What time should I leave for Heathrow Airport?

Which terminal is my airline at Heathrow Airport?

Four terminals: check your booking, or use its terminal finder.

Heathrow Airport departures today

Heathrow Airport’s live departures board

Our planner: we build your leave time from the scheduled departure. If the flight is running late we show it, but we don’t move your leave time.

How do you get between terminals at Heathrow Airport?

It's free: inter-terminal trains connect all the terminals.

• “Change at Terminals 2 & 3 and take the free transfer train. These run every 15 minutes and take four minutes.”

What is the airport code for Heathrow Airport?

LHR, for London Heathrow.

Can you get to Heathrow Airport by train?

Yes: Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line.

• Terminals 2, 3 and 5: “The first train leaves Paddington at 04:34 Monday to Saturday and at 04:55 on Sundays.”

Where is Heathrow Airport, and what’s the postcode?

Each terminal has its own postcode: see its car park directions page.

How far is Heathrow Airport from the city centre?

“Travel between Terminals 2 & 3 and Paddington in just 15 minutes.”

• “Journeys to Central London take under 40 minutes.”

Is there a bus to Heathrow Airport?

“Most buses start and end at the Central Bus Station. It is a short walk from Terminals 2 and 3.”

• “You need a ticket or pass for all Heathrow buses, except the free H30 service.”

How much is parking at Heathrow Airport?

Priority Park & Ride, where open, from £47.90 a day on the day.

Heathrow Airport dates this 6 January 2026.

Closed now: “Priority Park & Ride for Terminals 2 & 3 is currently closed to passengers.”

Turn-up prices. Pre-booked shows only as a “from” figure.

Is there meet and greet parking at Heathrow Airport?

Meet & Greet is listed only as "from £143.40", with no duration attached.

Can you change or cancel parking at Heathrow Airport?

“All our pre-booked parking benefits from our flexible cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel or amend your booking up to two hours before your”

Where do you drop off at Heathrow Airport?

Right outside each terminal; no pick-ups or waiting allowed there.

• “The drop-off area for Heathrow Terminal 2 is located off Constellation Way”

More on Picking someone up at Heathrow Airport: Where to pick up ›

What happens if you don't pay or overstay at Heathrow Airport?

Not paying costs £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.

Blue Badge holders: “We will issue a Parking Charge Notice if you don't use a Blue Badge discount for your drop-off and fail to pay the charge.”

• “Non-payment will result in an £80 Parking Charge (PC), reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.”

How much is drop-off at Heathrow Airport?

£7 every time you drive into a terminal drop-off area.

Heathrow Airport dates this 1 January 2026.

• “A £7 charge applies at Heathrow every time a vehicle enters the terminal drop-off areas”

More on Picking someone up at Heathrow Airport: Pick-up charges ›Where to pick up ›

How early should you get to Heathrow Airport?

2 hours for Europe or short-haul, or 3 hours for international or long-haul. Pages differ

Our planner: we aim to have you inside the terminal before a short-haul flight, 2 hours within the UK and Europe, 3 hours beyond Europe; before long-haul, 3 hours. Where Heathrow Airport's own website asks for longer than we usually allow, these use its figure. A planning figure, not a live queue; your airline’s own deadlines come first.

Can you take liquids through security at Heathrow Airport?

Terminals 2, 3 and 5: up to 2 litres, left in your cabin bag.

• Terminal 2: “You can carry liquids in containers of up to 2 litres through security at Heathrow.”

How long are the security queues?

No fixed figure: it posts estimated waits on its passenger updates page.

• “You will find live security and immigration times, so you can get an idea of wait times”

Is there Fast Track security at Heathrow Airport?

“Fast Track Departures is available daily from 06:00 to 21:00, subject to operational requirements.”

• “Fast Track Arrivals is available to passengers arriving at all Heathrow terminals, whatever airline, passport type or cabin class you're travelling with.”

What food and shops are there at Heathrow Airport?

Listed by terminal: restaurants A to Z and shops A to Z.

Is there a hotel at Heathrow Airport?

Terminal 3: “No1 Bedrooms is Heathrow's only airside hotel.”

• “Find hotel reservation desks in the arrivals area of every terminal.”

What’s inside the terminal?

“From entry roads, car parks and stations to shops, departure gates and lounges, our interactive maps will get you exactly where you want to be”

Heathrow Airport · Airport maps page · 6 Oct 2026

Does Heathrow Airport have a lounge?

Yes: lounges in every terminal, bookable in advance.

• “Our stylish and welcoming Terminal 2 Plaza Premium Lounge is the perfect place to relax before travelling.”

How do you book special assistance at Heathrow Airport?

Book through your airline, travel agent or tour operator at least 48 hours ahead.

• “Assistance areas are located in departures (before and after security) and in the arrivals hall.”

Blue Badge drop-off and parking at Heathrow Airport

“Blue badge Account applications must be made at least 7 days in advance of next visit to the Terminal Drop-Off zone.” Pages differ

• “The first 2 hours of parking are free of charge for Blue Badge holders.”

More on Picking someone up at Heathrow Airport: Blue Badge pick-up ›Where to pick up ›

How do you contact Heathrow Airport?

Call its contact centre on 0344 335 1801, or use its online form.

• “Terminal Drop-Off Charge queries: 0333 200 7459”

Where do you report lost property at Heathrow Airport?

“The main lost property office can be found at the Heathrow Express station between Terminals 2 and 3.”

• “All lost property at Heathrow is managed by Smarte Carte UK Ltd.”

Heathrow Airport · Lost property page · 6 Oct 2026