We’re probably not telling you anything you don’t already know when we tell you that “going to the airport” isn’t exactly on everyone’s bucket list. But just like every destination is different, so is every airport. And just as navigating a new city is challenging in and of itself, so is navigating a new airport. How do I get from one terminal to the next? What are the best airport restaurants? Is there anything to do if I have a long layover?
If you’re anything like us, then these are probably the types of questions you have that perhaps you don’t get push notifications for. But never fear, because we have answers to your airport questions with our series of guides to the world’s top airports. Today we bring you theTripItairport guide toHeathrow Airport (LHR).
About Heathrow Airport
希斯罗机场无疑是一个世界busiest, most important airports, seeing a record 78 million passengers in 2017. Those 78 million passengers were distributed across 4 terminals on more than 80 airlines serving 204 destinations in 85 countries. Of the 4 terminals, Terminal 2 and 3 are within a short walk of one another, while 4 and 5 are served by complimentary trains and buses.
Heathrow lies 15 miles (24 km) west of London, and is accessible via theHeathrow Express, which is the fastest transfer between Central London (Paddington) and Heathrow. Nonetheless, the airport is also accessible via theLondon Underground,Heathrow Connect,National Express coach, and of course taxi. If you need to rent a car, you’ll find car rental desks in each of the four terminals at LHR.
Eat
As one of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow has a variety of restaurants to accommodate its international travelers. This includes restaurants likeGordon Ramsay’s Plane Food(Terminal 5) and a number of pub-style restaurants, includingThe Market Gardener(Terminal 3, Arrivals),Prince of Wales(Terminal 4),The Flying Chariot(Terminal 2, before security), andThe George(Terminal 5, before security). Other more proper sit-down restaurants includeCaviar House & Prunier(location in every terminal),La Salle(Terminal 2),Oriel French Restaurant and Bar(Terminal 3 & 4),Strada(Terminal 3),Huxleys(Terminal 5), andThe Gorgeous Kitchen(Terminal 2). For something quicker, considerWagamama(Terminal 5) for noodles and rice dishes, EAT (Terminal 2 & 3) for sandwiches and salads, andWondertree(Terminal 2) for a fast casual restaurant that also has a gluten-free menu.
Drink
As alluded to above, Heathrow has a number of classic pubs where you can belly up to the bar for a drink. This includesPrince of WalesandThe George, both of which have a full drink menu, as well as custom craft cocktails. The Prince of Wales also has an exclusive house ale and a gin and tonic menu. Other good pubs for a drink includeThe Crown RiversandHuxleys, both of which are located in Terminal 5 after security. One of Heathrow’s newest bars isThe Curator, located in Terminal 3, which has an extensive drink menu, including custom craft cocktails. For Heathrow’s version of “drinks with a view,” head toThe Flying Chariot, encompassing two floors and with its own runway views.
Do
Like most international airports of its size, Heathrow has a plethora of shops. This ranges from familiar luxury brands like Gucci, Michael Kors, BVLGARI, and Tiffany & Company, to toy and entertainment shops likeHamleys, Paddington Bear, andThe Harry Potter Shop. Another shop of note isWorld of Whiskies, featuring hundreds of different whiskies from around the world. Unique to Heathrow is theT5 Gallery, which is one of the first permanent art galleries of its kind to be situated in an international airport. Finally, if you have at least a couple hours to spare, pop over to theSofitel London Heathrow, connected to Terminal 5, to enjoy the hotel’s spa. Alternatively, if you want to ditch your luggage for a few hours to travel into London, there are left luggage/baggage storage facilities in each terminal.
Airport Lounges
As one of the busiest airports in the world, Heathrow also has one of the highest number of airport lounges. This includesPlaza Premium Loungesin each terminal,Club Aspire Loungein Terminal 3,Aspirein Terminal 5, andSkyTeam Loungein Terminal 4. Plus, there are a number of airline lounges, including American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and British Airways, which has several lounges since Heathrow is the primary hub for the airline.
Navigate
Use TripIt’sinteractive airport mapsto discover shop, restaurant, and bar locations. You’ll also have everything you need to navigate your way with estimated walk times and step-by-step directions.
