Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Arriving passengers pass through UK Border control, then baggage reclaim, then customs.

• Eligible passport holders can normally use the ePassport gates; check current eligibility before travelling.
• Terminals 2 and 3 are within walking distance of each other; Terminals 4 and 5 are separate and require a train or bus transfer.
• Check your terminal on your boarding pass — arriving at the wrong terminal costs 20 minutes or more.

• Train

  Heathrow Express

  Non-stop fast train between Heathrow and London Paddington.

  Time:

  About 15 minutes to Paddington

  Premium fare; cheaper if booked in advance.

• Train

  Elizabeth line

  Direct trains through central London including Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street.

  Time:

  Roughly 30-45 minutes depending on stop

  Contactless pay-as-you-go works; touch in and out.

• Train

  Piccadilly line (Underground)

  Slowest but cheapest rail option, stopping across west and central London.

  Time:

  Roughly 50-60 minutes to central London

• Bus

  Coaches and buses

  National and regional coach services run from the Heathrow Central bus station, plus local buses.

• Taxi

  Black cabs

  Licensed taxi ranks are outside every terminal; metered fares.

  Typical cost:

  Significantly more than rail, and slower in traffic

• Ride-hailing

  Ride-hailing

  Major ride-hailing apps operate at Heathrow with designated pickup areas — follow the in-app instructions and terminal signage.

• Car rental

  Rental cars

  Rental companies operate from a car-rental area reached by shuttle bus from the terminals.

Contactless bank cards and mobile payment work across Underground, Elizabeth line and buses — no separate ticket needed.

Flight connections are signposted from the moment you leave the aircraft; follow 'Flight Connections' rather than 'Arrivals'.

• Connecting between terminals uses free transfer trains or buses; allow extra time, especially for Terminals 4 and 5.
• If you leave the airside area you will need to clear security again.
• Minimum connection times differ by airline and terminal — confirm with your airline rather than assuming.

Free Wi-Fi is available across the terminals.

• Connect to the airport network and follow the sign-in page.
• Treat public airport Wi-Fi as untrusted: avoid banking and account logins.

The UK uses pounds sterling; contactless card payment is accepted almost everywhere.

• ATMs are available in every terminal.
• Airport exchange desks usually offer poor rates compared with paying by card.
• Decline dynamic currency conversion and pay in pounds.

All terminals have extensive dining before and after security.

• Landside options are more limited very early and very late.

Airline lounges and independent pay-to-enter lounges operate in each terminal.

• Access depends on ticket, status or a lounge membership — confirm eligibility directly.

Hotels are connected to or immediately beside several terminals, plus a large cluster in the surrounding area with shuttle buses.

• Useful for early departures given London traffic.

Left-luggage services operate in the terminals.

• For delayed or missing bags, contact your airline or its baggage handling agent before leaving the baggage hall.

Family facilities and accessibility assistance are available across the terminals.

• Heathrow participates in the sunflower lanyard hidden-disabilities scheme.
• Request special assistance through your airline in advance.

• Charging points
• Pharmacies
• Prayer and multi-faith rooms
• Information desks
• Luggage storage
• SIM / mobile shops

Local emergency number: 999 or 112

• Airport staff and information desks can summon medical assistance.
• Report a lost passport to the police and contact your embassy or high commission in London.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Heathrow official siteOfficial airport source
• GOV.UK — UK border controlGovernment source
• GOV.UK — Bringing goods into the UKGovernment source
• Transport for LondonOfficial transit source
• Elizabeth lineOfficial transit source
• National Express Heathrow coachesOfficial transit source