heathrow common travel area

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

How you got to the site
The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
What you click while you are visiting the site

Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK

What is the common travel area, your rights within the common travel area, border control and the common travel area, brexit and the common travel area.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland that gives a variety of rights to citizens of those countries. It includes more than the basic right to travel freely between both countries.

When the Common Travel Area arrangement began in 1922, it was not contained in any legislation. It was an understanding between Ireland and the UK based on their common history. Over time, some of the rights came to be included in different pieces of legislation in both Ireland and the UK.

While the Common Travel Area is recognised under the Treaty of Amsterdam, it is not dependant on the European Union and the continuing membership of both countries.

On 8 May 2019, the Irish and UK governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (pdf) reaffirming the Common Travel Area and identifying the rights and privileges of Irish and UK citizens within the CTA. It also reaffirmed the commitment to maintain the CTA following Brexit (pdf) .

Common Travel Area rights can only be exercised by citizens of Ireland and the UK. If you are not a citizen of Ireland or the UK, you cannot exercise Common Travel Area rights.

For the purposes of the Common Travel Area, the UK covers:

Northern Ireland
The Isle of Man
The Channel Islands

Irish and UK citizens have the right to live, travel, work and study within the Common Travel Area. The rights of Irish citizens have been recognised in the UK’s Immigration and Social Security (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 .

Irish and UK citizens can live in either country and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including:

Access to social benefits
Access to healthcare
Access to social housing supports
The right to vote in certain elections

The Common Travel Area does not relate to goods or customs issues. You can read about the trade agreement between Ireland and the UK in Brexit and Ireland .

There are no routine passport controls in operation for Irish and UK citizens travelling between the 2 countries.

However, you must show identification to board a ferry or an airplane, and some airlines and sea carriers only accept a passport as valid identification. You may also be asked by an immigration officer to prove that you are a citizen of Ireland or the UK, so you should carry a passport with you. You can also use an Irish passport card, or other proof that you are an Irish citizen.

If you have family members who are not UK or EEA citizens, they may need a visa to enter Ireland or the UK. A residency scheme for family members of UK citizens who move to Ireland after 1 January 2021 is now in place.

The Common Travel Area also involves some co-operation on immigration issues. A non-EEA national, for example, may be refused permission to enter Ireland if they intend to travel onwards to the UK and they would not qualify for admission to the UK. Irish immigration officers have the power to carry out checks on people arriving in the State from the UK and to refuse them entry to the State on the same grounds that apply to people arriving from outside the Common Travel Area. These checks are carried out selectively.

You can find out more about travelling to the UK from Ireland .

EU and EEA citizens travelling to Great Britain from Ireland

If you are a citizen of the EEA (the EU, plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) or Switzerland, you may be asked for identification when you enter Great Britain from Ireland. You are not asked to show identification if you are entering Northern Ireland from Ireland.

You must have an EEA passport to enter Great Britain from Ireland unless you have:

Settled or pre-settled status in the UK, or you are awaiting a decision on your application and have received confirmation that your application is valid.
An EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
A Frontier Worker Permit
An S2 Healthcare Visitor visa
A Service Provider from Switzerland visa

If you are in any of the above categories, you can use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter Great Britain from Ireland.

Electronic Travel Authorisation

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required by some nationalities before travelling to the UK unless they are living in and travelling from Ireland.

Cross border workers

Irish and British citizens can live and work in both Ireland and the UK and they can live in one country and work in the other country. For example, you might live in Ireland and work in Northern Ireland. This is called frontier working or cross-border working .

EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in Ireland and working in Northern Ireland before the end of 2020, must have a Frontier Work Permit to continue working in Northern Ireland. EEA and Swiss citizens who live in Ireland and start working in Northern Ireland from the beginning of 2021 must apply for permission to work in the UK through the UK’s points-based immigration system .

People with UK visas or residence permits

If you are a citizen of a country whose nationals need a visa to enter Ireland and you have a valid UK visa or residence permit, you may be required to have a visa to enter Ireland before you arrive in Ireland.

Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals of a number of Eastern European, Middle East and Asian countries who have a short-term UK visa to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa.

Reciprocal visa arrangements

A British Irish Visa Scheme applies to visitors from China and India. This scheme allows visitors from these countries to travel freely within the Common Travel Area (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), using either an Irish or UK visa. British Irish Visa Scheme visas are endorsed with ‘BIVS’.

Both schemes are provided for in the Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2014 (SI 473/2014) as amended by Immigration Act (Visas) Order 2016 (SI 502/2016) .

You can read more about visa requirements for entering Ireland , or you can get further information about visa applications from Irish embassies and consulates abroad .

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has not affected the rights of Irish citizens and UK citizens within the Common Travel Area. The right to live, work and access public services in the Common Travel Area is protected.

Your Common Travel Area rights do not extend to your family. This means that if your spouse or partner, or other relative, is not an Irish or UK citizen, they may have to apply for residence in the UK .

You can read about residence rights of British citizens in Ireland.

Common Travel Area in law and the Protocol

The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2019 places many of the Common Travel Area rights in legislation for the first time. The Act empowers the relevant ministers to legislate in the areas of providing equal access to healthcare and social welfare.

The withdrawal agreement between the UK and the European Union recognises the Common Travel Area in its Protocol, which deals with Ireland and Northern Ireland . Article 2 provides for the continued operation of the Common Travel Area.

You can read more about the UK leaving the EU in our pages:

Background to Brexit
Brexit and Ireland

You can get more information on the Common Travel Area from the Department of Foreign Affairs and on legal matters and rights from gov.ie .

Manage cookie preferences

London Heathrow Airport Guide: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

If you’re flying in or out of Heathrow airport when visiting London, this Heathrow Airport Guide will tell you some smart things to know before you get there so you have a nice smooth visit.

There are four terminals at London Heathrow Airport

They’re labeled as terminals 2-5, there’s no longer a terminal 1.

When you’re leaving London, you’ll need to know which one you’re departing from, as you’ll go there to do everything from checking in, to going through security, etc.

You can also check which terminal you’re arriving into, usually your airline will tell you at various points in your journey and on your email confirmation when you buy your ticket. If you struggle to find which Heathrow terminal your airline will fly into or out of, use Heathrow’s Which Terminal tool .

Get to Heathrow Airport 2-3 hours early

As a rule of thumb, plan to get to the airport about three hours early for an intercontinental flight, and at least two hours early for a flight to somewhere in Europe.

Now, I must admit that I don’t always follow this. If I don’t have a bag to check, and I’ve already checked in online, I often give myself less time. Security at Heathrow Airport is SO efficient, I don’t think I’ve waited longer than 10 minutes to get through, even at the height of Christmas season.

However, giving yourself all of that extra time will account for any craziness that might happen, like delayed trains, long lines for bag drop (this is common), or whatever else might happen in the crazy world of travel. The good thing is that there’s loads to do with all of that extra time at Heathrow, which I will talk about a little later.

There are many transportation options for getting to/from Heathrow from Central London

If you’re on a budget, the National Express bus is a good option, or if you want to get to central London fast, there’s the Heathrow Express , plus a few other options in between. For the sake of the length of this article, I won’t go through them all, but they’re all clearly listed, including prices and other helpful info, in my free London 101 Guide.

Have a pen with you for your landing card

If you’re not an EU/EEA national, then you’ll need to fill out a landing card when you arrive to the UK. You’ll give this, along with your passport, to the immigration officer at Border Control. The line for immigration can get very long, so in order to hop on the line as quickly as possible, make sure you bring a pen with you on your flight so that you can fill out the landing card while still on the plane, and you won’t get delayed waiting for a pen to free up at the counter.

Border Control at Heathrow Airport can take a while

Assume it will take at least an hour to get through Border Control and to get your checked bags. It could be a lot less, and it could be more, there’s really no way to say. Keep this in mind when booking transfers or asking someone to pick you up.

There’s free wifi at Heathrow Airport

You get 45 minutes of free wifi, and you get faster speeds if you sign up to the free Heathrow Rewards program . Use the free wifi to connect with family and friends while you’re waiting for your bags, or if you’re leaving London, pass the time before your flight.

The shopping’s great at Heathrow

There are so many shops across Heathrow Airport, most of which are mid-range to high-end when it comes to price, but there are also a few affordable options, as well as duty free shops and places to get souvenirs. Terminal 5 is the biggest of the terminals, and it has the most shopping and food selection, and if you have time, you can transfer to other terminals to check out their shopping and food options.

If you want to see what food and shopping options your terminal will have, have a look at Heathrow’s terminal guides.

Heathrow is family-friendly

If you’ve got little ones you need to keep entertained, each terminal has at least one or two play areas for them to have some fun at. Also, most restaurants will have children’s menus, and you can even order baby milk for your flight.

I hope this Heathrow Airport Guide helps you have a great visit to the airport and to London. For help with getting to and from Heathrow and Central London, download my free London 101 guide.

More London tips:

How to Prepare for your First 3 Days in London

10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting London

5 Great Photo-Taking Spots in London

Jessica Dante

Jess is the founder of Love and London, an online travel guide that helps London tourists to visit London like they live there. She's been featured in Refinery29, Forbes, BBC Radio 2, HuffPost, and more. Jess is also a sustainable and ethical travel advocate.

Jess Dante - Founder

Search this site

Previous Post Which Oyster Card? The Best Oyster Card for Visitors

Next post festive afternoon teas to try in london, related posts.

This is an image of the Somerset House skating rink all lit up with people on the ice.

Thanks Jess. Great blog. Will be there mid August. Bye for now Alison and Graeme Pike from New Zealand

Thanks for visiting!

