Jazmin Li
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is located in the west of London, 14 miles (23 kilometres) from the city centre, in the borough of Hillingdon. It is the UK's largest and busiest airport, as well as being the busiest airport in Europe and the seventh busiest in the world. The airport is the primary hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with approximately 80 airlines flying to over 180 destinations around the world. Heathrow Airport can be reached by train, Tube, taxi, coach or local bus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 14 miles (23 kilometres) west of Central London |
| Address | Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW6 1NG, United Kingdom |
| Postcode | TW6 |
| Transport | Train, Tube, taxi, coach, local bus, car |
| Closest tube station | Piccadilly line |
| Closest train station | Heathrow Express to London Paddington |
| Number of runways | 2 |
| Number of terminals | 4 (Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5) |
| Primary hub for | British Airways |
| Main operating base of | Virgin Atlantic |
| Number of destinations served | 200+ |
| Number of countries served | 80+ |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Heathrow Airport is located in the west of London
Heathrow Airport began in 1929 as a small airfield called Great West Aerodrome, on land southeast of the hamlet of Heathrow. The name "Heathrow" came from the hamlet, which consisted of farms, market gardens, orchards, and buildings such as Heathrow Farm, Heathrow Hall, and Heathrow House. The airport was opened as London Airport in 1946 and was later renamed Heathrow Airport in 1966 to distinguish it from Gatwick and Stansted airports, which also serve London.
The airport has undergone significant expansion over the years and now has four operational passenger terminals (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5) and one cargo terminal. Each terminal offers a variety of shops, restaurants, currency exchange services, information points, accommodation desks, and left luggage facilities. Heathrow Airport is easily accessible by train, Tube, taxi, coach, or local bus. The Heathrow Express train to London Paddington is the fastest way to travel to and from the airport, taking approximately 15 minutes.
The airport is located near several towns and villages, including Hounslow, Hayes, Staines-upon-Thames, Sipson, Harlington, Harmondsworth, Longford, Cranford, Hatton, Feltham, Bedfont, and Stanwell. Heathrow is separated from Slough, Horton, and Windsor in Berkshire by the M25 motorway.
The FAA and Private Airports: Who's in Control?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is 14 miles (23 kilometres) from Central London
Heathrow Airport is located 14 miles (23 kilometres) west of Central London. It is the UK's largest and busiest airport, as well as being the busiest airport in Europe and the seventh busiest in the world based on passenger traffic. The airport is the primary hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with approximately 80 airlines flying to over 180 destinations worldwide.
Heathrow Airport is easily accessible from Central London by train, Tube, taxi, coach, or local bus. The Heathrow Express train to London Paddington is the fastest option, taking around 15 minutes. The Elizabeth line also offers a convenient connection to major central London stations, with a journey time of about 30 minutes. For those on a budget, the Piccadilly line is a cheaper alternative, although it takes longer, with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes.
If you prefer a more scenic route, you can opt for the local bus, which operates between Heathrow Airport and Trafalgar Square in Central London. The journey takes around 85 minutes, and you can enjoy the sights of London along the way. Taxis are also available at Heathrow Airport, providing a direct journey to your destination in Central London, typically taking about an hour, depending on traffic.
Heathrow Airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1920s when it was known as the Great West Aerodrome, consisting of a single grass runway and a handful of small buildings. Over the years, it has undergone significant expansion, now boasting two parallel east-west runways, four operational passenger terminals, and a cargo terminal.
Ajmer: An Airport-Less City, But Why?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport is in the London borough of Hillingdon
Heathrow Airport is located in the west of London, 14 miles (23 kilometres) from Central London. It is the UK's largest and busiest airport, as well as being the busiest airport in Europe and the seventh busiest in the world in terms of passenger traffic. The airport is the primary hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with approximately 80 airlines flying to over 180 destinations worldwide. Heathrow Airport began in 1929 as a small airfield called Great West Aerodrome, on land southeast of the hamlet of Heathrow. The airport opened in 1946 as London Airport and was renamed Heathrow Airport in 1966.
Heathrow Airport is situated in the London borough of Hillingdon. It covers 4.74 square miles (12.3 square kilometres) and has two parallel east-west runways, as well as four operational passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. The airport is surrounded by several villages and neighbourhoods, including Sipson, Harlington, Harmondsworth, Longford, Cranford, Hatton, Feltham, Bedfont, and Stanwell. To the west, Heathrow is separated from Slough, Horton, and Windsor in Berkshire by the M25 motorway.
The airport falls entirely within the boundaries of the London Borough of Hillingdon and has the postcode TW6. The borough of Hillingdon is located in the western part of London and is home to a diverse range of communities and attractions. The borough has a rich history and offers a mix of urban and rural areas, with parks, open spaces, and historic buildings.
