London Heathrow Airport – Know Each and Everything

London Heathrow Airport is a major international airport serving London, England. It is the busiest airport in Europe and one of the busiest in the world. It was founded in 1930 as a small airfield, but over time it’s become much bigger. Today, it has 2 runways, 4 passenger terminals, and 1 cargo terminal.

Heathrow is a hub for several airlines, including Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. It offers flights to destinations around the world, making it a key gateway to Europe and beyond.

Address	Hounslow, United Kingdom
Code	EGLL, LHR
Number of runways	2
Area	12.14 km²
Elevation	25 m
Passengers	79,151,723
Aircraft movements	454,089
Cargo (tonnes)	1,387,060
Airport contact number	0844 335 1801

This table summarises key information about an airport, including its location, identification codes, and operational details.

London International Heathrow Airport’s History

We will briefly explain the all past and current history of this airport.

• Early 1900s: The land was used for farming.
• 1920s-1930s: An aircraft company built a small airfield for testing planes.
• 1940s: The government took over the airfield during World War II and started developing it into a large airport.
• 1950s-2000s: The airport became much busier and went through major expansions, adding new buildings and runways.
• 2010s-present: Plans to add more runways and buildings were dropped, and the focus shifted on making the existing airport work better and handle more traffic.

Terminals at Heathrow Airport

It has four areas for passengers to arrive and depart. These areas are called terminals. These terminals are numbered 2, 3, 4, and 5. Different airlines use different terminals at the airport. For example, British Airways mostly uses Terminal 5.

Here’s a quick short detail of each:

• Terminal 2: This terminal known as the “Queen’s Terminal”, is one of the Heathrow Airport terminals..
• Terminal 3: It is a historic part of this airport, featuring innovative travel solutions and a variety of airlines.
• Terminal 4: Various airlines of European and long haul routes.
• Terminal 5: British Airways and others, mostly long-haul.

Parking at Heathrow Airport

There are different parking options available like quick visits and longer trips. They also offer a service where someone meets you at the airport to park your car for you.

Give yourself extra time before your flight to check traffic reports or apps before leaving for the airport. To book your parking slot, visit our Heathrow parking blog. You’ll find all the information you need to choose the best option for your vehicle.

This airport offers various types of parking options depending on your needs:

• Short Stay: close to terminals, good for pickups, drop-offs, short trips
• Long Stay: for longer trips, book online or pay at entry barrier
• Business Parking: fast and convenient, no need to leave keys (at some terminals)
• Meet & Greet: staff parks your car for you (at short stay car parks)
• POD Parking (Terminal 5 only): most convenient option for Terminal 5
• Valet Parking: staff parks your car and returns it to you (at short stay car park)

Flight Information (Arrivals & Departures)

A global gateway, Heathrow Airport bustles with international travellers. Thousands of flights crisscross the globe from here, connecting London to countless destinations. Whether for leisure trips and business ventures, Heathrow provides multiple terminals with convenient amenities to ensure a smooth travel experience.

You can check real time arrival and departures information here, by clicking on the button below you will get the real time flights status for arrival and departures flights.

Location and Accessibility

This airport is located west of Central London. The distance is about 14 miles, or 23 kilometres. Here are some other nearby places:

• Hounslow: 3 miles to the east
• Hayes: 3 miles to the north
• Staines-upon-Thames: 3 miles to the southwest

Transportation Options:

It has many travel options for getting to and from central London, so you can find the best way for you.

• Public transport (Tube, trains, buses) and taxis are available.
• Consider pre-booking a private transfer for a smooth arrival.

Accessibility Features:

It offers services to make travel easier for everyone, including people with disabilities.

• Mobility and vision: Assistance for passengers with mobility or vision impairments is available.

Services and Terminal Facilities

Let’s go through each point one at a time. First, we’ll discuss services, and then we’ll move on to facilities.

Services:

This is the list of all services, you can get these services at this airport to make your trip smoother.

• Faster security: Skip the lines with priority service (pre-booking recommended).
• Baggage services (Relaxed travel): Let the airport staff handle your bags so you can focus on your trip.
• Stay connected: Free WiFi and info on local SIM cards.
• Cash & currency exchange: ATMs and currency exchange services on-site.
• VIP treatment: Upgrade your experience with chauffeured services, shopping assistance, and more (additional fees may apply).

Baggage Services:

Travellers can choose from 5 different baggage services to meet their needs:

1. Bag wrapping
2. Luggage delivery
3. Bag shipping
4. Left baggage
5. Posters

Bag Wrapping:

Keep your belongings secure because a secure wrap provides an extra layer of protection for your luggage. You can get this service on all terminals before security in arrivals and departures. Here are the prices of all packages (Basic, Classic, Ultra wrap).

