Heathrow is London's primary global hub and one of the world's major international airports. Located west of central London, it handles a large share of the UK's long-haul and connecting traffic.
Role
Heathrow is London's primary global hub, strongest for long-haul, full-service airlines and connections. See Airlines and routes for the current network and History for how that role developed.
Location
West of central London, near Hounslow and the M25/M4 corridor.
Codes
- IATA: LHR
- ICAO: EGLL
Ground transport
Heathrow has the widest transport choice: Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line, coaches, buses, taxis and road access. See Getting there for the practical comparison.
Terminals
Heathrow operates Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Airline assignments and transfer logistics matter, so use the dedicated Terminals page.
Best for
- Long-haul international flights
- Full-service airlines
- Airline-alliance connections
- West London and Thames Valley access
Watch-outs
Heathrow can be busy, terminal transfers may take time, and premium rail options can cost more than slower alternatives.