Heathrow Airport (LHR)

About Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the UK's largest airport and one of the world's busiest international hubs. Handling over 80 million passengers a year, it connects Britain to nearly every major destination globally and serves as the primary gateway for intercontinental travellers.

London Airport Details – Heathrow Airport IATA, Address and Pin Code

• Official Name: London Heathrow Airport
• IATA Code: LHR
• ICAO Code: EGLL
• Address: Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, London, TW6 1QG, United Kingdom
• Airport Pin Code: TW6 1QG
• Distance from London City Centre: Approximately 23 km (14 miles) west of central London
• Phone Number: +44 844 335 1801
• Old Name: London Airport (used until the 1960s)

How Many Airports in London?

London has six commercial airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), and Southend (SEN). Heathrow handles the majority of long-haul and intercontinental traffic and is the primary arrival point for most Indian travellers.

How Many Terminals in Heathrow Airport?

Heathrow operates four passenger terminals (Terminal 1 was closed in 2015):

• Terminal 2 (The Queen's Terminal): Serves Star Alliance carriers including Air India, United, Lufthansa, and Air Canada.
• Terminal 3: Handles oneworld and SkyTeam partners plus long-haul carriers like Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and Qantas.
• Terminal 4: Serves select KLM, SkyTeam, and charter flights.
• Terminal 5: Exclusively for British Airways and Iberia. The most modern terminal at LHR.

Distance Between Heathrow Airport Terminals

Terminals 2, 3, and 5 are linked by a free inter-terminal train running every 15-20 minutes. Terminal 4 sits on a separate Piccadilly line spur and requires a short underground ride. Allow at least 60-90 minutes if your connection involves switching terminals.

How Many Runways in Heathrow Airport?

Heathrow has two parallel runways, each around 3,900 metres long, alternating daily to limit noise for surrounding communities. A third runway has been approved in principle but faces ongoing legal and political challenges.

Visa and Immigration for Heathrow Airport – Information for Indian Travellers

Indian passport holders must arrange a UK visa before travel. Here's what you need to know:

• UK Visitor Visa: Apply online via gov.uk and book a biometric appointment at a VFS Global centre in India. The UK uses a digital eVisa system with no physical sticker; your visa is linked electronically to your passport. Standard processing takes around 3 weeks; priority options are available.
• OCI Cardholders: OCI status does not grant visa-free entry to the UK. A full Standard Visitor Visa is still required.
• Transit Visa (DATV): Indian passport holders generally need a Direct Airside Transit Visa even when transiting without clearing immigration. Exceptions apply with a valid US, Canadian, Australian, or Schengen visa. Verify on gov.uk before travel.
• Documents Required: Valid Indian passport (6+ months validity), bank statements, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and evidence of ties to India such as an employment letter.
• At Immigration: Non-EEA passengers use UK Border Force staffed counters. Biometrics are captured on first entry. Indian citizens are not currently eligible for e-Gates.

Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel, particularly during summer and December.

Heathrow Airport Lounges and Facilities

• Lounges: British Airways operates its flagship Galleries lounges in Terminal 5. Terminal 2 and 3 have independent options including No1 Lounges and Plaza Premium, accessible via day pass.
• Duty-Free & Shopping: Heathrow is one of Europe's top airport retail destinations, with luxury brands, high-street shops, and a vast duty-free hall across all terminals.
• Dining: All terminals offer restaurants and cafes, from Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food in Terminal 5 to quick-service Indian and Asian options across other terminals.
• Other Facilities: Free Wi-Fi throughout, 24-hour pharmacies, prayer and reflection rooms, children's play areas, hotels on-site (Sofitel and Hilton), and spa services.

Things to Do in Heathrow Airport

• Browse duty-free and luxury retail across terminals. Heathrow's shopping is genuinely world-class.
• Relax at a lounge. Day passes are available for all passengers at No1 Lounges and Plaza Premium.
• Grab a sit-down meal. Terminal dining at LHR is well above average for an airport.
• Rest at the on-site Sofitel or Hilton hotel during long layovers, with rooms bookable by the hour.

Places to Visit Near Heathrow Airport

• Windsor Castle (11 km): One of the world's most iconic royal residences, easy to reach by bus or train and ideal for a long layover.
• Kew Gardens (15 km): UNESCO-listed royal botanic gardens, accessible via the District line.
• Central London (23 km): The Heathrow Express reaches Paddington Station in 15 minutes, giving access to the city's top attractions.

FAQs About London Airport – Heathrow Airport

What is the Official Name of Heathrow Airport?

The official name is London Heathrow Airport, operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited (formerly BAA).

What is the IATA Code for Heathrow Airport?

The IATA code is LHR and the ICAO code is EGLL.

Which Terminals Serve Domestic and International Flights at Heathrow Airport?

All four terminals handle international flights. Domestic UK routes to Edinburgh, Manchester, and Glasgow are served from Terminal 5 and Terminal 2.

Where is Heathrow Airport Located?

Heathrow Airport is located in Hounslow, West London, approximately 23 km from central London.

When Was Heathrow Airport Built?

Heathrow opened as a civil airport in 1946, on land used as a wartime airfield. Terminal 5, the most recent addition, opened in 2008.

Is LHR Open 24 Hours?

No. Heathrow has a nighttime flight ban from 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM. Terminal facilities remain available for passengers with early or late connections, but no scheduled flights operate during this window.

How Far is Heathrow Airport from London City Center?

Heathrow is about 23 km from central London. The Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in 15 minutes, while the Piccadilly line takes 45-60 minutes and is the most affordable option.

What Airlines Operate from LHR?

Over 90 airlines operate from Heathrow, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Air India, Lufthansa, Qantas, United Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, covering over 180 destinations worldwide.

Are There Lounges at Heathrow Airport?

Yes. British Airways' Galleries lounges in Terminal 5 are among the best in Europe. No1 Lounges and Plaza Premium in Terminals 2 and 3 are open to any passenger via a paid day pass.