London Heathrow Airport Guide
| London Heathrow Terminal Map | London Heathrow lounges | London Heathrow train | London Heathrow Hotel |
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 check in
London Heathrow Airport is a vast mega-airport which totally dominates air traffic in London, the UK, and indeed most of Europe. It has two parallel runways along and terminals on a vast site surrounded by London's suburbia. Located just 14 miles (22 kms) west of Central London it is famous for many things - not least the fantastic view of the city on final approach, because the two runways result in most approaching traffic skimming over the streets of London.
Many passengers approach Heathrow Airport (known as just plain Heathrow to pretty much everyone in aviation) with either awe (just look at those passenger numbers) trepidation (much has been written about LHR nightmares - leading to many people who have never been there to regard it as the worst airport in the world. It is certainly not) or joy - the latter reserved mostly for the fantastic new Terminal 5, which has to be one of the most inspiring airport terminals in the world. One thing is for sure: Heathrow is neither easy, cheap, or hassle free.
Heathrow deals with more international passengers than any other airport around the globe: from this rather un-regarded part of Hounslow you can get a direct plane to virtually any destination on the planet. Many people who travel through Heathrow don't actually leave the country. It is of course the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the second busiest by flight numbers in the world. Nearly 80,000 people work there, and 80 million people step through the doors every year - that's an average of 200,000 a day. Over 40% are heading to Europe, but New York, Dubai, and Dublin are the most popular destinations. Which makes it surprising, when you stand in the middle of the roundabout that is right at the heart of the airport that the place looks like such a dump. And a disorganised one at that, with no coherent architectural style or aesthetics, with disorganised straggles of passengers queuing through ever lengthening security lines, mix in that ever present pong of Jet A1, the sheer cost of flying out of LHR (taxation adds an extra £184 to a premium economy long haul flight) and it's no wonder some passengers give it a wide birth.
Heathrow T5 from the airside bus
Heathrow: Travel between terminals
For terminal to terminal Heathrow transfers it pays to know Heathrow (and have an EU passport!). If you can exit the terminal, and enter the UK, do so to save a long wait for an airside transfer. Terminals 2 and 3 are a very short walk from each other, and most passengers walk (landside) through underground walkways which takes about 5 minutes, but regular passengers take the shorter walk at ground level for a bit of fresh air (or Jet A1). Heathrow transfers terminal to terminal are more of a pain if you want to go from the central area to Terminal 4 or 5, or between T4 and T5. There is an airside bus from the transfer areas, and while the transfer (Terminals 4 - 8 minutes, or Terminal 5 - 12 minutes) is short, the bus is not that regular (every 15 minutes) and you can have a 20 minute wait to go through transfer security. For these transfers, if you have a UK or EU passport, it is much quicker to go airside, and take the tube or Heathrow express, which is free terminal to terminal (see below). Never, ever, take a cab between terminals.
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 1
Heathrow Terminal 1
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 1 is completely closed for redevelopment.
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2
London Heathrow Terminal 2 is a brand new terminal, and is Heathrow's main hub for Star Alliance operators.
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 dates back to 1961, when it was called the Oceanic Terminal, and was designed for long-haul routes. For this reason, many long haul airlines are still based here.The redevelopment of Terminal 3 forecourt was completed in 2007. It included a new four lane drop-off area and a large pedestrianised plaza, with a large canopy to the front of the terminal building.
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 has an L shaped checkin, with all the Virgin desks on the side as you walk in from the tube station, then the racks of checkin counters. After these go up the stairs to the second floor of the departure hall, where there are more shops and a boots, before going into the main hall. There is a post office in Terminal 3.
Heathrow Terminal 4
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 is a long way from the central core of Terminals 1 2 and 3. Terminal 4 is situated to the south of the southern runway, and when first opened in 1986 was designated for British Airways.It is now home to SkyTeam airlines, and a few other airlines that haven't found a permanent home at Heathrow.
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 shopping area
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
Many people have heard of London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 - and some still worry about it, thanks to all the trauma of it's opening day in 2007. However, Terminal 5 now runs very smoothly, except for the usual hicups at security.
