London Heathrow is the world's busiest international airport. About 90 airlines use London Heathrow as a base, making it one of aviations main connecting hubs. From Heathrow, passengers can fly to at least 180 destinations in 90 countries There are four terminals handing about 68 million passengers annually. A fifth terminal opened in March 2008 is expected to add about 30 million more passengers per year.
Essential Information:
- Heathrow Website
- Distance to nearest major city center - 17 miles to London's West End
- Handiest for - London and the South of England
- Interactive Terminal Map
Transportation options:
- Heathrow Express - non-stop trains to London Paddington.
- Heathrow ConnectCheaper, local service to Paddington and West London Stations.
- London Underground - The Piccadilly Line to Central London about 45 minutes.
- Buses - Local buses from the Central Bus Station to suburban West London stops.
- Taxi - Metered black cabs serve all terminals. Typical fare to Central London is between £40 and £60 and can take about an hour.
- Coaches - National Express is the largest operator, serving destinations throughout the UK.
- Car Rental - All the major operators are present. Full list at the Heathrow Website.
Shopping and Dining:
You can buy almost anything at Heathrow. Shops on both sides of security sell clothing, luggage, shoes, fine jewelry, souvenirs, cosmetics, games, books, cameras and computers.
Several large duty free shops are for travelers heading outside the European Union.
Dining options include a wide range of coffee and sandwich shops, a few pubs and wine bars. As with most airport food services around the world, even simple food costs more than you really want to spend. Terminal shopping concourses usually have seafood bars dishing up caviar, champagne and smoked salmon, but there is no "grand dining" at the airport.
Special Features:
There are a number of soft play areas for children. The bookable KLM Holideck Lounge, next to Gate 17 in Terminal 4, has three levels of entertainments and services suitable for the whole family. Book online or ring (from the USA dial 011) 44 (0)208 750 9881.
