Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our London Heathrow Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
The terminal remained at full brightness all night, so no night-time cosiness, and there were quite a few people working, fixing stuff, etc. – Mo.Si
LHR Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Heathrow Airport.
What to Expect
London Heathrow Airport (Code: LHR) operates four terminals (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5). Free inter-terminal shuttles (buses between T2/3 and T4/T5) and the Heathrow Express (T2/3 to T5) link terminals. Given the airport’s size and traffic levels, navigating it can be a bit complicated – particularly during tight connections and peak travel periods. The airport has a wide range of services and amenities, with several 24-hour options and unlimited free WiFi. However, it is worth noting that all terminals are not created equal, as the services and facilities vary at each terminal. For those travellers looking for a little added comfort while they wait, there are first-class lounges (some with showers) that even economy-class passengers can pay to access.
Sleeping in London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport is open 24 hours a day, but the protocol may vary depending on your arrival time at night and your specific terminal. For instance, in Terminal 3, airport security staff will relocate all overnight sleepers to one designated area until around 4:00 AM. If you end up at a terminal you are not departing from, check the inter-terminal bus departure start times to get to the right terminal in time for check-in. If you’re trying to sleep landside and are not an EU resident, you might be sent to T3.
In general, there’s a good amount of seating available, though the quality and locations vary in each of the four terminals. Expect to find metal chairs with armrests and various benches with and without armrests or padding. If you’re arriving to spend the night, you may have to stay in the landside, public zones until Security checkpoints open in the early morning. A recent review mentioned that only overnight stays are permitted on the airside in Terminal 3. Travellers prepared to sleep on the floor, perhaps with a blanket, sleep mat, or even sleeping bag, can find dimmer corners and don’t seem to get any flack from airport staff.
Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Terminal 2, a relatively secluded quiet zone can be found when walking to gates B31-B49 from A gates. Do not get on the escalator and take the lift down, or you might miss it.
- Terminal 3, above Departures and near the Pret a Manger, are some padded, armrest-free benches and plenty of power outlets.
- Terminal 4, on the landside, you may be able to hang out in the 24-hour cafe for a long time if you buy something.
- Terminal 5, the floor above Departures has some armrest-free benches near the G area.
- Landside, the Central bus station connected to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the train by the underground tunnel connector.
For uninterrupted sleep, there are sleep cabins in Terminal 2, a hotel in the Arrivals of Terminal 3, other hotels connected to Terminals 4 and 5 and many other hotels nearby with airport shuttles. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations and info.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our London Heathrow Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours. However, each terminal operates different hours for its airside (secure zone) areas. A reader let us know that the airside area of Terminal 2 is closed from approx. 11:00 PM – 4:00 AM. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
While reclining lounge-style seating is scattered throughout the terminals on the airside, we do not have exact locations. Click here to update this guide with locations.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Cots
Cots are not offered to stranded travellers at Heathrow Airport. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
London Heathrow Airport Hotels & Day Rooms
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Shuttles: Yes ($ – most require payment)
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those who are looking to sleep at Heathrow Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, your only option will be the nap rooms offered in a few lounges. Sleep cabins and guest rooms can be booked short-term or overnight on the landside or in the terminal’s public area. Several nearby hotels offer airport shuttles for a fee.
Hotels inside Heathrow Airport
- Aerotel London Heathrow – Location: Terminal 3, Ground Floor, Landside, Arrivals. The hotel offers 82 guest rooms that can be booked in blocks of 6, 9, or 12 hours or overnight. » Check Rates
- Plaza Premium Lounge – The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2 has private napping areas with beds. (see Lounges below)
Hotels at the airport
- Sofitel – Direct access to Terminal 5 (Level 2, 2-minute walk) via a covered walkway. » Check Rates
- Premier Inn (T4) – Within a ten-minute walk of T4. A reader tells us it is accessible via the same covered walkway as the Hilton, but it’s cheaper. A bus ($) links the hotel to other terminals. » Check Rates
- Hilton London Heathrow Airport – Direct access to Terminal 4 (Level 2, 3-minute walk) via a covered walkway. A bus links the hotel to other terminals. » Check Rates
Hotel Hoppa shuttles connect to nearby hotels from T2 (Stops 9-10), T3 (Stops 12-13), T5 (Stops 17-18), 4:00 AM–12:00 AM, £6.80 single, £12 return.
