London Heathrow Airport, located 23 kilometres west of central London, serves as a major global hub, handling over 80 million passengers annually. As England’s busiest airport, it connects to more than 180 destinations across 80 countries with airlines like BA, Virgin Atlantic, and Emirates. Its extensive transport links, comprehensive facilities, and efficient operations make it a practical choice for travellers seeking a seamless journey.
The key to Heathrow is establishing which is the correct terminal. Aer Lingus fly from Terminal 2, BA from Terminal 5.
Accessing Heathrow is straightforward, with a range of transport options connecting it to London and beyond. The Elizabeth Line offers a 30-minute ride to central London stations like Paddington and Liverpool Street, with fares starting at £5.60 using contactless payment or Oyster cards. The Heathrow Express provides a faster 15-minute trip to Paddington for £25, running every 15 minutes. The London Underground’s Piccadilly Line takes about 45 minutes to reach the city centre, with tickets from £5.50. National Express and Megabus coaches serve Terminals 2, 3, and 5, offering budget-friendly fares from £6 to Victoria Coach Station.
Taxis or rideshare services like Uber cost around £40 to £70 from central London, while drivers can access the airport via the M4 or M25, with short-stay parking near terminals and long-stay options connected by free shuttles. A free drop-off zone is available, though charges apply after 30 minutes.
The airport comprises four operational terminals—2, 3, 4, and 5—each designed for efficiency. Terminal 2, known as the Queen’s Terminal, serves Star Alliance airlines, while Terminal 3 caters to Oneworld carriers like American Airlines. Terminal 4 hosts SkyTeam airlines, and Terminal 5 is BA’ primary hub. Free inter-terminal shuttles and the Elizabeth Line link all terminals, with transfers taking 5 to 15 minutes. Each terminal features check-in desks, self-service kiosks, and bag-drop facilities, with clear signage guiding passengers to security and gates.
Security is streamlined with advanced scanners, allowing liquids and electronics to remain in bags, and most passengers clear in under 10 minutes. However, peak times, such as early mornings or holiday periods, can lead to longer queues due to high passenger volumes or staffing shortages. Fast Track passes, starting at £12.50, help bypass lines. Travellers are advised to arrive three hours early for long-haul flights and two hours for short-haul to account for potential congestion.
Dining and retail options are extensive across all terminals. Passengers can enjoy quick bites at Pret A Manger or Costa, pub fare at The Curator in Terminal 3, or fine dining at Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food in Terminal 5. Terminal 2’s The Perfectionists’ Café offers English classics, while family-friendly menus cater to younger travellers. Retail includes duty-free shops from World Duty Free, stocking luxury brands like Gucci and Rolex, alongside Boots, WHSmith, and designer outlets such as Burberry and Hermès. Harrods in Terminal 5 and Fortnum & Mason in Terminal 2 offer premium gifts, though prices are higher than city alternatives, so budget-conscious travellers may prefer to shop beforehand. A Reserve and Collect service provides up to 10% off select items.
Facilities are modern and comprehensive, with unlimited free Wi-Fi, over 1,000 charging points, and water refill stations throughout. Family amenities include dedicated security lanes, children’s play areas, and baby-changing facilities in every restroom. Accessibility is prioritised, with lifts, ramps, and a Sunflower Lanyard scheme for passengers with disabilities, supported by a dedicated assistance team bookable via the MyWay service. Lounges, such as the Plaza Premium in Terminal 2 or BA’ Galleries Club in Terminal 5, offer snacks, drinks, and showers for around £40, with premium options like the Concorde Room for eligible passengers. Baggage claim areas are efficient, with Excess Baggage Company desks for storage at £7.50 per item per day. Prayer rooms, currency exchanges, and a spa in Terminal 5 add to the convenience, though high-traffic areas can occasionally feel crowded.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with Heathrow handling 1,300 daily flights. However, in 2024, around 30% of flights experienced delays, often due to air traffic control (ATC) restrictions across Europe, weather conditions like fog, or runway congestion, as the airport operates at 98% capacity. Real-time updates are available via in-terminal screens, the Heathrow app, or Flightradar24. Passengers are encouraged to check flight statuses regularly, particularly during winter months when weather disruptions are more frequent.
