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London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the primary international airport serving London and the busiest airport in the United Kingdom. Opened in 1946, it is located about 14 miles (23 km) west of central London and handles over 80 million passengers annually. The airport has four active terminals (2, 3, 4, and 5) and two runways, making it one of the world's busiest airports by international passenger traffic.
💡 Local Tip
If you're departing from Terminal 5, head to the B gates via the transit train after security; they often have shorter queues and quieter seating than the main A gates.
🚖 Getting There
For the fastest journey to central London, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington, but book in advance for lower fares. The Elizabeth line is a cheaper and still quick option, while the Piccadilly line is the most economical but takes about an hour. Contactless payment or an Oyster card works on all trains and the Underground.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What terminals are at Heathrow?
A: Heathrow has four active terminals: Terminal 2 (The Queen's Terminal), Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 closed in 2015.
Q: How do I get from Heathrow to central London?
A: The fastest option is the Heathrow Express to Paddington (15 mins), while the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line offer cheaper but slower alternatives.
Q: Is there luggage storage at Heathrow?
A: Yes, left luggage facilities are available in Terminals 2, 3, and 5, operated by Excess Baggage Company.
Q: Can I transfer between terminals without going through security?
A: If you are connecting flights, you can use the free Heathrow Express trains or buses for airside transfers, but you may need to clear security depending on your route.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash