Helpful Heathrow Airport Information
As one of the busiest airports in the world, and with nearly as many terminals as other airports have runways, London's Heathrow is a giant!
With four terminals all operating simultaneously, it can be hard to fathom, but as a traveller, all you need to know is which terminal you are travelling from and what you can enjoy whilst you wait to take off, as Heathrow caters for every need without fail.
Instead of talking about all that Heathrow airport has, it's probably easier to mention the things it has that not many other airports do, such as an art gallery, massage and beauty therapy, children’s activities and even beds.
There’s no doubt that travelling from Heathrow can be as packed with activities or as relaxing as you want it to be. Or maybe even both, you just have to make sure you have time to fit it all in before your plane leaves!
Airport Shopping
If you’re not taking a snooze or having a massage, you’ll be in designer heaven.
Whilst Heathrow has the usual Dixons and WH Smith stores, it’s also home to Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari and more. Just make sure you’ve got some money left for your holiday!
Heathrow Airport - Extra Services
You can even hire you’re very own personal shopper to help you navigate through the shops.
It may seem absurd at any other airport, but when you’ve got more than 160 shops to choose from, a bit of help may be necessary. It's almost like being in London itself.
Eating & Drinking
As you may well imagine, the food and drink options are extensive. There are even live performances at some of the establishments! Check out the ‘special events’ page on the Heathrow Airport website before you fly.
See each terminal section for specific eating places.
Wi-Fi
Airport users can enjoy four hours free Wi-Fi throughout Heathrow Airport, but for those needing more time you can use the pay-as-you-go computers located in every terminal, or join the Heathrow Rewards for an extra four hours free of charge.
Drop Off & Pick Up
There are set-down lanes outside the terminals where you can off-load passengers. Please note, you cannot park outside the terminal.
If you are meeting someone from a flight then you can use the Long Stay Car Park free of charge for up to two hours.
More info on the Long Stay car parks at Heathrow airport can be found by following these links :
Terminal 2 Long stay Car Park
Terminal 3 Long stay Car Park
Terminal 4 Long stay Car Park
Terminal 5 Long stay Car Park
Excess Luggage
If you have not pre-paid to have more luggage allowance and you find that you have gone over, then do not worry, we have a great tip for you.
Instead of paying a lot of money for excess luggage, simply go and purchase a cabin bag and move the excess luggage into that. It will save you a lot of money.
Mobile Phone Charging
There are a number of free charging stations for passengers to charge their mobile devices. These are located before and after security in all of the terminals at Heathrow Airport.
The free power pole charging stations allow you to charge up to eight devices.
Lost Property
There are two lost property offices at Heathrow Airport. In Terminal 3 it is located in the Heathrow Express building, below arrivals, and in Terminal 5 it is in the arrivals hall, near domestic arrivals.
We also have a neat little product which will extensively cover you for any lost property plus take the hard work out of retreiving your belongings with one phone call. Take a look at our Tag & Track page.
Driving to Heathrow Airport
It is advisable to add extra time when planning your journey to Heathrow Airport. The airport is located 15 miles west of London on the M4 motorway. It is near the M25 interchange.
The follow post codes are the codes to enter your Sat Nav for each Terminal
Terminal 2: TW6 1EW Terminal 3: TW6 1QG Terminal 4: TW6 3XA Terminal 5: TW6 2GA
Airport Lounges
There is a vast array of lounges throughout Heathrow airport. They range from the normal lounges which give you snacks, drinks, entertainment etc..
Right up to those which offer things like spa rooms, private suites, games rooms, showers and personal shopping assistants. Take a look at our Heathrow Airport Lounges page to see in detail just what exactly you can expect to get for your money.
Car Parking at Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport offers a wide range of parking solutions for holidaymakers and business travellers. They include on-site parking and off-site parking, valet parking and a meet and greet service.
The on-site parking is just one mile away from the main terminal building where passengers are transferred from the Heathrow Airport car park to the terminal building by a free shuttle bus. The bus runs every ten minutes and takes on average around seven minutes to reach its destination.
There are also a large number of off-site parking facilities at Heathrow Airport where passengers can park their car in a secure car park that is manned 24 hours a day. Each off-site car park transfers the passengers to the terminal with a free shuttle bus.
To compare prices of all the available Heathrow Airport Car Parks where you can save up to 60%, please visit our Heathrow Airport Parking page.
Hotels at Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport offers one of the biggest choices of airport hotels. Many of the Heathrow Airport hotels provide airport parking where they run a shuttle service to and from the airport.
By staying at a Heathrow Airport hotel, business travellers and holidaymakers can relax and unwind before their flight.
They can also enjoy some of the great tourist attractions that London has to offer while enjoying the facilities the hotels provide.
To view all the available Heathrow Airport hotels and to compare all the prices, please visit our Heathrow Airport Hotel page.
We could go on and on and on… but to make a long story short, this airport has it all.
Terminal 2
Since the closure of Terminal 1 in June 2015, Terminal 2 is planned for expansion, but for the time being it still has an abundance of facilities for travellers.
T2 Airport Shopping
Unsurprisingly, Terminal 2 offers a wide selection of designer shops and boutiques so you can indulge yourself in some world-class retail therapy.
You can even reserve and collect items before you travel or pick it up on your way back.