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Heathrow Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
Terminal 2/2A/2B
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Terminal 2B – Location: Terminal 2B, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Purchase during your online check-in • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 2A, Airside, Level 4. Showers and private rest suites are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
- United Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, opposite Gate B46. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
Terminal 3
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Airside on the Departure level, Lounge area H. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
- Centurion Lounge – Location: Airside, Level 2, Area A. Showers are available. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Club Aspire – Location: near Gate 9. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- No. 1 Heathrow Lounge – Location: Airside, near gates 13-22. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge (Terminal 3) – (temporarily closed) – Location: Ground Floor, Arrivals, Next to bus stops. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
Terminal 4
- Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium Group (Terminal 4) – Location: Terminal 4, Departures Area, near Gate 2. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 4) – Location: Airside, 1st Floor, near Gate 1. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
Terminal 5/5A
- Aspire Lounge & Spa at LHR T5 Location: Airside, near Gate A18. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 5A) – Location: Airside, Level 2, next to Gate A7. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- Club Aspire – Location: Airside, Level 2, near Gate A18. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass.
Airline Lounges
Lufthansa Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 2A, Airside, After Passport Control and Security Checkpoint.
Related Pages: London Heathrow Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
The airport has over 100 Landside and Airside water fountains, so you can refill your water bottles.
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:
- Terminal 2 – Caffè Nero (Arrivals • Check-in)
- Terminal 3 – Caffé Nero (Arrivals)
- Terminal 4 – Caffè Nero (Check-in) • Costa Coffee (Gate 8 • Arrivals)
- Terminal 5 – Costa Coffee (Arrivals)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Excess Baggage Company provides storage facilities. Rates per item: £10.00 (up to three hours) • £15.00 (3-24 hours) • £25.00 (24-48 hours) • £35.00 (48-72 hours) £10.00 (for every 24 hours beyond 72 hours).
- Terminal 2 – Check-in, Zone A • Check-in, Zone C • B Gates.
- Terminal 3 – Arrivals • Check in, Zone E.
- Terminal 4 – Check-in • Arrivals.
- Terminal 5 – Check-in, Zone B • Check-in, Zone F • Arrivals.
Mobile Charging
Free Power Pole charging stations are available before and after security in all terminals. Use them to charge your electronic devices. They are compatible with UK and European plugs and USB cables.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Shower facilities are located inside several pay-to-use lounges, including:
- Terminal 2: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge • United Club
- Terminal 3: American Airlines Admirals Club • Club Aspire • No. 1 Heathrow Lounge • American Express Centurion Lounge
- Terminal 4: Plaza Premium Lounges
- Terminal 5: The Aspire Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounges.
See the Airport Lounges section above for locations.
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout Heathrow Airport. Connect to the “Heathrow Free Wi-Fi” network
Additionally, free internet kiosks are in these locations: Terminal 2 (Level 5, Check-in Zones A/B, C/D) • Terminal 3 (Level 0, Check-in Zones A, F) • Terminal 4 (Level 2, Check-in Zone A) • Terminal 5 (Level 0, Arrivals; Level 3, Check-in Zones G, D).
Security & Safety
Airport staff and security are generally tolerant of travellers sleeping in the airport, as long as you follow any protocol they may have.
Travellers seem to feel relatively safe here, particularly overnight. Security guards seem pretty visible, often checking travellers’ IDs and tickets if they stay on the landside for an early-morning flight. They may wake you up to check your proof of travel, but most travellers appreciate this, as it keeps non-travellers out of the terminals.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Changing Facilities – Available in most washrooms, both Landside and Airside.
