Heathrow Airport Terminal Services

Heathrow Airport Terminal Guide

UK’s biggest airport and one of the busiest in the world, Heathrow Airport features 4 fully serviced passenger terminals and a cargo terminal. According to official statistics, in 2021, Heathrow served 19.4 million passengers with an average of 128,178 daily passenger traffic. The airport is used by 89 airlines offering flights to 214 destinations across 84 countries. Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is a hub for Britain’s national carrier, British Airways, and a major port for Virgin Atlantic. Furthermore, it comprises two parallel runways (north-south) and 116 gates. Terminal 1 was permanently closed in 2015 as an endeavor to expand Terminal 2 and now serves as a baggage processing center for Terminal 2. Besides Terminal 1, all other terminals are efficiently working and enabling regular flight operations. Heathrow welcomes flights from more than 200 destinations around the world and is the busiest airport in Europe in terms of international passenger traffic.

Heathrow Airport Terminal Facilities and Services

London Heathrow Airport handles 1,300 flights daily with the help of 4 passenger terminals. The departure gates are located on the upper level of each terminal whereas arrivals take place on the lower floors. Terminals 2 and 3 are within walking distance from each other and easily accessible via a pedestrian underground passage. Terminals 4 and 5 are far away from each other, so passengers can only transfer via the London Underground tube. Here are more details about each terminal and how you can navigate the airport without much hassle.

Heathrow Airport Terminal 1

Inaugurated by the Queen in 1969, Terminal 1 was once the biggest airport terminal in Europe and was operational until 2015. Terminal 1 closed its doors to passengers in 2015 and since then has been operational as a baggage processing center for Terminal 2. Therefore, Terminal 1 is no longer operational for flights and is inaccessible to passengers.

Heathrow Airport Terminal 2

Also known as the Queen’s Terminal, Terminal 2 is the most recent terminal of Heathrow Airport. This terminal was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II herself in 2014. At the moment, it has 32 gates, and a satellite building (T2B). It mostly handles flights operated by airline members of Star Alliance, a few Skyteam air carriers, and several unaffiliated air companies. The terminal is about 40,000 square meters and features a sustainable design, with 124 solar panels on the roof. In the year 2021, 6.1 million passengers traveled through Terminal 2 on 65,839 flights.

Restaurants at Heathrow Terminal 2

Shops at Heathrow Terminal 2

Lounges at Terminal 2

Plaza Premium Lounge

Currency Exchange at Terminal 2

Travelex (Departures, Baggage Reclaim, Arrivals, Gate A16, Check-in, Gate B35)

Luggage Storage Facility at Terminal 2

Excess Baggage Company (Check-in Zone A, Check-In | Zone C, B Gates)

Heathrow Airport Terminal 3

Opened in 1961, originally under the name of the Oceanic, Terminal 3 houses the UK’s first moving walkway. Terminal 3 handles approximately 19.5 million passengers annually and is used by over 20 airlines. The terminal is mostly used for long-haul flights and a few European routes. Terminal 3 is a hub for Virgin Atlantic and also hosts many flights by the national carrier, British Airways. Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 consists of 2 floors with arrivals from the ground floor and departures from the first floor. Passengers flying from Terminal 3 can find a wide range of amenities at the terminal from high street stores to trendy cafes and popular food joints.

Restaurants at Heathrow Terminal 3

Shops at Heathrow Terminal 3

Lounges at Terminal 3

Club Aspire

No.1 Lounges

Hotels at T3 Heathrow

Aerotel

Luggage Storage Facility at T3 Heathrow

Excess Baggage Company (Check-in Zone E, Arrivals)

Currency Exchange at T3

Travelex (Arrivals, Check-in, Baggage Reclaim, Departures)

Heathrow Airport Terminal 4

Designed predominantly for short-haul flights, Terminal 4 opened doors to passengers in 1896 and was inaugurated by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The Terminal underwent a major renovation worth £200 million between 2009-2014. Former home of British Airways, this terminal hosts an average of 10.4 million passengers every year (as per 2021 stats). Terminal 4 is used by over 30 airlines mainly for long-haul and Europe-bound flights. Many major commercial airlines fly from this terminal including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Air France, etc. The terminal welcomes passengers with an extensive range of facilities including high-end stores, popular cafes, and restaurants.

Shops at Heathrow Terminal 4

Restaurants at Heathrow Terminal 4

Lounges at Heathrow Terminal 4

Plaza Premium Lounge

Currency Exhange at Heathrow Terminal 4

Travelex (Gate 7, Arrivals, Gate 21, Check-in)

Heathrow Airport Terminal 5

The newest terminal of Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5 is home to Britain’s national carrier, British Airways and Iberia. This terminal was launched in 2008 and accommodates more than 10 million passengers annually with 5 fully refurbished floors. The size of the terminal is about 353,020 square meters which is nearly the same size as 50 football pitches. It is also the UK’s largest free-standing building with a wide variety of facilities and services such as fast food joints, luxury retail brands, and world-class lounges.

Restaurants at Heathrow Terminal 5

Shops at Heathrow Terminal 5

Currency Exchange at Heathrow Terminal 5

Travelex (Arrivals, Departures, Gate A14, Gate A11, Check-in)

Lounges at T5 Heathrow

Club Aspire

Plaza Premium Lounge

Hotel at T5 Heathrow

Sofitel

Spa at T5 Heathrow

Be Relax Spa (Gate B35, Gate A18)

Heathrow Airport WiFi Service

 

You can stay connected throughout the Heathrow Airport terminal with Wi-Fi to help you stay in touch or plan your travels. Just select "Heathrow Wi-Fi" and follow the instructions on the screen. Once you're registered, you'll have free Wi-Fi for as long as you're at Heathrow.