With two runways, four giant terminals, and almost 80 million travellers passing through every year, London’s Heathrow Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. There are currently 81 airlines that use the airport, travelling to 85 countries and 204 destinations. If you’re used to flying in and out of smaller airports, the first time here can be a bit overwhelming – especially if you’re not a frequent flyer. But with a little bit of insider knowledge, you can avoid common rookie mistakes and get your travels off to a flying start. Our guide might even help you save some money along the way too.
Take on board the advice below, and then visit KAYAK to start your flight search to or from London Heathrow.
Make note of your terminal number
Avoid any last-minute hassle or confusion by checking which terminal you’re flying from before you make your journey to Heathrow. There are four terminals in total, numbered from 2 to 5. Terminal 1 was permanently closed in 2015, hence the odd numbering.
British Airways and Iberia usually have exclusive use of Terminal 5 while Virgin Atlantic and Delta operate out of Terminal 3.
If you do find yourself in the wrong place, or need to change terminals to catch a connecting flight, don’t panic – it’s easy enough to travel between them all.
Is it difficult to navigate Heathrow airport?
The sheer size of Heathrow airport can be daunting but thankfully there are signs everywhere to help you find your way. Just keep your eyes peeled, and allow plenty of time and you should be fine.
If you do struggle there are dedicated help desks to assist you. It’s also worth downloading the free Heathrow airport app as there are handy interactive maps on there.
If you have lots of luggage there are handy airport porters if you need to make use of them. There is also a meet and assist concierge service if you need extra help.
If you have a mobility issue or impairment and need special assistance at the airport please contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance and help will be provided. Please also inform your airline if you need to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter onboard.
Can you walk between the terminals at Heathrow airport?
If you arrive at the wrong terminal there is no need to panic.
You can walk between terminals 2 and 3 but you will need to catch a free shuttle bus or train to move between terminals 4 and 5.
Download the Heathrow Airport Guide app
This free app is your ideal travel companion. You can check the status of your flight with live flight updates, plan your onward journey with the connections tool, and view maps of the terminals if you need help finding key points of interest such as hand sanitising stations, multi-faith prayer rooms, smoking areas, lounges, toilets, and baby change facilities.
You can also get personalised content relating to your journey, such as a list of available retailers in your departure terminal and options to pre-order food at the available restaurants.
You’ll also get access to any special offers from the airport’s shops and be able to pay for your parking and drop-off charge.
You can also track flight arrivals and departures online.
Follow @HeathrowAirport on Twitter
Whether you’ve got an enquiry about your flight or you’re just looking for the best place to eat, the team manning Heathrow’s Twitter account is on hand between 6.30am and 11pm every day to swiftly answer any burning questions.
Get to the airport on time
Heathrow isn’t the kind of airport you can rock up to an hour before your flight – even if you’re only travelling with hand luggage and have your boarding pass in hand.
The official guidelines recommend getting to the airport TWO hours before departure for a UK domestic or European flight, and THREE hours before departure for anywhere else.
You should allow plenty of time for traffic or public transport delays (and strikes). It’s location on the outskirts of London means it is usually always busy on the road.
It can also take a while to get through security and to your gate so be aware of this when planning your arrival.
If you’re flying from terminal 5, bear in mind it’s huge (the UK’s largest free-standing building in fact) and is split into three buildings: 5A, 5B and 5C.
Once you’ve gone through security, you’ll find yourself in 5A. If your flight is departing from 5B or 5C, you’ll need to take the transit train, so allow yourself 20 minutes or so for this.
Stay overnight at the airport
If you have an early morning flight from Heathrow airport you may wish to stay the night in one of the many airport hotels available, some of which are in walking distance of each terminal.
The Aerotel is at Terminal 3, The Hilton is located at Terminal 4 and The Sofitel is at Terminal 5.
This may also be a good option if you are arriving late into Heathrow airport.
Travelling to and from Heathrow airport
Avoid the Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express touts itself as ‘the fastest way to travel between Heathrow and Central London’ – travelling between Paddington Station and Heathrow airport within 15 minutes (there is an additional journey time of six minutes to T5).
However, it comes at a cost, with adult tickets costing around £25 for a single fare (kids can travel free with each paying adult). It’s best to use the London Underground.
Take the tube
The London Underground will cost you around a quarter of the Heathrow Express and depending on which part of London you’re travelling to or from, the tube could even end up being the quicker option.
And if you’re thinking about grabbing a taxi instead, be warned. Not only is it the most expensive way of getting in and out of the city centre, but London traffic means the journey can take well over an hour and burn a hole in your pocket.
Driving to the airport and parking
If you’d rather be in control of your journey to the airport, allow plenty of time and drive yourself.
There is a colossal amount of car parking options located at the airport. From short stay, to long stay, business and valet it is best to book your parking in advance here.