Because you work so hard at this …. please can you send me the link that allows me to pay the fee for what you you. (I have no idea why this text is not showing up very well as I type on my computer. I hope this is readable your end. Thank you for all your efforts. Few people realise how much work you do …. and there are those who want everything for nothing. Shame on them

Oh wow thank you so much Jan. I’d love for you to get value for anything you give me so perhaps you’d consider purchasing my 3-Day London Itinerary: loveandlondon.com/3-day-London-itinerary I appreciate your kind words and that you’re part of the community 🙂

If that link doesn’t work, use this one: http://loveandlondon.com/3-day-London-itinerary

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Travelling to the UK from Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey or Jersey

Information for people travelling to the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, and information for people passing through the UK on the way to Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

The Common Travel Area

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is made up of the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man).

For the UK, the CTA arrangements means that you won’t always go through UK immigration control when travelling to the UK from somewhere else in the CTA. This is different to when you come to the UK from outside of the CTA.

You will never go through immigration control at the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

British and Irish citizens

Under the CTA arrangements , Irish citizens in the UK and British citizens in Ireland have the right to live, work, study, and access healthcare, social security and public services in each other’s countries without having to apply for permission.

Read more about what the CTA means for Irish citizens .

You don’t need to show your passport to a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to Great Britain. However, you may be asked to show a document that confirms your identity and nationality.

This could include:

a valid passport or passport card (if you’re Irish)
a copy of your passport or passport card with your identity and nationality clearly visible
an expired passport or passport card, which Border Force are satisfied was issued to you originally
evidence of having obtained British or Irish citizenship

This list is not exhaustive and other documents including providing more than one may be accepted. These are considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

You will not pass through any immigration control when you enter the UK from Ireland across the land border, so you don’t need any documents to enter the UK on that route.

If you’re not a British or Irish citizen

There are different rules if you enter the UK from the CTA than if you enter the UK from a place outside the CTA. Usually, you don’t need to get permission to enter the UK if you are arriving from the CTA for a visit of up to 6 months.

However, there are exceptions to this. Some people need permission to enter the UK for a short visit wherever in the CTA they travel from. Other people only need permission if they’re travelling from Ireland.

If you enter the UK illegally from another part of the CTA, you may be removed from the UK.

People who need permission to enter the UK from anywhere within the CTA

For most people, there are different arrangements in place depending on whether you travel to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies .

You need to seek permission to enter the UK from anywhere in the CTA if:

you are subject to a deportation order
your exclusion has been deemed conducive to the public good
you have previously been refused permission to enter the UK and haven’t, since the time you were refused permission, been granted permission to enter or remain in the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies

Travelling from Ireland to the UK

If you’re from an eea country or switzerland.

However, you may be asked to show your passport (which should be valid for the whole of your stay) or identity card to enter Great Britain when travelling from Ireland if you are encountered by Border Force.

You cannot use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK, and can only use a valid passport, unless you:

have settled or pre-settled status under the  EU Settlement Scheme , or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
have a Frontier Worker permit
are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

Irish citizens can use a passport card.

If you’re waiting for a decision on your application for settled or pre-settled status

You can still use your EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK if all of the following are true:

you’ve applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
you’ve been issued with confirmation your application is valid
you’re not applying as a joining family member

If you’re not from an EEA country or Switzerland

However, you may be asked by Border Force to show your passport, which should be valid for the whole of your stay, to enter Great Britain.

Permission to enter requirements

If you have permission to enter or remain in the UK (for example if you have a UK visa) you do not need further permission to enter the UK from Ireland.

You only need to get permission to enter the UK when arriving from Ireland if:

you arrived in Ireland from outside of the CTA and did not obtain immigration permission to enter Ireland
you’re a visa national who doesn’t have a valid UK visa, or a visa granted under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)
you entered Ireland unlawfully from outside the CTA
you entered the UK or the Crown Dependencies unlawfully and went directly from there to Ireland
your permission to enter or stay expired before you left the UK and since then you haven’t been given permission to enter or stay in the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies
you are the subject of an international travel ban
you were refused admission or subject to a removal decision under specific regulations - unless you were later given permission to enter or stay

In these situations, you must either apply for:

a visa before you travel
permission to enter from a Border Force (immigration) Officer at the UK border

You may not be able to get permission to enter the UK from a Border Force Officer if you enter the UK from the CTA. This is because there are usually no immigration controls on these journeys, and none on the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

For more information on who needs permission to enter the UK from Ireland, see the guidance on arriving in the UK from within the CTA .

Use the check if you need a UK visa tool to find out if you need a visa and what type.

Visas issued by Ireland are not acceptable for travel to the UK except for visas issued under the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) .

If you don’t need permission to enter the UK from Ireland

Some people automatically have permission to enter the UK when they arrive from Ireland. This permission is called ‘deemed leave’. You don’t need to apply for it. You won’t get a stamp in your passport showing deemed leave because you won’t necessarily meet a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to the UK.

You can enter on the basis of deemed leave when you either:

enter Ireland from a country outside the CTA, and then travel on to the UK
were in the UK with permission to stay for a limited time, went directly to Ireland and while you were in Ireland your permission expired, and you then came directly back to the UK

The length of time you can stay in the UK and the things you can do here on the basis of deemed leave are different depending on why you are entering the UK. If you don’t need to apply to enter the UK from Ireland, you can enter and stay in the UK on Article 4 deemed leave.

You can be in the UK for up to 6 months on your first visit from Ireland. This time starts from the date you entered the UK. You can prove the date you entered the UK by, for example, your ticket or boarding pass.

Your deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

On following visits to the UK from Ireland, you can be in the UK for up to 2 months on the basis of deemed leave if you haven’t left the CTA since you were last in the UK.

You cannot do any paid or unpaid work if you’re in the UK on Article 4 deemed leave except for activities allowed under Appendix V: Visitor of the Immigration Rules .

If you want to come to the UK to do something that isn’t allowed under Article 4 deemed leave, you must apply for the relevant visa before you travel to the UK.

Use the check if you need a UK visa tool to find out which visa is right for what you want to do.

Other ways for non-visa nationals to enter the UK using deemed leave

You can also use deemed leave if you enter the UK from Ireland either:

as an S2 healthcare visitor
to do a permitted paid engagement

The rules of your deemed leave will be different depending on what you are coming to do.

Travelling to the UK for S2 healthcare treatment

S2 Healthcare Visitor arrangements apply to patients who applied before 11pm on 31 December 2020 to come to the UK for a course of planned healthcare treatment under the ‘S2 healthcare route’.

These arrangements also cover people who come with or join S2 Healthcare patients to support or care for them during their treatment.

See more information on S2 Healthcare Visitors including the documents you need .

If none of the exemptions apply to you and you enter the UK from Ireland with a valid S2 certificate you can enter and stay in the UK under Article 5 deemed leave. This is also true for anybody accompanying or joining you to provide care or support.

Under Article 5 deemed leave, you have permission to enter for 6 months, starting from the date you enter the UK from Ireland. You can prove this date, for example, with your travel ticket or boarding pass. This deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

You cannot do any paid or unpaid work.

You can apply for permission to stay in the UK for another 6 months if treatment needs to continue. There’s no limit to the number of 6 month extensions you and your accompanying person can apply for, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

If you go from the UK to Ireland and then back to the UK without having left the CTA, you’ll automatically be able to stay in the UK for up to 6 months if you still have a valid S2 healthcare certificate. This permission will start from the date you return to the UK.

Irish citizens in the UK automatically have rights to enter and stay in the UK and don’t need deemed leave for healthcare purposes (except in a rare circumstances).

If you’re a visa national you must hold a visa issued under the S2 Healthcare Visitor route in the Immigration Rules before you get to the UK, including from Ireland.

See more information on the S2 Healthcare Visitor route .

Travelling to the UK for permitted paid engagements

If you are coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement from Ireland, you can stay in the UK on the basis of Article 6 deemed leave for up to one month.

Your deemed leave starts from the date you first enter the UK from Ireland. You can prove this date, for example, with your travel ticket or boarding pass. This deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

On further visits to the UK you can only stay for up to 7 days on the basis of Article 6 deemed leave on each visit from Ireland, as long as you haven’t left the CTA in between visits to the UK.

If you want to use the longer deemed leave period given by Article 4 then you must first leave the CTA. You cannot switch between Article 4 and Article 6 deemed leave while still in the CTA.

You can do a different permitted paid engagement activity each time you visit the UK.

Your permitted paid engagement must:

have been arranged before you travel to the UK
be evidenced by a formal invitation
relate to your area of expertise and occupation overseas

Travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession

If you are travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession you must apply for remote clearance at least 72 hours before you arrive in the UK.

Travelling between the Crown Dependencies and the UK

You don’t need a passport when travelling from the Crown Dependencies to the UK. However, you may need to show a Border Force officer document confirming your identity.

a copy of your passport or passport card with your identity clearly visible
a driving licence
an armed forces identity card

This list is not exhaustive and other proof may be accepted. This will be considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

You may also need to show that you have permission to enter the UK such as:

a biometric residence permit
proof of your digital status (or eVisa)
a vignette in your passport
confirmation of immigration permission from one of the Crown Dependencies

This list is not exhaustive and you may be able to confirm you have permission to enter the UK in another way. Your circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

If you get permission to enter or stay in the UK, that permission and any conditions attached to it also apply in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey (the Crown Dependencies). The same is true if the Crown Dependencies give you permission to enter or stay and you then travel to the UK.

You only need one UK visa if you plan to travel directly to the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies, or stop in any one of those places on the way to another.

Submit and pay for visa applications for permission to enter the Crown Dependencies in the same way as for the UK.

Travelling through the UK on your way to another part of the CTA

Even if you only enter the UK as part of your journey to Ireland or the Crown Dependencies you must still follow the UK’s immigration laws while you’re in the UK .

You must follow the immigration laws of whichever part of the CTA that you are in at the time. This includes visa requirements, restrictions on employment and length of stay.

Travelling to Ireland from the UK

Check travel advice for Ireland .

Updates to this page

Added link to advice on travel to Ireland.

Updated section on 'Travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession' to reflect that this concession is no longer available to sporting workers.

Updated information on use of ID cards to enter the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

Updated information for Irish citizens travelling to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies.