Connections are seamless, with Heathrow serving as a major hub for BA, Oneworld, and Star Alliance carriers. Minimum connection times range from 60 minutes for intra-terminal transfers to 90 minutes for inter-terminal ones, facilitated by free shuttles and clear signage. Terminals 2 and 3 share a central area, simplifying transfers, while Terminal 5’s dedicated layout streamlines BA connections. However, inter-terminal transfers involving security or immigration can take up to 45 minutes during peak hours, so travellers with tight layovers should plan carefully, especially on budget carriers with limited rebooking policies.
Potential delays often stem from ATC issues, weather disruptions, or operational challenges like baggage handling or gate availability during peak periods.
Security queues can also extend if passenger volumes spike or technical issues arise with scanners. Travellers should confirm their terminal in advance, as airline assignments vary, and allow extra time during busy periods to ensure a smooth departure.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus operates from Terminal 2 at London Heathrow Airport for flights to Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Belfast. Check-in desks are typically in the Check-in Zone A or B (desks 1–20 range), but passengers should confirm via airport signage or the Aer Lingus app. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available 30 hours to 2 hours prior.
Flights to Ireland typically depart from Gates A17–A26 in Terminal 2 (Schengen and domestic areas). Specific gates are displayed on airport departure boards.
London–Heathrow is a major hub for Aer Lingus, with frequent flights to Ireland, hourly for parts of the day. Arrive 90 minutes before departure.
BA
BA flights to Ireland depart from Terminal 5 at Heathrow, their primary hub for short-haul EU routes Check-in Desks Zone C or D in Terminal 5 departures (counters 1-20 for short-haul). Check-in opens 3 hours before departure (04:30 earliest); closes 45 minutes prior. Self-kiosks and bag drop after online check-in (24 hours prior). Overnight bag drop available for early flights.
Departure Gates are usually Gates A1-A25 or B/C piers (A10-A20 for short-haul). Do not take the train to the satellite T5 gates. Gates announced 45-60 minutes before; for Ireland, often A gates. Boarding starts 30-40 minutes prior; gates close 20 minutes before. Use BA app or screens for real-time info.
Terminal 2 airlines
Primarily Star Alliance airlines and some non-aligned carriers; handles many European and intercontinental flights.
Aegean Airlines – Aer Lingus – Air Canada – Air New Zealand – All Nippon Airways (ANA) – Asiana Airlines – Austrian Airlines – Brussels Airlines – Croatia Airlines – EgyptAir – Ethiopian Airlines – Eurowings – Finnair – Iberia – Icelandair – Japan Airlines – LOT Polish Airlines – Lufthansa – Oman Air – Qatar Airways – Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) – Singapore Airlines – South African Airways – Swiss International Air Lines – TAP Air Portugal – Thai Airways – Turkish Airlines – United Airlines – Virgin Australia
Terminal 3 airlines
Mix of oneworld, SkyTeam, and other airlines; serves long-haul routes to the US, Asia, South America, and Europe.
Air Algerie – Air France – Air India – American Airlines – British Airways (select flights) – Cathay Pacific – China Airlines- Delta Air Lines – Emirates – Etihad Airways – Gulf Air – Jet Airways – Kenya Airways – KLM – Kuwait Airways – Malaysia Airlines – Middle East Airlines (MEA) – Pakistan International Airlines – Qantas – Royal Air Maroc – Royal Jordanian – Saudia – SriLankan Airlines – Tunisair – Virgin Atlantic
Terminal 4 airlines
Primarily SkyTeam airlines; focuses on long-haul international flights.
Aeroflot – Air Malta – Biman Bangladesh Airlines – Bulgaria Air – China Southern Airlines – El Al – Georgian Airways – Iberia Express – Korean Air – LATAM Airlines – Pegasus Airlines – TAROM – Vueling
Terminal 5 airlines
Exclusive hub for British Airways and select oneworld partners; dedicated to long-haul and short-haul flights.
British Airways – Iberia – Japan Airlines – Malaysia Airlines – Qatar Airways – Royal Jordanian
