Where is Heathrow Airport?

We’ve all heard of Heathrow Airport (LHR) – the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and one of the top international aviation hubs in the world.

Located in London, it serves as the primary base for British Airways and is one of Europe’s most crucial gateways for transatlantic and global travel.

Handling over 70 million passengers annually, Heathrow is not just an airport – it’s a global crossroads connecting Europe with the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

With its extensive network of airlines, state-of-the-art terminals, and world-class services, Heathrow plays a vital role in the UK’s economy and international connectivity.

Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a frequent flyer, understanding how Heathrow operates will help you make the most of your journey.

Location and Terminals: Where Is Heathrow Airport Located

Heathrow is situated in West London, within the borough of Hillingdon, close to Hounslow and about 23 kilometres (14 miles) west of Central London.

It lies near the M4 motorway and is well integrated into London’s transport network. The address is Heathrow Airport, Longford TW6, United Kingdom and its coordinates are 51.4700° N, 0.4543° W.

The airport consists of four operational passenger terminals:

• Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal

Home to Star Alliance members like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines;

• Terminal 3

Hosts long-haul carriers such as Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines;

• Terminal 4

Serves airlines including Qatar Airways, Etihad, and other carriers from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa;

• Terminal 5

Exclusively operated by British Airways and Iberia (part of IAG).

It is very important to always check your airline and terminal in advance, as the terminals are not all interconnected and require specific transfers. Not checking your terminal in advance could potentially lead to missing your flight or at least making your trip much more stressful.

Access and Transportation

As one of the world’s best-connected airports, Heathrow offers a range of transport choices to suit every traveler’s needs. It all depends on whether you prioritize speed, affordability, or convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to reach Central London and beyond.

By Rail: Fast and Efficient

For those looking to minimize travel time, the Heathrow Express is the fastest option, whisking passengers to London Paddington in just 15 minutes from Terminals 2 & 3 (or 21 minutes from Terminal 5).

Running every 15 minutes, the service includes onboard Wi-Fi and quiet carriages for a comfortable journey.

A more budget-friendly alternative is the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground, which serves all Heathrow terminals.

Though slower (taking 45 to 60 minutes to central destinations like Piccadilly Circus or King’s Cross), trains depart frequently and provide an economical way to reach the city.

By Bus or Coach: Affordable and Extensive

National Express and Megabus operate direct coach services to major UK cities, while local buses connect Heathrow to nearby towns and London suburbs.

All routes converge at the Central Bus Station, situated between Terminals 2 and 3, making transfers simple.

By Car: Flexibility and Parking Options

Heathrow is easily accessible via the M4 (Junction 4) and M25 (Junction 14) motorways. Drivers can choose from several parking options.

Short Stay is a great choice for quick visits, while Long Stay with shuttle transfers is a better option for extended trips.

You can also consider Meet & Greet or Valet Parking for hassle-free service and the Pod Parking (Terminal 5 only), where driverless pods ferry passengers to the terminal.

Booking parking online in advance can save money and secure a spot, particularly during busy travel periods.

With seamless rail links, cost-effective buses, and well-planned road access, Heathrow ensures every traveler finds a suitable route to their destination.

Airlines and Destinations

Heathrow Airport stands as one of the most significant global aviation hubs, connecting the UK to over 180 destinations across six continents.

Its scale and reach make it a central pillar in international travel, and it serves as a key base for both legacy and premium airlines.

As the main hub for British Airways, Heathrow operates a vast network of routes from Terminal 5, linking London to cities around the globe.

Virgin Atlantic, another prominent UK carrier, primarily operates its long-haul services from Terminal 3, offering travellers access to destinations across the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

The airport also hosts world-renowned international airlines such as Emirates, which runs multiple daily flights to Dubai and beyond from Terminal 3, and Qatar Airways, operating from Terminal 4 as one of the leading Gulf carriers.

Other major global names like American Airlines, United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines also have a strong presence at Heathrow, underscoring the airport’s role in transatlantic and intercontinental connectivity.

From Heathrow, travellers can fly to virtually any corner of the world. Within Europe, popular routes include Paris, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

North America is well served with flights to major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Miami.

The Middle East is covered through key destinations like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, while Asia is within reach via flights to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Delhi.

Africa-bound passengers have options to Johannesburg, Lagos, and Nairobi, and although there are no direct routes to every destination in Oceania, connecting flights offer seamless access to Sydney and other major cities in the region.

Services and Amenities

Heathrow is more than just an airport – it’s a shopping, dining and relaxation destination in itself. It offers world-class shopping options including Harrods, Burberry, Dior, Rolex, World Duty Free, and WHSmith. Duty-free prices and VAT refunds are available for non-EU travellers.

The airport also offers a wide range of restaurants from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Here you will find Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, Wagamama, Pret A Manger, Caviar House & Prunier, Starbucks, Costa, and more.

Each terminal features premium lounges for both business and first-class passengers. Options include British Airways Galleries and Concorde Room (T5), Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (T3), Plaza Premium Lounges, and No1 Lounges.

The airport is well-known for its family and special needs facilities, including baby-changing rooms, family seating areas, and soft play zones.

Heathrow offers excellent accessibility for disabled passengers, including help points and trained assistance staff. Last but not least, the airport offers quiet zones, prayer rooms, and multi-faith spaces are available.

Onsite and nearby you can find some excellent hotels including Sofitel (connected to Terminal 5), Hilton Garden Inn (T2 & T3), Premier Inn, Holiday Inn, Radisson Blu, and more.

Always check your terminal in advance. Heathrow is large, and getting between terminals takes time. This is why you should confirm your terminal with your airline beforehand.

It is always a good idea to arrive early. For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure. You can use the Heathrow App for live flight updates, terminal maps, and gate info in one place.