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.
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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
London Heathrow Airport is open 24 hours. However, overnight access to airside (secure) areas depends on the terminal and flight schedules.
A reader reports that Terminal 2’s airside area closes roughly between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM, requiring travellers to remain landside overnight. This has not been independently verified, and overnight access policies can change based on operations and staffing.
Travellers planning to remain overnight should be prepared for the possibility of being directed landside, especially if arriving late or departing early. If you have any updates, click here to update this airport guide.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Quiet rest areas are reported in Terminal 5 and Terminal 3, though details vary by terminal and availability can change.
In Terminal 5 (airside), a reader reports a Quiet Area with approximately 24 reclining relaxation chairs facing the runway. This area is commonly used by overnight travellers when airside access is permitted.
Information about dedicated quiet zones in other terminals is unconfirmed. If you know of quiet zones in the other terminals, click here to update this guide.
Even when using designated rest areas, take normal precautions. Keep valuables secured and bags locked, as you would when sleeping in any public space.
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 – Terminal 3, Ground Floor, Landside (Arrivals). Offers short-stay bookings in 6-, 9-, or 12-hour blocks, as well as overnight stays. Suitable for travellers able to access landside areas. » Check Rates
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Includes 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 walking distance of Terminal 4; connected via the same covered walkway area as the Hilton. A bus service links Terminal 4 with 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
Whether you’re travelling in economy, business, or first class, several lounges at Frankfurt Airport offer access through pay-at-the-door options, prepaid single-visit passes, or lounge membership programs such as Priority Pass, DragonPass, or LoungeKey or airline-specific lounge membership programs. These lounges provide a comfortable escape with amenities such as showers, rest zones, and dining, available to all passengers regardless of airline or ticket class.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Airside, Level 2, near Gate B40. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Air Canada Business Class and Star Alliance Gold • Maple Leaf Club members.
No1 Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Level 2, near Gate A18 (accessed via lifts behind the Louis Vuitton café/shop). Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £44 for 3 hours) • Lounge membership programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Airside, Level 4, near Gate A3. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £40) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs (American Express Platinum/Centurion).
United Club – Location: Airside, Level 2, near Gate B46. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: United Polaris/Business Class passengers • Star Alliance Gold members • United Club members.
American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Lounge H area, in the connector to Gates 13–22. Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM daily. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Admirals Club members • American Airlines and oneworld Business/First Class passengers • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members.
Clubrooms by No1 Lounges – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, near Gates 13–22. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £48) • Lounge membership programs.
Emirates Lounge – Location: Airside, Lounge A, near Gate 7. Hours: Based on Emirates flight schedules. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Emirates Business/First Class • Emirates Skywards Gold/Platinum.
My Lounge by No1 Lounges – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, near Gate 9. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet zone) Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £42 for up to 3 hours) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
No1 Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Upper Level, near Gates 13–22. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (Quiet Zone). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £36) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals) – Location: Terminal 3, Landside, Arrivals area, near taxi queues. Hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
Qantas London Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Lounge C area, past security before Gates 1–11. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Qantas Club members • Qantas and oneworld First/Business Class passengers • oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members. No walk-in access available.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Location: Airside, Upper Level, near Gate 18. Hours: Based on Virgin Atlantic flight schedules. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class • Flying Club Gold • Delta One • SkyTeam Elite Plus travelling on Virgin or Delta.
Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, Level 2, near Gate 2. Hours: unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • AMEX Platinum Cardholders • Lounge membership programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, Level 2, opposite Gates 10A and 10B. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £45) • Prepaid passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit Card rewards programs (American Express Platinum/Centurion).
Club Aspire Lounge – Location: Terminal 5, Airside, Level 2, near Gate A18. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet zone). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £40) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 5A) – Location: Terminal 5, Airside, Level 2, next to Gate A7. Hours: 4:45 AM – 9:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from £45 for 3 hours) • AMEX Platinum Cardholders • Lounge membership programs.
Airline & VIP Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. Walk-in or pay-at-the-door access is not available at these lounges. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Aer Lingus Lounge – Location: Terminal 2A, Airside, Level 5, near the Lufthansa Lounge. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Aer Lingus Business Class passengers • Aer Lingus Gold Circle members • Aer Lingus AerClub elite members • eligible oneworld frequent flyers (Emerald/Sapphire status).
Lufthansa Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 2A, Airside, after Passport Control and Security Checkpoint. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lufthansa and Star Alliance Business Class passengers • Star Alliance Gold members • Lufthansa Miles & More HON Circle/Senator members.
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge – Location: Airside, Level 2, near Gate B36. Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Singapore Airlines Business/First Class • Star Alliance Gold.
United Polaris Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gate B46. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: United Polaris Business Class passengers only.
American Airlines International First Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Lounge H area, in the connector to Gates 13–22. Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: American Airlines and oneworld First Class passengers • oneworld Emerald members.
American Airlines Arrivals Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Landside, exit to the right out of the Customs Hall, take the elevator to Level 2. Hours: 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: American Airlines and oneworld First/Business Class passengers arriving on long-haul flights • oneworld Emerald members.
American Express Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, second floor, head left at ‘Flight Connections’. Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: AMEX Centurion and Platinum Cardholders (up to 2 guests, US Platinum members charged for guests) • Delta Reserve SkyMiles cardholders flying Delta same-day.
British Airways Galleries Club Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, inside security in Lounge Zone F. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: British Airways and oneworld Business Class passengers • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members • BA Executive Club Silver/Gold members.
