Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport general information

Flying from Heathrow Airport? Our guide covers essential passenger information for Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, including check-in, security procedures, shops, restaurants, free WiFi, accessibility, family facilities and transport options.

Find useful information to help you plan your journey and enjoy a smoother start to your trip.

Heathrow Airport parking

If you're driving to Heathrow Airport, APH offers a choice of parking options for Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Compare Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and other available parking services based on location, transfer arrangements, security features and price.

Family-owned since 1980, APH helps travellers find convenient airport parking options.

Visit our dedicated Heathrow Airport parking page to compare availability and book online.

View airport parking

Heathrow Airport hotel and parking packages

Staying near Heathrow Airport before an early flight can make your departure day more convenient.

APH offers hotel and parking packages that combine an overnight stay with parking for the duration of your trip.

Accommodation options include hotels near the terminals and properties offering airport transport connections.

Visit our dedicated Heathrow Airport hotel and parking page to compare available packages, parking arrangements and transfer options.

View airport hotels & parking

All about Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport (LHR) is located in west London, approximately 14 miles from central London.

The airport is the UK's busiest airport and one of the world's major international aviation hubs, connecting passengers with destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East.

Originally opened for civilian operations in 1946, Heathrow has developed into a major international airport with two runways and four operational passenger terminals.

Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 serve a wide range of airlines and destinations, with British Airways operating a major hub at the airport.

Passenger facilities include check-in desks, security screening, shops, restaurants, cafés, free WiFi, accessible services and family facilities.

Heathrow also benefits from extensive transport connections, including the Elizabeth line, London Underground, Heathrow Express, buses, coaches and taxis.

Our guide brings together useful information about Heathrow Airport's terminals, facilities and transport options to help you prepare for your journey.

Getting There

Heathrow Airport is located approximately 14 miles west of central London and can be reached by train, London Underground, car, bus, coach and taxi.

By train: Heathrow Express provides a direct connection between London Paddington and Heathrow. The Elizabeth line also connects Heathrow with central London and destinations across the wider rail network.

By London Underground: The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow's passenger terminals with central London and other parts of the Underground network.

By car: Heathrow is accessible from the M4 and M25 motorways. Road routes and terminal access arrangements vary, so confirm your terminal before travelling.

By bus and coach: Local buses and long-distance coaches connect Heathrow with London, surrounding towns and destinations across the UK.

By taxi: Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles serve Heathrow's passenger terminals.

Between terminals: Free inter-terminal travel is available using designated public transport services. Check Heathrow's official terminal transfer guidance for the appropriate route.

Check current timetables and traffic conditions before travelling, particularly during busy periods or planned transport disruption.

Check-in information

Check-in times at Heathrow Airport vary depending on your airline, destination and whether you're travelling with checked luggage.

As a general guide, passengers should allow around two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul departures, unless their airline advises otherwise.

Check your airline's recommended arrival time, online check-in arrangements and baggage drop-off deadlines before travelling.

Confirm your departure terminal in advance, as Heathrow operates four passenger terminals with different check-in locations.

Passengers travelling during busy periods should allow additional time for transport connections and security screening.

Mobile check-in information

Many airlines operating from Heathrow Airport offer online or mobile check-in, allowing passengers to complete the process before arriving at the terminal.

Depending on your airline, you may be able to select seats, download a digital boarding pass and manage your booking through a mobile app.

If you're travelling with checked luggage, you'll still need to follow your airline's baggage drop-off instructions.

Online check-in opening times and deadlines vary by airline.

Check your airline's latest requirements and confirm your departure terminal before travelling.

Disabled Passenger Details

Heathrow Airport provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and additional accessibility requirements.

Passengers requiring assistance should contact their airline or travel provider in advance, ideally at least 48 hours before departure.

Assistance may include help with check-in, security screening, moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft.

Heathrow provides accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, dedicated assistance areas and support for passengers with hidden disabilities.

Dedicated assistance security lanes are available in Terminals 2, 3 and 5.

For more information, visit Heathrow Airport's official Assistance and Accessibility pages before travelling.

Click here for details of how Heathrow Airport helps passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism.

Fast-Track security lane

Heathrow Airport offers Fast Track Security for eligible passengers and those with a valid booking, subject to availability.

The service provides access to a dedicated security route, although all passengers must still complete the required security screening procedures.

Availability, booking arrangements and opening hours may vary between terminals.

