London Heathrow (LHR) is one of the world’s busiest airports. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate it smoothly.
✈️ London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Guide
Heathrow has four operational passenger terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. (Terminal 1 is permanently closed). Knowing which terminal you are flying from/to is the most important piece of information.
Transfer to London City Centre
🗺️ Terminals & Major Airlines
| Terminal | Primary Airlines/Alliances | Key Features |
| Terminal 2 | Star Alliance (e.g., United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines), Aer Lingus | Known as ‘The Queen’s Terminal.’ Modern design. |
| Terminal 3 | Oneworld (e.g., American, Finnair), Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific | Hosts a diverse range of international long-haul carriers. |
| Terminal 4 | SkyTeam (e.g., Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines), Qatar Airways, Gulf Air | Often used for long-haul and niche international airlines. |
| Terminal 5 | British Airways and Iberia (exclusive) | The main hub for British Airways, featuring a main building and two satellite buildings (5B and 5C). |
➡️ Getting Between Terminals (Free Transfers)
Transfers between terminals are free and well-signposted.
| Terminals | Best Transfer Method | Notes |
| T2 ↔ T3 | Walk (Underground Pedestrian Walkway) | Approx. 10-minute walk. Quickest option. |
| T2/T3 ↔ T4 | Free Rail/Bus | Use the Heathrow Express/Elizabeth Line to Heathrow Central, then transfer to a free shuttle for T4. |
| T2/T3 ↔ T5 | Free Rail | Use the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line from Heathrow Central to Terminal 5 station. |
| T4 ↔ T5 | Free Bus | Use the free shuttle bus service (route H30) as there is no direct rail link between these two terminals. |
Pro Tip for Rail Transfers: You need an Oyster card or contactless debit/credit card to open the ticket gates for the free rail transfers, but you will not be charged for the journey between the Heathrow terminals.
🚇 Transport to Central London
Heathrow is approximately 15 miles (24 km) west of Central London. Here are your main options:
| Service | Journey Time (Approx.) | Key Stops/Destination | Cost Estimate |
| Heathrow Express | 15 minutes | Non-stop to London Paddington station. | Fastest, most expensive (cheaper when booked in advance). |
| Elizabeth Line | 28-40 minutes | Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf. | Great balance of speed and cost. Use contactless/Oyster. |
| London Underground (Piccadilly Line) | 50-60 minutes | Direct to Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, King’s Cross. | Cheapest option. Slower but serves many central locations. |
| Taxi (Black Cab) | 45-90 minutes | Direct to your destination. | Most expensive; travel time heavily depends on traffic. |
| Coach/Bus | 50-90 minutes | National Express to Victoria Coach Station and other UK cities. | Good budget option, but slowest and subject to road traffic. |
🛍️ Facilities and Services
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Shopping & Dining: All terminals offer an extensive selection of duty-free shops, luxury boutiques (like Rolex, Tiffany & Co.), high-street stores, and diverse dining options from casual fast food (Pret, Itsu) to sit-down restaurants (Wagamama, Fortnum & Mason Bar). Look out for ‘Kids Eat Free’ offers during school holidays at selected restaurants.
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Lounges: There are numerous airline and pay-per-use lounges (e.g., Plaza Premium, Club Aspire) across all terminals, offering comfortable seating, complimentary food/drinks, and business services.
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Wi-Fi & Charging: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Charging points for electronic devices are also widely accessible.
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Special Assistance: Heathrow provides comprehensive assistance for passengers with reduced mobility or other special requirements. You must book this assistance with your airline at least 48 hours before you fly.
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Family Facilities: Look for baby care facilities and dedicated family rooms or play areas, especially in Terminal 3 and 5.
📝 Essential Travel Tips
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Arrival Time: It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport:
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3 hours before a long-haul flight.
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2 hours before a short-haul flight.
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Security: Follow UK security guidelines:
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Liquids in carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag.
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Be ready to remove larger electronic items (laptops, tablets) from your bag for screening.
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Check Flight Status: Always check your flight’s terminal and status on the Heathrow website or airport app before you leave for the airport, as they can sometimes change.
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Connecting Flights: If you have a connecting flight, follow the purple ‘Flight Connections’ signs upon arrival. Most connections remain airside, but all passengers must pass through security again. If you booked two separate tickets (a “self-connect”), you will need to pass through UK Immigration, collect your baggage, and check it in again at the departure terminal.
