Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
at 0844-335-1801, or visit the helpful website at
www.heathrowairport.com
(airport code:
LHR).
Heathrow has five terminals, numbered T-1 through T-5 (though T-2 is closed for renov-
ation through 2014). Each terminal is served by different airlines and alliances; for example,
T-5 is exclusively for British Airways and Iberia Air flights, while T-1 serves mostly Star
Alliance flights—such as United, USAir, and Lufthansa—plus plenty more British Airways
flights. Screens posted throughout the airport identify which terminal each airline uses; this
information should also be printed on your ticket or boarding pass.
To navigate, read signs and ask questions. You can walk between T-1, T-2 (when it's
open), and T-3. From this central hub, T-4 and T-5 split off in opposite directions (and are
notwalkable).TotravelbetweenT-1/T-2/T-3andeitherT-4orT-5,youcantakeashuttlebus
(free, serves all terminals), or the Tube (requires a ticket, serves all terminals). You can also
connect T-1/T-2/T-3 and T-5 by Heathrow Express train (free, every 15-20 minutes, does not
serve T-4).
If you're flying out of Heathrow, it's critical to confirm which terminal your flight will
use (look carefully at your ticket/boarding pass, check online, or call your airline in ad-
vance)—because if it's T-4 or T-5, you'll need to allow extra time. Taxi drivers generally
know which terminal you'll need based on the airline, but bus drivers may not.
Services:
Each terminal has an airport information desk (generally daily 5:00-22:00),
car-rental agencies, exchange bureaus, ATMs, a pharmacy, a VAT refund desk (tel. 020/
8910-3682;youmustpresenttheVATclaimformfromtheretailerheretogetyourtaxrebate
on items purchased in Britain), room-booking services, and baggage storage (£5/item for up
to 4 hours, £8.50/item for 24 hours, hours vary by terminal but generally daily 5:30-23:00,
www.excess-baggage.co.uk
). Get online 24 hours a day at Heathrow's Internet access points
(at each terminal—T-4's is up on the mezzanine level). Pay Wi-Fi is available throughout
the airport (provided by Boingo,
www.boingo.com
). A post office is on the first floor of T-3
(departures area). Each terminal has cheap eateries.
