Introduction
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the primary airport serving London and largest airport in the UK. It is one of the busiest and most prominent airports in the world, playing a critical role in international air travel.
Location
Heathrow Airport is situated in the London Borough of Hillingdon, to the west of Central London. It lies about 14 miles from the city center, which makes it convenient for both domestic and international travellers.
Facilities and Terminals
Heathrow Airport has four active passenger terminals (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5) equipped with modern facilities to manage millions of passengers annually. Each terminal offers a wide range of amenities, including shopping, dining, lounges, and services.
Terminal 2
Known as The Queen’s Terminal, it primarily serves Star Alliance airlines. It offers a vast selection of shops and restaurants, aiming to provide a seamless travel experience.
Terminal 3
This terminal caters to long-haul flights, especially those operated by Oneworld alliance members such as British Airways and American Airlines. It features numerous luxury retail outlets and dining options.
Terminal 4
Home to SkyTeam alliance members, Terminal 4 accommodates various international flights. It is known for its quieter atmosphere and efficient services.
Terminal 5
Exclusively used by British Airways and Iberia, Terminal 5 is renowned for its architectural design and state-of-the-art facilities. It offers a premium travel experience with extensive retail and dining options.
Heathrow Airport lounges
Airport lounges are a great way to get away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of the airport before a flight.
There are airport lounges located in all terminals at Heathrow, Terminals 2, 3, and 5.
No1 Lounge (Heathrow T2)
Opening times
Daily 05:00 – 21:00
- TV and information screens
- Complementary hot buffet, snacks
- Complimentary soft drinks, beer and wine
No1 Lounge at Heathrow T3
Opening times
Daily 05:00 – 22:00
- TV Lounge
- Complementary hot buffet, snacks
- Fully tended bar
Clubrooms at Heathrow T3
Opening times
Daily 05:00 – 21:00
- Hosted table service
- Made-to-order hot and cold dishes
- Extensive bar menu inc. cocktails
My Lounge at Heathrow Airport T3
Coming in summer 2025
- Runway views
- Buffet style hot and cold dishes
- Fully tended bar
Club Aspire at Heathrow Airport T5
Opening times
05:00 – 21:00
- Runway view
- Buffet style hot and cold dishes
- Fully tended bar
Lowest Cost Rates Guaranteed
As well as a super-easy booking process, you can save up to 60% off the normal price of an airport lounge pass.
Lounges in Heathrow passenger terminals
There are a choice of lounges in most passenger terminals. It makes sense to go for a lounge in the passenger terminal you are using, only Terminals 2 and 3 are relatively close together.
However, if you are transferring through Heathrow and want to switch terminals without going through customs follow the signs for flight connections when you land.
You’ll need to get the free airport terminal transfer bus and follow the signs for your terminal.
Leave at least 30 minutes to transfer between the terminals.
Day rooms at Heathrow Airport
A great alternative to airport lounges are day rooms, where hotels at Heathrow offer regular bedrooms for your use during the daytime.
The Aerotel T3 by Plaza Premium at terminal 3 is designed specifically for day room use and you do not have to leave the terminal.
Unlike lounges, all day room hotels require you to pass through UK customs.
Hotels
There are several hotels that offer easy access to the passenger terminals at Heathrow all connected by covered walkways.
Other hotels in Heathrow require you to get a Hotel Hoppa shuttle bus to/from the passenger terminal.
Terminals 2 and 3
Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3
Aerotel T3 London Heathrow
Terminal 4
Premier Inn Terminal 4
Holiday Inn Express Terminal 4
Crowne Plaza Terminal 4
Hilton Terminal 4
Terminal 5
When looking for a hotel at Heathrow, do find out which passenger terminal your flight us using so you can factor that parameter into your purchasing decision.
Local Hotels
Numerous hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of Heathrow Airport, all competing for your custom. While many are large international chains, there are also a handful of smaller independent options, including bed and breakfast establishments.
Visit our Heathrow Airport Hotels page for more information.
Heathrow Airport Parking
Each of Heathrow’s passenger 5 terminals has official car parks. Additionally, there are independent operators off the airport that provide more affordable options.
Heathrow long stay car parking
Long Stay airport parking, suitable for all travellers. With regular transfers to the terminals, Long Stay is ideal for holidays or longer trips away. These have the cheapest parking charges but are furthest from the passenger terminals and the transfer buses may be less frequent than the business transfers.
Valet or Meet ‘n’ Greet parking
Valet and Meet n Greet parking offers the convenience of dropping your car at the terminal forecourt and having it delivered back to you on your return.
At certain hotels, your package may include your vehicle being picked at the hotel, while at others, you will need to drive to the passenger terminal after your stay. Be aware, if your car is collected from you at the hotel, you will almost always have to pay additional fees for a taxi or a hotel shuttle bus to the airport terminals.
Recently, Meet ‘n’ Greet airport car parking has received negative attention due to reports of unscrupulous operators in the media. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a reputable company that has a solid reputation and a secure facility for parking your vehicle.
Off-airport parking
Normally the cheapest long term car parking option. Complementary buses shuttle the short distance between the car park and passenger terminals and are included in the parking fee.
Purple Parking is the only off-airport car park at Heathrow of any significance left.
Business Parking
Business Parking is available at terminals 2,3 and 5 located with a fast and frequent transfer service.
Pre-book your parking
Not only will you guarantee yourself a space but you will save money whilst doing so.
Whether you’re looking for a Park and Ride car park or a good deal on Meet ‘n’ Greet parking, there’s plenty of choice – and what’s more, we’re never beaten on price.
Airport hotel & car parking packages
Many popular hotels at Heathrow provide excellent long-term car parking options and packages for overnight stays.
Heathrow offers a variety of hotel and long stay parking deals at many of its popular hotels, featuring competitive prices across all categories, from Bed & Breakfast options to budget-friendly chain hotels, and even luxurious 4-star accommodations.
These hotel and parking packages at Heathrow can offer substantial savings to purchasing hotel and car parking separately, on a few occasions the package has been cheaper than just buying the long term car parking!
Connectivity
Heathrow Airport is well-connected to London and other parts of the UK.
The Heathrow Express train provides a non-stop service to London Paddington in about 15 minutes, while the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line offers a cost-effective option to reach central London. Additionally, numerous buses, coaches, and taxis are available.
National Express provides a round-the-clock service between Heathrow and London Victoria.
Visit our London airport & cruise ship transfers page for more information.
Heathrow and London luggage storage
If you are travelling with luggage, but still want to explore London before you leave, then consider using the Luggage Hero storage solution. You can easily find locations all over London to safely store your luggage for any amount of time you need. It is cheap, secure and bookable online.