London Heathrow Airport

Guide to London Heathrow International Airport

London Heathrow is one of the busiest in the world, not to mention Britain's largest and busiest. It is located in west London and is a major hub for European air travel. About 63 million passengers pass through Heathrow each year.

Terminals and facilities at London Heathrow

There are four terminals at London Heathrow. Terminal 1 handles all domestic flights, Terminal 2 is mainly for flights to European destinations, while the majority of long haul flights depart from Terminal 3 and 4. The terminals are connected by subterranean walkways and shuttles.

There are numerous bureaux de change and ATMs in all four terminals. There are also several postal facilities on hand. Left Luggage is well organized, and services such as lost property, a health center, and freight services are conveniently offered. The airport caters well for disabled persons with ramps, modified toilets, TDD hearing service, porter and wheelchair assistance, and specially reserved parking areas.

Each terminal offers a variety of shops selling liquor, cosmetics, souvenirs, specialty wares, British crafts, and more. Many convenience outlets are also represented, including Boots (pharmacy), the Tie Rack, WHSmith (books), the Bodyshop, Our Price (music), and Dixons (electronic goods). Many designer shops and the world famous Harrods are also represented. Heathrow also has the world's biggest duty-free hall.

There are plenty of business facilities available at the London Heathrow airport hotels. Numerous airport hotels at all different price ranges are located near Heathrow. You can find the best rates for Heathrow Airport Hotels with DirectRooms, try out their easy to use map search feature.

Fast food outlets at Heathrow include popular chains such as Burger King, Pizza Hut, Costa coffee, and more. A broad range of international cuisine, buffet, and counter restaurants are all provided as well as several bars, coffee shops, and snack stands.

Several major car hire companies are available at London Heathrow. Avis, National, Budget, Thrifty, and other car hire companies are located in the arrivals hall of the Heathrow airport. To get a good rate on London Heathrow airport car hire, go online.

Hotels at London Heathrow

Many airport hotels are offered near London Heathrow. You can usually get a cheaper rate on airport hotels if you book in advance online. For confirmed bookings on London Heathrow airport hotels, click here.

A few of the airport hotels available are the Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza Hotel Heathrow, and Raddison London Heathrow. Booking at an airport hotel will save you the long trip into the city center.

Transportation and parking at London Heathrow International

London Heathrow offers visitors several ways to get into the city. The quickest and easiest rail access into London central is the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station. The Heathrow rail station is a 15 minute walk from the terminals. The Piccadilly line of the London Underground stops at a station for Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and another for terminal 4. You can also take a bus. A Railair bus service departs at least hourly from Heathrow to stations in various parts of the city, and the A2 AirBus service operates from all four terminals into central London every fifteen minutes.

The Hotel Hoppa runs from each terminal to the hotels situated close to the airport. London Black taxi cabs are available outside the arrivals hall of each terminal.

Heathrow offers four main types of airport parking on and around the airport grounds. Short-stay airport parking is available for up to 5 hours. Long-stay, business parking, and valet parking are also offered. Airport parking at London Heathrow can be quite busy, so it's best to book in advance. For good deals on London Heathrow parking, click here.

Car hire at London Heathrow

By car, Heathrow is situated west of London well signposted on the M4. Exit at junction 3 for Terminal 4 and junction 4 for Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Access is also possible from junction 14 off the M25.

If you need to hire a car from London Heathrow, you can do so with any of the several car hire companies represented at the airport. A hire car is preferable, since public transport can be rather expensive. You can book a hire car from London Heathrow airport here.

Although driving a hire car through London can be quite chaotic. A hire car is really the best way to see Britain's countryside and the many attractions that lay outside of the main city.

Website: www.heathrowairport.com

Information: 0870 000 0123