Hillingdon is well-connected to other parts of London and the surrounding areas. It benefits from excellent transport links, including the London Underground network and road connections such as the M25 motorway. The borough also has a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and shopping centres, making it a convenient and attractive location for visitors and residents alike.
Overall, Heathrow Airport plays a crucial role in the UK's aviation industry and is an essential hub for international travel. Its location in the London borough of Hillingdon provides easy access to Central London and surrounding areas, contributing to its significance as a major international airport.
Boarding Areas: Understanding Airport Gate Lounges
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Heathrow is the UK's largest and busiest airport
Heathrow Airport, also known as London Heathrow Airport, is the UK's largest and busiest airport. Located in the west of London, in the London borough of Hillingdon, Heathrow is about 14 miles (23 kilometres) from Central London. The airport is easily accessible by road, with the M4 motorway intersecting with the M25 motorway, which circles London, right at Heathrow. The airport is also accessible by train, with the Underground’s Picadilly line providing a direct route to Heathrow.
Heathrow Airport is the primary hub for British Airways and a base for Virgin Atlantic. The airport has two runways and four operational passenger terminals, with a fifth terminal opened in 2008 serving as a cargo terminal. Heathrow is the largest airport in the UK by value, with a network of over 200 destinations worldwide. In 2019, Heathrow recorded its busiest year, with 80.9 million passengers travelling through the airport.
Heathrow Airport was founded in 1929 as a small airfield, then called Great West Aerodrome, on land southeast of the hamlet of Heathrow. The airport takes its name from the hamlet, which consisted of farms, market gardens, and orchards. During World War II, the airfield was expanded for military use and, after the war, the UK Government continued to develop the site as a civil airport, opening in March 1946 as London Airport.
Heathrow Airport has been recognised for its security measures, winning the International Airport Review award in the 'Security' category in 2017. The airport has also implemented initiatives to enhance the passenger experience, such as the "Fly Quiet & Green" programme, which awards points to airlines based on their performance relative to environmental benchmarks.
Orlando Airport: What's the Clear Advantage?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
It is accessible by train, Tube, taxi, coach, or local bus
Heathrow Airport is located 14 miles (23 kilometres) west of Central London, and it is easily accessible by train, Tube, taxi, coach, or local bus.
If you are travelling by train, the Heathrow Express provides a non-stop service to and from London Paddington in just 15 minutes. The Elizabeth Line also offers a direct and affordable link to central London. The Piccadilly Line on the London Underground connects you to London, with frequent services between the airport and several locations in central London. Journeys to central London on the Piccadilly Line typically take 50 minutes, and trains run throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays. Heathrow Airport has three London Underground stations – one for Terminals 2 and 3, and one each at Terminals 4 and 5.
For those travelling by taxi, Heathrow offers a licensed, on-site, and fully electric car transfer service with fixed rates and service desks in all terminals' arrivals halls. London's famous black taxis also stop at the ranks outside each terminal, with drivers who are fully licensed and have passed the Knowledge of London examination.
If you prefer to travel by coach, National Express offers affordable coach transfers from locations across the UK to Heathrow Central Bus Station (for Terminals 2 and 3) and outside Terminals 4 and 5. Fares start from £10 one-way, and you can book your airport transfer in advance to be dropped off right outside your chosen terminal.
Finally, local bus services such as the RailAir bus and the H30 bus provide connections to stations close to the airport and between terminals.
Bharatpur Airport: WiFi Availability and Internet Access
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Heathrow Airport is located in the west of London, in the London borough of Hillingdon.
Heathrow Airport is approximately 14 miles (23 kilometres) or 32 kilometres (20 miles) west of Central London.
There are several ways to get to Central London from Heathrow Airport, including:
- Train: The Heathrow Express to London Paddington is the fastest option, taking 15-20 minutes.
- Tube: The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow to Central London and the rest of the London Underground network. The journey to Piccadilly Circus takes about 50 minutes.
- Bus: The N9 night bus operates from 11.45 pm until 4.45 am, running about every 30 minutes to Trafalgar Square. The journey takes approximately 85 minutes.
- Taxi: A taxi trip to Central London takes around one hour.
Heathrow Airport has four operational passenger terminals (Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5) and one cargo terminal.
Heathrow Airport began in 1929 as a small airfield called the Great West Aerodrome, located southeast of the hamlet of Heathrow. In 1944, during World War II, development began to expand the airport for long-distance military aircraft. The airport opened as London Airport on March 25, 1946, and was renamed Heathrow Airport in September 1966.
