London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport (LHR / EGLL) sits roughly 15 miles west of central London, positioned at coordinates 51.47°N, 0.45°W in the Thames Valley. It is the United Kingdom's largest and busiest airport and consistently ranks among the most significant international hubs in the world by passenger volume. Operating across two parallel runways, Heathrow serves as the primary long-haul gateway for the United Kingdom, connecting Britain to destinations across North America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Its geographic position in western London, combined with its scale and carrier diversity, makes it the default choice for travellers entering or departing the UK on intercontinental routes.
Overview
London Heathrow Airport (LHR / EGLL) sits roughly 15 miles west of central London, positioned at coordinates 51.47°N, 0.45°W in the Thames Valley. It is the United Kingdom's largest and busiest airport and consistently ranks among the most significant international hubs in the world by passenger volume. Operating across two parallel runways, Heathrow serves as the primary long-haul gateway for the United Kingdom, connecting Britain to destinations across North America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Its geographic position in western London, combined with its scale and carrier diversity, makes it the default choice for travellers entering or departing the UK on intercontinental routes.
London Heathrow Airport is most useful when its route network, ground transport and terminal setup match the trip you are taking. Before booking, compare the scheduled departure time with the airport location, connection window and any baggage or check-in requirements attached to your airline.
Airlines
Heathrow hosts a broad mix of full-service carriers spanning multiple global alliances and independent operators. Among the airlines tracked on routes through this airport are Qantas, Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Nigeria Airlines, Air India, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Gulf Air, and Cyprus Airways. This carrier mix reflects Heathrow's role as a meeting point for oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance networks, as well as independent airlines. Routes tracked from Heathrow reach destinations including Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Boston Logan, New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Tokyo Narita, and Chicago O'Hare, covering destination countries such as Thailand, the United States, Canada, Japan, and Singapore. The presence of carriers from multiple continents means travellers can generally find competitive options on major long-haul corridors, though Heathrow's slot-constrained environment means capacity on any given route may be more limited than at some other large hubs.
For any airport, the operating airline matters as much as the marketing airline shown in a search result. Codeshares, partner flights and regional affiliates can affect check-in desks, terminal use, baggage handling and support if a flight is delayed or changed.
Terminals and Transfers
Heathrow operates across four active terminals — Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 — each serving different airline groupings. Terminal 5 is dedicated primarily to British Airways and Iberia operations. Terminal 2 houses a number of Star Alliance carriers and other airlines. Terminals 3 and 4 serve a further mix of international carriers. Travellers connecting between terminals should allow sufficient time, as inter-terminal transfers require use of the airport's internal transit system and can take longer than expected during busy periods. Passengers are advised to confirm their departure terminal well in advance, as it is not always the same terminal used on arrival, particularly for those connecting between partner airlines.
Connections through LHR need more planning when flights are on separate tickets, when checked baggage is involved, or when the itinerary changes between domestic and international processing. Build a wider buffer if you need to collect bags, move between terminals or pass through security again.
Ground Transport and Trip Planning
London Heathrow Airport ground transport should be planned around your arrival time, luggage and final destination. Public transport can be efficient where available, while taxis, rideshare and private transfers may be easier for late arrivals, families or travellers with multiple bags.
If you are choosing between airports or routes, compare LHR against the destinations currently tracked from this airport, including Bangkok, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco. The best itinerary is not always the cheapest one if it creates a difficult transfer, a tight connection or a long onward journey.
Practical guide
Using London Heathrow Airport without guesswork
Plan LHR around the terminal you use, the type of connection you are making and how predictable you need the trip into London to be.
Confirm whether your flight uses a domestic, international or regional area at LHR. Airport layouts vary, and terminal assumptions are a common source of missed connections.
Heathrow operates across four active terminals — Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 — each serving different airline groupings. Terminal 5 is dedicated primarily to British Airways and Iberia operations. Terminal 2 houses a number
Leave extra time when changing terminals, travelling with checked luggage, or arriving during busy morning, evening, holiday or event periods.
Before you leave for LHR
- 1Confirm the terminal and operating airline before leaving for LHR.
- 2Check baggage cut-off times if you are travelling with checked luggage.
- 3Leave extra time for international processing or terminal changes.
- 4Compare ground transport options against traffic and arrival time.
