Where to park in Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport, also known as Heathrow, is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and Europe, having handled the most flight movements in 2014. Each year, it welcomes over 80 million passengers. It is located in Heathrow, in the Hillingdon district, approximately 24 kilometers west of London. Other airports in London include Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted.

Heathrow Airport Terminals

Heathrow Airport consists of four terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 closed in 2015 and is currently undergoing expansion as part of Terminal 2. Terminal 5 is one of the most modern terminals in the world, featuring a cold storage building for climate control.

Terminals and Airlines
• Terminal 2: Star Alliance, China Airlines, and other short-haul carriers.
• Terminal 3: Oneworld, Skyteam, and other long-haul airlines.
• Terminal 4: Oneworld and Skyteam members not served by Terminal 3.
• Terminal 5: British Airways

Getting to Heathrow Airport

You have several options for getting to Heathrow Airport, and all of them are very convenient due to its significance as an airport.

• Heathrow Express: This is the fastest way to reach Heathrow Airport, with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes. Trains run from Paddington Station from 5:15 AM to 11:30 PM. Although it's the quickest option, it's not the cheapest, costing around 29 euros for a one-way ticket or about 42 euros for a round trip. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as they are often more economical.
• Heathrow Connect: This train stops at all stations, so it's not ideal if you're in a hurry. It also departs from Paddington and takes about 30 minutes. The ticket price is 11.80 euros for a one-way trip or approximately 23.40 euros for a round trip.
• Metro: Another option, though the slowest, with a journey time of about 45 minutes. The airport is in Zone 6, and the ticket always costs the same regardless of the terminal, about 7 euros.
• Taxi: This is the best option for those with a lot of luggage. Although it takes approximately an hour, it's a very comfortable option. The cost varies between 60 and 97 euros.

Getting to Heathrow Airport by Car

Getting to Heathrow Airport by car from the heart of London is a straightforward task. The well-developed road network makes accessing this important transport hub, Heathrow Airport, easy. To reach it from central London, you should head towards Heathrow Arpt/Staines/Hounslow and take the A40 or M4, two of the city's main arteries.

The A40 highway will take you directly to Heathrow. This road is ideal if you are in the west of London or nearby areas. On the other hand, the M4 highway is also an excellent route to the airport. Both highways are well-maintained and offer a comfortable and safe journey.

Once you are on the A40 or M4, look for signs indicating "Heathrow Airport." These signs will guide you through the necessary intersections and exits to reach your destination. Heathrow Airport is so relevant and busy that the signage is clear and easy to follow.

Parking at Heathrow Airport

If you are looking for parking at Heathrow Airport, you need to know some things. The airport itself offers parking with several options: short stay, long stay, business, meet and greet, POD parking, and valet parking.

Here are the different options for parking at Heathrow Airport so you don't waste a minute.

• Short Stay: Ideal for short stays, perfect for picking up passengers or short trips.
• Long Stay: Ideal for trips lasting more than two days.
• Business: Perfect for people with limited time, no need to leave the keys, and there are shuttle buses every few minutes.
• Meet and Greet: Similar to short stay, but you hand over the keys to an employee who will take care of your car.
• POD Parking: This is a service only available at the modern Terminal 5. It involves small vehicles (pods) that take you from the parking area to the terminal and can handle heavy luggage. Additionally, they are efficient and eco-designed, making it the most sustainable option for getting around comfortably.
• Valet Parking: Valet parking is the option for those who want to leave their car entirely in someone else's hands. Upon arrival, you leave your vehicle with an employee who will take care of it, and upon return, you don't need to call anyone, as your car will be parked and waiting for you in the short-stay parking.

What Is ULEZ, and How Does It Affect Me on My Journey to Heathrow Airport?

The acronym ULEZ stands for "Ultra Low Emission Zone." ULEZ is a measure implemented by some cities, including London, to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in congested urban areas. ULEZ sets strict emissions standards for air pollutants, especially related to vehicles operating within that zone.

Under ULEZ, vehicles that do not meet the ultra-low emissions standards must pay a fee or an additional charge to enter the designated zone. Vehicles emitting fewer pollutants or that are more environmentally friendly are exempt from this charge.

The primary purpose of ULEZ is to reduce the amount of air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particles, which contribute to public health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. By encouraging vehicle owners to opt for cleaner vehicles or use alternative transportation, ULEZ is expected to contribute to improving air quality in urban areas and reducing negative health impacts on the population.

The ULEZ zone extends to Heathrow Airport (it was expanded in August 2023), and if you have booked valet parking with a vehicle that does not meet ULEZ standards, you will need to pay a fee to move your vehicle from one terminal to another.