Heathrow Airport: All the Information You Need

London Heathrow is one of the largest airports in Europe, handling many transit flights. It’s easy to get lost, as in many large airports. But you have us, so we’ll tell you what’s what, so you don’t run around like sparrows looking for bread.

Flight Schedule

Terminals

There are 5 terminals in total at the airport, but currently 4 are operating: 2, 3, 4 and 5, while Terminal 1 is under renovation. Terminal 2 is the newest of all terminals, handling flights for 27 airlines, including members of the airline alliance Star Alliance. Terminal 3 — for long-haul flights to the USA and Asia. Terminal 4 — handles flights for Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Terminal 5 — Exclusively for British Airways and Iberia airlines. Map of all terminals.

How to Get There

Heathrow Airport is located 24 km from central London. You can get to and from the city by: By Bus From the airport’s central railway station to Victoria Station, National Express, runs from 10 pounds sterling. You can also use Megabus buses. The journey takes about 40 minutes. By Taxi London is not cheap as it is, and taxis there cost an unknown amount of money. Be prepared to pay from 65 pounds sterling for a ride. By Train A new high-speed train runs from the airport to Paddington Railway Station. It departs every 15 minutes and costs from 22 pounds sterling one way. By Metro To get to central London, you need to take the Piccadilly Line. It’s the cheapest way, but also the longest — you’ll spend about an hour on the journey.

Visa

A visa is required to visit the UK, and a regular Schengen visa will not suffice. A tourist visa can be obtained independently or through visa centers. If you only have a layover in London, a transit visa might be needed, but not always. At Heathrow, the transit area is arranged so that you can move from one terminal to another directly within it. This type of transit is called airside. If your layover lasts less than 24 hours and you don’t need to change airports or go through passport control, then a transit visa is not required. However, if you are flying out of a different airport during your layover, even within 24 hours, you will need to obtain a transit visa. It costs 80 euros and is valid for 48 hours. You can apply for it in advance, or directly on the spot, but on-the-spot applications are more difficult — you need to convince the officer that you need this visa. Everything here depends on your behavior; if the officer deems you inappropriate, you will not get the visa.

In what other cases is a transit visa not required?

Airport Services

Food Each terminal has cafes, shops, and restaurants. If you only have money left for a burger and a cola, no problem — there are plenty of such establishments. There’s a local “canteen” Pret a Manger — they always have fresh food made from natural ingredients. For Children For children of various ages, the airport offers free playgrounds with slides and educational games. There are separate changing rooms for mothers, and cafes and restaurants have children’s menus. Hygiene If you need to freshen up during your layover, use the showers, which are available in Terminals 3 and 4. In the latter, showering itself is free, but if you need amenities — you’ll have to pay for them. The standard set includes a shower cap, gel, and shampoo. Showers are also available in lounges. Rest and Beauty There’s even a beauty salon at the airport, Be relax. Look for it in Terminal 5. Salon services include: massage, nail care, aromatherapy, and so on. If you want to experience something beautiful, visit the art gallery. You can not only view paintings there but also purchase them. These are works by young artists; you won’t find the Mona Lisa there, of course.

Reference Information

A direct flight to London takes about 4 hours, three and a half hours. Airport Information Phone: +44 (0) 844 335 18 01 E-mail: lhr3feedback@baa.com Official Airport Website: www.heathrowairport.com Base Airlines: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways Related articles about Frankfurt Airport Frankfurt and Dubai.