Check Heathrow Airport's official Fast Track information for the latest eligibility requirements, prices and booking options before travelling.

Family Assisted Lanes

Families travelling with babies and young children should allow additional time to pass through security at Heathrow Airport.

Passengers travelling with pushchairs or requiring additional support can speak to airport staff about the most suitable security route.

Dedicated assistance and accessibility lanes are available in selected terminals.

Baby food, formula milk and breast milk are permitted through security, subject to Heathrow's current hand luggage rules.

All passengers must complete the required security screening procedures.

Security and hand luggage

Heathrow Airport has introduced upgraded security screening equipment across its passenger terminals.

Passengers departing from Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 can carry liquids in containers of up to two litres through security and leave them inside their cabin bags.

Laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices can also remain inside hand luggage during screening.

Heathrow allows up to two items of hand baggage through security, with each item measuring no more than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Your airline may apply different cabin baggage allowances.

Passengers should follow security staff instructions, as additional checks may still be required.

Security rules at your return airport may be different, including restrictions on liquids over 100ml.

Check Heathrow Airport's official hand baggage and security guidance before travelling.

Shopping

Heathrow Airport offers a wide range of shops across Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, including duty-free, fashion, beauty, electronics, gifts and travel essentials.

Passengers can purchase books, snacks, toiletries, fragrances, accessories and other items before departure.

Heathrow also offers a Reserve & Collect service for selected products, allowing passengers to reserve items before travelling.

Shop locations, opening hours and available brands vary by terminal.

Check Heathrow Airport's official shopping directory for the latest information.

Where to Eat

Heathrow Airport offers a wide selection of cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaway outlets across Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Passengers can choose from breakfast options, coffee shops, quick snacks and sit-down restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

Food and drink options vary by terminal, with outlets available before and after security.

Many restaurants provide vegetarian options and family-friendly dining facilities.

Check Heathrow Airport's official restaurant directory for current locations, menus and opening hours before travelling. Check out the full list by visiting our restaurant selector.

Area for Kids

Heathrow Airport provides free Stay & Play areas for children in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Located after security, these dedicated play areas offer activities and soft play facilities for younger passengers.

The play areas are open daily from 6am to 9pm and include seating for parents and carers.

Children must remain supervised by a parent or responsible adult at all times.

Check Heathrow's terminal maps for the nearest Stay & Play area before travelling.

Wi-Fi access

Heathrow Airport provides free WiFi throughout Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

To connect, select Heathrow Wi-Fi from the available networks on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the registration process to access the service.

Passengers can use the connection to check flight information, access digital boarding passes and stay connected before departure.

Heathrow's WiFi network also includes family-friendly content filtering. Find out how to connect here.

Mobile Devices

Heathrow Airport provides mobile device charging facilities across Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Charging points are available in selected passenger seating areas and other terminal locations.

Passengers should bring a suitable charging cable or portable power bank and check their airline's rules for carrying spare lithium batteries.

Use Heathrow's official terminal maps to locate nearby charging facilities.

Baby Changing

Heathrow Airport provides baby changing facilities throughout Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Facilities are available before and after security, with many located near the main terminal toilets.

Some areas also provide family toilets and larger washrooms suitable for passengers travelling with pushchairs.

Passengers can follow the baby care signs or use Heathrow's official terminal maps to locate the nearest facilities.

Luggage Trolleys

Free luggage trolleys are available at Heathrow Airport to help passengers transport their bags.

Trolleys can be found in designated areas throughout the passenger terminals, including arrivals and baggage collection areas.

Follow airport signage or ask staff for the nearest available trolley collection point.

Chapel

Heathrow Airport provides multi-faith prayer rooms for passengers and visitors seeking a quiet space for prayer, meditation or reflection.

The airport also has St George's Chapel, which welcomes people of all faiths and none.

Prayer room locations and access arrangements vary between terminals.

Passengers can consult Heathrow's official terminal facilities information or ask airport staff for directions.

Viewing Areas

Aviation enthusiasts visiting Heathrow Airport can find aircraft viewing opportunities at selected locations around the airport.

Passengers travelling through the terminals may be able to watch aircraft movements from departure lounges and restaurants with runway-facing windows.

Viewing opportunities are also available from selected public locations around Heathrow, although access, parking restrictions and visibility vary.

Some nearby hotels offer views of airport operations from guest rooms or public areas.

Check Heathrow Airport's latest spectator information and local access arrangements before visiting, particularly if you're travelling specifically to watch aircraft.