General Information

From modest beginnings Heathrow has blossomed into one of the world's busiest airports, handling over 64 million passengers each year. With that sort of pressure the strain on facilities sometimes shows.

Located to the west of the city, access can be a problem for passengers driving from London. Patience and fortitude are the two prime virtues often needed in handling the congestion. Approaching the airport traffic squeezes into the main terminal complex through a road tunnel which is narrow and often clogged with traffic. Those heading for Terminal 4 at the southern side of the airport find that it is almost in the next county. In fairness access to Heathrow from directions other than central London is better.

All that said BAA - Heathrow's owner - is investing millions in its flagship property to make it more user-friendly. The Heathrow Express train service direct to the city and on-going terminal improvements are aimed at improving the Heathrow experience. There are proposals to improve other transportation links.

The go-ahead to construct Terminal 5 was essential if Heathrow is to cope with the projected increase in traffic during this decade. With over 200 international destinations on the departure screens and a healthy slice of domestic flights airlines are still lobbying for access to the self-styled 'Gateway to the World'.

Major airports tend to suffer from impersonality disorder and Heathrow is no exception. But as Britain's senior player both in passenger and cargo handling it is reasonably efficient and unarguably successful.

Travel Directions

By Car
Heathrow is west of London on the M4 motorway near the M25 interchange. All Terminals and appropriate motorway exits are signposted. Access Motorway Local Access - Terminals 1, 2 & 3 M4 Junction 4 A4 and Terminal 4 M4 Junction 3 and M25 Junction 14 and A30 A3113. Journey time from central London 45-60 minutes. Allow plenty of time for your journey to Heathrow - the M4 and especially the Heathrow access road can be busy at all times of the day. There are two fuel stations at Heathrow - one in the main airport complex between Terminals 1, 2 & 3, the other between Terminal 4 and the M25 motorway.

By Taxi
Journey time from central London 45-60 minutes. Taxis can drop off on the forecourt of all terminals. Fare approx £35-45.

By Train
Heathrow has two rail services from central London. In addition to the London Underground ( "the tube" ) is the Heathrow Express train service from London Paddington station.

By Bus
Most bus services arrive at the central Bus Station in the main airport area between Terminals 1, 2 & 3. Pedestrian access to the terminals is signposted. A limited number of services additionally stop at Terminal 4. National Express shuttle from London Victoria Coach Station to Heathrow runs every 30 minutes. First bus 07.30, last bus 23.30. Services operate seven days a week, all year round. Fare: £7 one way; £10 return/round trip. Children: £3.50 one way; £5 return/round trip. Journey time - around 40 minutes; 55 minutes at peak hours.

The Airbus service links to Heathrow Terminals from many west London hotels and Kings Cross and Euston main line rail stations. Departures are every 20-30 minutes with a journey time around 60-75 minutes. These services drop off at Terminal forecourts. Fare: £7 one way, £10 return/round trip.

The Airbus A2 service leaves King's Cross rail station every 30 minutes and calls at Euston station and some Underground rail stations. The service also picks up at various hotels on its journey to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The first service leaves King's Cross at 07:00, the last at 20:30.

The Airbus Direct service picks up from various central London hotels and drops off at Terminal 4. First bus is at 05:30, the last 15:50. Journey time: 1 hour 40 minutes. Airbus details are available by calling the Heathrow Travel line on 0990 747777. Details and tickets also available from the booths in terminal Arrivals areas.