First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Smarter.com

Navigating London Heathrow Arrivals: A Step-by-Step Guide

London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest and most well-known airports in the world. With millions of passengers arriving each year, it’s important to know how to navigate through the arrivals process smoothly. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a frequent flyer, this step-by-step guide will help you understand what to expect when arriving at London Heathrow.

Before You Arrive

Before you even land at London Heathrow, there are a few things you can do to ensure a seamless arrival experience. First and foremost, make sure you have all your travel documents in order. This includes your passport, visa (if applicable), and any other necessary identification or permits. It’s also a good idea to check the latest travel advisories or restrictions that may be in place.

Another important step is to familiarize yourself with the layout of the airport. London Heathrow has five terminals, each serving different airlines and destinations. Take some time to research which terminal your flight will arrive at so that you can plan accordingly.

Arrival Procedures

Once your plane touches down at London Heathrow, the real adventure begins. The first thing you’ll need to do is disembark from the aircraft and head towards immigration control. Follow the signs for “Arrivals” or “Immigration” and join the queue with your fellow passengers.

At immigration control, present your passport and any necessary documents to the border officer. They will perform checks and stamp your passport if everything is in order. After clearing immigration, collect any checked luggage from the designated carousel area.

Customs and Baggage Claim

After collecting your luggage, proceed towards customs control. Here, you may be required to declare any items that need to be declared or go through a random baggage inspection. It’s important to familiarize yourself with what items are prohibited or restricted in the country you’re arriving in to avoid any issues.

Once you have cleared customs, you’ll find yourself in the arrivals hall. This is where you can reunite with friends and family or make your way to transportation options. London Heathrow offers various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, taxis, and car rental services. Research and choose the option that best suits your needs.

Further Assistance and Amenities

If you need any further assistance or information upon arrival at London Heathrow, there are several resources available to help. Look out for airport information desks located throughout the arrivals hall. Here, friendly staff members can provide guidance on transportation options, terminal facilities, and answer any questions you may have.

Additionally, if you require any amenities or services such as currency exchange, ATMs, or mobile phone rentals, these can typically be found within the airport terminals. Take some time to explore what each terminal has to offer before making your way to your final destination.

In conclusion, navigating London Heathrow Arrivals doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By being prepared before you arrive, understanding the arrival procedures, knowing what to expect at customs and baggage claim areas, and utilizing available resources and amenities within the airport terminals, your journey through London Heathrow will be a smooth one.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

Heathrow Airport Guide

Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

Heathrow Airport is London's largest and busiest airport, acting as an international travel hub for passengers from all over the world. The airport, which first opened in 1946 and features five total terminals, offers flights around the globe, including to the United States, Asia and around Europe. It serves both domestic and international destinations, with an emphasis on international flights leaving from four public terminals.

The departures and arrivals are located on different levels, and departures can be found on the upper level of each terminal. It's a very well organized and easy to navigate airport, but Heathrow is also often crowded, especially during holiday periods and over the summer.

Heathrow Code, Location, and Contact Information

Airport code: LHR
Location: Heathrow is located 15 miles west of London in Hounslow
Airport website: https://www.heathrow.com/
Flight tracker: Track arrivals here and departures here
Airport map: Heathrow's website features terminal and transit maps here
Airport phone number: +44 20 7360 1250

Know Before You Go

Heathrow is a very large airport and both check-in lines and security lines can be long. It's best to arrive 2 to 3 hours before a flight to ensure enough time regardless of your destination. Heathrow features five terminals, although only four are used for commercial flights, and the terminals are connected via shuttles and trains, or by foot. Although Heathrow can be very busy, it's also an extremely clean, well-organized airport with easy to follow signs and helpful staff members.

Most large airlines serve Heathrow, which is a hub for British Airways (which takes up all of Terminal 5 and some of Terminal 3). Many international flights transit through Heathrow on the way to various other destinations and the transfer system is fairly easy to follow, although will require some walking and time.

Security at Heathrow is tight and travelers should be prepared to fit all their carry on liquids into a single plastic bag, which is provided before the security lines. There are no exceptions to this rule, so if you have extra liquids it's best to check your luggage. Be prepared to remove shoes, belts, and jackets, and to take electronics out of your bags.

Heathrow Parking

Each of Heathrow's terminals features parking for travelers, including short and long stay parking. The airport also offers several special parking services, from valet to Meet & Greet parking, as well as dedicated Heathrow Business Parking at Terminals 2, 3, and 5 for travelers leaving for a few days at a time. All parking options can (and should) be booked in advance online using Heathrow's website. The online rates are often cheaper than those at the airport.

Several airport hotels offer Heathrow Hotel & Parking packages that combine an overnight stay with either Meet & Greet parking or long stay parking. These hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Mercure London Heathrow, Radisson Blu Heathrow, Park Inn by Radisson, and Sheraton Skyline. Packages can be booked in advance via Heathrow's website or via the hotels directly.

Heathrow also offers parking for motorcycles in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. All motorcycles must used designated areas, which are listed specifically on the Heathrow website for each terminal. Bicycles should be parked in the Heathrow Cycle Hub at Terminals 2 and 3, or at Terminal 4 or 5. Bikes can also be stored at the left baggage office for up to 90 days.

Driving Directions

Heathrow Airport is located 15 miles west of central London. The airport is easily accessible from the M4 and M25 motorways, although traffic can be a consideration when driving to and from Heathrow. To access Terminals 2 and 3, exit the M4 at junction 4 or the M25 at junction 15. Terminals 4 and 5 have their own separate entrances. For Terminal 4, exit the M25 at junction 14 and follow signs for Heathrow Terminal 4, or exit the M4 at junction 4b and follow the M25 south to junction 14. For Terminal 5, exit the M25 at junction 14, or exit the M4 at junction 4b and follow the M25 south to junction 14.

For those who prefer to follow satellite navigation to Heathrow, enter postcode TW6 1EW for Terminal 2, TW6 1QG for Terminal 3, TW6 3XA for Terminal 4 and TW6 2GA for Terminal 5.

Public Transportation and Taxis

Heathrow is best accessed via public transportation. There are several options to get to the airport on public transportation, including by taxi, train, or Tube.

Heathrow Express: The Heathrow Express connects the airport with Paddington Station in central London, bringing passengers to Terminals 2 & 3 and Terminal 5 in 15 to 20 minutes. To access Terminal 4, exit at Terminals 2 & 3 and transfer to the local service. Tickets can be booked online or on the Heathrow Express app in advance. If you book more than 30 days ahead, the tickets are usually discounted. Be sure to check the service and train times before heading to Paddington as there can be outages or service work. There is free Wi-Fi onboard the trains.
TFL Rail: London's TFL Rail also connects Heathrow to Paddington via a local service with a few stops along the way. This is a great option for those with slightly more time as the fare is significantly cheaper than the Heathrow Express. The journey typically takes 30 to 40 minutes. You can purchase a ticket at Paddington, or pay with an Oyster card, contactless credit card, or Zone 6 Travelcard.
London Underground: The Tube accesses Heathrow via the Piccadilly line, which runs from central London all the way to the airport. Allot at least an hour if you plan to take the Tube and be sure to avoid rush hour as it's difficult to get large suitcases into the cars when they're crowded. The fare varies depending on where you start your journey, but it's typically the cheapest way to get to the airport. Pay with an Oyster card, contactless credit card, or Zone 6 Travelcard.
Buses: Many local buses include Heathrow on their routes. Use the TFL website to find the best option from your destination. Note that buses can take a long time, especially in busy traffic, so it's recommended to take the Tube or a train.
Taxis and Ubers: Hail a taxi from anywhere in London to get to the airport. Black cabs are wheelchair accessible, but are often quite pricey. Black cabs will accept cash or credit cards. Uber also operates to and from Heathrow, which is a good option for those on a budget. Minicabs and car services are also bookable in advance for a set rate.

Where to Eat and Drink

Heathrow has plenty of dining options in each terminal, from quick-fix eateries to sit-down restaurants. Look for Pret a Manger, EAT, Costa, and Starbucks to satiate any coffee cravings, or search out a special meal to pass the time. Note that many of the restaurants offer pre-order service with the Heathrow Airport app.

Fortnum & Mason Bar: Located in Terminal 5, Fortnum & Mason Bar features high-end options like seafood and caviar, as well as champagne and the brand's iconic teas.
Leon: One of London's most popular fast food spots is Leon, which has an outpost in Terminal 2. Grab a sandwich or salad box, as well as breakfast items.
Spuntino: This New York offshoot can be found in Terminal 3, serving up comfort food and cocktails, as well as breakfast.
Comptoir Libanais: Lebanese eatery Comptoir Libanais, located in Terminal 4, offers mezze bites, tagines, and savory flatbreads with many healthy options.

Where to Shop

Heathrow is filled with shopping options, including extensive duty free shopping. There are numerous designer shops located throughout the terminals, although Terminals 2 and 3 tend to have the best shops thanks to their many international flights.

Burberry: The iconic British fashion brand has a shop in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Hamleys: Britain's favorite toy store, Hamleys, is the best place to stop for a souvenir or gift before you leave London. There are shops in Terminals 2, 3, and 4.
The Harry Potter Shop: Get all your wizarding gear at The Harry Potter Shop in Terminal 5, which sells collectibles, apparel, accessories, gifts, novelties and souvenirs.
World of Whiskies: Take home some of the U.K.'s best whiskey from World of Whiskies, which can be found in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Customers can pre-order their products via the Heathrow website for collection at the airport.
Harrods: Harrods, another British favorite, can also be found in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 with a limited selection of designer and high-end products from their famous department store.

How to Spend Your Layover

Heathrow has several airports nearby for those with overnight layovers, but it's also possible to head in to central London if you have enough time. Public transportation, such as the Tube or the Heathrow Express, is recommended and travelers can store their luggage at the left luggage office for a fee. Left luggage offices are located in all terminals on the arrivals level.

