London Heathrow [LHR] Airport, UK

London Heathrow Airport information

As the main transport hub in London's metropolitan area, Heathrow is a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers. According to IATA, the Heathrow Airport code is LHR, and EGLL is its ICAO indicator. It appeared in 1929 as a small airfield and has come a long way to global recognition.

The airport's convenient location and highly-developed infrastructure are two important reasons for its great popularity. The runways and service buildings lie 23 km (14 miles) west of the centre of the UK capital, and are 4.8 km (3 miles) away from Hounslow, Hayes, and Staines-upon-Thames on the other sides. The facility is easily accessible from London via the M4 motorway.

With a maximum of 80 million in annual passenger traffic, Heathrow is Britain's busiest Airport. It features four currently-active terminals offering a total of 115 gates. In addition, the airfield serves cargo flights and has a huge worldwide network of over 350 destinations.

Another highlight of this air getaway is the magnitude of its size. Two parallel east-west runways with a length of 3,902 metres (2.42 miles) and 3,658 metres (2.27 miles) plus administrative buildings and surrounding car parks cover 1,227 hectares. These values mark Heathrow Airport size as impressive.

The main hub of UK civil aviation hosts over 87 domestic and international airlines operating in 185 destinations in 84 countries in Europe, North America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. In addition, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways use it as a base. All these features make LHR Airport a leader in the transportation industry and a perfect destination for travellers from all over the world.

Heathrow Airport address and contacts

You can easily contact the facility by phone number, email, postal services, or get in touch directly. Its exact address is Longford TW6, United Kingdom. This means Heathrow Airport postcode is TW6, Greater London, which corresponds to geocoordinates 51.47115, -0.45649.

For any questions, compliments, complaints, or other feedback, please email at [email protected], or call Heathrow Airport at the contact number - 0844-335-180. A call costs 7p per minute, with the addition of your telephone operator's connection fee. If you would like to send a text message, use the number 0844-571-7410. LHR’s Postal address is Heathrow, PO Box 887, 3 Manor Court, Exeter, EX1 9YT.

Who owns Heathrow Airport?

Heathrow Airport Holdings is the company that possesses and operates London Heathrow Airport. In turn, this company is subordinated to FGP Topco Limited, which is owned by several of the world's leading corporations. The main holders of the consortium are Ferrovial S.A. with 25.00% of the capital, and Qatar Investment Authority controlling another 20.00%. Smaller owners include CDPQ Investment Group (12.62%), GIC (11.20%) and Alinda Capital Partners of the United States (11.18%). Finally, Universities Superannuation Scheme and China Investment Corporation equally share the remaining 20.00% of the consortium's capital.

Closest Airports to London Heathrow International Airport

Heathrow Airport is a perfect starting point for your journey. However, if you prefer, you can choose alternative destinations located in England and internationally. Find more information about the nearest airports below.

Domestic destinations include:

• London City Airport (LCY/EGLC) - 40 km/25 miles
• London Luton Airport (LTN/EGGW) - 59 km/37 miles
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK) - 64 km/40 miles
• London Stansted Airport (STN/EGSS) - 103 km/64 miles
• Southampton Airport (SOU/EGHI) - 106 km/66 miles
• London Southend Airport (SEN/EGMC) - 124 km/77 miles
• Bournemouth Airport (BOH/EGHH) - 146 km/91 miles
• Gloucestershire Airport (GLO/EGBJ) - 161 km/100 miles

If necessary, consider the closest non-UK air hubs. Among them are:

• Brussels Airport (BRU/EBBR) - 322 km/200 miles
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG/LFPG) - 342 km/212 miles
• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS/EHAM) - 359 km/223 miles

Heathrow Airport Covid rules

Currently, arriving and connecting passengers are not required to go into quarantine, or undergo any post-arrival or pre-departure Heathrow Airport Covid test.. However, as the epidemiological situation changes, the requirements may change. Therefore, we recommend that you check on the airport's policy from time to time in the lead-up to your trip.

Departing passengers may need a test at their destination. Check the Foreign Travel Advice website to inspect the Covid rules, including testing regulations, and the type of test accepted by the desired country.

If a health analysis is needed, you can visit one of several Heathrow Airport PCR test locations. Please note that masks are not required, but you must be pre-booked. When you arrive at the airport, allow extra time to take the test and get your certified results, so you don't miss your flight. Listed below are all available PCR points within the terminals:

• PCR. Located in Terminal 3 and costs from £70. It may take up to 48 hours to receive results.
• 4-HOUR PCR. Testing is available in Terminal 3. A single procedure costs from £130 and results appear within 4 hours.
• Same-day PCR. You will pay £90 for testing. The point is located in Terminal 3 while the results are ready on the next day or before midnight the same day.
• Lateral Flow/Rapid Antigen. Based in Terminal 3, testing costs from £40. You receive results within 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can pass remote testing, and then get an official certificate for an extra charge.