Luggage Delivery:

Unlock a new way to travel with this luggage free service. Here’s how it works:

• Relax and go straight to your destination.
• Book in seconds online or at the airport.
• Drop off and pick up luggage anywhere in the terminal. Total flexibility.

Pricing:

• Starts at £45 for the first bag.
• Additional bags cost £10 each.
• Prices may vary depending on the distance your bags are delivered.

Ready to book?

Book your luggage now by visiting the official website.

Baggage and Courier Shipping:

• Ship from Heathrow – pre-arrange or bring your things.
• Fast processing – sometimes 20 minutes.
• Door-to-door by cargo or courier (DHL, FedEx).
• Many locations at the airport.
• Competitive prices.

Leave your luggage at Heathrow

For more details about this service, you can contact on “+44 (0) 20 8759 3344” number. 

Porter Service:

The well organised staff available to help you with your luggage at the airport. Here’s what you need to know:

• Porters are available in all terminals.
• The service operates daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• The cost is £30 for 1-8 bags.
• Porters can be hailed on-demand in the terminal forecourts (departures) or baggage halls (arrivals).

Porter service for groups:

Travelling with a group can make sense to book porter service in advance. To inquire about booking porter service in advance, you can email: [email protected].

For more queries call on: +44 (0) 344 335 1000

Cash & Currency Exchange:

Currency Exchange:

• Travelex offers currency exchange at Heathrow Airport.
• Online orders with Click and Collect are free of fees.
• Get the best rates by ordering online.

There are 29 stores in total. They are spread across 4 terminals. We share information for all stores below.

Cash Machines:

Search for cash machines on interactive maps.

VIP Treatment:

With VIP service, you can skip the crowds and unwind before you travel.

• Private greeting by airport staff
• Relax in a personal lounge with private security checks
• Luxury limousine transfers to and from the aircraft

Airport Lounges

Heathrow airport has special areas called lounges where travelers can relax in peace and quiet before their flights. There are different lounges for different airlines and travelers, all offering a comfortable getaway from the crowded terminal areas.

Here are some lounge options to consider:

• Club Aspire
• Plaza Premium
• No.1 Lounges

In addition to lounges, Heathrow Airport also offers:

• Hotels for longer layovers or early arrivals
• Spa treatments to help you de-stress before your flight

Shopping and Dining Options

Visitors have a wide selection of shops to explore. You can check out a list of stores before your trip, or use their Reserve & Collect service to pick up online orders when you arrive. They also offer a complimentary personal shopping service to assist you in finding the perfect gift or outfit. For your convenience, you can leave your shopping bags at the airport while you travel or have them delivered straight to your home.

Here is the list of all A to Z brand names which you will see at this airport.

Shop	Category	Terminal
Accessorize	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T2, T3, T4, T5
Aspinal of London	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS, BAGS AND LUGGAGE	T2, T5
Be Relax	BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE, HEALTH AND WELLBEING	T5
Boggi Milano	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T2, T5
Boots	BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE, TRAVEL ESSENTIALS, HEALTH AND WELLBEING	T2, T3, T4, T5
Boss	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, FOOTWEAR	T2, T5
Bottega Veneta	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS, BAGS AND LUGGAGE	T2, T4, T5
Bulgari	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, JEWELLERY AND WATCHES	T3, T4, T5
Burberry	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T2, T3, T4, T5
Candels & Oud	BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS	T2, T5
Cartier	JEWELLERY AND WATCHES	T3, T4, T5
Case	BAGS AND LUGGAGE	T2, T3, T4, T5
Caviar House and Prunier	FOOD AND DRINK	T4, T5
Chanel	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, JEWELLERY AND WATCHES, BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE	T3, T4, T5
Collection	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T5
Dior	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, JEWELLERY AND WATCHES	T2, T3, T4, T5
Discover London	GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS	T2
Excess Baggage Company	TRAVEL ESSENTIALS, BAGS AND LUGGAGE	T3, T4
Fendi	TRAVEL ESSENTIALS, BAGS AND LUGGAGE	T3, T4
Fortnum & Mason	FOOD AND DRINK, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS	T2, T5
Glenmorangie	FOOD AND DRINK, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS	T2
Glorious Britain	KIDS AND TOYS, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS	T3
Gucci	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, BAGS AND LUGGAGE, FOOTWEAR	T2, T3, T4, T5
Hamleys	KIDS AND TOYS, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS	T2, T4
Harrods	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, FOOD AND DRINK, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS	T2, T3, T4, T5
Haute Perfumerie	BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE	T3
Hermes	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE	T3, T5
Hublot	JEWELLERY AND WATCHES	T4
InMotion	TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS, TRAVEL ESSENTIALS	T2, T3, T4, T5
JD Sports	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, FOOTWEAR	T2, T5
Jo Malone	BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE	T3
Kurt Geiger	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, FOOTWEAR	T2, T3, T4, T5
Lacoste	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T4
Ladurée	FOOD AND DRINK	T3, T4
Louis Vuitton	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, BAGS AND LUGGAGE, JEWELLERY AND WATCHES	T2, T3, T4, T5
M&S Simply Food	FOOD AND DRINK	T2, T3, T5
Moncler	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T3
Montblanc	TRAVEL ESSENTIALS, GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS	T4
Mulberry	BAGS AND LUGGAGE	T2
Orlebar Brown	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T5
Paul Smith	BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE, FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, FOOTWEAR	T2, T3, T5
Prada	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES, BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE, BAGS AND LUGGAGE	T5
Reiss	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T5
Rituals	BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE	T2, T5
Rolex	JEWELLERY AND WATCHES	T2, T5
Saint Laurent	FASHION AND ACCESSORIES	T2, T4
Sim Local	TECHNOLOGY AND GADGETS, SERVICES	T2, T3