If central London feels too far away, consider visiting somewhere closer to Heathrow during your layover. Windsor and Eton are just west of Heathrow and accessible by Uber or taxi, and Chiswick offers a nice downtown area just east of Heathrow.

The best airport hotels for a layover include the Sofitel London Heathrow, located at Terminal 5; Hilton London Heathrow Airport at Terminal 4; and YOTEL, a budget capsule hotel also at Terminal 4. The No1 Lounge after security in Terminal 3 offers bunk and single rooms for passengers who prefer not to leave the airport.

Airport Lounges

Heathrow features numerous frequent flyer airline lounges throughout Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, including for British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and American Airlines. Customers can opt to pay for entry to several of the lounges, including Aspire Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge, which are listed below. There is also a free Rest and Relaxation room for all travelers in Terminal 3.

Terminal 2: Plaza Premium Lounge
Terminal 3: Plaza Premium Lounge, Club Aspire Lounge, No1 Lounge and Travel Spa, No1 Lounge Bedrooms
Terminal 4: Plaza Premium Lounge, The House Lounge, SkyTeam Lounge
Terminal 5: Plaza Premium Lounge, Aspire Lounge

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Heathrow offers free Wi-Fi for all passengers throughout the airport, both before and after security. Select "_Heathrow Wi-Fi" on your device and follow the instruction to register. There is no time limit on the use of Wi-Fi. There are also free computer desks with broadband access in every terminal.

Free "Power Pole" charging stations are available in all terminals, before and after security. The charging station use U.K. and European plugs, or a USB cable. Those with a U.S. plug should bring along a converter to use the charging stations.

Tips & Facts

Travelers with kids should look for "Stay & Play" areas in each terminal after security. The areas, which include slides, soft play areas, and separate baby and junior zones, welcome kids up to 9 years old. Mr. Adventure coloring and activity sheets are also available at each "Stay & Play" area. Many Heathrow restaurants feature Kids Eat Free meal deals, which can be spotted via Mr. Adventure signs at each restaurant.
Travelers who need special assistance at the airport can put in a request in advance ahead of time via their airline or travel agent. Be sure to make the request at least 48 hours ahead of travel. There are also assisted toilet facilities, an assistant shopping service, and reserved seating in each terminal. In addition, look for the rest and relaxation room in Terminal 3, which offers a quiet space.
Those who don't want to deal with the hassle of heavy luggage can use Heathrow's Transfer Bags service, which collects bags from your hotel, home or office for delivery to Heathrow. The service can be booked online via Heathrow's website or at one of the left luggage office. AirPortr offers a similar service, which is also booked online in advance.

A guide to London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Take a look at our comprehensive guide to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), which serves as a crossroads for the entire world.

London Heathrow Airport. Image credit: ShutterOK/iStock

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is one of the busiest, most cosmopolitan airports in the world, serving almost 90 million passengers every year.

With 80 airlines sending passengers to more than 200 destinations around the globe, Heathrow provides plenty of amenities to make sure its customers are well-provisioned.

Airlines matched to LHR airport terminals

First things first: If you expect to be spending some time at Heathrow on a layover, you need to know which terminal you’ll be at before you can access services. Heathrow has four terminals, with specific airlines operating out of each. Terminals 2 and 3 are a quick 10-minute walk from each other, but you’ll need to take a shuttle bus or train to reach Terminals 4 or 5.

Check below to see which terminal you will be in based on your airline. Of course, all information is subject to change, so please check your own flight information before you fly.

Terminal 2 Airlines

Terminal 2 caters to long-haul airlines, including the members of the Star Alliance. Head to Terminal 2 if you’re flying:

Aegean Airlines
Air New Zealand
Asiana Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Brussels Airlines
Croatia Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines
Germanwings
LOT Polish Airlines
SAS – Scandinavian Airlines
Singapore Airlines
South African Airways
Swiss International Airlines
TAP Portugal
Thai Airways
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines

Terminal 3 Airlines

You’ll find members of the oneworld alliance here at Terminal 3, as well as Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul flights. This is your terminal if you’re flying:

American Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Delta Airlines
Garuda Indonesia
Japan Airlines
LATA Airlines
MEA Middle East Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines
Philippine Airlines
Royal Jordanian
Sri Lankan Airlines
Virgin Atlantic

Terminal 4 airlines

If you’re headed to the European continent, Terminal 4 is likely to be your terminal. Some long-haul flights also originate or terminate here. Check this list of airlines to see if yours is among them:

Air Algerie
Air Mauritius
Azerbaijan Airlines
Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Bulgaria Air
China Eastern Airlines
China Southern
Etihad Airways
Jet Airways (India)
Kenya Airways
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Kuwait Airways
Malaysia Airlines System
Qatar Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Brunei Airlines
Turkmenistan Airlines
Uzbekistan Airways
Vietnam Airlines

Terminal 5 exclusively serves British Airways and Iberia. The free Heathrow Express train connects you to Terminals 2 and 3 in about 20 minutes.

Airport lounges – relaxation even on the go

When you’re in-between flights or waiting for a delayed flight, nothing can make your trip continue more smoothly than having a luxurious airport lounge to go to. We have the basics below. For detailed information, check out our comprehensive piece on Heathrow airport lounges .

Terminal 2 Lounges

Heathrow’s Terminal 2 lounges are open to you if you’re flying first-class or business-class on Lufthansa, United, Aer Lingus, Singapore Airlines, or Air Canada. Star Alliance members can also take advantage of several of these lounges, all of which offer food and drink. Some also feature shower facilities and business services.

In addition, all other passengers can head to the Plaza Premium Lounges on levels 4 and 5 of the terminal. Both of these lounges, which are available for an hourly fee, offer shower and massage facilities. The level 5 lounge also has dedicated spaces for business meetings and for sleeping.

Heathrow Airport has a number of places to hold business meetings. Image credit: SARINYAPINNGAM/iStock

Terminal 3 Lounges

If you’re flying first or business-class on a oneworld airline, you can recharge at several airline lounges. Check out the American Airlines Admiral Club, or the lounges offered by Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. Virgin Atlantic offers two lounges in this terminal, one just off the arrivals hall and one in the Upper Class wing. At these lounges, you can expect Wi-Fi, food and drink, and in some cases, shower and spa services.

Terminal 3 also offers several lounges open to any ticketed passenger willing to pay the fee. The Regus Express Business Lounge is where to head if you need to hold a meeting before you board. At the Aspire Lounge, you can unwind in an individual pod while your electronics charge. Those traveling with children will be grateful for the child-friendly design of the Family Lounge. Or you can relax watching a movie or catching up on sports at the No. 1 Lounge.

Terminal 4 Lounges

First-class and business-class passengers on Gulf Air, Malaysia Airlines, and Qatar Airways can all enjoy dedicated Heathrow airport lounges, and oneworld members also typically have access to these lounges. Expect well-stocked buffets and bars and plenty of space to relax.

At the Skyteam Lounge, eligible passengers on Aeroflot, AeroMexico, Air France, Alitalia, China Eastern, China Southern, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Saudia, Tarom, and Vietnam Airlines can enjoy meals, drinks, free Wi-Fi, and a business center.

Terminal 5 Lounges

Because Terminal 5 is devoted primarily to British Airways, it’s no surprise that British Airways premium, first-class and business-class passengers can enjoy several lounges here.

The Concorde Room offers a table-service restaurant as well as relaxation rooms. At the two Galleries lounges, you can also enjoy spa treatments. The Galleries Arrival Lounge also lets tired travelers freshen up with a shower and massage.

Heathrow business services – get your work done with ease

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) offers many helpful services to help facilitate your journey as a business traveler. Take advantage of the following when you need them:

Meeting rooms: You can book meeting rooms by the hour at the Regus Express business lounge in Terminal 5 to get that last contract signed.
Baggage delivery: Use Transferbags to have your baggage transferred to or from London, and save yourself the hassle of lugging it through the airport.
Foreign exchange: In addition to foreign exchange services available in each terminal, Terminex lets you order Euros, USD, and pre-paid currency cards ahead of time.
Fast track: Frequent-flyer members and those flying premium classes may be eligible for the Fast Track service, which lets you pre-book an appointment to speed through security.
Porters: Porters are available in all departure and baggage halls to help you with your luggage. You can pre-book them for a small fee.

Among other services available to ease your time at Heathrow airport are ATMs, bag wrapping services, charging stations for phones and laptops, and postal services.

Dining at Heathrow – international cuisine

Heathrow offers a wide selection of restaurants, pubs, and quick eateries in all five of its terminals, appealing to the varied appetites of its international travelers. Take a look at some of the most popular restaurants in the terminal you’re flying from.

If you’re flying from Terminal 2, you have quite a few dining choices, including:

La Salle Restaurant and Bar: Stop for a drink or a full French meal in this spot that feels like a transplanted brasserie from Paris.
The Gorgeous Kitchen: If half your party wants something light and the other half wants traditional British fare, this is the place to go — with a juice bar menu and a 15-minute menu to boot.
Wondertree: A special gluten-free menu is available, along with a wide array of vegetarian choices at this all-day restaurant.
YO! Sushi: This Japanese restaurant serves sushi and sashimi on a conveyor belt.

Dining in Terminal 3 ranges from the quick to the sublime. Among the many offerings are the following:

Caviar House and Prunier Oyster Bar: The finest of seafood delicacies, with a 15-minute menu for those with a plane to catch. (You’ll find a partner seafood bar from Caviar House in Terminal 2.)
Oriel Grande Brasserie: Art deco style cafe with traditional French dishes including eggs Benedict and lobster Thermidor.
The Curator Bar & Dining: Artisanal cocktails and craft beers are the primary draw at this bar that also serves a seasonal menu.
Giraffe Stop: Fast hot dogs, salads, and juices speed you on your way at this quick-serve spot (with a duplicate Giraffe Stop in Terminal 5).

