London Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in the U.K. and acts as a hub for London. It’s situated about 20 miles to the west of the centre of the capital and more than 68 million passengers pass through it each year. Many international airlines operate flights to London Heathrow Airport and you can also get domestic flights to London from a number of U.K. airports.
The airport has two runways and five terminals (although Terminal 2 is currently closed). There are also plans to build a third runway and a sixth terminal.
Terminal 1 is primarily used for domestic flights and by BMI, although some European flights and long-haul flights also operate from there.The terminal has a business lounge, cash machines, baby changing facilities, an airport information desk, Internet terminals, and a range of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Terminal 2, which was primarily used for European flights, closed in November 2009 and is being replaced with a new building, which is scheduled to open in 2014.
Terminals 3 and 4 are mainly used for long-haul flights. Both terminals have cash machines, information desks, Internet terminals and a range of restaurants and shops. Terminal 3 also has a Kids Club lounge and a business lounge, whilst Terminal 4‘s 4Deck Lounge includes a family lounge, a business area and a sports lounge.
Terminal 5, which opened in 2008, is used by British Airways for all of its flights to and from London Heathrow. You’ll find a wide range of shops and restaurants within the terminal, including Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food.
London Heathrow Airport is easy to get to from the centre of London. If you’re driving to the airport, you’ll find both short stay and long stay car parks there.
Heathrow Express trains operate between London Heathrow Airport and London Paddington Station, and run every 15 minutes, whilst the Heathrow Connect service to London Paddington runs every 30 minutes and also stops at the following London stations: Hayes & Harlington; Southall; Hanwell; West Ealing; and Ealing Broadway. Alternatively, you can use the London Underground (Picadilly Line) to get to and from the airport.
There are shuttle buses between the airport and nearby hotels, and a number of bus and coach operators provide services beween London Heathrow Airport and London and other destinations throughout the U.K. There are also taxi ranks at the airport.