- Children’s Play Area – Fun and colourful Stay & Play areas offer activities for children up to nine years old. Locations: T2A, Airside, Departures lounge, Gate 16. Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM • T2B, Airside, Gate 46. Hours: Unknown. • T3, Airside, Departures lounge. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. • T4, Airside, Gates 1A. Hours: Unknown. • T5A, Airside, Gate A2. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Kids Eat Free – Many airport restaurants participate in the Kids Eat Free program on a rotational basis. Look out for signs at the restaurants or inquire at an Information Desk.
- Reserve & Collect – Heathrow offers a pre-order service for baby milk through Boots. Simply place your order two days before your travel and pick it up once you are through security, freeing up space in your hand luggage for other essentials.
Fast Track – Breeze through the security checkpoints with a Fast Track pass! This service is only offered for departing flights to first and business-class passengers, top-tier members of airline frequent flyer programs, and American Centurion card holders. The Fast Track service can also be pre-booked for a fee of £12.50 per person.
Hair Salon – Bradley Smith Hair Express Bar offers a range of hair and beauty services for both men and women. Location: T5, Arrivals. Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Sun – Fri) • 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sat).
Information Desks – Have any questions? Visit one of the airport information desks for assistance. Locations: Available in all Terminals. During off hours, use the courtesy phones to ask for help. Dial 0344 335 1801 to talk to the Heathrow contact centre.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic by Excess Baggage Company. See “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above for locations and opening times.
- Porters – If you need help with your luggage, porters are available to assist you. The service currently operates on demand. Rates: £35. Hours: 6:00AM – 9:00PM.
Mail & Fly – Packed too much liquid or forgot to take that knife out of your bag? Heathrow has a Mail & Fly program, allowing you to ship your items in a dedicated box. Fees apply.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – There are no clinics or First-Aid posts at the airport. If you have a medical emergency, use one of the airport’s internal phones and dial 222 for an ambulance.
- Pharmacy – Boots has 13 locations across all terminals, before and after security. The landside locations in Terminal 5 dispense prescriptions.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside in all terminals.
- Currency Exchange – Travelex offers currency exchange services in all terminals. The airport suggests you use the order-online and pick-up service. Location: there are 25 options, both landside and airside. Hours: vary by location, with most being open at least 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Payphones – Payphones are located throughout each Terminal. Both cash and card payments are accepted.
Postal Services – Send your last-minute postcards to friends and family from a WHSmith store. Locations: Terminal 3, Landside, Departure Area, Level 1. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM • Terminal 5, Landside, Departure. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Stamps are also sold at WHSmith stores and coin-operated stamp machines throughout all terminals. Mailboxes are available in all terminals, both landside and airside.
Prayer
- Chapel – St. George’s Chapel – A chapel is approximately 200 metres from Heathrow’s Central Bus Station. Mass ceremonies are held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Hours: 12:30 AM. The chapel is not open to drop in but the Memorial Garden is always available as a place for prayer.
- Prayer Rooms – Multifaith prayer rooms are available in all Terminal as follows:
- Terminal 2 – Departures, Airside, near Gate A21 and B34.
- Terminal 3 – Departures, Airside, near Gate 24 • Arrival Hall, Level 1.
- Terminal 4 – Mezzanine, Landside • Departures, Airside, near Gates 4.
- Terminal 5 – Check-in, Landside, Zone A • Departures, Airside, near Gate A8 • T5B, Airside, near Gate B34 • T5C, Airside, near Gate C52.
Shopping – World Duty-Free has 14 locations throughout every Terminal, most of which are open at all flight times. In addition, there is no shortage of shops for every time of shopping requirement.
Smoking Areas – A reader tells us there is a smoking area (outdoor cage with a roof) in Terminal 2, outside Gate A1.
SIM Cards & Mobile Phone Rentals -Eliminate roaming charges and take advantage of local rates by picking up a local SIM Card. SIM Local offers SIM cards. Locations: Terminal 2, Baggage Claim • Terminal 2, Arrivals • Terminal 2, Gates B • Terminal 3, Arrivals, Ground Floor (2) • Terminal 3, Baggage Claim • Terminal 4, Arrivals (2) • Terminal 4, Departures Area • Terminal 5, Arrivals, Ground Floor (2). Rental phones can also be picked up in Arrivals.
Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at London Heathrow Airport
Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Heathrow Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in London on Tripadvisor.
Art Gallery – An art gallery used to be available in Terminal 5, Landside, near Premium Check-in counters. We could not confirm this at the time of our November 2023 update. If you know whether they are still there,
Observation Areas – The best spots to watch the action on the runway are the following:
- Terminal 2 – From the Wondertree in the Departure Lounge.
- Terminal 3 – Views are available from most departure gates and are especially nice from the No. 1 Traveller Lounge.
- Terminal 4 – At Gates 15 and 16, a 270-degree panoramic view of the Southern Runway is equipped with binoculars and touch screens to track flights.
- Terminal 5 – Views are available from most of the departure gates. The Gordon Ramsay Plane Food and Wagamama offer particularly good vantage points.
Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at London Heathrow Airport
Bus and Coach
Heathrow Airport has a central bus station that is open 24 hours and just a short distance from Terminals 2 and 3. Some buses and coaches also make stops at Terminals 4 and 5, but a free shuttle service is available for those who need to reach the central bus station from Terminals 4 and 5. Here are some notable bus and coach services:
- Coaches – National Express, Megabus and other operators run services from Heathrow to more than 500 destinations.
- Local Buses – An extensive bus network operates around Heathrow and to destinations in west and central London.
- Buses to rail stations – Luxury coaches and buses connect Heathrow with the national rail network at Guildford, Watford, Woking, Feltham and Reading.
- Hotel Buses – Direct bus services operate between Heathrow terminals and a large number of hotels near the airport.
- Group travel by coach – If you’re dropping off or collecting a group from Heathrow, this step-by-step guide will help you and your customers enjoy stress-free travel.
To plan your route, visit the London Heathrow Airport website.
Car Rentals
Car rental desks can be found in the Arrivals areas: Terminal 2 (Level 1), Terminal 3 (Level 0), Terminal 4 (Level 0), Terminal 5 (Level 0). Companies include: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • National • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
The Hotel Hoppa shuttle stops at several nearby hotels. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks in the airport terminals, through their mobile app, online, or on the bus. Shuttles depart from the following locations: Terminal 2, stops 9-10 • Terminal 3, stops 12-13 • Terminal 5, stops 17-18. Rates: £6.80 single ticket • £12 return ticket • £13 single family ticket (2 adults and three children under 15) • £24 return family ticket. Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Here is the list of hotels on the network as of November 2024.
Courtyard Marriott • Crowne Plaza T4 • Doubletree by Hilton • Hilton Garden Inn • Hilton Heathrow T4 • Hilton Heathrow T5 • Holiday Inn M4 JCT 4 • Holiday Inn Express T4 • Hyatt Place • Ibis Bath Road • Ibis Budget Heathrow Central • Ibis Styles London Heathrow Airport • Leonardo • Premier Inn Bath Road • Premier Inn Heathrow T4 • Premier Inn T5 • Radisson Red • Radisson Blu Edwardian • Renaissance • Sheraton Heathrow • Staybridge Suites.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttle
Heathrow Terminals 4 and 5 are connected by trains and buses and are available free of charge. As for Terminals 2 and 3, there is just a quick walk between them.
Ride Sharing
Uber operates throughout the UK. A ride to London city centre will cost you about £46.
Taxi
WeKnow is the official company offering taxi services at Heathrow Airport. These electric vehicles provide fixed rates that can be checked when booking on the WeKnow website.
Underground/Tube
Trains on the Piccadilly Line can reach Heathrow within an hour from central London. Wait time is always ten minutes or less, even during off-peak times. Heathrow has one underground station just a few minutes’ walk from Terminals 2 and 3 and one station in the basements of Terminals 4 and 5. For fares, schedules and further information, visit the Transport for London website.
Train
The Heathrow Express transports passengers between the airport and Paddington Station in 15 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes. For current fares and information, visit the Heathrow Express website.
The Elizabeth Line also provides services between Heathrow Airport, Central and East London, and Essex. For current fares and information, visit the Transport for London website.
Last updated: 2025-02-25
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.