Heathrow Airport: Your Ultimate Guide to London's Largest Airport

Heathrow Airport is London’s biggest, and often Europe’s busiest.

A major international hub, Heathrow is located west of London, (approximately 23 km from the city centre), and is served by high-speed train links to Paddington Station, the Underground (on the Piccadilly Line) and the Elizabeth Line. The latter is the newest, shiniest and best value but more on that later.

There are also direct buses (coaches) into central London, offering slightly more budget options when booked in advance. Alternatively, taxi ranks and a full selection of all major international car rental companies operate from each terminal.

Retail-focused, each terminal offers ample duty-free shopping in addition to pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, electronics stores, drugstores and newsagents. So if you forgot to pack it, chances are, you’ll be able to get it here.

The airport itself is immense. There are four terminals in total, but it was never really designed that way. Heathrow has grown over the years in response to demand, and the result is a sprawling expanse of awkwardly connected buildings.

If using public transport, allow plenty of time for getting to and from the airport. In most cases, you can expect a ten to fifteen-minute walk from arrivals/departures to the train station (through the terminal).

Getting into Central London from Heathrow Airport

Welcome to London!

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned visitor, you can be almost entirely sure that something’s changed. London is a city in constant evolution. Below is a run-down of your best travel options to get to and from the airport.

Option 1: Elizabeth Line

Welcome sign at Heathrow Central Train Station, directing passengers to the Elizabeth Line, Heathrow Express, and Terminals 2 and 3.

By far your best option in terms of cost, speed and efficiency; London’s newest line (named after the late queen) will get you into central London for less than half the price of the Heathrow Express. The trains are large, air-conditioned and have been a real boon to the capital.

Interior of a train heading to Heathrow Terminal 5, showing seated passengers and a digital display indicating the destination. — *On board the Heathrow-bound Lizzie line train.*

Terminals 2 and 3 share the same station, but technically the station is in Terminal 2, a ten-minute walk from T3 through a connecting tunnel. Terminals 4 and 5 have their own stations.

The Elizabeth Line will get you to central London in just under 30 minutes, as well as Canary Wharf and beyond.

Platform signs at the Heathrow Airport train station, showing service information for trains to London and between airport terminals.

It shares the same platform as the Heathrow Express, so check the departure boards to make sure you get on the right train.

There are many members of staff (easily identifiable with their fetching hot pink high visibility vests) on hand to help you out if it gets a bit confusing.

Lift area for the Elizabeth Line at London Heathrow, with escalators and directional signs guiding passengers to the train platforms.

Once you get to Paddington Station there will be lifts taking you up to street level for onward travel via taxi or bus. (Paddington is also renowned for its numerous hotels).

Lift entrance at London Heathrow, with signage indicating access for the Bakerloo line only, and no exit to street level.

There are also lifts taking you down to the Underground (the Bakerloo line only) from the platform so there’s no need to go up the escalators.

If you need to take the Hammersmith & City line, however, it’s on the other side of the station, so be prepared to do a bit of walking. It will be clearly indicated, however (just slightly overwhelming after a long journey, that’s all).

Directional signs at London Heathrow guiding passengers to various underground lines, platforms, and the Heathrow Express. — *Sign at Paddington Station. Allow extra time here as it’s a large station with a LOT going on.*

If you take the Elizabeth Line from Paddington Station, bear in mind the entrance (and exit) is on Eastbourne Terrace.

Paddington Station is a huge behemoth of a place, and it can take up to 15 minutes walking to get from one side to the other if you take a wrong turn. Not how you want to start or end your trip!

Exterior of London Heathrow Airport, with a street sign for Westbourne Terrace and a modern glass office building in the background. — *Eastbourne Terrace. The entrance to Paddington Station (Elizabeth line).*

Busy entrance to the Elizabeth Line at Paddington Station, with passengers entering via escalators and staff assisting at the platform. — *Entrance to the Elizabeth line at Paddington. Enter from Eastbourne Terrace (not Praed Street).*

There are currently six Lizzie line trains an hour all day. All trains bound for Heathrow stop at Terminals 2 & 3. Four trains an hour go to Terminal 4, and two per hour take you to Terminal 5.

Option 2: Heathrow Express

The fancy option. The express train will take you to Paddington Station in 15 minutes. It is the costlier option, but if speed is the name of the game then this is the way to go. Tickets are cheaper if you book in advance, and families travelling with children get special ‘group’ rates (check the Heathrow Express website).

Alternatively, you can buy tickets at Arrivals from a bank of classy ticket machines like this:

Ticket machines for the Heathrow Express at London Heathrow Airport, with signage for express trains to London and passengers using the machines.

Like the Elizabeth Line, Terminals 2 and 3 share the same station (from Terminal 2), while T4 and T5 have their own stops.

