About heathrow airport
Heathrow airport has 4 terminals. Transfer between Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and Terminal 4 is free on the heathrow express train.
All of the terminals have an information desk, bureaux de change, ATMs, shops, duty-free stores, restaurants and bars. Terminals 2 and 4 have a post office. There is a chapel beside the control tower outside Terminal 2 and a free spectators' viewing area on the roof of Terminal 2.
Getting there by road: Heathrow airport is 15 miles to the west of central London. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are close together in the centre of Heathrow and can be reached via the M4 Junction 4, M25 Junction 15 and the A4 (local road). Terminal 4 is on the south side of Heathrow and is reached via the M4 Junction 3, M25 Junction 14 or the A30 (local road).
For a map of the airport and surrounding area click here. To zoom in further just click on the area of the map you want to enlarge.
For excellent turn by turn directions we recommend the free route planner provided by the AA. Click on this link to jump to the AA website.
Getting their on public transport: The heathrow express train service to London Paddington station takes 15 - 20 minutes. Trains leave every 15 minutes and run 365 days a year. holidayextras offer 'train plus hotel' packages.
The airport is also on the Piccadilly Line, which can take passengers into central London, via Knightsbridge, Green Park, Leicester Square and King's Cross underground stations. Tubes run every five minutes at peak times and every nine minutes off-peak, but the journey is long. Expect it to take between 60 - 90 minutes.
Coaches: the airport bus station is signposted from all terminal. The airbus runs to central London. In addition, many of the national coach networks including National Express run from the airport to various destinations. holidayextras also offer 'coach plus hotel' packages.
Airport Hotels: The only 'on airport' hotel is the Hilton Heathrow - a short walk over a bridge from Terminal 4. However, there are another 50 or so hotels close to the airport offering a 'with airport parking' package, including the 5 star Radisson Edwardian (regularly votes the worlds best airport hotel), 3 Holiday Inns, 2 Marriotts. For more information, including where to book, see our airport hotels page.
Airport parking: Short-term, long-term and 'business' parking facilities are available. Short stay prices are unbelievably high at around £38 for 24 hours (or £2 for 30 minutes).
Long-term and business parking at heathrow airport involve a trip on a courtesy bus. Buses run 24 hours; for on airport car parks allow at least 15 minutes extra for this transfer. Expect to pay around £13.50 a day for long term parking and £24 a day for business parking.
Motorbikes can park free of charge at designated areas at each terminal. Disabled drivers should request assistance from customer service staff at the car parks.