London Heathrow airport (LHR)

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the United Kingdom’s main hub and one of the busiest airports in the world. Opened on 1 January 1946 and located to the west of London, it serves as the main operating base for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. It is a key piece of infrastructure for transatlantic and European traffic, operating short-, medium- and long-haul flights to all five continents.

Official Website: heathrow.com

Telephone: +44 844 335 1801

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport has four active terminals (T2, T3, T4 and T5), open 24 hours a day, which are allocated according to the airlines’ alliances:

• Terminal 2 (The Queen's Terminal): Opened in 2014, it is the base for Star Alliance member airlines.
• Terminal 3: Used mainly by Oneworld alliance members and Virgin Atlantic flights.
• Terminal 4: Located to the south of the airport, it operates primarily with SkyTeam airlines and independent carriers.
• Terminal 5: The largest building, used almost exclusively by British Airways and Iberia.

Connections: Terminals 2 and 3 are connected to each other via a pedestrian tunnel. To travel to terminals 4 and 5, you can use Heathrow Express trains, the Elizabeth line or the Underground free of charge, provided you use a contactless card or Oyster Card (no fare is charged for travel between terminals). The H30 bus line connects terminals 4 and 5 free of charge.

Annual Traffic (2024): 83.9 million passengers.

Information Points

In the arrivals area of each terminal, you will find information desks staffed by bilingual personnel. In addition, throughout the airport, assistance staff (“Heathrow Helpers”), identifiable by their purple uniforms, provide immediate guidance. On the ground floor of Terminal 5, there are interactive help screens to facilitate navigation around the airport.

 Location

Heathrow Airport is located in the Borough of Hillingdon, 24 km (15 miles) west of London.

Parking services at London Heathrow airport (LHR)

The airport offers a wide range of parking options to suit different needs and budgets, from short stays next to the terminals to premium valet services and exclusive technological solutions such as Pod Parking.

Terminal Parking (Short Stay)

Recommended for dropping off or picking up passengers, or for short trips. These car parks are located in multi-storey buildings just a few minutes’ walk from each terminal via covered walkways.

• Security: 24/7 surveillance and regular patrols.
• Accessibility: Designated spaces for Blue Badge holders close to terminal entrances.

Park & Ride (Long Stay)

This is the most economical option for longer trips. The service operates under the Park & Ride concept, where you park your vehicle and use a free shuttle bus to your chosen terminal.

• Frequency: Shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day, with a frequency of every 15 minutes.
• Advance booking: Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee availability and secure better rates.

Priority Park & Ride

Designed for business travellers seeking speed and efficiency. These car parks are located closer to terminals 2, 3 and 5 than the long-stay facilities, with more frequent and shorter shuttle transfers.

Pod Parking

An exclusive service at Terminal 5 that uses autonomous, electric vehicles (Pods) to transport passengers from the car park to the terminal in approximately 6 minutes.

• How it works: Pods are requested on demand via a touchscreen at the parking station.
• Sustainability: Zero-emission vehicles operating on a dedicated track.

Meet & Greet and Valet Parking

For maximum convenience, you can drive directly to the terminal forecourt, where a professional driver will take your vehicle and park it in a secure facility. On your return, the car will be waiting for you at the same location.

Terminal Drop-off Charge

Heathrow applies a mandatory charge for each vehicle entering the terminal drop-off zones. This charge cannot be paid at physical barriers; it must be paid online, via automatic payment (AutoPay) or by phone. Blue Badge holders may apply for an exemption.

Official bookings and tariffs: Heathrow Parking Official Booking

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Heathrow Airport is committed to universal accessibility, offering a wide range of services and facilities for passengers with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities (including non-visible disabilities). To ensure a smooth experience, it is essential to notify your airline or travel agency of your assistance needs at least 48 hours before departure.

Requesting Assistance

Airport assistance is free of charge and covers the entire journey, from the point of arrival at the airport to your seat on the aircraft (and vice versa). Although it is recommended to arrange assistance in advance with your airline, if you arrive at the airport without having requested it, you can go to one of the help points; however, you may experience a longer waiting time.

Help Points and Assistance Areas

There are clearly signposted help points marked with a wheelchair symbol in key locations such as car parks, train and bus terminals, and arrivals/departures areas. These are equipped with direct-call telephones to contact the assistance team.

In addition, each terminal has designated special assistance areas located after the security checkpoint, where you can wait comfortably. These areas are equipped with induction loops for passengers with hearing impairments and power sockets for charging electric wheelchairs.

Non-visible Disabilities

Heathrow recognises the Sunflower Lanyard scheme. If you wear this lanyard, airport staff will be aware that you may need more time, additional explanations or specific assistance during security and boarding processes.

In Terminal 3, you will find the Sunflower Room, a calm sensory space designed for passengers who require a relaxed environment before their flight due to conditions such as autism or dementia.

Assistance Dogs

Certified guide and assistance dogs are welcome in all terminals. The airport provides designated relief areas for animals. Passengers must coordinate with their airline to ensure compliance with the United Kingdom’s Pet Travel Scheme requirements before travelling.

Facilities

• Accessible toilets: Available throughout the airport, both before and after security screening.
• Changing Places: Larger accessible toilet facilities equipped with ceiling hoists, height-adjustable changing benches and sufficient space for two carers. These are available in all terminals.
• Wheelchairs: The airport provides transit wheelchairs and the “Staxi” system to facilitate movement along the airport’s long corridors.

Accessible Parking

All car parks offer designated spaces for Blue Badge holders, located as close as possible to terminal entrances or shuttle bus stops. All shuttle buses are fully wheelchair accessible.

Complete accessibility guide: Heathrow Assistance