General

One of the busiest airports in the world, certainly a hub for Europe, Heathrow has four terminals and is always busy. The airport boasts good duty free shopping and is well equipped with facilities for all travel needs. Terminal 1 handles all domestic flights, terminal 2 is mainly for flights to European destinations, while the majority of long haul flights depart from terminal 3 and 4.

Terminal 5 is situated between the northern and southern runways at the western end of the Heathrow site and is exclusively used by British Airways as their global hub.

Heathrow is huge and boasts convenience food to suit most tastes. Likewise, the UK’s best known convenience outlets are also represented. Left Luggage is well organised, and services such as banks, post office and freight services are conveniently offered.

Heathrow offers four main types of parking on and around the airport grounds. These are, short-stay ( up to 5 hours), long-stay (eastern perimeter – with shuttle bus), business parking and valet parking. All options have parking at all 5 terminals with transfers.

Bus and coach sales/information desks are located in all four terminals. Leaflets containing advice on public transport and other tourist information are widely available at information points throughout the terminals.

Local buses provide a free transfer service for passengers from Terminal 4 to the central terminal area. For further information, please contact the information desk located in the arrivals area.

Shopping

Extensive duty free shopping is available only if you are leaving Europe (boarding card must be presented), as well as endless souvenir shops.

Restaurants

All terminals have a wide range of restaurants and cafe's.

Wagamama,s TGi Fridays, Costa's and Yo Sushi to name but a few.

Internet Access

Just because you're on the move doesn't mean you're out of touch. Use Heathrow's internet terminals or wireless broadband access to catch up on your emails, do some research or just surf the web.

Information Desk

A London Tourist Board information centre in the Underground station, Terminals 1, 2 and 3, will assist passengers with enquiries. London Transport and British Rail have travel information points in Terminals 1, 2 and 4.

The Hotel and Traveller centre in Terminal 3 arrivals area offers visitor information as well as British Rail tickets, London Underground tickets and hotel accommodation

Directions to Heathrow Airport

Full detailed directions are provided to each Heathrow car park or Heathrow hotel in your email booking confirmation. The information here is for those travelling to the airport by other means, or those who wish to research possibilies before they book online. Click here for directions.

From the North :
Join the M25 using the M40 from Birmingham and Midlands, or the M1 or A1 from the North East. On the M25 head westbound for Heathrow and Gatwick until you reach junction 15.

From the West:

Join the M4 (from Bristol, Swindon, Reading) and stay on until Heathrow. If you're coming from the southwest join the M3 heading for London and then the M25 north signposted for Heathrow. Leave at junction 15 and join the M4 heading for London and Heathrow.

From the South: From the Brighton area take the A23 north for the M23 and London. Join the M23 and continue until you reach the M25. Get on the M25 west heading for Heathrow. From the south east take the M20 heading for London. At junction 3 get on the M26 signposted for Heathrow and Gatwick. Join the M25 at junction 5. Leave the M25 at junction 15 and join the M4 signposted for Heathrow and London.

From the East: Join the M25 from the A13 (Essex), or the M11. Head southbound in the Dartford direction. Stay on the M25 all the way to junction 15. Come off the M25 at junction 15 onto the M4 heading for Heathrow and London. If you are travelling by car Terminals 1 and 3 are located just off Junction 4 of the M4 or locally via the A4. If you are travelling to Terminal 4, leave the M4 at Junction 3 or the M25 at Junction 14.

Heathrow airport can be approached from the A30 or the A3113. Please note that you must leave as much extra time as possible, particularly during the morning and evening. Traffic is heavy on the M25 and the M4 around rush hour and when there are road works in progress.