London Heathrow

About London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport has been one of the world’s five busiest airports for several decades. Processing an average of 80 million passengers a year, this giant, sprawling transport hub is larger than many towns in the UK. With routes to just about every major country on Earth, the airport also serves as an international gateway for connecting flights in and out of Europe.

The fact that London Heathrow only has two runways makes the annual passenger numbers even more impressive. Served by four large terminals, the airport continues to grow. And if plans for a new runway are ever realised, the sky’s the limit for this behemoth.

Employing close to 80,000 people and connecting the UK to more than 180 destinations around the world, Heathrow is a national institution. Prior to the Covid pandemic, Heathrow was a serial winner of illustrious industry awards. Among the airport’s most coveted gongs in 2018 alone were World’s Top Airport Terminal (Terminal 2) from Skytrax and Brand Finance’s Most Valuable Airport Brand.

Make no mistake; this airport is one of the busiest and most advanced in the world. This London Heathrow Airport guide includes details on everything from the lounges and shopping options inside Europe’s largest transport hub.

Our Lounges

While there is still a Terminal 1 at Heathrow, it’s currently unused. Nevertheless, Priority Pass members are spoilt for choice when it comes to premium lounges in this fantastic airport.

Terminal 2: Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen
Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen is known for its unique mix of British pub classics and American-themed cuisine. And thanks to a huge selection of craft beers and spirits, this impressive eatery is one of the most popular in Terminal 2. Offering everything from burgers to ‘Big Plates’ (traditional pub grub on a grand scale), this is a great place to refuel and relax while you wait for your flight.

Located near Gates A20 and A21, Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen usually opens at 6am and closes just before the flight leaves – although this can vary depending on the time of year.

Terminal 3: Club Aspire Lounge
Club Aspire Lounge in Terminal 3 was voted Europe’s Leading Airport Lounge in 2021, and stepping inside it’s easy to see why. Featuring a premium finish and a range of zones for relaxing and working, this London Heathrow Airport lounge has something for everyone. As well as a great selection of complimentary food and beverages, there’s a dedicated business area and a completely separate area for rest and relaxation. Throw in free high-speed Wi-Fi, baby-changing facilities, and a host of charging stations, and you’ve got everything you need for an enjoyable pre-flight experience.

Open between 5am and 10pm daily (times can vary), Club Aspire Lounge in Terminal 3 can be found in Lounge D.

Terminal 3: No1 Lounge
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to watch the planes come in and out of a major international airport, this could be the London Heathrow Airport lounge for you. Thanks to its huge windows that look over the apron and gates of Terminal 3, a seat in the No1 Lounge offers a glimpse into the inner workings of this impressive transport hub. Known for its ultra-comfortable seating, a large selection of culinary treats and a fully tended bar, this is the perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the world go by as you wait for your flight to be called.

Open from 5am to 10pm every day, you’ll find the No1 Lounge in Terminal 3 by following signs for Lounge F and Gates 13-22.

Terminal 3: Oceanic Pub & Kitchen
If you’re searching for classic British cuisine in a modern and spacious setting, Oceanic Pub & Kitchen is ideal. Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all-day breakfasts and DIY tacos, this is a great place for families and large groups. There’s also a selection of beers that are brewed at the company’s own brewery. This charming venue also offers a selection of shared plates, making it the perfect place to start a vacation.

Oceanic Pub & Kitchen is open daily from 6:30am to 21:30pm, although times can vary depending on the time of year. You’ll find this traditional British pub in the landside area of Terminal 3, right above the Virgin check-in area.

Open daily from 4am to 9pm, No1 Lounge in the North Terminal is located in the ‘Airport Lounges’ area – just follow the signs!

Terminal 5: Club Aspire Lounge
If panoramic views of the world’s largest airport interest you, Club Aspire Lounge in Terminal 3 is the perfect place for a little pre-flight relaxation. Surrounded by huge floor-to-ceiling windows, this London Heathrow International Airport lounge is ideal. As well as stunning views of flights taxiing and taking off, the lounge offers a varied buffet that changes throughout the day and a selection of free beverages. There are also free magazines and newspapers, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi to ensure you can stay productive while you wait for your flight.

Located just after Passport Control near Gate A18, Club Aspire Lounge in Terminal 5 is open from 5am to 9pm every day – although opening times vary depending on the time of year.

