Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport is the principal international airport serving London and one of the United Kingdom’s main aviation gateways. Located west of central London, it connects the country with destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.

The airport is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited through Heathrow Airport Limited. Its four operating passenger terminals support international and domestic flights, airline connections, cargo services, immigration processing, baggage operations, and ground transportation.

Contact Information

Information	Details
Name	Heathrow Airport
Category	International and Domestic Airport
Owner and Operator	Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited
Airport Operating Company	Heathrow Airport Limited
Location	West London, United Kingdom
Operator Address	The Compass Centre, Nelson Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 2GW, United Kingdom
Heathrow Contact Centre	0344 335 1801
International Telephone	+44 20 3368 8968
Website	www.heathrow.com
IATA Code	LHR
ICAO Code	EGLL
Operating Passenger Terminals	Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5

Overview

Heathrow Airport handles scheduled international and domestic passenger services, airline transfers, air cargo movements, security screening, immigration procedures, customs processing, and baggage operations. Airlines are assigned to specific terminals according to current airport arrangements.

Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5 provide check-in areas, departure gates, arrival halls, airline lounges, passenger assistance, shops, restaurants, baggage services, and ground transport access. Travelers should confirm their terminal through their airline or Heathrow’s terminal finder before departure.

The airport supports the United Kingdom’s tourism, business, trade, and logistics networks. Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line, the London Underground, public buses, coaches, taxis, rental cars, and private vehicles connect the terminals with London and destinations throughout the surrounding region.

Terminals and Passenger Facilities

Heathrow Airport operates Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. Each terminal provides airline check-in counters, security screening, baggage services, departure gates, arrival halls, information desks, and passenger assistance facilities. International arrivals also pass through immigration and customs areas.

Passenger facilities include airline lounges, rest areas, shower facilities, medical support, pharmacies, prayer rooms, family services, baggage storage, currency exchange, shops, restaurants, cafés, duty-free stores, charging points, and airport Wi-Fi. Availability and operating hours vary by terminal.

Moving Between Terminals

Travelers can move between Heathrow’s terminals using free inter-terminal train services and designated buses. Passengers making flight connections should follow the purple connection signs, which direct them to the appropriate departure area or transfer bus.

Airlines and Connectivity

Heathrow Airport serves British and international airlines operating domestic, regional, long-haul, and cargo services. Airline assignments are distributed among the four operating terminals.

Passengers should confirm their terminal, check-in area, departure gate, and baggage requirements through their airline booking or Heathrow’s current terminal information before traveling.

Transportation and Getting There

Heathrow Express

Heathrow Express provides direct rail service between the airport and London Paddington. Trains serve Terminals 2 and 3 and Terminal 5, with a connecting transfer available for Terminal 4.

Elizabeth Line

The Elizabeth line serves Terminals 2 and 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. It connects Heathrow with Paddington, central London, east London, and other destinations along the wider rail network.

London Underground

The Piccadilly line serves all four operating terminals and connects Heathrow with central London. Separate Underground stations serve Terminals 2 and 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5.

Public Buses and Coaches

Local buses and long-distance coaches connect Heathrow with London districts, railway stations, nearby towns, and destinations across the United Kingdom. Heathrow Central Bus Station serves Terminals 2 and 3, while other terminals have designated coach and bus stops.

Taxis and Private-Hire Vehicles

Licensed London taxis operate from designated ranks outside each terminal. Approved private-hire and transfer services also use assigned meeting desks and pick-up points within the arrivals areas.

Private Vehicles and Parking

Official parking facilities, passenger drop-off zones, and pick-up areas serve all four terminals. Drivers should follow the signs and postcode guidance for the correct terminal because road access and parking locations differ across the airport.

Before You Go

Confirm whether the flight uses Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, or Terminal 5.
Check the latest flight status before traveling to the airport.
Review passport, visa, immigration, transit, and destination requirements.
Verify baggage allowances and restricted-item rules with the airline.
Allow sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and immigration.
Arrange accessibility assistance or mobility support with the airline in advance.
Follow the purple connection signs when transferring between flights.
Check current rail, Underground, bus, and coach schedules before beginning the journey.