What to Do During a Layover at London Heathrow Airport: Full Guide
Heathrow is a major international airport and serves millions of passengers yearly, the majority of whom transit. The Heathrow Airport holds different lounges, efficient public transport, delicious meals and coffee, and nearby accommodations. Heathrow’s features include a tiny deck to witness planes and a straight train that will get you into London in 45 minutes. Visiting Heathrow? Don’t worry you’ll never be bored of the things to do there even when you are on a layover.
This layover terminals guide will give you help ease your layover at Heathrow by highlighting services such as the lounges, restaurants, and things to do around the airport. It covers all you need to maximize the time that you have.
Navigation Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow Airport offers 5 Terminals, 4 passenger terminals and one cargo terminal, that stretch for miles and kilometers for you to explore. There are over 30 restaurants and more than 60 shops, including many duty-free stores. Heathrow Airport is easy to navigate if you have some basic knowledge of the layout, transit requirements, and amenities available. Here's what every traveler needs to know about a smooth layover.
Terminal Layout and Connectivity
Heathrow has four passenger terminals numbered Terminal 2 to Terminal 5. Each is designed for different airlines and routes. It's easier to navigate the airport if you know the layout of the terminals, especially if your schedule is tight. The terminals are packed with facilities, including shopping and dining areas, but it can be difficult to move between them because they're so large.
Heathrow Express & Shuttle Buses
For those who need to travel between terminals quickly and efficiently, Heathrow Express is the best option. Shuttle buses also connect terminals.
Transfer Time It is important to plan the time it will take to travel between terminals. This can range from a few moments on the Express, to 10-15 minutes with shuttle buses. Heathrow’s information desks and signage can guide you quickly to your destination.
Passport and Security Requirements
Heathrow is known for its streamlined passport control and security checks. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. For international travelers, especially those who are not EU citizens, it may be necessary to go through passport control before connecting to another terminal. Certain layovers in the UK or EU offer simplified transfer procedures.
Tips to Speed Up Security Checks
To save time and avoid delays, make sure all liquids under 100 ml are in a container that is easily accessible. Laptops, electronics, and metal objects should be removed from the bag before you go through security. Heathrow offers family-friendly lanes for security checks, which can be useful if you are traveling with children.
Charge Points and Wi-Fi
Layovers are a great time to catch up with emails, watch movies, or talk to family. Heathrow provides free unlimited internet in the entire airport. This allows travelers to stay connected, without worrying about time limitations. Premium Wi-Fi is available to travelers who need more bandwidth.
Heathrow offers multiple charging stations and USB ports in each terminal to power devices. All terminals have free Power Pole charging outlets both before and after security. You can use them to charge your gadgets. They work with USB cables and plugs from the UK and Europe.
Luggage Storage Options
Heathrow Airport offers luggage storage at several points throughout the airport for those who want to travel without having to carry heavy bags.
Depending on how long you plan to stay in the airport, storage services will keep your luggage safe for several days or even a few weeks. The rates vary depending on the length of time, but it is a flexible option for travelers who wish to travel freely. Excess Baggage Company operates luggage storage facilities in each terminal. The staff at these points are also able to assist with specific storage needs or large items.
- Terminal 2: Zone A check-in, Zone C check-in, and B Gates
- Terminal 3: Arrivals and Zone E check-in
- Terminal 4: Arrivals and check-in
- Terminal 5: Zone B check-in, Zone F check-in, and arrivals
Rates per item: £7.50 (up to 3 hours), £15.00 (3-24 hours), £22.50 (24-48 hours), £30.00 (48-72 hours), £7.50 (for every 24 hours beyond 72 hours).
How to Make the Most of Your Short Layover in Heathrow (0-6 Hours)
If you have up to six hours before your connecting flight, you can stay in the airport and its surrounding areas. There's lots to do at the airport that will keep you relaxed, entertained, and refreshed until your connecting flight departs.
1. Relax and Take a Shower in Premium Lounges
Before your flight, take a shower to freshen up and relax those tense muscles. A number of pay-to-use lounges provide shower facilities. There are around 7 membership lounges and 29 airline-specific lounges at LHR. The membership ones are:
- Terminal 2: Plaza Premium Lounge
- Terminal 3: Club Aspire Lounge and the No1 Lounge Heathrow.
- Terminal 4: Both the Plaza Premium Lounge and the Blush Lounge.
- Terminal 5: Another Club Aspire Lounge.
