Heathrow Airport (LHR) Guide - London Flights

London

General Information

LHR

EGLL

-0.46138900

51.47750000

GMT Standard Time
(GMT +0 hrs)

+44 (0)870 000 0123

+44 (0)20 8745 4290

lhr1feedback@baa....

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London - Introduction

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London Heathrow (LHR) is the world's third busiest international airport. It has the highest number of international passengers, and serves over 180 destinations in more than 90 countries.

Heathrow is the primary hub of British Airways, BMI and Virgin Atlantic.

It is located in the London Borough of Hillingdon 14 mi (22 km) west of Central London, England.

It has two parallel main runways running east-west and five terminals.

The site covers 4.69 sq mi (12.14 square kilometers).

Next: London Driving Directions »

London - Driving Directions

Motorways: M4 Junction 3, M25 Junction 14, A30 (local road) links you to Terminal 4 at Heathrow. Terminals 1,2 and 3 can be reached via motorways: M4 Junction 4, M25 Junction 15, and the A4 local road.

Next: London Public Transport »

London - Public Transport

By Train or Bus:

Heathrow Airport is very well served by public transport – tube, trains, buses and coaches. Let someone else be in the driving seat and use the following pages to plan your car-free journey to and from the airport.

Heathrow Express

The Heathrow Express is a non-stop train service that offers the fastest travel option between Heathrow Airport and central London. Services run every 15 minutes and the journey time is just 15 minutes; 7/8 minutes more to and from Terminal 4.

A standard single fare is £14.50 and a standard return is £27. For details of special offers and to pre-book tickets visit the Heathrow Express website.

From Paddington you can catch trains to the west and south west of England. Paddington is located on the District, Circle, Bakerloo and Hammersmith & City lines of the London Underground network.

For further information on fares and timetables and to book tickets visit www.heathrowexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.heathrowexpress.com or ring 0845 600 1515 (UK only).

Heathrow Connect

The new stopping service between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport calls at Ealing Broadway, WestEaling, Hanwell, Southall and Hayes & Harlington. Running every 30 minutes, the new trains will take you in conmfort from any of theses stations straight to the heart of Heathrow Airport.

Terminal 4 passengers should transfer using the free Heathrow Express service.

Fares

Single fares between Heathrow Airport and the following stations are as follows:

Hayes & Harlington: £6.00

Southall: £7.50

Hanwell: £7.90

West Ealing: £8.40

Ealing Broadway: £8.90

London Paddington: £9.50

For further information on specific fares between alternative stations, please ask at your local ticket office or call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 748 4950.

Times

From Paddington

First train service (Weekday Service)

Departs 04:42 and then 08 and 38 past the hour

Last train service 23.08

From Heathrow Terminal 1,2 and 3

First train service (Weekday Service): Departs 05:36 and then 06 and 36 past the hour

Last train service 00.06

For full train services and information call 0845 678 6975 or visit www.heathrowconnect.com

Penalty fares

A penalty fares system is in operation on this route between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington. Please ensure you purchase your ticket prior to boarding the train.

RailAir

Three direct, luxury coaches from Reading, Watford Junction and Woking rail stations and the 285 bus from Feltham allow you to connect in comfort and in style to the national rail network.

Ticketing is easy. You can buy one ticket from the Heathrow Central Bus Station to cover the coach and train. Coaches run daily from early morning to late at night. The 285 bus runs 24 hours from Heathrow to Feltham station and tickets are available from the driver. You can either complete your journey or connect onto the train.

So whether you’re travelling on business or for pleasure give the Railair connections a try.