Plenty of diversity awaits you when you dine at one of the following Terminal 4 eateries:

Comptoir Libanais: Lebanese delicacies, including mezze bites and flatbreads — and you can pre-order ahead.
The Commission: This full-service restaurant from Drake & Morgan serves up seasonal ingredients from breakfast to cocktails.
Pret a Manger: The name means “ready to eat” and yes, you can grab fresh sandwiches and salads to take on the plane here. (You’ll also find a Pret awaiting you in Terminals 3 and 5.)

You won’t mind a flight delay in Terminal 5 when you check into one of these tempting restaurants or bars:

Fortnum & Mason Bar: A dedicated Champagne menu lets you celebrate before you fly, or you can choose from other drinks and delicacies.
Huxleys Restaurant and Bar: This classic spot serves the best of traditional British fare, from sausages to fish and chips to sticky toffee pudding, and there are dedicated tables for solo travelers.
Carluccio’s: Italian coffee and pastries in the morning, pasta and other Italian specialties at dinner, and panini during the day.
Itsu: Healthy Asian food that looks beautiful and gives you plenty of energy.
Pilots Bar & Kitchen: This speedy spot from restaurateur rhubarb serves up kid-friendly choices like burgers and pancakes.
The George: British pub grub, coffee specialties, and plenty of beer on tap draws travelers to this airport pub.
Wagamama: Asian noodles and rice dishes make for a quick bite in the airport, or ask for an in-flight picnic.

Explore a range of cuisines at London Heathrow Airport. Image credit: uchezar/iStock

Shopping at Heathrow – practical, decadent, elegant

Shopping at Heathrow is an adventure all on its own. You can choose from high-end clothing and jewelry purveyors, pick up entertainment for the flight, or sample some one-of-a-kind shops. Check out your browsing options, and make some notes for those last-minute gifts for your hosts or your family back home.

In Terminal 2, you can treat yourself to a new outfit at Paul Smith, Kurt Geiger, or Burberry, or pick up those forgotten toiletries at Boots. Excess Baggage Company sells travel accessories, and they’ll also be happy to ship your baggage or wrap your purchases for transit.

The children in your life will be thrilled with toys that you pick up at Hamleys, or treat someone special with a gift from the Harrods Fine Watch Room or the Rolex shop. Fine stationery from Smythson of Bond Street makes for an excellent gift, and you’ll find reading material for your flight at WH Smith.

The 45 shops at Terminal 3 include some high-end choices for jewelry and watches, such as Bulgari or Swarovski, or pick up the latest in designer clothing at Fendi. Jack Wills and Mulberry are the places to go for youthful wardrobe classics.

If you need to pick up an always-appropriate gift, stop at the Mont Blanc pen shop or pick up a rare bottle of single malt at World of Whiskies. Those last preflight accessories that you forgot at home are all available at Rolling Luggage.

Forty shops await you at Terminal 4, where designer clothing and accessory choices include Bally, Ted Baker, Longchamp, and Louis Vuitton — or you can order a bespoke shirt at Pink. In addition, the Harrods boutique features designer shops such as Yves Saint-Laurent. Treat yourself to something whimsical for the home at Cath Kidston, or grab a pair of sunglasses at the Sunglass Hut before you board your flight to the tropics. The World Duty Free shop offers surprising prices on liquor and fragrances.

Terminal 5 is Heathrow’s shopping mecca, with 60 shops available. Fashionistas will naturally be drawn to top designers like Dior, Stella McCartney, Armani Collezioni, Hermes, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Give your eyes a feast when you browse the T5 Gallery — one of the few fine art galleries to be located in an airport anywhere in the world. The Bookshop presents you with many intriguing choices for in-flight reading, and Travelex makes it easy to take care of your foreign exchange needs. Purchase a special gift at Tiffany and Co. or Watches of Switzerland.

Whether you’re taking off from London Heathrow (LHR) airport or landing there, your trip flows more smoothly when you have a peaceful trip to or from the airport. Book a reliable Blacklane car service for London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to make the trip to or from the airport comfortable and relaxing.

Easily book, change, or cancel rides on the go.

After signing up for the newsletter, you will also receive occasional news stories and promotions from Blacklane via email. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party at any time. View our Privacy Policy.

The top luxury hotels in London

January 14, 2019.

The best hotels in central London

Hottest hotel bars in London

Heathrow Terminals: A Ultimate Guide For Travellers

Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving millions of passengers each year. Heathrow Terminals has five terminals, each with its unique features and amenities. In this outline, we will explore the various Heathrow Terminals and the services and facilities they offer to help travellers navigate Heathrow more easily.

Brief Overview of Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, about 14 miles west of central London, is home to five Heathrow Terminals. The airport was first opened in 1929 as a small airfield and has since grown to become one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 80 million passengers in 2019.

Purpose of the Outline

The purpose of this outline is to provide detailed information about each of the Heathrow Terminals. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a frequent flyer, navigating a large airport like Heathrow can be overwhelming. By knowing what each terminal offers in terms of services and facilities, you can make your journey through Heathrow more efficient and comfortable.

In the following sections, we will provide a detailed overview of each Heathrow Terminal, including its location, the airlines that operate from it, and the facilities and services available. We will also cover the transportation options for getting between the terminals and to and from the airport. By the end of this outline, you’ll have a better understanding of the Heathrow Terminals and how to navigate them with ease.

Heathrow Terminals: Terminal 1

Terminal 1 was located on the west side of Heathrow Airport, between Terminals 2 and 3. However, it has been permanently closed since 2015 , and its facilities and services have been integrated into other terminals.

Layout of Heathrow Terminal 1 - Location - Heathrow Terminals - OT | Image Not Ours

Airlines That Operated Terminal 1

Terminal 1 at Heathrow Airport closed in 2015 and no longer operates any flights or airlines . It has been replaced by the new Terminal 2, also known as the Queen’s Terminal.

Facilities and Services

Facilities and services are no longer available anymore.

Transportation Options

Terminal 1 no longer operates and therefore, transportation options are not applicable.

Summary of Heathrow Terminals: Terminal 1

Overall, while Terminal 1 is no longer in operation, its facilities and services have been integrated into other terminals, providing passengers with a seamless experience as they navigate through Heathrow Airport.

Heathrow Terminals – Terminal 2

Terminal 2, also known as the Queen’s Terminal, is located on the eastern side of Heathrow Airport, specifically in the borough of Hillingdon.

Layout of Heathrow Terminal 2 - Location - Heathrow Terminals - OT | Image Not Ours

Airlines That Operate Terminal 2

Terminal 2 will mainly handle flights to European destinations, with a few long-haul flights thrown in for good measure. Additionally, there is a list below that may not be accurate or detailed.

Aegean Airlines
Air New Zealand
Asiana Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Brussels Airlines
Croatia Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines
SAS – Scandinavian Airlines
Shenzhen Airlines
Singapore Airlines
South African Airways
Swiss International Airlines
TAP Portugal
Thai Airways
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines

Check-in Desks

Terminal 2 has a large check-in hall with self-service kiosks and traditional check-in desks for all airlines operating from the terminal.

Baggage Drop-Off Points

After checking in, passengers can drop off their checked baggage at designated baggage drop-off points.

Immigration & Customs Facilities

Terminal 2 has several passport control and customs checkpoints for international travellers arriving or departing from the terminal.

There are several lounges available at Terminal 2, including lounges operated by airlines and independent lounges. Passengers can access these lounges by purchasing a day pass or through their airline’s frequent flyer program.

Restaurants & Cafes

There is a wide range of dining options available at Terminal 2, including fast food outlets, cafes, bars, and sit-down restaurants. There are also several grab-and-go options available for passengers in a hurry.

Duty-Free Shopping

Terminal 2 has a range of duty-free shops selling a variety of products, including cosmetics, electronics, souvenirs, and luxury goods.

Currency Exchange

Passengers can exchange currency at several bureaux de-change locations throughout the terminal.

There are several ATMs located throughout the terminal for passengers to withdraw cash.

Terminal 2 offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, with premium options available for purchase.

Terminal 2 has a few different types of transportation options. These include:

Heathrow Express Train

Terminal 2 has its own Heathrow Express train station, offering non-stop service to London Paddington in just 15 minutes.

London Underground

Terminal 2 is connected to the London Underground via the Heathrow Terminal 2 tube station on the Piccadilly line.

Buses and Coaches

Passengers can take several buses and coaches to and from Terminal 2, including National Express, Green Line, and local buses.

Taxis and Private Cars

Passengers can also take taxis and private cars to and from Terminal 2, with taxi ranks located outside of the terminal. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available.

Summary of Heathrow Terminals – Terminal 2

Terminal 2, also known as the Queen’s Terminal, is one of the four passenger terminals at London Heathrow Airport. It was opened in 1955 and underwent a major redevelopment project which was completed in 2014. Heathrow Terminals serves as the hub for many airlines. Including Star Alliance member airlines such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, and United Airlines. Terminal 2 offers a wide range of facilities and services to accommodate passengers, including various shopping and dining options, lounges, and transportation options.

Heathrow Terminals – Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is located on the east side of Heathrow Airport, near Terminal 2. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with a variety of transportation options available.

Layout of Heathrow Terminal 3 - Location - Heathrow Terminals - OT | Image Not Ours

Airlines Operating in Terminal 3

Terminal 3 serves many airlines, including:

American Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Delta Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Iberia Express
Japan Airlines
LATAM Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines
MEA Middle East Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines
Philippine Airlines
Royal Jordanian
Sri Lankan Airlines
Tianjin Airlines
Virgin Atlantic

Terminal 3 offers a wide range of facilities and services for passengers, including:

There are multiple check-in desks located throughout the terminal. However, making it easy to check in for your flight and drop off your luggage.

Conveniently located throughout the terminal, baggage drop-off points allow you to check in your bags and save time at the airport.

Terminal 3 has a large immigration and customs area, with multiple passport control desks and baggage claim areas.

There are several lounges available in Terminal 3, including those for specific airlines and pay-per-use lounges available to all passengers.