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
Heathrow Terminal 3 Lounges - follow the lounge letter
First & Business Class lounges at London Heathrow Airport
Some of the best First & Business Class lounges in the world are to be found at London Heathrow Airport. And come to that, some of the most miserable small boxes in the world too. There is a vast array of lounges to choose from if you are travelling in First or Business Class, but slim pickings if you want a pay-per-access (or what in the US is called a pay-in) lounge. The airport owner, BAA, has also classified airline lounges by letter - in Terminal 3 in particular, this can be confusing. There is no access to the Heathrow departure lounges on arrival: arriving and departing passengers are strictly segregated. Hence, there are arrival lounges specifically with breakfast and showers for premium long-haul passengers before they head to hotels or meetings. Without a premium ticket, or a Gold BA card, you're stuck using the public showers in arrival in T3 and T4. Lounges are also strictly segregated according to terminal: you can only go airside with the right boarding pass for that terminal. You can't nip from T5 to T3 just to use the lounge, for example. The old airside walkway from T1 to T2 has been closed. Heathrow Pay Lounges on departure are limited to Servisair in Terminal 1 and 3, and the Heathrow No.1 Traveller Lounge in Terminal 3. The Heathrow pay lounge in Terminal 4, the 4Deck lounge Heathrow Terminal 4 (neáé Holideck Lounge Heathrow) has closed. There are no pay-in or Priority Pass Lounges at Terminal 4 or 5. Indeed, Priority Pass Heathrow access is a real pain. Unless you are at least a Silver on BA / oneworld or in Biz/First, you'll be stuck in the bar. Heathrow Pay Lounges on arrival are even harder to come by: there is just one option if you are not in Business or First. The American Airlines Arrivals Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 (Called AArivals) will allow any passenger who has just arrvied to buy their way in for US$90 + VAT (20%)or £68GBP. This is seriously not worth it, unless you are desperate for a shower and some food early in the morning.
London Heathrow Airport Pay in, First & Business Class lounges
London Heathrow Airport Terminal Map
London Heathrow Airport transportation
Travel from London Heathrow to city centre is easy and cheap - but not always that quick. Even though the airport is close to the city centre, and indeed you will fly over the city on arrival, the urban density means it make take longer than you think. Almost everyone who is a native Londoner will take the tube (underground) by default. The only exceptions are if you are in a hurry, when the Heathrow Express is marginally faster, or your destination is near Paddington, where there is Heathrow Connect. Few people other than backpackers will take the bus. There are also taxis, but they are astoundingly expensive, and rarely any faster.
London Heathrow Airport train
NEWS: Free travel has been introduced for Oystercard holders between the Heathrow stations on the Piccadilly line There are three rail options to travel from London Heathrow into London city centre (called 'downtown' by some US visitors, but never by anyone in the UK). Note that the main train station is the central area is called 'Terminal12&3' (or just 'Terminal 1&3' while Terminal 2 is being rebuilt).
Heathrow Train at Paddington Station
Heathrow Tube station at T5
London Heathrow Airport bus services
There are many local bus services to Heathrow. All stop at the Central bus station (between Terminals 1 and 3) as well as at Terminals 4 and 5. The bus station is open 24 hours a day and the Travel Centre is open from 06:00 to 22:30. Overnight, the N9 bus service operates to central London from both the Central Bus Station and T5. It run Hounslow,Chiswick, Hammersmith, Kensington, Trafalgar Square, Aldwych. National Express coaches run from London Heathrow Airport to hundreds of locations around the UK. If you are heading to the Southwest, such as to Southampton, it can be much quicker to get the coach than a train to central London, and then out on the tube again. If you in a hotel near to Heathrow, you should know about the Heathrow Free Bus Zone. Once called the Heathrow Free Flow Bus to Go area (what an unwieldy name!) it allows you to travel for free on a bus around Heathrow. The zone is quite large: just tell the driver you are in the free zone, and plan to use it. There is also a railair coach from Heathrow to Reading, Woking and Watford Junction stations, from the Heathrow Central Bus Station. A Single is �'£14.00, a day return �'£15.00, or a return �'£22.00 to Reading.London Heathrow Airport taxi services
You are not seriously thinking about getting a taxi from Heathrow to central London are you? Stop right now, and get on the train. Just do not do it. OK, Getting a taxi to and from London Heathrow Airport is usually trouble free, but the journey costs £90, and can take well over an hour. The train is far quicker and cheaper.
Heathrow Taxi rank at T5
Car Hire at London Heathrow Airport
Major car hire operators are located in the Arrivals Halls. To save time and ensure you get the car you want, book your rental in advance. Rental car operators from London Heathrow Airport include: Europcar, Thrifty, Avis and Budget. Car hire desks are on the arrivals level of each terminal.
London Heathrow Airport Arrivals
Click on Live Arrivals Heathrow for London Heathrow Arrival Times.
London Heathrow Airport Hotel
There are a vast number of hotels near London Heathrow Airport, but near can be a relative term. Some who say they are nearby can be a good half hour away stuck in the cargo facility (Hilton T5, we look to you), while other (yes, looking at you Radisson Heathrow and Park Inn Heathrow) overlook the active runway - but are some way away by road. At Terminal 5 the Sofitel London Heathrow is brand new and connected to Terminal 5 by a covered walkway. There are two restaurants and several bars in the hotel - or you can nip out to the ones in the terminal. At Terminal 4 the Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4 is also connected by a covered walkway to Terminal 4. It is quite swish, with three restaurants, a fitness centre, and an indoor swimming pool, but it is showing its (20 year old) age. There is also at Terminal 4 the Yotel which is a capsule hotel located in the arrivals hall in Terminal 4. It has tiny rooms arranged in a cabin-style layout. Each room has a shower, free Wi-Fi, and a TV. There are NO hotels in the central area at Terminal 1,2, 3. From here, you are best taking the free-flow bus out to hotels like the Radisson.