Further information

National rail enquires

+44 (0)8457 484 950

www.nationalrail.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalrail.co.uk

Reading Railair

+44 (0)1189 579 425

www.railair.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.railair.com

Watford Railair

+44 (0)8457 222 333

www.virgintrains.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.virgintrains.com

Woking Railair

+44 (0)8705 757 747

www.nationalexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com

285 bus to Feltham

+44 (0)20 7222 1234

www.tfl.gov.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tfl.gov.uk

Underground

London Underground's Piccadilly line provides you with a quick, cost-effective route to the airport from the capital. There is one station (Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3; in fare zone 6) serving the central terminal area. Journey time is under an hour and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train - even off-peak. Purchase a Travelcard and you're covered for buses and some trains too.Underground walkways link the Heathrow tube station with the terminals.

Tickets are available at London Underground stations; from ticket offices or machines.

Note - due to work on extending the Piccadilly line, there is no underground service to Terminal 4 until September 2006. Passengers travelling to and from Terminal 4 can use the replacement bus service between Hatton Cross underground station and Terminal 4.

Train Times

The first train to central London leaves Heathrow central station (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) at 05:13 (05:57 on Sundays) and the last train leaves Heathrow central station (Terminals 1,2 and 3) at 23:49 (23:30 on Sundays). The first train from central London arrives at Heathrow central station (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) at 06:32 (07:51 on Sundays) and the last train from central London to Heathrow central leaves Piccadilly Circus at 00:32 (23:38 on Sundays) arriving at Heathrow central at 01:18 (00:25 on Sundays).

These times are subject to change - it is advisable to check with London Underground travel information (number below) before travelling.

During the night the night bus N9 connects Heathrow with central London. The service runs every 30 minutes and operates from the central bus station.

For London Underground travel information please call +44 (0)20 7222 1234 or visit www.thetube.com.

Coach

Frequent services connect the airport with more than 500 local and national destinations. There are a number of different coach operators with National Express being the largest of them, view timetables and make a booking.

Most coaches pick up and set down passengers at the central bus station, which is located close to Terminals 1, 2 and 3, however, some services stop outside the terminals themselves. Please check with your coach company for exact information.

Coach tickets for all services can be purchased from the travel centre in the central bus station. Tickets for National Express services can also be pre-booked online or by calling + 44 (0)8705 808 080.

Thereare also special Railair coach services to and from Feltham, Reading, Woking and Watford Junction - for passengers wishing to connect with the UK rail network.

Terminal 4

Only limited services stop at Terminal 4. Check with the individual coach company for details. To transfer between the central bus station and Terminal 4 you can take the Heathrow Express free of charge. There is a lift from the central bus station to the underground walkway which leads to Heathrow Express.

The central bus station is open 24 hours a day, and the travel centre is open from 06:00-22:30. The bus station is well signposted from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and is located above the London Underground station. Access to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 is via underground walkways. The approximate walking distance to Terminal 1 is four minutes, to Terminal 2 is three minutes and to Terminal 3 is seven minutes. Trolleys are provided nearby and there is a lift directly from the central bus station down to the underground level.

Setting down coach passengers

Setting down coach passengers? Parking is not available at the central bus station however there is a designated lay-by to set down passengers. This is located on the left of the entrance to the central bus station - if this is full please use the outer lane of Terminal 2 forecourt.

If you are meeting passengers from a coach please use short stay car park 2 located next to Terminal 2.

Useful links

The Airline - Oxford bus (call +44 (0)1865 785 400)

National Express ( www.nationalexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com/destinations/airports.cfm?t" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com/destinations/airports.cfm?t=air& ;agentid=baa1)

Local Bus

Heathrow Airport is served by an extensive network of local buses which operate from the central bus station. Some services also stop at Terminal 4.

Services into west London are part of the Transport for London network. A single adult fare for anywhere in London is £1.50*. All tickets can be purchased on the bus. It is preferable to have the exact fare ready.

The central bus station is open 24 hours a day, however, the travel centre is open from 06:00-22:30. The bus station is well signposted from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and is located above the London Underground station. Access to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 is via underground walkways. The approximate walking distance to Terminal 1 is four minutes, to Terminal 2 is three minutes and to Terminal 3 is seven minutes. Trolleys are provided nearby and there is a lift directly from the central bus station down to the underground level.