There are numerous options for food and drink in Terminal 3, ranging from fast food to fine dining.

Terminal 3 has a large duty-free shopping area with a wide variety of stores selling everything from perfume to electronics.

Multiple currency exchange booths are located throughout the terminal, making it easy to exchange currency before your flight.

To sum up, there are multiple ATMs available in Terminal 3 for withdrawing cash.

Terminal 3 is well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to get to and from the airport. Some transportation options include:

This train service runs directly from Terminal 3 to London Paddington Station.

The Piccadilly Line of the London Underground serves Terminal 3, providing access to central London.

Buses & Coaches

Several bus and coach services operate from Terminal 3, including National Express and other regional operators.

Taxis & Private Cars

Taxis and private cars are readily available from the terminal, with several taxi ranks located outside the terminal building.

Outline of Heathrow Terminals: Terminal 3

In conclusion, Heathrow Terminal 3 is located on the east side of Heathrow Airport, near Terminal 2. It was opened in 1961 and underwent a major renovation in 2019. It primarily serves long-haul flights to destinations around the world and is home to several major airlines.

Heathrow Terminals: Terminal 4

Heathrow Terminal 4 is located on the south side of Heathrow Airport, next to the southern runway. It is connected to Terminals 2 and 3 via the Heathrow Express train. Without a doubt, it runs every 15 minutes and the free inter-terminal transfer bus service.

Layout of Heathrow Terminal 4 - Location - Heathrow Terminals - OT | Image Not Ours

Airlines at Heathrow Terminal 4

Passengers flying with these airlines can check in at the terminal’s check-in desks and drop off their baggage at the designated baggage drop-off points.

Air Algerie
Air Mauritius
Azerbaijan Airlines
Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Bulgaria Air
China Eastern Airlines
China Southern
Etihad Airways
Garuda Indonesia
Kenya Airways
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Kuwait Airways
Malaysia Airlines System
Qatar Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Brunei Airlines
Uzbekistan Airways
Vietnam Airlines

Facilities and Services at Heathrow Terminal 4

Heathrow Terminal 4 offers a wide range of facilities and services to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and stress-free travel experience It Includes:

In short, passengers can check in for their flights at the terminal’s check-in desks, located on the departure level.

Baggage Drop-off Points

After checking in, passengers can drop off their luggage at the designated baggage drop-off points before proceeding to security.

The terminal offers immigration and customs facilities for passengers arriving or departing from the UK. This includes UK and EU passport control, ePassport gates, and customs inspection.

Lounges

The terminal features several lounges, including the SkyTeam lounge, which is open to eligible passengers. The lounge offers a range of amenities, including comfortable seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi.

There are numerous dining options available at Terminal 4, ranging from fast food outlets to sit-down restaurants. Nonetheless, popular options include Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee, YO! Sushi, and Wagamama.

Passengers can shop at the duty-free stores located in the departure lounge, which offer a range of products, including perfume, cosmetics, and souvenirs. There are also several shops selling newspapers, magazines, and books.

The terminal has several currency exchange providers, including Travelex and Moneycorp, which offer competitive rates on a range of currencies.

ATMs are available for passengers to withdraw cash, with machines located throughout the terminal.

Transportation Options at Heathrow Terminal 4

Heathrow Terminal 4 offers various transportation options for passengers to get to and from the airport. This includes:

The Heathrow Express train connects Terminal 4 to London Paddington station in just 15 minutes, with trains running every 15 minutes. Nevertheless, passengers can purchase tickets online, at the station, or on board the train.

London Underground’s Piccadilly Line

The Piccadilly line serves Terminal 4, providing direct access to central London and other parts of the city. Trains run every few minutes, and passengers can purchase tickets at the station or use a contactless payment card.

Several bus and coach services run to and from the airport, connecting it to different parts of the country. These include National Express, which operates coach services to various UK destinations, and local bus services, such as the 482 to Southall and Hounslow.

Passengers can choose to travel by taxi or private car, with dedicated pick-up and drop-off points located outside the terminal building. Black cabs are available 24/7, while pre-booked private cars can be arranged through various providers, including Uber and Addison Lee.

Recap of Heathrow Terminals: Terminal 4

In conclusion, Heathrow Terminal 4 is a busy terminal that caters to SkyTeam Airlines and other international carriers. With its range of facilities and services, including lounges, restaurants, shops, and multiple transportation options, it offers a convenient and comfortable travel experience for passengers.

Heathrow Terminals: Terminal 5

Heathrow Terminal 5 is located on the west side of the airport, near Terminal 3. The two terminals are connected by a pedestrian walkway, and passengers can transfer between the two terminals in just a few minutes using the free shuttle service.

Layout of Heathrow Terminal 5 - Location - Heathrow Terminals - OT | Image Not Ours

Airlines That Operate Terminal 5

Heathrow Terminals is primarily used by British Airways and its partner airline, Iberia. There are only 2 airlines that operate Terminal 5, which are:

British Airways

Facilities and Services at Heathrow Terminal 5

Heathrow Terminal 5 provides a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of passengers, including check-in desks, baggage drop-off points, immigration and customs facilities, lounges, restaurants and cafes, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and ATMs.

Whether passengers are looking to grab a bite to eat, do some last-minute shopping, or exchange currency, they can find everything they need within the terminal. Above all, with a wide range of options, Terminal 5 provides a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers

Passengers can check in for their flights at the terminal’s check-in desks, located on the departure level. Self-service check-in kiosks are also available for those who prefer a faster and more convenient check-in process.

The terminal features several lounges, including the British Airways lounge, which is open to eligible passengers. The lounge offers a range of amenities, including comfortable seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi.

There are numerous dining options available at Terminal 5, ranging from fast food outlets to sit-down restaurants. Likewise, popular options include Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, and Fortnum & Mason.

Duty-free Shopping

Transportation Options at Heathrow Terminal 5

Heathrow Terminal 5 offers a variety of convenient transportation options for passengers to get to and from the airport. From the Heathrow Express train and London Underground’s Piccadilly line to buses, coaches, taxis, and private cars, passengers have plenty of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Furthermore, its frequent services and dedicated pick-up and drop-off points, getting to and from Terminal 5 is easy and hassle-free.

The Heathrow Express train connects Terminal 5 to London Paddington station in just 15 minutes, with trains running every 15 minutes. Passengers can purchase tickets online, at the station, or on board the train.

The Piccadilly line serves Terminal 5, providing direct access to central London and other parts of the city. Trains run every few minutes, and passengers can purchase tickets at the station or use a contactless payment card.

Summarization of Heathrow Terminal: Terminal 5

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 5 offers a range of facilities and transportation options for passengers travelling with British Airways and Iberia and is well-connected to central London and other parts of the UK.

Heathrow Terminals: Inter-terminal Transportation

Heathrow Airport offers a variety of inter-terminal transportation options to make it easy for passengers to navigate between terminals.

Shuttle Train Service

The Heathrow Express shuttle train service connects all terminals at the airport, running every few minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This service provides a quick and convenient way to travel between terminals, with journey times of around two to three minutes. The shuttle train service also connects to London Paddington Station, making it easy for passengers to travel to and from central London.

It’s possible to walk between some of the terminals at Heathrow, including Terminals 2 and 3. Also, the walkway between these two terminals is covered, making it easy to walk even in inclement weather conditions. Walking between terminals can be a great way to stretch your legs and get some exercise before your flight.

Bus Service s

Free buses connect Terminals 4 and 5, and Terminals 2 and 3, providing a convenient and accessible way to travel between these terminals. The buses run every few minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are wheelchair accessible. Moreover, the bus service is a great option for passengers who prefer not to walk or take the shuttle train.

Synopsis of Heathrow Terminals: Inter-terminal Transportation

Overall, the inter-terminal transportation options at Heathrow Airport are designed to be efficient and accessible, making it easy for passengers to navigate the airport and get to their destination quickly and comfortably.

Heathrow Terminals: Conclusion

Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and navigating its terminals can be a daunting task for travellers. However, with the right information and preparation, navigating Heathrow’s terminals can be a breeze.

Summary of the Information Presented

Heathrow Airport has four main terminals, each serving different airlines and destinations. Terminal 2 serves Star Alliance Airlines, Terminal 3 serves Oneworld Airlines, Terminal 4 serves SkyTeam Airlines, and Terminal 5 serves British Airways and Iberia. Each terminal offers a range of facilities and services. Including check-in desks, baggage drop-off points, lounges, restaurants and cafes, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and ATMs.

In addition, there are a variety of convenient transportation options for passengers to get to and from the airport, including the Heathrow Express train, London Underground, buses, coaches, taxis, and private cars. Inter-terminal transportation is also available, with a shuttle train service connecting all terminals, walking paths between some terminals, and free buses connecting Terminals 2 and 3 and Terminals 4 and 5.

Tips for Travellers Navigating Heathrow Terminals

Research your terminal and airline in advance, and make sure you know where you need to go and what services are available.

Allow Plenty of Time

Heathrow is a busy airport, so make sure you allow plenty of time to get through security, check-in, and navigate the terminal.

Use Technology

Heathrow’s website and app provide real-time flight information, terminal maps, and other useful tools to help you navigate the airport.

Take Advantage of Airport Lounges

If you have access to an airport lounge, take advantage of it to relax and unwind before your flight.

Stay Hydrated

Air travel can be dehydrating, so make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Overview of Tips for Travellers Navigating Heathrow Terminals

In conclusion, navigating Heathrow Terminals can be an overwhelming experience, but with the right information and preparation, it can be a stress-free experience. By planning, allowing plenty of time, using technology, taking advantage of airport lounges, and staying hydrated, travellers can ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through Heathrow’s terminals.

Read our Travel Blog for more information to find out more travel-related things!

Why not follow us on social media? Keep up with us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram !

Featured Articles

Recent Forum Questions…

Visa to USA on British passport

By Daljit 2 years ago

Are there any Dangerous health concerns in India?