London Heathrow Airport Left Luggage
London Heathrow Airport luggage storage is handled at each terminal, once you pass through customs. Most of the left luggage companies operate 0530-2300 with the exception of Terminal 1 which opens at 0600.
Car parking
London Heathrow Airport car parking is quite good, but expensive. Each terminal has its own short-stay car park. Long-stay car parks are private operators including NCP. These car parks are linked to the terminals by a courtesy shuttle bus, which can take some considerable time. At Terminal 5, the car park is linked to the main Terminal 5 building by the famous Personal rapid transit system. Here you sit in a small bubble car, which runs along a 2.4 mile (3.9 km) elevated track. It is great fun - and free. It will eventually transport passengers around the perimeter fence to Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
London Heathrow Airport Bars and Restaurants
Terminal 5 Bars
Five Tuns Wetherspoons at Heathrow, LHR T5
Open: 0530-2300 LHR T5, Landside
There is just one pub in Terminal 5 before security, but it is a good one. The Five Tuns is a classic gastro pub with an ultra modern decor.
The bar is OK, with standard Stella or Fosters on draft, but also with a couple of real ales too. The wine list is not too bad at all, but quite pricey.
However this bar mainly exists for its food. The eggs Benedict is very good indeed, and there is also a decent Welsh rarebit.
Huxleys Bar Heathrow, LHR T5
Huxleys Bar - LHR T5 - Airside
Open: 0630-2300 LHR T5, Airside, NorthAt the extreme northern end of the terminal, Huxleys is standard airport bar in the guise of a British brassiere. It has lots of 'classic' British dishes - imagine toad in the hole, bangers and mash, etc, but it's not too bad at all. Unusual for an airport bar, it has a full afternoon tea and a half decent children's menu.
Crown Rivers - Wetherspoon's - LHR T5 - Airside
Open: 0530-2300 LHR T5, AirsideThe Crown Rivers Heathrow Terminal 5 is a standard Wetherspoon's pub, but in their upmarket style. If you need a pint airside, it's probably the best bet. The main problem is getting a seat: there is real competition among people who have settled down for a good hour or two before their flights, and lay all their bags around the outlying seats just to claim a space.
Crown Rivers Wetherspoons at Heathrow, LHR T5
Wetherspoon Express - LHR T5 - Airside
Open: 0600-2300 LHR T5, Airside, Satellite BThe what? Yes, Wetherspoons have got the 'Express' bug, just like Tescos. Except this one is at the B Gates in the Satellite, in case you need a desperate last pint after the trek from the A gates. Indeed, there isn't really much of a bar here at all: just a curving bar counter, and you take your pint onto the airport seats opposite.
Terminal 4 Bars
Wetherspoons LHR T4
Wetherspoon's bar at LHR T4 - Landside
Open: 1100-2300 LHR T4, LandsideThis bar is in a strange location - and only regular traveller end up finding it. From departures it is down the stairs halfway along, opposite KLM. Whereas from arrivals it is on the strange landing up the stairs halfway up to departures. Service is dreadfully slow - the staff realise that few people will come back for a second serving, so really just don't bother. However it is a pretty decent bar to hangout in if you are forced to do so landside. Not too smokey, with OK food, and 2 TVs (alas showing sky) despite it's strange location it works. Cider is �'£1.20 a half.
Wetherspoons LHR T4
Wetherspoon's bar at LHR T4 - Airside
Open: 1600-2300 LHR T4, LandsideA very standard Wetherspoons, with the usual range of draft beer (Guinness, Heiniken & Stella on draft), rather dingy faded benches, and no music. It's right by the racks of payphones, so the usual entertainment is to be had by listening to people phoning home - and pretending to be nowhere near terminal 4.
Wetherspoons LHR T4
Est Bar Deli LHR T4
Est Bar & Deli Airside
Open: 0600-2300 LHR T4, LandsideThis is by far the classiest place to drink at LHR Terminal 4. People who come in here generally know how to behave, and will often even make their flights despite having drunk 14 glasses of Chardonnay beforehand. Beer on draft includes Hoegartten - although at �'£1.95 a half you may think twice - Stella and Staroprammen.
Est Bar Deli LHR T4
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London Heathrow airport
LHR: London Heathrow Airport - Terminal map, airport guide, lounges, bars, restaurants & reviews with images
Airport review with maps by loungeindex
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Loungeindex
rating:
6 out of 10
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| London Heathrow Airport Code: LHR | |||
| ICAO Code: | EGLL | Timezone: | UTC+0 (DST+1) |
| Elevation: | 83 ft (25 m) | Runways: | 2 |
| Latitude: | 51.478 | Longitude: | -0.461 |