London Heathrow airport lounges are located in each terminal and offer a friendly atmosphere and peaceful service. You can relax in comfort and style before you board your connecting flight. The lounges offer spacious booths, tables, and an array of beverages, including soft drinks and alcohol, as well as free WiFi and charging stations. Some have showers and private resting rooms.
2. Dine in one of the Huge Selection of Restaurants
The range of restaurants, from Big Smoke, Caffe Nero, Shan Shui, and Wondertree, will satisfy your culinary needs. LHR features plenty of international restaurants, including some excellent fine dining options, a Gordon Ramsey restaurant, and more. Even better, Heathrow is touted as “one of the world’s best airports for food and drink” by several media outlets. Some of the restaurants are:
- Caviar House & Prunier: Terminal 3 & 4 Departures, Terminal 5 near Gate A14
- Gordon Ramsey Plane Food: Terminal 5 Departures
- Giraffe: Terminal 5 Departures
- Fortnum & Mason Bar: Terminal 5 near Gate A15
- Shan Shui: Terminal 2 Departures
Heathrow even allows you to pre-order your food via an app ahead of time if you’re in a hurry and would like to take it on the way to your gate.
3. Go Shopping at LHR's Exclusive Stores
You can shop between flights. Heathrow offers everything from travel essentials, books, and magazines to the latest fashion and technology. Shop at the world's most renowned brands, including Burberry, Bulgari, and BOSS. With over 60 shops and just as many brands London Heathrow is one of the premier shopping airports in the world. There are seemingly endless duty-free shopping opportunities.
Heathrow also offers a personal shopping service, completely free! They have assistants speaking many different languages and can help with everything from watches and jewelry to clothing and beauty products.
4. Get a Spa treatment
Be Relax's spa at Terminal 5 offers tranquillity and peace. Be Relax is located at Terminal 5B Gate 35 or Terminal 5A Gate 8 and offers a range of treatments that will help you relax and rejuvenate before boarding a connecting flight. Massages, manicures, facials, and other services are available from Be Relax, ranging in length between 15 minutes and over an hour.
5. Find Peace in Heathrows Multiple Faith Prayer Rooms
The multi-faith prayer rooms at Heathrow Airport provide a peaceful retreat to meditate or relax. The prayer rooms are located in every terminal. The quiet, comfortable seats, as well as the noise-isolating walls, offer a nice break from the bustle and hustle of the airport terminals. These rooms are perfect for meditation, prayer, or peaceful retreats.
How to Make the Most of Your Long Layover in Heathrow (6-24+ Hours)
If you have a stopover of more than 6 hours, it is advisable to take some time to rest and relax or to explore the sights and attractions around London.
1. Book Your Stay in One of the Hotels
Heathrow has a variety of hotels that are popular. They all offer comfort, space, and great service, and they're only a few minutes walk from the terminal you choose. Although there are no hotels within the airport's guarded area, there are a few that provide day rooms on or close to the airport. You will need to leave and go through security and customs.
These are the most comfortable and best hotels near LHR:
- Aerotel (Terminal 3): new hotel located next to Terminal 3 Arrivals.
- Hilton (Terminal 4): four-star hotel with 3 restaurants, business and fitness centers.
- Sofitel (Terminal 5): luxury hotel with 605 rooms, two restaurants and conference facilities.
2. Take a Trip to London
Allow yourself plenty of time between flights to explore London. Although the Heathrow Express takes only 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport to Paddington, be aware that leaving the airport, visiting other attractions, waiting in lines, and returning may require longer. Take that into consideration if you decide to leave the airport.
London has a population of over 9,000,000 and a total area total 607 square miles. You can't cover the entire city in one day. Do your research, plan ahead, and make reservations. In a city with over 300 different languages, there is a huge amount to do, such as world-class theatres, museums, walking tours, zoos and parks, and the finest restaurants and shops in the world. Check out London Daily Tours.
Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line takes approximately 15 minutes from Heathrow to Paddington while taxi or car travel may take 45 minutes; time may differ depending on traffic conditions.
The Best Sights to See in London During a Layover
- Buckingham Palace
- London Eye
- Westminster Abbey
- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Windsor Castle
- Big Ben
- Hyde Park
Transfеr to & from London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Knowing your transportation choices to and from Heathrow Airport is especially crucial if you intend to explore London during your layover.
- Heathrow Express: offers direct service to downtown with a journey time of about 15 minutes.
- London Underground: More affordable and takes about 45-50 minutes.
- Taxi: A taxi transfer ride to the city takes about 15-20 minutes, but it can be challenging to find one during busy times.
- Private Transfer Service: The private transfer option is quick (15-20 minutes) and is available at a fixed price, making it economical for groups.