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London Heathrow Airport

London, United Kingdom · Europe

Solid European hub with efficient new security and good rail links but suffers from peak congestion and variable lounge access.

Airportist Score

7.3/ 10

Passengers

80M+

Security

20 min

Nearby airports

Other airports within about 150 km.

All airports

LHREGLLNormal17°C

London Heathrow Airport

London, United Kingdom · Europe

Solid European hub with efficient new security and good rail links but suffers from peak congestion and variable lounge access.

Airportist Score

7.3/ 10

Passengers

80M+

Security

20 min

9 photos

A wide, bright view of the London Heathrow Terminal 2 departures hall with check-in counters, departure screens, and travelers moving through the open concourse. — Photo: commonsabhay
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

A broad landscape view of London Heathrow Airport showing multiple runways, terminal buildings, and an aircraft on approach in the distance. — Photo: Mike McBey
CC BY 2.0 Source

The northbound platform at Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3 station with Piccadilly line signage, tracks, and a train waiting at the platform. — Photo: PEPSI697
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

The main road entrance to London Heathrow Airport with terminal buildings, landscaped medians, and vehicles approaching drop-off areas. — Photo: DiscoA340
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

The Terminal 3 check-in area with airline counters, queue barriers, overhead signage, and passengers waiting with luggage. — Photo: Ian S
CC BY-SA 2.0 Source

The arrivals hall inside Heathrow Terminal 3 with baggage carousel areas, directional signs, and passengers exiting through glass doors. — Photo: Derek Harper
CC BY-SA 2.0 Source

A large digital arrivals board in Heathrow Terminal 4 listing incoming flight numbers, origins, scheduled times, and belt or gate information. — Photo: GeoMancer448
CC BY 4.0 Source

The baggage reclaim area in Heathrow Terminal 5 with multiple carousels, overhead flight information displays, and travelers collecting luggage. — Photo: Mark Hillary
CC BY 2.0 Source

A Hotel Hoppa shuttle bus parked outside Heathrow Terminal 3 after dropping off passengers at the curb. — Photo: Mx. Granger
CC0 Source

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 3 hours early for long-haul

Security and immigration peaks 06:00-10:00 and 16:00-20:00.

Book Fast Track if your flight is within those windows.

Terminal

Confirm terminal before booking

BA uses T5 and T3; Star Alliance mostly T2.

T4 handles some oneworld and independents; inter-terminal buses take 10-20 minutes.

Food

Pre-order via app for pickup

Reserve & Collect skips queues at airside outlets.

Works best for popular spots like The Crown or Giraffe.

Status

Check live security times in app

Typical waits 15-30 minutes; Fast Track from £12.99.

New scanners reduce liquid hassle but queues still form at peak.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for LHR.

Updated Jul 17, 2026

Four active terminals (2, 3, 4, 5); T1 closed
British Airways hub with major long-haul operations
New CT scanners allow 2-litre liquids and laptops in bags (all terminals from 24 Jan 2026)
Over 100 free water fountains airside
Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in 15 minutes
Busy European hub with ~70% on-time departure punctuality in 2025

5 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort7.2

Navigation7.0

Food7.5

Transport8.0

Disruption resilience7.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

80M+

Terminals

4 active terminals

On-time departures

70%

Avg security

20 min

Best For

Fast rail to central LondonNew liquid-friendly securityExtensive free water accessBA long-haul hub

Watch Out For

Peak-hour security and immigration queuesLounge capacity limits without pre-bookingT4 parking changes in 2026Inter-terminal transfers add time

Nearby airports

Other airports within about 150 km.

9 photos

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 3 hours early for long-haul

Security and immigration peaks 06:00-10:00 and 16:00-20:00.

Book Fast Track if your flight is within those windows.

Terminal

Confirm terminal before booking

BA uses T5 and T3; Star Alliance mostly T2.

T4 handles some oneworld and independents; inter-terminal buses take 10-20 minutes.

Food

Pre-order via app for pickup

Reserve & Collect skips queues at airside outlets.

Works best for popular spots like The Crown or Giraffe.

Status

Check live security times in app

Typical waits 15-30 minutes; Fast Track from £12.99.

New scanners reduce liquid hassle but queues still form at peak.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for LHR.

Updated Jul 17, 2026

Four active terminals (2, 3, 4, 5); T1 closed
British Airways hub with major long-haul operations
New CT scanners allow 2-litre liquids and laptops in bags (all terminals from 24 Jan 2026)
Over 100 free water fountains airside
Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in 15 minutes
Busy European hub with ~70% on-time departure punctuality in 2025

5 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort7.2

Navigation7.0

Food7.5

Transport8.0

Disruption resilience7.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

80M+

Terminals

4 active terminals

On-time departures

70%

Avg security

20 min

Best For

Fast rail to central LondonNew liquid-friendly securityExtensive free water accessBA long-haul hub

Watch Out For

Peak-hour security and immigration queuesLounge capacity limits without pre-bookingT4 parking changes in 2026Inter-terminal transfers add time