Important notes

Parking is not available at the central bus station. If you are meeting or seeing off coach passengers please use Short Stay Car Park 2, located next to Terminal 2. Many bus services around the airport site are free. Please see Travelling around Heathrow map below for further details.

Useful links

London travel information can be found at www.tfl.gov.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.tfl.gov.uk or by calling +44 (0)20 7222 1234.

Taxi

London taxis are available outside each terminal. The cost to central London is £45-£50 and the journey time is approximately one hour.

Travel between Airports

There are various ways of travelling between our airprts. To see the options available view our map (link will launch a 19.3KB PDF) or alternatively see below.

By Coach

Heathrow – Gatwick

The National Express 700 runs every 15-20 minutes in the morning, from outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4. It takes approximately 70 minutes to Gatwick's North and South Terminals. The cost is £17.50. After 12:00 the service operates every 30 minutes until 22:30. Tickets can be purchased at the Bus and Coach information desks located in Terminals 1, 3 and 4 or on the bus itself; subject to availability. The coaches pick up at the arrivals level of Terminals 1, 3 and 4 and set down at the departures level. For Terminal 2, coaches pick up and set down at the departures level.

National Express coaches 707, 717, 727 and 797 also operate half hourly to Gatwick and the journey takes approximately 70 minutes. Coaches run from the central bus station at Heathrow for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and from outside Terminal 4 arrivals. They set down outside Gatwick North and South Terminals. Adult fares are £17.50 single. Tickets can be purchased from the travel centre at the central bus station or from the Bus and Coach information desk on the forecourt of Terminal 4 arrivals.

Heathrow – Stansted

National Express runs a coach every hour between Heathrow and Stansted, with a journey time of approxiamately 90 minutes. Services are less frequent in the evenings, early mornings and throughout the night. Return fares start from £26.

Gatwick – Stansted

National Express runs a coach every hour between Gatwick and Stansted, with a journey time of approxiamately 2 hours 45 minutes. The last service of the day departs Stansted at 21:00, and Gatwick at 22:00. Return fares start from £30.

To book tickets and for further timetable information, please call 08705 808 080 (UK only) or visit www.nationalexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com.

By Train

Heathrow – Gatwick

The Gatwick Express departs every 15 minutes from London Victoria station and takes just 30 minutes to Gatwick South Terminal. Passengers requiring the North Terminal should take the free transit between terminals, which is just upstairs from the train platforms. Gatwick Express trains, from the airport to Victoria station, also depart at 15 minute intervals and have a journey time of 30 minutes.

The Heathrow Express departs from Paddington and the airport stations (Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and Terminal 4) every 15 minutes, with a journey time of 15 minutes. Heathrow Connect services operate between the same stations, but run half hourly and are a slower, stopping service. Passengers can also travel to and from Heathrow Airport and the centre of London on the Piccadilly line tube. Passengers can travel between Victoria and Paddington stations by bus, tube or taxi.

Heathrow – Stansted

Stansted Express trains depart every 15 or 30 minutes with an average journey time of 45 minutes. They run between London Liverpool Street station and Stansted Airport. The Heathrow Express departs from Paddington and the airport stations (Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and Terminal 4) every 15 minutes, with a journey time of 15 minutes. Heathrow Connect services operate between the same stations, but run half hourly and are a slower, stopping service. Passengers can also travel to and from Heathrow Airport and the centre of London on the Piccadilly line tube. Passengers can travel between Paddington and Liverpool Street stations by bus, tube or taxi.

Gatwick – Stansted

The Gatwick Express departs every 15 minutes from London Victoria station and takes just 30 minutes to Gatwick South Terminal. Passengers requiring the North Terminal should take the free transit between terminals, which is just upstairs from the train platforms. Gatwick Express trains, from the airport to Victoria station, also depart at 15 minute intervals and have a journey time of 30 minutes. Stansted Express trains depart every 15 or 30 minutes with an average journey time of 45 minutes. They run between London Liverpool Street station and Stansted Airport. Passengers can travel between Victoria and Liverpool Street stations by bus, tube or taxi.