Dining Options:

London Heathrow airport has many restaurants, cafes, and food stalls to choose from. They offer a variety of meals and snacks to fit any craving before your trip. This is a list of all available restaurants. 

Terminal	Category	Restaurant
T2	PRE-ORDER, PUBS AND BARS, CASUAL DINING	Big Smoke
T2, T3, T4, T5	TAKEOUT, COFFEEHOUSE AND CAFÉ	Caffè Nero
T3, T4, T5	PRE-ORDER, DINE IN STYLE	Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar
T4	PUBS AND BARS, CASUAL DINING	Co-Pilots Bar and Kitchen
T4, T5	TAKEOUT, COFFEEHOUSE AND CAFÉ	Costa
T5	PRE-ORDER, IN-FLIGHT PICNIC, DINE IN STYLE	Fortnum & Mason Bar
T5	PRE-ORDER, FAMILY FAVOURITES, CASUAL DINING	Giraffe
T5	FAMILY FAVOURITES, IN-FLIGHT PICNIC, DINE IN STYLE	Gordon Ramsay Plane Food
T2	FAMILY FAVOURITES, DINE IN STYLE	Heston’s The Perfectionists’ Cafe
T5	FAMILY FAVOURITES, INTERNATIONAL CUISINE, CASUAL DINING	itsu
T3	COFFEEHOUSE AND CAFÉ	Joe’s Coffee House
T2	PRE-ORDER, TAKEOUT, IN-FLIGHT PICNIC, CASUAL DINING	Leon
T2	PUBS AND BARS, CASUAL DINING	London’s Pride By Fullers
T5	FAMILY FAVOURITES, DINE IN STYLE	Pilots Bar and Kitchen
T2, T3, T4, T5	TAKEOUT, COFFEEHOUSE AND CAFÉ	Pret A Manger
T2	INTERNATIONAL CUISINE, DINE IN STYLE	Shan Shui
T3	PRE-ORDER, FAMILY FAVOURITES, DINE IN STYLE	Spuntino
T4	PUBS AND BARS, CASUAL DINING	Star Light
T2, T5	TAKEOUT, COFFEEHOUSE AND CAFÉ	Starbucks
T4	FAMILY FAVOURITES, PUBS AND BARS, CASUAL DINING	The Commission
T5	PUBS AND BARS, CASUAL DINING	The Crown Rivers Wetherspoon
T3	PRE-ORDER, FAMILY FAVOURITES, PUBS AND BARS	The Curator
T3	FAMILY FAVOURITES, PUBS AND BARS, CASUAL DINING	The Evergreen Bar & Restaurant
T5	PRE-ORDER, FAMILY FAVOURITES, PUBS AND BARS	The Globe
T3	PRE-ORDER, PUBS AND BARS, CASUAL DINING	The Oceanic
T4	FAMILY FAVOURITES, PUBS AND BARS	The Prince of Wales
T2	PRE-ORDER, FAMILY FAVOURITES, PUBS AND BARS	The Queen’s Arms
T3, T5	INTERNATIONAL CUISINE, CASUAL DINING	wagamama
T2, T3	PRE-ORDER, FAMILY FAVOURITES, INTERNATIONAL CUISINE	YO!

London Heathrow Airport Rewards

Passengers can earn points by spending money at the airport on shopping, dining, and more. These points can be redeemed for discounts on airport services or transferred to their favourite airline’s loyalty program.

