Heathrow (IATA: LHR, ICAO: EGLL) is London and Europe's largest airport and the world's busiest airport in terms of international passenger movement, with services available from most major airports world-wide. Currently, four of the five terminals are operational - T2 is closed until 2014 for redevelopment. Flights landing at Heathrow are often delayed by up to an hour as a simple result of air traffic congestion and waiting for parking slots. To complicate the matter, airlines that fly into Heathrow are currently playing a system-wide game of musical chairs as gate assignments are cycled through the new terminal, making it even more necessary for travelers to check their terminal and gate assignment in advance. Do plan your itinerary to allocate some time needed to get through Heathrow Airport T3, it can be long if you are not holding an UK / EU passport. A quick summary of transport options (also see Heathrow Airport):
Fastest: by Heathrow Express rail, (Paddington Station - Heathrow 1, 2, 3 & 5), ☎ +44 845 600 1515, . Every 15 min, journey time 15 min. Travelcard & Oyster card not valid. These train lines terminate at London Paddington which for most people will require a tube, bus, or cab ride to their final destination. Despite the Heathrow Express & Connect's speed, they are often not the fastest way to a final destination in London. One way £16.50, return trip £32 (+ £3 surcharge if bought onboard). �
Second fastest: by Heathrow Connect rail, (Paddington Station - Heathrow 1, 2, 3 & 4), ☎ +44 845 678 6975, . Travelcard & Oyster card not valid to Heathrow. Does not serve Terminal 5. Follows same route as Heathrow Express but stops at several intermediate stations to London Paddington so journey is 25 minutes and trains less frequent.One way £7.90, round trip £15.80. �
Cheapest: by London Underground (Piccadilly line), ☎ +44 845 330 9880, . Every few minutes, journey time approximately 1 hour, however this depends on your destination. For the cheapest single fare ask for an Oyster card (£5 refundable deposit). Zone 1-6 Travelcard valid. If using this method to return to Heathrow during the morning/evening peak, leave plenty of time in departing from central London as trains often get rerouted down the Rayners Lane branch or terminate short at Acton Town or Northfields - even if they were originally designated as Heathrow-bound. Be aware that weekend engineering works can result in replacement buses being run in place of the trains - check with the TFL website beforehand.With Oyster one way £2.00-3.50. �
Bus N9 operates service from midnight to 5:00AM between Heathrow and Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, roughly following the Piccadilly Line into Central London
Taxi. A taxi from Heathrow to central London will cost £45-60. You may wish to consider taking a taxi if you have a lot of baggage or small children. Alternatively catch public transport into the city centre and then catch a taxi. There are two types of taxis: Black cabs (these can be hailed on a street or at a taxi rank) and licensed mini cabs (these are typically cheaper - but must be booked in advance over the phone or on the web). There are over 1000 minicab companies in London. �
Pre-booked Mini Cab. A pre-booked sedan transfer from Heathrow to central London will cost £35-40. This an excellent and cheaper alternative to a black cab. The big advantage is the fixed fare, regardless of traffic conditions or route. There are dozens of companies serving Heathrow, just google 'heathrow minicab'. Once booked, the driver will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name in the arrivals area. Be sure to generously tip the hard-working mostly immigrant drivers. �
Also: to South London, ☎ +44 845 748 4950, . Bus 285 (or taxi) to Feltham railway station (20 minutes) then a train to London Waterloo on the South Bank or Clapham Junction in South West London. Furthermore, bus X26 (limited stop) is an express route stopping in three of South London's district centres: Kingston, Sutton and Croydon. Zone 1-6 Travelcard valid on all London buses and trains.£2 single. �
Airport Parking. Heathrow Terminal 5 Parking.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about London
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