By Mike 2 years ago

Best airline for India for first time flying

By Tanya 2 years ago

Visa sticker to India - UK passport

By Deborah 2 years ago

Beaching Locations in India

By Ben 2 years ago

Ideal itinerary to visit Punjab-India

By Amrita 2 years ago

Good Cruise Spots India

By Mia 2 years ago

Indian Passport, Visa for Cruise

By Manish 2 years ago

Tourist visa to India issued before Covid

By Harleen 2 years ago

Valid Evisa to India

By Ricky 2 years ago

Evisa to India for UK nationals

By Jane 2 years ago

Documents for OCI updating

By Kiana 2 years ago

Everything you need to know about London’s 6 airports

Large cities will often have more than one airport.

There might be a main international airport and a smaller, domestic/regional-only airport. London is so big that it actually has six official airports. They are located in very different parts of the city, serve different purposes and largely offer flights to differing destinations.

Note that the COVID-19 pandemic has seen many airlines temporarily cease operations from London airports altogether. This has also led to multi-terminal airports consolidating their operations into fewer terminals. Check with the airline or airport to determine if terminal and flight arrangements differ from the descriptions below.

Located 14 miles west of central London, Heathrow (LHR) is the busiest airport in the U.K., and one of the world's most famous aviation hubs. This is where you are likely to land if you're arriving on a long-haul flight into London on a full-service airline. Many foreign airlines only service Heathrow in London.

In normal times, the airport sees 80 million passengers pass through its four different active terminals (2 through to 5). Terminal 1 been decommissioned.

The terminals are split as follows:

Terminal 2: Most Star Alliance airlines as well as Aer Lingus;
Terminal 3: Most Oneworld airlines (including some British Airways flights), Virgin Atlantic, Delta and Emirates;
Terminal 4: Most SkyTeam airlines, plus non-aligned Middle Eastern and Central Asian-based ones including Etihad and Qatar;
Terminal 5: Most British Airways flights, plus Iberia. American Airlines has temporarily switched from T3 to T5 and may remain there permanently.

Check Heathrow's website to see which terminal any other airline not listed here uses.

British Airways operates most of its flights from Heathrow and is by far the largest carrier at this airport. Virgin Atlantic has sizeable operations at Heathrow as well.

As a "full-service" airline airport, you can expect modern facilities with plenty of upmarket shops, duty-free and dining. Terminals 2 and 5 are quite new and very modern. There are also dozens of luxurious airport lounges operated by various airlines, as well as independent lounges welcoming paid entry and members of Priority Pass. With the number of passengers Heathrow processes each day, outbound security is usually very efficient, though you may experience very long immigration wait times at Heathrow if you cannot access the eGates.

Transport: The Heathrow Express connects you directly with Paddington in central London in 15 minutes. A cheaper, slower journey can also be taken on the Picadilly line Tube service into the city. The Tube makes three stops at Heathrow -- Terminals 2/3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Make sure you get off at the correct stop, as it can be time-consuming to switch between terminals otherwise.

Buses and taxis will take around an hour to reach the city center, depending on where you are headed.

Heathrow is particularly convenient if you are living or staying west of the city because of its location. Many international travelers dislike Heathrow, especially for its complex, unglamorous terminal transfers. For me, noting the long journey west, once you are at Heathrow, it's quite an efficient and modern operation. I especially like Terminal 2.

The comprehensive guide to the lounges in Heathrow's Terminal 5
The ultimate guide to lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5 for families
The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport to London

[UNVERIFIED CONTENT] Aerial view of one of Terminal 5 buildings of London Heathrow Airport and Boeing 747 and 777 aircrafts operated by British Airways at the gates on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. (Photo by Grzegorz Bajor/Getty Images)

Long regarded as London's second airport, Gatwick now sees a mix of full-service carriers like Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and China Airlines and those low-cost carriers that can absorb the slightly higher landing fees than Stansted and Luton.

It's located 24 miles south of London city center.

Pre COVID-19, both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operated some long-haul flights from Gatwick, primarily to premium leisure destinations like Florida and the Caribbean. Gatwick is also home to Norwegian's London operations, with short- and long-haul flights usually offered. Leisure operators like TUI operate from Gatwick to "summer sun" destinations in southern Europe.

With slots at Heathrow so scarce, some airlines used Gatwick to operate extra flights to London where they cannot manage extra services into Heathrow. The likes of Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific have operated this dual Heathrow plus Gatwick operation.

There are plenty of flights to short-haul leisure destinations from Gatwick -- EasyJet has its largest U.K. base at the airport.

The airport has two terminals -- North and South — and there is a free shuttle service between them. British Airways, Norwegian, TUI and Vueling are among the major airlines in the South Terminal. EasyJet, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet are major airlines in the North Terminal.

There are numerous lounges there, both airline-run and independent.

Transport: You can take the Gatwick Express to Victoria station in central London in just under 30 minutes. Note that the National Rail service takes only around five minutes longer but is cheaper if you aren't in a hurry. Depending on traffic, a bus or cab will take around 80 to 90 minutes depending on where in the city you are traveling to.

If you're staying south of the Thames, Gatwick is a good location for your airport of choice. Servicing so many leisure destinations, Gatwick can become extremely crowded in summer, as a huge amount of people pass through various bottlenecks. There are a number of facilities in both terminals, and I especially like the new British Airways lounge at Gatwick. It can also be a long walk from security to some of the farthest gates.

Well worth the surcharge: A review of Clubrooms lounge, Gatwick South
Should you pay for premium security or passport control at Gatwick Airport?

By far the closest airport geographically to central London, just seven miles from the center, tiny London City Airport has traditionally connected business travelers located in nearby Canary Wharf with European business hubs like Zurich (ZHR), Frankfurt (FRA) and Amsterdam (AMS). The now-discontinued BA1 all-business-class service to New York (JFK) also operated from the airport until recently.

Only full-service airlines like British Airways , Swiss , Lufthansa , KLM and others operate from the airport.

The airport has also commenced services to some leisure destinations, particularly on weekends when there is less demand for business travel. Note that the airport is closed for flights between 1 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday to give some noise relief to local residents.

With all flights located in a small single terminal, it's an airport designed to spend as little time in as possible. You can check-in as late as 15 minutes before your flight and then take the short walk to your plane. There are no lounges at London City Airport.

Transport: Being so close to central London, there is no express transport option. You can take the Docklands Light Railway to Bank in just 20 minutes where you can connect to various places across Greater London. By car or bus, you're looking at just a 30- to 40-minute journey, depending on traffic and where you're headed.

If you're anywhere near Canary Wharf or east London, then London City is ideal, but you will be limited with a small number of destinations.

If you're an AvGeek and have the option of a flight to or from London City, it's a really unique flying experience and feels really cool taking off and landing right in one of the world's most famous cities. Without low-cost airlines operating there, you can expect to pay more for a flight than you would from the likes of Stansted and Luton.

Rock-star treatment: A review of the first class lounge, Private Jet Centre, London City Airport
AvGeek dreams do come true: British Airways' all-biz flight to New York

Located 42 miles north-east of the city in Stansted Mountfitchet, this low-cost airport is the largest base of European powerhouse Ryanair . Ryanair operates nonstop flights to well over 100 destinations from Stansted alone to popular cities like Barcelona (BCN), Lisbon (LIS), and Prague (PRG), through to lesser-known destinations like Kalamata (KLX), Trieste (TRS), Wroclaw (WRO) and La Rochelle (LRH).

Stansted is a true low-cost airport with very basic facilities. There's only one lounge at the airport, the Escape Lounge, reflecting the fact the airport serves very few full-service airlines, though full-service carrier Emirates flies to Dubai (DXB). All flights depart from the one terminal building, though you can expect long walks to some gates.

Jet2 has also built sizable operations at Stansted -- it operates to holiday destinations likes Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Turkey, Greece and Italy.

Transport: There is no Tube service from Stansted, so you are forced onto the fairly expensive Stansted Express service if you are headed into Central London, which reaches Liverpool Street in around 50 minutes. You can expect a bus or cab ride to take 60 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic and where you're headed.

If you are located north of the city, Stansted can be convenient. For most travelers, they tolerate the long journey to the airport in exchange for a very affordable ticket on a low-cost airline.

I've enjoyed some astonishingly cheap flights to and from Stansted thanks to Ryanair (I'm talking $13 a flight). The airport experience isn't great though, I admit. I recommend leaving enough time to head to your gate, as some are a good 20-minute walk from security.

A true ultra-low-cost airport, this is probably the least pleasant airport experience as a passenger. There's no train from London to the airport, you'll have to take a frustrating shuttle bus from the local train station.

Wizz Air is now the king of Luton Airport, offering bargain-basement fares to all sorts of destinations in Eastern Europe, as well as some popular holiday destinations likes Spain, Greece, Portugal and others. If you're looking to travel to lesser-known destinations in Eastern Europe like Kosovo or North Macedonia, Luton is a good place to look for cheap flights with Wizz.

EasyJet's headquarters are located immediately next to the airport terminal, though it now has a much larger presence at the more premium Gatwick.

Luton has a couple of independent airport lounges, which can be accessed with Priority Pass.

Transport: There is no easy or quick way to get to or from Luton. You need to take a shuttle bus from the terminal to the local train station and then a 35-minute National Rail train into St Pancras. By road, it's 60 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic and destination.

The main terminal at Luton has had a recent makeover to make it a more pleasant airport, but it's still basically a big shed a very long way from London. This is only an airport to choose if you score an amazingly low price or you're already well north of the city.

Located almost 36 miles east of London in Essex, you may see Southend missing from some lists of London airports. However, it is technically London Southend Airport (SEN) and has seen huge growth in the past few years as a low-cost alternative. Ryanair has been flying to an impressive number of destinations in mainland Europe from Southend, with Wizz also growing its services.

Southend saw around two million passengers in 2019 -- less than half of the number at London City and a fraction of even Luton, which handled more than 16 million passengers for the same time period.

The advantage of flying into or out of Southend Airport is its size. It's small, which means fewer passengers, queues and wait times than you can expect at a larger airport like Heathrow. The train station is a very short and easy walk from the terminal, and you're likely to be checked in, through security and at your boarding gate with few steps.

With its random mix of destinations, it could make sense to choose Southend if you can get a great deal on a flight. Do note that any destination served from Southend is likely to already be served from Stansted and/or Gatwick, so choose carefully based on where you're located.

The single terminal has one shared airport lounge, which can be accessed with Priority Pass.

Transport: There is no express train from Southend into central London, so you'll need to spend almost an hour on a National Rail service to Liverpool Street. By car or bus, you're looking at a journey of at least 70 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination in London.

While it takes a long time to travel to or from Southend, once you're there, the experience is great as a passenger. It's small, easy to navigate and efficient.

Related: The complete guide to London Southend Airport

Bottom line

There's no perfect airport in London.

If you're flying long-haul into London, you're likely to land at Heathrow (or maybe Gatwick). If you're looking for a cheap flight to mainland Europe, you will be met with a dizzying array of options -- many destinations will have flights from four or more London airports.

Heathrow, Gatwick and City are considered more premium passenger experiences, while Stansted, Luton, and Southend are very much budget terminals. Where you are going in central London (or coming from) should influence your choice of airport. If you're located closer to one, it can make sense to choose an airport that might not be so premium and an airline you might not normally fly.

You could easily spend longer traveling to or from an airport than the length of the flight itself, so regardless of the airline or terminal, it makes a lot of sense to choose the airport the closest and easiest to get to. You might also spend more money traveling to or from the airport than the cost of your flight!

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

This is officially the unhappiest place to live in the UK

Share this with

London isn’t known for the being the friendliest place to live in the UK (we’ve all seen a tourist try and fail to spark conversation on the Tube ), but there’s one area of the capital that has been crowned the most miserable.

This comes after a recent survey by Rightmove polled 26,000 people across the UK on 13 ‘happiness measures’.

These included: ‘I feel proud about the area I live in’, ‘nature and green spaces’, ‘artistic and cultural activities’ and ‘I feel a sense of belonging.’

And, while Richmond came top in their Happy At Home index – there was some towns that weren’t quite so cheery.

At the saddest end of the scale – in fact, right at the bottom of the list in 213th place – came Hillingdon, West London .

Despite being Richmond’s neighbour at less than 15 miles away, this London borough with a population of just over 300,000 scored lowest on the happiness measures.

Of course, being on the doorstep of noisy Heathrow Airport was never going to help, but critics of the area also cited a lack of green spaces or a sense of local pride.

However, in response to this reluctant crowning earlier this year, many locals spoke up in fierce disagreement, with one resident taking to reddit to say: ‘As an old Hillingdon resident of six years, who lived literally right off the high street I can say that’s total b*****s.’

So what does Hillingdon have to offer?

In the summer, you can take a stroll around Ruislip Lido or take a canal trip on the Grand Union Canal. There’s also the 726-acre Ruilsip Woods that are worthy of a stroll any time of year, and lots of independent shops and restaurants to visit.

Ducks walking on sand by a lake, which is surrounded by trees

It’s got some culture, too. You can check out The Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge, the Operations Room which was used throughout the Second World War.

The bunker is said to be the place from where Churchill first uttered the words: ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed, by so many, to so few.’ He then later repeated it in the Commons.

Latest London news

Thunder over London left people ‘worried the world was ending’
Plane crashes into east London field with man in hospital
Banksy fish shop owner reveals safety worries after newfound fame

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

There’s also Brunel University in Uxbridge, a 50-year-old campus university, with state of the art facilities and a newly opened Medical School.

Still, the people of Hillingdon have spoken – and they’re not the only ones who aren’t thrilled by their local area.

Almost a third (30%) of respondents said they’d be happier living somewhere different, a particularly common sentiment among 18 to 30-year-olds in built-up areas or from London, the East Midlands or the West Midlands .

Of this group, 46% said they’d prefer to live in the same region of the UK and the rest felt they’d be happier further afield, although only 35% are planning on moving in the next year.

The most common reasoning for those looking to relocate was to find an area that made them happier (37%) or buy a bigger home (28%), while better value for money (27%), a change of lifestyle (24%) and changes to personal circumstances (21%) also came high on the list.

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: September 10, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

This article was first published on March 30, 2024.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

MORE : Map reveals holiday hotspots clamping down on Airbnb-style rentals

MORE : Heathrow and Gatwick airport delays see thousands of passengers affected

MORE : Council tears down art installation that had become a vital community hub

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed

IMAGES

Heathrow encourages further opening of UK travel market as passenger levels remain low : The
Heathrow confirms it will extend capacity limit to end of October
London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow extends passenger caps through October
Heathrow extends passenger limit into fall amid ongoing travel chaos
London’s Heathrow Airport Extends Passenger Limits to October

VIDEO

Heathrow's Terminal 1 Waiting Area
Getting Ireland Brexit Ready: Common Travel Area
Common Travel Area
Why is Ireland not in Schengen?
482 To Heathrow Cargo Area (Short Journey)
Landing at Heathrow

COMMENTS

Common travel area (immigration staff guidance)
Updated common travel area document. 5 September 2019. Replaced the common travel area document. 27 June 2019. Updated the Common Travel Area document. 28 February 2019. Updated guidance. 16 July 2018
Common Travel Area guidance
Common Travel Area guidance
PDF Heathrow Free Travel Map Version 6
Oyster, contactless or train transfer tickets are not required for free travel on the H30. The free H30 bus runs every 20 minutes between Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 via the Cargo Area from early in the morning until late at night. The H30 bus also serves Hatton Cross, Waterside, Compass Centre and Central Bus Station early in the morning.
PDF Heathrow's free travel zone Heathrow Free Travel Zone
Heathrow Point West Heathrow Free Travel Zone. Heathrow's ... King Street Twickenham Green Feltham Station Hatton Cross Bus Station Heathrow Terminal 4 (03:50) Heathrow Cargo Area (03:53) Heathrow Terminal 5 (04:03) Shepperton Station Approach Sunbury Village Three Fishes Sunbury Cross Shopping Parade Ashford Common Black Dog Ashford Royal ...
Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK
Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport Guide: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting
There are four terminals at London Heathrow Airport. They're labeled as terminals 2-5, there's no longer a terminal 1. When you're leaving London, you'll need to know which one you're departing from, as you'll go there to do everything from checking in, to going through security, etc. You can also check which terminal you're ...
Travelling to the UK from Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey or Jersey
Travelling to the UK from Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey or ...
Navigating London Heathrow Arrivals: A Step-by-Step Guide
Arrival Procedures. Once your plane touches down at London Heathrow, the real adventure begins. The first thing you'll need to do is disembark from the aircraft and head towards immigration control. Follow the signs for "Arrivals" or "Immigration" and join the queue with your fellow passengers. At immigration control, present your ...
Heathrow Airport Guide
Heathrow Airport Guide
A guide to London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
A guide to London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow Terminals: A Ultimate Guide For Travellers
Brief Overview of Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Airport, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, about 14 miles west of central London, is home to five Heathrow Terminals. The airport was first opened in 1929 as a small airfield and has since grown to become one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 80 million passengers in 2019.
Covid-19: First travellers arrive in UK for hotel quarantine stay
In Scotland, the rule to stay in a hotel applies to travellers arriving directly by air from all countries outside the Common Travel Area (the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands ...
Travel between terminals
Travel between terminals
A Guide to Connecting at LHR T5
There are Heathrow staff next to the glass doors between A23/A22 to check your onward boarding pass. ... As Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area departures from T5 to DUB are treated in the same way as departures to the UK. Rather than repeat all the details, please see under UK-UK Connections for information. ...
The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London
The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London
Everything you need to know about London's 6 airports
Everything you need to know about London's 6 airports
Trains From Wandsworth Common To Heathrow Terminal 4 (Rail Station Only)
Save money when you travel to Heathrow Terminal 4 (Rail Station Only) by train. Railcards offer value for money if you travel by train, saving you at least 1/3 on most rail fares. With a bit of planning, buying tickets in advance can save you a pretty pound, and if the travel bug has you travelling a lot then a Railcard might be worth your while!. The Railcards available include:
Transport and directions
Transport and directions
Connecting At Heathrow
1. Re: Connecting At Heathrow. Jan 13, 2024, 2:35 PM. Assuming one through ticket or two tickets with no checked bags: Get off plane, follow purple signs, get on bus, get off bus at T5, go through security check, wander through Duty Free, get on plane. If two tickets with checked bags: Get off plane, follow yellow signs, collect bags, go land ...
Heathrow to Lancaster (Station)
How do I travel from Heathrow to Lancaster (Station) without a car? The best way to get from Heathrow to Lancaster (Station) without a car is to train which takes 3h 34m and costs $110 - $300. ... ft tall and is the 120th tallest freestanding tower in the world. Blackpool Tower is also the common name for Tower buildings, an entertainment ...
Trains From Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 (Rail Station Only) To
Save money when you travel to Wandsworth Common by train. Railcards offer value for money if you travel by train, saving you at least 1/3 on most rail fares. With a bit of planning, buying tickets in advance can save you a pretty pound, and if the travel bug has you travelling a lot then a Railcard might be worth your while!. The Railcards available include:
London Stansted Airport
London Stansted Airport
PDF Decision
• introduce a new passenger charge for destinations within the Common Travel Area; Heathrow Airport Limited The Compass Centre, Nelson Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 2GW T: +44 (0)844 335 1801 W: heathrow.com ... Common Travel Area (CTA) category has been introduced. The CTA segment is defined as the Crown Dependencies (Bailiwick of Jersey ...
This is officially the unhappiest place to live in the UK
The most common reasoning for those looking to relocate was to find an area that made them happier (37%) or buy a bigger home (28%), while better value for money (27%), a change of lifestyle (24% ...