- 5Recheck the flight status before travelling to the airport.
Start here
Terminal and transfer notes
Confirm whether your flight uses a domestic, international or regional area at LHR. Airport layouts vary, and terminal assumptions are a common source of missed connections.
Heathrow operates across four active terminals — Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 — each serving different airline groupings. Terminal 5 is dedicated primarily to British Airways and Iberia operations. Terminal 2 houses a number
Leave extra time when changing terminals, travelling with checked luggage, or arriving during busy morning, evening, holiday or event periods.
For London Heathrow Airport, the safest connection plan is based on the operating airline, the terminal shown on your booking and whether your baggage is checked through. If the itinerary uses separate tickets, choose a larger buffer.
Airlines
Airlines flying from LHR
Compare the carriers connected with LHR, including airline codes, operating brands and routes currently tracked from this airport.
Routes
Top routes from LHR
Use these route cards to scan popular destinations, estimated distance and flight time before checking live schedules and fares.
Official planning details
Transfers, fares, parking and passenger services at LHR
A source-linked planning layer for details that can change: terminal transfers, transport costs, parking, lounges and accessibility.
Terminal transfer links
TransfersLondon Heathrow Airport transfer details can depend on airline, terminal, baggage handling and whether flights are booked on one ticket. Check the operating airline and airport website before relying on a tight connection at LHR.
Check airport transfer informationTransport fares and local access
FaresTransport costs to and from London can vary by public transport, taxi, rideshare, private transfer, tolls and time of day. Confirm current fares before travelling, especially for late arrivals or peak periods.
Review transport informationParking and pre-booking
ParkingParking at London Heathrow Airport may vary by terminal, short-stay area, long-stay area and online booking rules. Compare official parking options with drop-off, pick-up and ground transport before choosing how to reach the airport.
Review airport parking optionsLounges and eligibility
LoungesLounge availability at LHR depends on airline, cabin, alliance status, membership or paid-entry rules. Check the operating airline before travel because access rules and opening hours can change.
Check lounge informationAccessibility and assistance
AccessPassengers needing mobility, sensory, medical or other assistance should confirm airport facilities and arrange airline assistance before travel. Airline-provided help is usually requested through the airline or booking channel.
Review accessibility informationTerminal and parking maps
MapsMaps are useful for finding check-in areas, arrivals paths, parking locations and ground transport pick-up points at London Heathrow Airport. Confirm the terminal before leaving for the airport.
Open airport mapBudget check
Useful cost notes
Prices can change, so use these notes to spot likely cost items before checking the official source.
Public transport, taxi, rideshare and private-transfer prices around LHR can change by time, distance, demand and local fees.
Parking prices often vary by car park, stay length and whether online pre-booking is available.
Seat selection, baggage, lounge access, tolls and late-night transport can change the real cost of a trip.
Nearby airports
Other airports in United Kingdom
Nearby airport options can help when comparing fares, connection times, ground transport and alternate arrival points in United Kingdom.
FAQ
London Heathrow Airport — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
9 common questions
- London Heathrow Airport is located in London, United Kingdom (Europe), at coordinates 51.470°, -0.450°.
- Its IATA code is LHR and its ICAO code is EGLL.
- London Heathrow Airport serves London, United Kingdom. When comparing fares, check whether other airports also serve the same area — prices and transfer times can differ between them.
- London Heathrow Airport operates on Europe/London local time. Departure and arrival times on tickets are always shown in each airport's local time, so double-check the offset when planning connections or pick-ups.
- London Heathrow Airport sits at latitude 51.470° and longitude -0.450°. The map link in the details panel on this page opens the exact location for driving directions.
- Carriers tracked on routes from LHR include Qantas, Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Delta Air Lines, Gulf Air and 11 more.
- Tracked destinations from LHR include Bangkok, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Tokyo, Chicago and 4 more, spread across 5 countries.
- Its address is Longford, England, United Kingdom, the phone number is +44 844 335 1801, the official website is http://www.heathrow.com/. For flight-specific questions (delays, baggage, rebooking), contact the operating airline directly rather than the airport.
- Yes — Originfacts lists 9 other airports in United Kingdom. The nearby-airports section on this page links to each of them, which is useful when comparing fares or finding an alternative departure point.