Rd, Hounslow, Middlesex, London , TW6 2QA
+44 (0)208 899 1000
Location Code: LHR

Budget London Heathrow Airport, London
Location code : LHR
T : +44 (0)208 759 2216

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR, UK LTD 
UNIT 3 GIBBS CORNER
MIDDLESEX,   TW14 8NE

T: +44 (0)2088 932983

Europcar (Alliance with Dollar in USA) Heathrow Airport, Northern Perimeter Road West, Heathrow Airport
T: +44 (0)208 897 0811
Location Code: LHRT01

Hertz Heathrow Airport, Northern Perimeter Road West
T: +44 (0)208 897 2072
F: +44 (0)208 759 0560
Chauffeur driven vehicles available

Flight Arrivals

Flight Arrival information for London Heathrow Airport is available on the Heathrow website

General

British Government entry requirements for visas, etc. You may even download the visa forms (Abode Acrobat required)

British Government information on Customs and Excise (Duty and Tax Free Goods, etc.)

The airport is owned and operated by the British Airports Authority.

The official London Heathrow web-site contains details about:

Airport Facilities

Terminal Maps

Location Map of the Airport.

Special Needs access