Hotel Transfers

Hotel Hoppa

Hotel Hoppa buses run between Terminal 1, 2 and 3 and the major hotels situated near the airport. The service runs frequently from 05:30 to 23:30 approximately. To purchase a ticket, or for more information, visit the Bus and Coach information desk in the arrivals area of Terminals 1, 2 or 3. Ticket prices are £3 each way. Children under five travel free and children aged between five and 15 years travel free if accompanied by an adult.

Services depart every 14 minutes throughout the day apart from services to the Comfort Inn, Quality Hotel and the Slough/Windsor Marriott, which depart hourly during the day and half hourly at peak times. Terminal 4 passengers should take the Heathrow Express train service, free of charge, to one of the other three terminals in order to catch the Hotel Hoppa.

The hotels served by the Hotel Hoppa are:

Ariel Comfort Inn Crowne Plaza Heathrow Marriott Holiday Inn (M4, Junction 4) Holiday Inn (A4, Bath Road) Ibis Le Meridien Novotel Radisson Edwardian Renaissance Sheraton Heathrow Sheraton Skyline Slough/Windsor Marriott Thistle Travel Inn Quality Hotel

For more information visit www.nationalexpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationalexpress.com or telephone 08705 808 080.

Hotelink

Hotelink offers a door to door bus service between Heathrow and your London hotel.

There are Hotelink reception desks in the arrivals areas of Terminals 3 and 4 with representatives to meet passengers, escort you to minibuses and assist with your luggage. Passengers arriving at Terminal 1 or 2 should make their way to the airport information desk located in the arrivals area and look out for the uniformed staff holding Hotelink clipboards.

The service runs every thirty minutes from 06:00 to 14:00 and hourly from 14:00 to 22:00 hours. The bus only stops at hotels required by passengers. Ticket prices are £15 single and £30 return (if booked in advance by credit card) or £15 single and £26 return (if purchased on the day). Children under two years old can travel free.

Telephone +44 (0)1293 532 244 or visit www.hotelink.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.hotelink.co.uk.

Next: London Car Parking »

London - Car Parking

Long Stay:

Courtesy bus every ten minutes. Journey time 20 minutes. Ideal for longer trips and family holidays. Book now. Postcode: TW6 2SB

Parking Express

Ideal for longer stays. Serves all terminals. Journey from car park to terminals takes approximately 20 minutes.

To pre-book your holiday parking space use our online booking service or call 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK).

Daily roll up prices

1-4 days: L15.40 per day.

5 days and over: L14.90 per day (for all days)

Operated by Apcoa.

Short stay:

A few metres from the terminal entrance. Recommended for stays of up to five hours. Ideal for seeing someone off or meeting friends and family.

Recommended for stays up to five hours, for example when you want to see off or meet someone from a flight. Each of the four terminals has its own short stay car park. There is also a fifth car park in the central terminal area, car park 1a. For longer stays, we recommend that you use the Long Stay car park.

Short Stay Car Park 3

Please allow extra time on your journey when parking at the new Short Stay Car Park 3.

Duration Price

Up to 30 minutes L2.30

30 minutes-1 hour L3.90

1-1.5 hours L5.80

1.5-2 hours L7.40

2-3 hours L10.20

3-4 hours L13.50

4-5 hours L16.40

5-6 hours L20.30

6-9 hours L29.40

9-12 hours L38.20

12-18 hours L42.50

18-24 hours L44.50

24-36 hours L70.00

36-48 hours L89.00

Over 48 hours L44.50 per 24 hours or part thereof

Operated by NCP (Terminal 1, 2 & 3) and Apcoa (Terminal 4).