Passengers waiting on an underground platform at London Heathrow, with luggage and a visible sign indicating Zone 4. — *The bunker-like Terminals 2 and 3 platform.*

Both the Elizabeth Line and the Heathrow Express stop here. Check the departure board to make sure you’re boarding the correct train.

Option 3: Underground

Main entrance to the London Heathrow underground station, with passengers walking toward the ticket gates and signage for the Elizabeth Line and Underground. — Entrance to the Underground Station from Terminal 2.

Before the Elizabeth Line, the Piccadilly Line was London’s saviour. The only actual Tube line that took you to an actual London airport.

Now the Lizzie line’s come along, the Underground Station at Heathrow has sort of lost its mojo. It’s the cheaper option, and perhaps if you happen to be staying somewhere that’s on the Piccadilly Line, then it’s probably your best option- but it’s looking a little lackluster, let’s be honest.

Entrance to the underground at London Heathrow with ticket gates, signage directing to trains for Central London, and travel information posters. — *Extra wide ticket barriers for easy entry with luggage.*

I wouldn’t recommend it in the height of summer as there is no air conditioning, train carriages are small and it can get quite cramped once you get back into central London. If you’re carrying lots of luggage, the Tube isn’t ideal either since many older stations are not fitted with lifts or escalators (unlike the Elizabeth Line).

Oyster card top-up machines at London Heathrow, with options to buy, top-up, and refund cards for Zone 6.

If however, you’re travelling reasonably light and decide the Tube is the way to go, you can get your Oyster card at the airport Underground station from machines like this.

Oyster cards are prepaid travel cards used on all forms of public transport in London (buses, Tube, Overground train, tram, and river buses). Transport for London is 100% cashless, and Londoners travel around using either a contactless card or a prepaid Oyster card.

Invest in an Oyster card at one of these machines if you don’t have a commission-free contactless card (for payments made abroad) OR if you’re in town for more than five days and you will be relying heavily on the Tube to get around. There is a seven-day travel card option.

Otherwise, just use your contactless card.

Option 4: National Coaches (buses)

Head to Heathrow Central Bus Station, located between Terminals 2 and 3 (above the Underground Station).

There is a pedestrian underpass connecting the terminals to the station, and it will be well-signposted.

Unless your onward journey is taking you somewhere other than London, I would advise against this option. The savings are minimal and you will lose a lot of time getting to the station and on the road (should you hit traffic).

Option 5: Taxi, Uber, Rental Car

If you are planning an onward journey to London and beyond from Heathrow, car hire options are available at each of the airport’s four terminals. Heathrow’s official website also has a handy booking tool allowing you to reserve in advance directly with them.

Sixt car rental desk at London Heathrow with a bright orange display backdrop showing London landmarks and road scenes, staffed by employees assisting customers. — Car rental office at arrivals T2.

Most internationally recognised car rental companies operate from each of Heathrow’s four terminals.

Car rental desks at London Heathrow Airport, including counters for Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, with modern wood-paneled walls. — *Car rental desks at T3.*

There are London Black Taxi ranks outside each terminal. Uber offers a reliable service also, although depending on the terminal, they may have allocated meeting points to pick up customers which might not always be super convenient.

Onward journey information sign at London Heathrow Airport, providing directions for hotels, taxis, and other transportation options.

If you are staying in a nearby hotel (within the periphery of the airport), a paid shuttle service called Hotel Hoppa operates from Terminals 2, 3 and 5 and will take you to your hotel. Information can be found on digital boards like this at various points in every terminal.

Terminals

There are technically five terminals at Heathrow, but to date, only four are in use; Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal):

This terminal mostly operates European flights, although some flights are US, Turkey and Singapore bound too.

Major airlines flying out of T2 include United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SAS, Iceland Air and TAP Portugal.

Bear in mind it shares its station (Underground, Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express) with Terminal 3, and there’s approximately a ten-minute walk from the station to the terminal through moving walkways and a lift.

Arrivals are on Level 1 while Departures are on Level 5. There are lifts to take you up when you arrive from either train station.

Terminal 3:

Long-haul flights to the US, Asia and South America are likely to leave from T3.

The main airlines using this terminal include American Airlines, Delta, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Virgin and Vueling.

Arrivals as well as check-in can both be found on the ground floor of the building (level 0), and Departures leave from level 1, above check-in.

Terminal 4:

This terminal operates a combination of long-haul flights to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as well as to mainland Europe.

Air France, ITA (formerly Alitalia), Etihad, Saudia, Korean Air and KLM are among the biggest airlines that fly from T4.

Arrivals leave from the ground floor and Departures and check-in are on the first floor.

Terminal 5:

Heathrow’s newest terminal, only British Airways and Iberia fly from T5, flying to all major destinations (both long and short haul).

Lifts will take you to check-in and departures when you arrive by train. Arrivals is located on the ground floor, Departures from the first floor and check-in on the second (top) floor.

