Visiting Heathrow | A Guide by Licensed Heathrow Taxis
Heathrow airport
Located 32km (20 miles) to the west of Central London, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is one of the busiest and most advanced airports in the world. With 190,000 passengers arriving and departing every day, Heathrow handles more international passengers than any other airport in the world.
The airport is spread across five terminals, each with shops, restaurants, currency exchange facilities, information counters, accommodation desks and left luggage facilities.
Heathrow’s latest addition, Terminal 5, opened in 2008 as the airport’s new long-haul base. Heathrow Terminal 5 is the largest freestanding building in the UK and is five times the size of Terminal 4.
Heathrow’s Terminal 2 closed for renovations in late 2009 after nearly 60 years of operation. The new and improved Terminal 2 is due to reopen in 2014.
Licensed Heathrow taxis
Travelling by taxi from Heathrow offers the flexible way of getting into London or beyond. At Heathrow Airport we endorse three distinct fully licensed services. Whether it’s a classic black cab, private hire car or the charm of a personal chauffeur service, there is something that suits all your needs.
Taxis at Heathrow
Iconic London black taxis stop at the taxi ranks outside all Heathrow terminals and can also be booked in advance for a fixed price either online or at the taxi information desks in the arrivals halls of each terminal. All drivers are fully licensed and have passed the world famous ‘Knowledge of London’ examination.
Heathrow to London
Heathrow Express is the fastest way from Heathrow to London Paddington. Our non-stop trains speed you from terminal to city centre in just 15 minutes. Experience airport transfers the easy way, with departures every 15 minutes and tickets available on board, online or on your mobile.
Heathrow by Tube
The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow Airport to Central London and the rest of the Tube system. The Tube is cheaper than the Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect but it takes a lot longer and is less comfortable. Tube services leave Heathrow every few minutes from approximately 5.10am (5.50am Sundays) to 11.45pm (11.30pm Sundays).
Journey time to Piccadilly Circus is about 50 minutes. There are three Tube stations at Heathrow Airport, serving Terminals 1-3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. A single paper ticket from Heathrow (Zone 6) into Central London (Zone 1) costs £5.50. If you’re going to be using London’s public transport system, it’s worth buying an Oyster card. Visit the Transport for London (TfL) website
Heathrow Airport by Coach
National Express runs frequent coach services between Heathrow’s central bus station and Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes between 40 minutes and one hour 30 minutes, depending on the route. Some services stop en route in Hammersmith or Earl’s Court. Standard single tickets cost £6. Services from Heathrow commence at 5.35am and run until 9.40pm.
Heathrow Airport By Bus
Between approximately 11.30pm and 5am (depending on the day of the week), the N9 night busruns about every 20 minutes to Central London (Trafalgar Square). Journey time is approximately 76 minutes. For more information visit the Transport for London website. Standard bus fares apply (£1.40 Oyster/ £2.40 cash) and Travelcards are accepted.
Heathrow pubs and restaurants
If you have ever flown to or from Heathrow, you may be familiar with the Heathrow pubs and restaurants available at the terminals – However, there are a great selection of places to eat in the areas surrounding Heathrow as well and we have gathered a selection of those that we feel are the best.
Car Hire Heathrow Airport
Directions to Avis at London Heathrow
From M4
All Heathrow Terminals are clearly signposted from the appropriate motorways close to London.
Exit M4 Junction 4, sign posted ‘Heathrow Airport’.
- At roundabout take exit sign posted Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
- Keep to inside lane and follow signs to Terminal 4 and Car Rental Returns.
- At next roundabout take the third exit and turn left at lights following signs for Avis.
- Avis is approx 1 mile on the left, you will see the back of the Avis building.
- Take the 1st left at the lights.
Meeting points
- Terminal 1: In the international arrivals area (ground floor), next to the Costa coffee bar.
- Terminal 3: In the seated area in the arrivals hall (ground floor of the arrivals building).
- Terminal 4: Next to WHSmith in arrivals (ground floor).
- Terminal 5: There are two meeting points (north and south) on the ground floor.
Meeting someone from a flight
Before you leave
If you’re meeting someone at the airport, do check the flight is on time before you leave using ourLive flight arrivals page.
You can stay informed on the way to the airport too by using Heathrow’s text message flight information service, Flying Messenger, or our smartphone app.
For directions to Heathrow by car, train or bus, visit our To and from Heathrow section.
Please be aware that for security reasons, vehicles are not allowed to wait on the airport forecourts. If you’re picking someone up by car you should use the Short Stay Car Parks.
At the airport
In the arrivals area, information screens display live flight status information. The status message may be:
- Expected: The flight hasn’t landed yet – you’ve time for coffee or a spot of shopping.
- Landed: Generally, allow 30 – 40 minutes after landing for passengers to clear passport control, baggage reclaim and Customs – longer at busy periods.
- Baggage in hall: Passengers should be in the arrivals area shortly.
