Find and Book Cheap Holidays from London Heathrow
London Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in the UK and fourth-busiest in the world and it handles an astonishing 65 million passengers each year.
London Heathrow Airport is located 15 miles (24km) from central London, the airport is served by about 90 airlines (including British Airways, which uses Heathrow as its home base) offering flights to London Heathrow from something like 180 destinations worldwide.
London Heathrow Airport is the main gateway for flights to London. Despite its distance from the city centre, Heathrow utilises extensive public transport options that create easy, hassle-free transfers into London.
The airport itself is immense, with four large terminals. It can be easy to get lost, but the facility is well-signed and staff members are always on-hand to help. Nevertheless, passengers should allow plenty of time when making connections.
In terms of attractions and entertainment, London Heathrow Airport has near-endless options for shopping and dining in each terminal. Even just people-watching in the diverse crowds is a good way to pass the time while waiting for a flight at London Heathrow Airport.
London Heathrow Airport Location
The airport is situated 15 miles (24km) west of London.
Getting to the city
The quickest way into London is on the Heathrow Express train, which leaves every 15 minutes for Paddington station, takes 15 minutes, and costs £22 if booked online or £27 on-board. Paddington has good connections to the other London railway stations and all parts of London via the London Underground. Heathrow is also on the Piccadilly underground line, which takes passengers into central London in around 50 minutes and costs £5.70. The National Express coach service runs to central London and other towns and cities throughout the UK.
Car rental
Car rental options include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt.
Airport Taxis
London's black taxis service Heathrow Airport; the journey time to central London is around 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are metered, but pre-booked fares to central London start from £40 fixed rate. Taxis are available from outside each terminal.
Transfer between terminals
Terminal 1 is no longer in use. Terminals 2 and 3 are within walking distance of each other, with an average walking time of 11 minutes from one end to the other. Terminals 4 and 5 are connected via the free Heathrow Express train. Allow around 15 minutes for the journey time between terminals.
London Heathrow Airport Facilities
There are numerous shops, bars and restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange facilities, left luggage facilities, pharmacies and postal services in all terminals. A spa offering massages is located in Terminal 5. There are VIP Lounges in Terminals 2 and 3. There are multi-faith prayer rooms in each terminal and St George's Chapel is located close to the central bus station between Terminals 2 and 3. There are shower facilities located in Terminal 3.
Parking
Short-term parking is available adjacent to the airport. A free shuttle service links the terminals and the long-term and business car parks. Valet parking is also available at all terminals.
Airlines flying from London Heathrow Airport
Flights to London Heathrow Airport are available via Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Iberia, Lufthansa, KLM, Qantas, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, United, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Internet access at London Heathrow Airport
Free wifi is available; sign up with Heathrow Rewards to get faster service.
Business Lounges at London Heathrow Airport
There are three main business lounges at London Heathrow offering refreshments, internet access, and phone and fax facilities. Two Servisair Executive Lounges and a No. 1 Traveller Lounge offer similar facilities, but for conference or meeting rooms it's best to go to one of the airport hotels.