Transfer between terminals:

Between Terminals 2-3, it’s a 10-minute walk through a connected tunnel.

Heathrow Airport does not operate inter-terminal shuttle services (unlike Gatwick or Stansted). It’s so large, it relies instead on the train services that run into the station.

You can take the Elizabeth line or the Heathrow Express between terminals 2-3 and 4 and 5 for free by obtaining a free inter-terminal ticket from the ticket machines.

Alternatively, you can use a contactless card or an Oyster card. They run approximately 4 trains per hour so make sure you allow for lots of time. The average travel time between terminals is approximately twenty minutes.

You can also take the Underground for free. You will need an Oyster Card or a contactless payment card to be able to go through the barriers, but you won’t be charged as long as you only travel to another terminal.

You are advised to use the Elizabeth Line or the Heathrow Express to connect you to the next terminal as the trains are more conveniently located in the airport, and, well, they are much nicer! Expect more room, more luggage storage and air conditioning during those fleeting (if increasingly common) heatwaves.

Blue sign at London Heathrow providing directions to the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line, and free train services to Terminals 2, 3, and 4.

Signs like these in each terminal indicate the free train service to other terminals via the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line.

Arrival and Departure:

Departure

Check-in procedure and security checks:

Heathrow, like many major airport hubs across Europe, is becoming increasingly digitised. Expect banks of self-service check-in kiosks like these for boarding pass printing. If you have any luggage to check-in, you will be directed to the bag drop-off desk after this step.

Otherwise, once you have your boarding pass, head straight to security.

Self-check-in kiosks at London Heathrow's Terminal 2, with passengers preparing for check-in near the United Airlines bag drop and Star Alliance signage. — *Self-service check-in kiosks before baggage drop-off (if you’re checking any suitcases).*

After scanning the barcode of your boarding pass to go through the barriers, you’ll wait in line to have your bags, coats, and devices scanned through the detectors.

A UK passport resting on a clear plastic bag containing travel-sized bottles, laid out on a red surface.

In the UK, we are still subject to the 100ml liquid container rule for cabin bags. All liquids must be placed in a see-through plastic bag (provided at the airport), and placed in a tray separately from the rest of your things, along with your jacket and electronic devices.

It’s recommended to allow three hours for long-haul flights, two hours for European flights and 1.5 hours for domestic flights (within the UK).

Heathrow Airport itself is unable to offer individual customers the possibility of ‘fast-track’ privileges. You are advised to check with your airline to see if you are eligible.

Arrival

What to expect:

Arriving at any UK airport these days feels like being welcomed to the most boring theme park in the world. But instead of entering a magical kingdom and riding roller coasters, we’re ushered through eGates and have to wait by the baggage carousel.

At Heathrow, you’ll be “greeted” by members of staff uniformed in bright pink T-shirts. I think they are intended to provide a friendly, welcoming face to fresh arrivals and new visitors. What they do instead is balk instructions at you on loop regarding which line you should join.

Sign at London Heathrow Airport indicating directions to arrivals and baggage reclaim for UK and select international passengers.

With the mass introduction of biometric passports, most of us will be waived towards the eGates (automatic passport checking machines), while others will need to have their Visas checked by actual humans at passport control. (If you fit into one of the categories pictured above, you will go through the eGates).

Here again, well-meaning members of staff will hurry people along, encouraging them to join the closest and most available line. If your passport cannot be read for whatever reason (often people are rejected because they don’t look directly at the camera for long enough, I’ve noticed), you will be directed by a pink T-shirt to a human passport controller, via a much shorter line.

It’s not the most pleasant welcome, but I suppose if you take it all with a pinch of salt there is something quite amusing about it. It’s all quite painless really, and provided you can scan your passport correctly, you’ll be out in no time.

Amenities

Restaurants

Every terminal offers almost the full spectrum of dining options.

You can expect family-friendly pubs offering what’s dubbed as ‘family favourites’ – which basically translates to burgers and fries, pizza and some rudimentary pasta dishes.

You’ll find Japanese-inspired food from well-known UK chains Itsu, Wagamama and Yo! Sushi. Or casual dining from Leon and Giraffe; both offering a wide range of plant-based options and reasonable prices.

At the other end of the spectrum is Caviar House & Prunier Seafood, located in all terminals; for those who like a little champagne and lobster before their flight. They also offer ‘in-flight picnics’ which you can pre-order on the Heathrow Airport website, and pick up just in time before heading to the gate.

Terminal 5 boasts its very own exclusive Fortnum & Mason’s Bar and Restaurant if you fancy an indulgent smoked salmon and champagne brunch before your flight. Like Caviar House, they too offer ‘in-flight picnics’ available to pre-order online.

Popular coffee chains Nero and Starbucks are of course present, as is the now global British brand Pret a Manger, seen here below in Terminal 5, growing seemingly bigger and all-encompassing every day.