Transportation to & from London Heathrow Airport

Inter-terminal shuttles

Connecting passengers can use free shuttles to travel easily between Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. First, you need to get an inter-terminal transfer ticket from the machine at your station. Please follow the flight connection signs to reach the departure area and begin your inter-terminal journey.

Heathrow Airport - London underground

Airport Heathrow has several Underground stations - one for Terminals 2 and 3, with two others serving Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. You may use direct routes from Piccadilly Line stations located between the airport and Cockfosters. Convenient connections to other lines are also available.

Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line

Running between Reading and Heathrow in the west, the Elizabeth Line provides access to east London, Essex, Shenfield, and Abbey Wood. Also, it connects Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, to serve transit passengers.

The Heathrow Express has departure stations at Terminals 2, 3, and 5, and leaves every 15 minutes. The train runs to London Paddington.

Heathrow UK Airport buses and coaches

Arriving and departing passengers at Heathrow International Airport can use coaches and buses for transportation. Coaches run to many local destinations while the London Bus Network also serves major cities within the country. They both stop at Heathrow Central Bus Station, located between Terminals 2 and 3. In addition, coaches have stations near Terminals 4 and 5.

Car hire at Heathrow Airport UK

Get the edge out of riding on four wheels. In the arrivals concourse of your terminal, you can hire a car from major international companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and National. Also, some agencies provide free shuttle transfers from/to the facility.

The best way to guarantee yourself a vehicle is to book your car hire at LHR Airport in advance for your desired dates.

Taxis at LHR Airport

If you want to travel by taxi, hail a classic London black cab or use private companies such as WeKnow and Minicabit. App-based rideshares including Gett, Uber, and Bolt are also available through your smartphone. You can then meet up with your driver when exiting the terminal.

Services and facilities at London Heathrow International Airport

The feeling of comfort and relaxation before and after a flight is the main recipe for a successful journey. With plenty of modern amenities, London Airport Heathrow stands out in this regard. Travellers can enjoy all the following on-site services and facilities:

• Parking
• Food and shopping
• Meet&greet
• Porters
• Wi-Fi
• Heathrow Airport lounges
• Luggage storage at Heathrow Airport
• Welcome desks
• Hair Bar
• Assistance for passengers with disabilities at London Heathrow, UK
• Lost&found at LHR
• Public phones
• Currency exchange
• SIM-cards and phone rentals
• Chargers
• Chapels
• Postal services
• Baggage trolleys
• Conference rooms
• Heathrow Airport smoking area
• Prayer and meditation rooms
• Toilets&showers
• VIP Heathrow
• London Heathrow Airport App
• Pharmacies
• Medical help
• Meeting points
• Family services

About London

As the capital and the largest metropolis in the United Kingdom, London is a major transport, economic, political, and cultural hub. Founded more than 2,000 years ago as Londinium, it has now become a global financial centre comparable to such giants as New York.

London is home to over 100 of the 500 biggest companies on the continent. Also, it’s the most populous destination in the country, which stands as proof of the modern approach to the city's development and lifestyle.

Travellers arriving at Heathrow Airport London appreciate the excellent leisure facilities available around the city. A wide variety of museums, shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and various attractions will keep you engaged at any time of the year.

The main urban highlights are Westminster Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The British Museum and the National Gallery are great places to visit if you want to experience the rich history of the city.

If you like a more active pastime, take a walk in one of the local parks. Hyde Park and St. James Park offer a nature-friendly atmosphere and a breath of fresh air in the midst of a bustling metropolis. Also, don't miss out on seeing the Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace - it's an incredible show.

To add to the experience, London offers other interesting sights, including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Chinatown. In addition, many people come to Heathrow London Airport to enjoy an array of perfect shopping options. Harrods, Selfridge, and dozens of iconic shopping streets are full of designer boutiques and discount stores for you to peruse. The capital of the UK has something special for everyone, so it deserves your attention when planning a weekend or vacation destination.

Cost of living in London, United Kingdom

Due to its high standard of living, London is one of the most expensive cities to reside in. The cost of living per person is around £3,000 ($3,615 or €3,376) per month, which is one-third more than in other similar cities in the UK. Consider prices in London for major spending items - including food, transport, lodging, and more - in the following table.