Some of the top designer stores on offer include Gucci, Bvlgari, Mulberry, Michael Kors, Burberry and Hugo Boss and even Harrods and Harrods – Fine Watch Room.
However, don’t fret, there is still the standard Smith’s, Boots, Dixons and M&S too, so you can stock up on any essential travel items before you fly too.
T2 Eating & Drinking
Naturally, the choice of food at Terminal 2 won’t disappoint you either; there is something for everyone.
Whether you want to simply grab a cappuccino from the familiar Costa or Caffé Nero on the go before heading on your way, or you’re looking for a more relaxed and substantial meal at one of the delightful restaurants.
Enjoy classic French cuisine with a modern twist at La Salle, or a taste of the sea at Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar, or why not try tasty and quality food at The Gorgeous Kitchen or Heston Blumenthal’s The Perfectionists Café; the decision is yours.
T2 Airport Lounges
You can even give yourself the VIP treatment and escape the crowds and book into a Heathrow airport lounge.
Terminal 2 has the exclusive Plaza Premium Lounge, with a plethora of facilities including private resting suites, luxurious shower rooms and a wellbeing spa.
Click here to find out a lot more about vip lounges at Heathrow airport.
Terminal 3
If you’re flying from Terminal 3, you won’t be short of things to see and do, you just need to make sure you keep track of time.
T3 Airport Shopping
With a wide selection of shops, Terminal 3 is a shopper’s paradise, with the standard Heathrow Reserve and Collect you can shop before, during and even after you fly and collect it when it suits you.
With designers like Chanel, Cartier, Jo Malone and Ralph Lauren you can be sure you’re travelling in style, as well as make sure you have everything you need from electrical devices at Dixon’s to a new pair of shades at the Sunglass Hut.
T3 Eating & Drinking
No doubt you will want to grab a bite or beverage before you fly and Terminal 3 can satisfy any appetite with its vast collection of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Why not splash out and enjoy fresh oysters at the Caviar House Oyster Bar, delightful French cuisine at Oriel Grande Brasserie or a tasty sandwich on the go from Bite, you just have to walk around and see what tickles your taste buds.
T3 Airport Lounges
To get your trip off to the perfect start, why not book yourself into one of the two Heathrow airport lounges available in Terminal 3.
The Servisair Executive Lounge provides complimentary food and drinks, free Wi-Fi and work areas with access to charging points, phones and fax.
The No.1 Lounge and Spa has everything you need to relax before flying with the usual services, such as Free-Wi-Fi and a range of seating areas, but in addition if offers impressive views across the airport, mini-cinema, games room & children’s area, and a wellbeing spa.
To get a whole lot more information on all lounges at Heathrow please click here.
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 has an impressive array of services to keep you entertained while you wait for your flight to be called, from the typical free-Wi-Fi, currency exchange and World Duty Free and shops like Boots, Dixons and Boots to the more glamourous designer boutiques and fine dining restaurants.
T4 Airport Shopping
Take time out to browse the Alexander McQueen boutique, Swarovski, Hackett London and Valentino or indulge in some exquisite treats from Simply Chocolate.
Whatever you’re looking for, be it presents for loved ones or a swanky outfit for your business trip, Terminal 4 has it all.
T4 Eating & Drinking
With a unique selection for eateries, Terminal 4 has pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants to suit any hunger.
Grab a bite in the no-nonsense departure lounge pub, The Bridge, or enjoy scrummy pastries at Apostrophe or Carlucci’s.
Or if you’re looking for something a more sophisticated you can head to one of two restaurants, Comptoir Libinais for some Middle Eastern delights, or Dining Street Restaurant for good traditional British dishes with a modern twist.
T4 Airport Lounges
For the ultimate in luxury and relaxation you can also reserve a place in a Heathrow Airport Lounge with us. The Sky Team Lounge is spread across two floors with an exceptional view over the airfield.
Guests can enjoy complimentary drinks and beverages from around the world, quiet rooms to refresh and relax and even treatments at the Wellness Centre, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, charging points and newspapers.
Find out more about lounges at Heathrow airport by clicking here.
Terminal 5
As with all the terminals at Heathrow, Terminal 5 has a very comprehensive list of facilities available to travellers – designer shopping, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, newsagents and plenty of places to eat, drink and relax before you fly, as well as the exclusive T5 Art Gallery.
T5 Airport Shopping
Get fully prepped for your trip and take a wonder through the designer boutiques on offer at Terminal 5, from Dior to Fortnum & Mason, Collection to Hamleys, you will find everything you need for the perfect present, personal treat or designer accessories.
With the Heathrow Reserve & Collect you can even pick up your items on your return journey.
T5 Eating & Drinking
As you’d expect the restaurants, bars and cafes have a lot to offer too, with an extensive choice. For a fun family friendly restaurant head to Giraffe, you can’t miss it with the 5 m tall Terminal 5 giraffe outside!
Or why not sample some hearty fair at Huxleys, where use the best ingredients, freshly prepared daily.
You can even get stuck into tasty and affordable food at Gordon Ramsey’s Plane Food. No matter where you’re travelling to and which terminal you’re travelling from, Heathrow will definitely give you the taste of variety, designer and exceptional service throughout, so you can be sure your trip gets off to the right start.