The short stay car park is just two minutes away from the airport, business is located at terminals 2/3/5, and the long stay is a short shuttle bus journey away.
With the valet parking, you can leave your car right outside the terminal door.
You can also book special family car parking spots that are closer to the terminal building if you’re travelling with children.
Motorbikes can also be parked for free; for more information click here.
Hire cars at the airport
If you need to return a car or collect a hire car, you can take a shuttle bus between the airport and the car hire depot which is located a short distance away.
You’ll find the major car hire suppliers including Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Avis, Alamo, and Hertz.
How to spend time at Heathrow Airport
Don’t worry, you won’t be bored at Heathrow airport as there is a multitude of things to do.
Have a meal – Keep an eye out for the 15-minute menu symbol
However well you plan things, it can often be a bit of a rush once you’ve passed security. If you’re hungry and don’t have long before you need to board your flight, pick a restaurant that offers a 15-minute menu and you’ll be tucking into your meal at lightning speed.
The menu is available at 25 different restaurants, so whether you fancy pizza or sushi, you’ll find one that fits the bill. Save even more time by browsing the list online or on the app and picking your restaurant before you head to the airport.
Don’t pay for kids’ food
If you’re travelling with little ones, save a few pounds by choosing a restaurant that offers free kids’ meals. You get one free kids’ meal with each adult’s main course you buy at selected restaurants including Carluccio’s in terminal 4 and Gordon Ramsay Plane food in terminal 5.
Check the dates and see the full list of restaurants.
Shop in advance
Heathrow airport is a shopper’s paradise. Terminal 5, in particular, is home to big-name designer stores like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton – to name just a few.
Take advantage of the huge array of choices (not to mention the duty-free prices) by browsing online before you fly, and reserving items to collect in-store at the airport with Heathrow’s Reserve & Collect service. The Heathrow Airport app can keep you informed of any deals that are available at your airport terminal although your wallet might not thank you for this!
Let the kids burn off energy at a play area
Children ages 9 and under can make use of the free Mr. Adventure Stay & Play areas play areas dotted around the airport between the hours of 6am and 9pm. With the exception of Terminal 3 the play areas are unsupervised.
Retreat to an airport lounge
A lounge can be the perfect escape from the hectic-ness of Heathrow airport while you wait for your flight.
No longer are the lounges reserved for business and upper class passengers, economy passengers can now use the No 1 Lounge in terminal 3 or the Aspire Lounge in terminal 5.
You can buy passes in advance online or just walk in on the day. Take advantage of the free food, drink, wi-fi and newspapers, and enjoy the great runway views.
If you’re a member of a loyalty programme or hold a business class ticket (or above) for specific airlines there are other lounge options too complete with showers and beauty bars. Just check if you are eligible in advance.
There are VIP lounges available if you’re after a really exclusive experience that is usually utilised by the super-wealthy, presidents, royalty, and celebrities. You won’t need to go through the main security gates but be prepared to pay upwards of £3000.
Take a nap
If you’ve got a lengthy stopover in Heathrow, sidestep the public seating areas in favour of something a bit more comfortable. Some of the hotels at the airport offer day rooms between 9am-6pm each day.
The Sofitel (T5) and The Hilton Garden Inn (T4) are good options.
Take a shower
Showers are available in many of the airport lounges for a small fee should you wish to freshen up during your time at Heathrow airport.
Other important things to know
You can reserve baby milk in advance
Save yourself the hassle of taking baby food through security by reserving milk (and other puree’d baby food) online in advance to collect.
Click here to order from Boots and collect after you have passed security checks.
Now you’re ready to navigate Heathrow like a pro, head over to KAYAK to search for flights to London. And check out the helpful KAYAK Blog for hints and tips for your time in one of the world’s greatest cities.
There is free wi-fi
No data? Don’t worry. There is an excellent free wi-fi service across all areas of the airport.
Free charging stations
There are free Power Pole stations in all of the terminals to charge your device with UK and European plugs and USB cables so you won’t ever be running on empty.
You can store your luggage
If you have a long stopover you can store your luggage by the hour if you need to. Prices start from £7.50.
Things to do near Heathrow airport
If you do find yourself at a loose end there are plenty of things locally to while away a few hours, or even a day.
You could go for a workout at one of the hotels at the airport, take a shower, get a beauty treatment, watch a football match in a sports bar or enjoy a leisurely meal.
Or if you have a longer stopover you could head into central London to watch a West End musical, visit an art gallery or go shopping. More alternatives are to hire a car and take a trip to Denham to drink a beer in the UK’s oldest pub, visit Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace or Thorpe Park.
If you have young children LEGOLAND Windsor is a great day out.
For more information on Heathrow airport, follow its social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. There is even a TikTok account.
You can call the airport on 0844 335 1801 – or contact them via the website.
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