• Earn 1 point per £1 spent at Heathrow Airport
• Earn 1 point per £10 exchanged at Bureaux de Change
• Redeem points for £5 off Heathrow shopping (500 points)
• Redeem points for Heathrow shopping vouchers
• Redeem points for £10 off pre-booked Heathrow parking (500 points)
• Transfer points to airline partner programs (250 points = 250 Avios/Miles)

£10= 10 Rewards points

For joining the rewards program click on the given link “www.heathrow.com/heathrow-rewards/join” and create your account to get the benefits.

Transportation Options

Travel options from Heathrow Airport to train stations by bus or coaches,

• Catch a bus to Feltham Station: This is a good option if you’re headed to Richmond, Camberley, Bracknell, Waterloo, Clapham Junction, or other places in South London. Buses 285 and 490 take you there.
• Take a coach to Guildford Station: This route is perfect for reaching Farnham, Portsmouth, or destinations along the North Downs. Board the RailAir RA2 coach from Terminal 2, 3, or 5.
• Travel by coach to Reading Station: The RailAir RA1 coach will take you to Reading, which has connections to the southwest, South Wales, Oxfordshire, and the Cotswolds. You can board this coach from Terminal 2, 3, or 5.
• Head to Watford Junction by bus or coach: If you’re going to the Midlands, Manchester, Liverpool, or other places in northern England or Scotland, you can take the Green Line route 724 bus (from Terminal 5 or Central Bus Station) or the RailAir RA3 coach (from Terminal 2 or 3).
• Go to Woking Station by coach: The RailAir RA2 coach will also take you to Woking, which has connections to Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Salisbury. Board from Terminal 2, 3, or 5.

Check Routes on specific map:

UK Customs

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, there have been adjustments for travellers upon arrival at London Heathrow airport. Here’s a rundown of what you should be aware of:

Customs Channels:

• Passengers now use the green channel (for nothing to declare) or the red channel (for goods to declare).

Connecting Flights:

• If your bags are checked through to your final destination, you usually won’t need to go through customs until you get there.
• If you need to collect your bags and check in for your next flight, you’ll typically go through customs at the first airport (Heathrow in this example).

Important Information:

• Check the government website for allowances on what you can bring duty-free.
• Declare any cash or valuables exceeding €10,000.
• You are responsible for the goods you carry.

Travel Tip:

Be prepared for customs by checking the latest regulations for your destination.

Airlines Operating at Heathrow Airport

With several terminals, it serves a wide range of destinations. Here are some of the airlines that operate out of Heathrow:

• Aegean Airlines
• Aer Lingus
• Aeromexico
• Air Algerie
• Air Astana
• Air Canada
• Air China
• Air France
• Air India
• Air Serbia
• American Airlines
• ANA
• Asiana Airlines
• Austrian
• Avianca
• Azerbaijan Airlines
• Beijing Capital Airlines
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• British Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Bulgaria Air
• Cathay Pacific Airways
• China Airlines
• China Eastern
• China Southern
• Croatia Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Egyptair
• El Al
• Emirates
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Eurowings
• EVA Air
• Finnair
• Gulf Air
• Hainan Airlines
• Iberia
• Icelandair
• Iran Air
• Japan Airlines
• JetBlue
• Kenya Airways
• KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines
• KM Malta Airlines
• Korean Air
• Kuwait Airways
• LATAM Airlines
• Loganair
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Malaysia Airlines
• MEA
• Oman Air
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Brunei Airlines
• Royal Jordanian
• RwandAir
• SAS – Scandinavian Airlines
• Saudia
• Shenzhen Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Sri Lankan Airlines
• Swiss International Airlines
• TAP Portugal
• Tarom
• Thai Airways
• Tianjin Airlines
• Tunisair
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Uzbekistan Airways
• Vietnam Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• Vistara
• Vueling
• WestJet

Download Airport App

The International London Heathrow Airport mobile app can help you plan your trip. It puts helpful information at your fingertips, whether you’re an Android or iPhone user. Download it from the app store for your device.

Here’s why this London Heathrow airport app is a great choice:

• Always get live flight notifications like check-in and gate changes.
• Find your way around the airport with turn-by-turn directions.
• Pre-order food at some restaurants for faster pickup.
• Pay for airport services and check rewards points.

Social Accounts of Heathrow Airport

Want to connect with Heathrow Airport on social media? Here are their accounts:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeathrowAirport-LHR
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeathrowAirport
• Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/HeathrowAirport/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathrow_airport/
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heathrow_Airport

Frequently Asked Questions