Cathay Pacific Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Lounge C area, next to Gate 11 (follow Gates 1–11). Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily. Showers: Yes (8 shower rooms). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Cathay Pacific and oneworld Business Class passengers • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members • Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club Silver/Gold/Diamond members.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Lounge C area, next to Gate 11 (follow Gates 1–11). Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily. Showers: Yes (8 high-quality shower rooms). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Cathay Pacific and oneworld First Class passengers • oneworld Emerald members • Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club Diamond members.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Upper Class Wing, Level 2, after security. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers • Delta One passengers • Flying Club Gold members • SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Landside, Arrivals area, near taxi queues. Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers and Flying Club Gold members arriving on overnight flights.
Etihad Airways Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gate 10. Hours: Based on flight schedules. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Etihad premium passengers • Etihad Guest Gold/Platinum.
Saudia Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, upper level, near Gate 10B. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet zone). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Saudia Business/First Class passengers • Alfursan Gold members • SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
SkyTeam Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, near Gate 10 (lower level, below Saudia Lounge). Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: SkyTeam Business/First Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gate 6. Hours: Based on flight schedules. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Gulf Air premium passengers and eligible status members.
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge – Location: Airside, near Gate 1. Hours: Based on flight schedules. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Qatar Airways Business/First Class only.
British Airways Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Location: Terminal 5, Landside, Arrivals Level 1, via orange glass elevators. Hours: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: British Airways and oneworld First/Business Class passengers arriving on long-haul flights • oneworld Emerald members • BA Executive Club Gold members.
British Airways Galleries North Club Lounge – Location: Terminal 5, Airside, Level 3, left after north security checkpoint. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: British Airways and oneworld Business Class passengers • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members • BA Executive Club Silver/Gold members.
British Airways Galleries South First and Club Lounge – Location: Terminal 5, Airside, Level 4 of the south concourse. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: British Airways and oneworld First/Business Class passengers • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members • BA Executive Club Silver/Gold members.
British Airways T5B Club Lounge – Location: Terminal 5, Airside, Satellite B, mezzanine level. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: British Airways and oneworld Business Class passengers • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members • BA Executive Club Silver/Gold members.
The Windsor by Heathrow (Heathrow VIP) – Location: Terminal 5, Airside, southern end of the terminal. Hours: unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private resting suites). Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge access – from £3,177 + VAT (£3,812 or $4,700) for up to 3 passengers, includes chauffeur transfer and private security.
Drinking Water
Over 100 drinking water fountains are available across landside and airside areas. Refillable bottle stations are well distributed throughout all terminals.
Food & Drinks
Several food and coffee outlets operate 24 hours, mainly in arrivals and check-in areas:
- Terminal 2 – Caffè Nero (Arrivals • Check-in)
- Terminal 3 – Caffé Nero (Arrivals)
- Terminal 4 – Costa Coffee (Gate 8 • Arrivals)
- Terminal 5 – Costa Coffee (Arrivals)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Excess Baggage Company operates left-luggage facilities in all terminals. Rates per item: £10.00 (up to three hours) • £15.00 (3-24 hours) • £27.50 (24-48 hours) • £40.00 (48-72 hours) £12.50 (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 throughout all terminals, both before and after security. Units support UK and European plugs, as well as USB connections.
Showers
Shower access is available inside several pay-to-use and airline lounges:
- 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.
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 – Baby changing tables are available in most washrooms, both landside and airside.
- Children’s Play Area – Colourful play zones are available in several terminals, offering supervised-free play spaces for children up to about nine years old.
- Kids Eat Free – Some restaurants participate in a rotating Kids Eat Free program. Look for signage at participating outlets or ask at an Information Desk.
- Reserve & Collect – A pre-order service through Boots allows travellers to order baby milk in advance and collect it after security, helping reduce hand-luggage weight.
Fast Track – Priority security access is available to eligible premium passengers, frequent-flyer elites, and American Express Centurion cardholders. Paid Fast Track passes are also available for purchase.
Hair Salon – Bradley Smith Hair Express Bar offers hair and beauty services for both men and women.
Information Desks – Airport Information Desks are available in all terminals to help with directions, services, and general questions. Outside staffed hours, courtesy phones connect directly to the Heathrow contact centre.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Free baggage trolleys are available throughout the terminals.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protective luggage wrapping services are available through Excess Baggage Company.
- Porters – Luggage porter assistance is available on request during daytime hours.
Mail & Fly – Items not permitted through security (such as liquids or sharp objects) can be mailed home using the Mail & Fly service. Fees apply.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – There are no public medical clinics or first-aid posts. In an emergency, use an airport phone and dial 222 to request an ambulance.
- Pharmacy – Boots pharmacies operate throughout all terminals, both before and after security. Prescription services are available at select landside locations.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside across all terminals. Fees may apply.
- Currency Exchange – Travelex operates currency exchange services throughout the terminals. Online ordering with airport pickup is recommended.
Payphones – Payphones are available throughout the terminals, accepting both card and cash payments.
Postal Services – Postcards, stamps, and mailing services are available through WHSmith locations and post boxes located throughout the terminal buildings.
Prayer
- Chapel – St. George’s Chapel – Located a short walk from the Central Bus Station. The chapel is generally used for scheduled services, while the adjacent Memorial Garden remains accessible for quiet reflection.
- Prayer Rooms – Multi-faith prayer rooms are available across all terminals, both landside and airside.
Shopping – World Duty Free operates multiple locations across all terminals, alongside a wide range of other retail shops open according to flight schedules.
Smoking Areas – A reader reports an outdoor smoking area near Terminal 2, outside Gate A1. Smoking availability may change and is limited.
SIM Cards & Mobile Phone Rentals – Local SIM cards are available for purchase, allowing travellers to avoid roaming charges and use UK mobile rates.
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: 2026-01-15
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.