Pret A Manger outlet inside London Heathrow Airport with a crowd of passengers in line, beneath a large illuminated sign and open ceiling structure. — *The Pret a Manger Mothership in Terminal 5.*

Lounges

Terminals 2 and 4 offer ‘Plaza Premium Lounges’ starting from £40 per person. They are open from 5am – 9pm and offer private resting suites, shower facilities and a food and drink service.

Terminals 3 and 5 have ‘Club Aspire’ – a lounge open from 5am to 10pm (until 9pm at T5) with prices starting from £34.99. It offers business facilities, complimentary light meals, a range of soft and alcoholic drinks as well as excellent views of the runway from T3.

Recommended Shops

For last-minute souvenirs, head to WH Smiths’, where you’ll also see a selection of good ‘airport reads’, specialist magazines, bestsellers and always, for some reason or other, a special deal on Cadbury’s chocolate.

Boots – by now, a British institution. Drugstore, pharmacy and beauty shop all rolled into one. Boots might just save your life. You’ll be able to get every over-the-counter type of medication you can possibly think of, in addition to cosmetics, mosquito repellent, travel-size toiletries, and crisps. Lots of crisps.

It also offers the ubiquitous “meal deal” (pictured below) you see in most every UK supermarket these days. This so-called deal consists of a sandwich, a snack and a drink of your choice and will set you back something in the region of £5.

To my mind, this is neither a meal nor a deal, but it might just do the trick if you need something quick. And you can pick up the toothbrush you left at home while you’re at it.

Miscellaneous Amenities

Left Luggage

All terminals offer left luggage facilities like this in Arrivals. They are operated by the Excess Baggage Company.

UK SIM card

SIM card kiosk at London Heathrow offering pay-as-you-go plans with 100GB data, featuring vibrant digital displays and a staff member at the counter.

If you’re coming from outside the EU, you’ll probably need to get a local SIM to avoid those hefty roaming charges. You’ll find stores like these in Arrivals, offering various deals with different networks.

Obtaining a SIM is a piece of cake in the UK. You’ll only pay for the data, and you won’t have to provide any personal details, unlike many places in mainland Europe. Get a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) SIM and you’ll be away.

Worship

Signage at London Heathrow Airport directing passengers to toilets and a multi-faith room, with a Boots store and a food shop in the background.

Something you don’t see in every airport; ‘multi-faith rooms’. Every terminal has a multi-faith room at Heathrow. Even if you are not especially religious, it’s nice to know that there is a space for quiet contemplation in such a charged and frenetic environment such as an international airport. And everyone is welcome.

Children’s Play Areas

Every terminal is fully equipped with baby changing facilities and children’s play areas.

Accommodation

For long layovers or super-early flights, Heathrow offers several convenient options if you’re considering an overnight stay as close as possible to the airport.

For Terminals 2 & 3

Located in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 3 is Aerotel. The terminal is within walking distance of Terminal 2 and the Heathrow Express (which allows for free inter-terminal travel should you need to get to either Terminal 4 or 5.)

Check-in area at the Aerotel Airport Hotel in London Heathrow, with guests in winter jackets waiting at the reception and a small convenience store visible to the side.

This is your most convenient but also priciest option with prices generally starting at around the £200 per person mark

For Terminal 4

Alternatively, a seven-minute walk from Terminal 4 (connected with a covered walkway) is the Hilton. Prices start at around £130 per person. Staff can arrange transfers to other terminals for you, and you can expect the usual Hilton fare for the on-site gym, spa, and conference facilities.

For Terminal 5

The best hotel for departures from T5 has to be Sofitel. It’s a short five-minute walk away – connected directly to Terminal 5 by a covered walkway. Prices start from around £155 a night, and facilities include a gym/spa open 24/7 and French-inspired cuisine at their two onsite restaurants.

Nearby Attractions:

For the kids and ‘big kids’

Legoland Windsor Resort is a mere 12 miles away. Suitable for children aged between 2-12, there are over 55 rides and attractions for the whole family.

For high tea and a bit of royals-spotting

Head to the charming town of Windsor itself (also 12 miles away) for a stroll and a cup of tea. If the mood takes you, visit Windsor Castle. Admire its impressive grounds and take in a history lesson spanning nine centuries’ worth of kings and queens.

For spicing up your layover

Just two stops away on the Elizabeth line is an area of southwest London called Southall, and it’s been home to one of London’s largest South Asian communities since the end of the Second World War.

So much so, the station name and street signs are all written in both English and Gurmukhi (a Punjabi script). The area is teaming with South Asian restaurants, cafes, and shops.

If the thought of authentic Punjabi cuisine gets you salivating, or you’d like a window into how truly international London is, head over to Southall. For movie fans, it was also the main location for the film ‘Bend It Like Beckham’.