Terminal 5: Globe Pub & Kitchen
The Globe Pub & Kitchen is part of the Big Smoke Brew Co,’s stable of eateries and traditional British pubs, so you can expect a great selection of craft beers and traditional pub grub. Situated right by the security checks in Terminal 5’s landside area, this bustling pub and eatery is open between 6:30am and 9pm daily, although times can vary depending on the time of year.

Facilities

We offer a variety of facilities at our lounges in London Heathrow International Airport to enhance your travel experience. These include:

• Refreshments
• TV
• No smoking
• Air conditioning
• Alcoholic beverages
• Flight information
• Newspapers and magazines
• Digital Card accepted
• Showers
• Free Wi-Fi
• Disabled access

London Heathrow is the busiest airport in Europe, so it’s not surprising that it’s home to a huge range of shops, cafes, bars and lounges. All four of the Terminals at Heathrow have a lot to offer both holidaymakers and business travellers. And thanks to the free Wi-Fi that’s available throughout the airport, you’ll always be able to stay in touch with your loved ones and business contacts.

Grab some last-minute luggage or a fashion accessory at Accessorize – there’s one in every terminal! There’s also a Boots store in every terminal, so you’ll be able to pick up some snacks and reading materials for your flight. Heathrow has a huge range of high-end stores, too. Among the most popular are Burberry (one in each Terminal), Bottega Veneta, Cartier, Caviar House and Prunier, Dior, Fortnum & Mason, Gucci, and Harrods. If you like a little pre-flight retail therapy, this is possibly the best airport in Europe for an exclusive shopping spree.

To say that you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants and cafes at London Heathrow Airport would be an understatement. You’ll find all the major coffee shop chains here, including Caffe Nero, Costa and Starbucks. If you’re looking for a family meal, Big Smoke Brew Co., Giraffe World Kitchen (Terminal 5), and The Crown Rivers Wetherspoon Pub all have a huge selection of classic British and American dishes. If sushi is your thing, head to YO! in Terminals 2 and 3. And if you’re searching for a sophisticated dining experience before you board, head to the Fortnum & Mason Bar in Terminal 5.

They say that London Heathrow Airport is a city in its own right, and it’s easy to see why. There’s just about every possible type of facility and amenity at your disposal, including a chapel, a series of multi-faith prayer rooms, meeting rooms for hire, smoking areas, showering facilities, postal services and charging points. And to make your experience as smooth as possible, Heathrow Airport offers services such as Fast-Track security and priority baggage. There’s even a VIP service that includes everything from a personal chauffeur to a personal shopper!

Accessibility

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is located about 14 miles (23 kilometres) west of Central London. The airport is accessible via the M4 and M25 motorways. Depending on traffic, the drive from Central London typically takes 30-60 minutes. Heathrow offers a variety of parking options, including short-stay, long-stay, business, and valet parking. Short-stay parking starts at £4.50 for the first 30 minutes.

Taxis
London Heathrow Airport is home to a fully electric taxi service called WeKnow. You can book a cab online and pay with a major debit or credit card. Alternatively, book a car in advance via Minicabit, which offers a luxury service complete with meet and greet at arrivals. However, most people either order an Uber or jump straight into a famous London black cab.

Trains
You’ll be pleased to know that there are three fast and convenient train routes between London Heathrow and central London. The Heathrow Express takes you to London Paddington Station in around 30 minutes, and trains leave every 15 minutes. The Elizabeth Line takes you directly to central London, but it stops at various stations in the west of the city. The London Underground takes you directly to the city via the Piccadilly Line.

By bus
There are several local buses running between the airport and various destinations in the Greater London area. Just head to the Central Bus Station, which is within walking distance of Terminals 2, 3 and 5. You can jump on a few services from Terminal 4, however. Just remember that you can’t pay your bus fare with cash. You’ll need an Oyster card or a Day Travelcard – both of which can be purchased via a machine in the Central Bus Station. You’ll also find bus shuttle services to all the major airport hotels in every Terminal. Just follow the signs!

By car
Gatwick Airport is just 28 miles from central London. The main route into the airport is the M23 motorway – just leave at Junction 9. Another potential route is the A23, the road that connects the capital to Brighton. If you’re travelling from outside the region, head to the M25 and take the fastest route to the south. You’ll see signs for the airport at regular intervals.

Car rentals
Each of the four Terminals at Heathrow Airport has its own dedicated car hire desks. Follow the signs for ‘Car Rental’. The staff will then explain where your shuttle picks up – all rental cars are located away from the main terminals.