Special weekender rate

A special discounted weekend (16:00 Friday - 10:00 Monday) rate of L40.00 is available for customers who stay over a Saturday night and pre-book online. To take advantage of this offer use our online booking service or call us on 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK).

Short stay special

A special short stay rate of L15.50 per 24 hours for customers staying a minimum of 3 days. To take advantage of this offer use our online booking service or call us on 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK).

Height restrictions

All the Short Stay car parks have a general height limit of 2 metres (6' 9").

Vehicles up to 2.6 metres (8' 9") may park on the roof of car park 4 (serving Terminal 4) and vehicles up to 2.4 metres (8') may park on the ground floor of car park 3 (serving Terminals 1, 2 and 3).

Vehicles over this height need to park in Business or Long Stay car parks. Please call the BAA information line on 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44 (0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK).

Alternatively, you can use the West Ramp Coach Park system. For further information, please call the Commercial Transport Team on 020 8757 5551.

Business Parking - Pink Elephant

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 only Courtesy bus every four to eight minutes. Journey time three to seven minutes. Quick and convenient for business or leisure. Postcode: TW6 2RL

Business Parking - Park 1

Terminal 1 only. Courtesy coach every five minutes. Journey time five minutes. No pre-booking service available.

Business Parking - Park and Fly

Terminal 4 only Courtesy coach every five minutes. Journey time eight minutes. Book now. Postcode: TW6 3XL

Recommended for any travellers parking for up to three or four days, especially those wanting greater speed and convenience. Business car parks are located closer to the terminals than long stay car parks and operate a more frequent courtesy coach transfer.

Park 1 (Terminal 1)

The quickest direct transfer service to Terminal 1. Courtesy coach every five minutes, journey time five minutes. Please note: this car park is for Terminal 1 only an there is no pre-booking service available.

Price

L26.50 per day.

Operated by Meteor

Pink Elephant Parking (Terminals 1, 2 and 3)

Courtesy coach to terminals every four to eight minutes, journey time three to seven minutes.

Prices

L21.50 per day

14-28 days L301.00

Day 29+ L21.50 per day

Operated by Meteor

Park & Fly (Terminal 4)

Courtesy coach to Terminal 4 every five to eight minutes, journey time three minutes.

Prices

L21.50 per day or part thereof

14-28 days L301

Day 29+ L21.50 per day

Operated by Central Parking System

To pre-book your business parking space (Pink Elephant and Park & Fly only) use our online booking service or call 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK).

Valet Parking - CPS:

Drop off and collect your car at the terminal. ...or drop off at the terminal and pick up from car park (Terminals 1,2 and 3 only). Ideal for families who want the ultimate in convenience.

Valet parking services are available at all four of Heathrow's terminals. Recommended for the fastest turnaround possible, your car is collected from you on the terminal forecourt and returned to you there when you fly back into the airport. Additional services include car valeting, transfers between airports, personal chauffeuring and car servicing.

Chauffeured Parking Services

Operating at all four terminals. Drive-to receptions are located on the terminal forecourts and are open from 05:30 - 22:00, seven days a week. This service can be pre-booked (details below) or customers can simply drive up during operating hours. Valet parking is operated by two companies at Heathrow..

To pre-book your valet parking use our online booking service or call 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44 (0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK).

British Airways Express Parking

If you're an Executive Club member or passenger travelling in a premium cabin simply drive straight to the designated bays by our reception, located right outside Terminals 1 and 4 and we'll park your car for you. There is no need to pre-book British Airways Express Parking at either terminal but for an even faster service, and to receive Air Miles, book online at www.ba.com or telephone 0870 013 4780. The receptions are open from 05:30 - 22:00, although a car can be collected 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

For an even faster service, passengers travelling through Terminal 1 with hand baggage only, can check in at our reception when they drop off their car (weekdays 06:00 - 10:00).

Duration // Price

First 24 hours or part thereof // L42.95

2 days // L65.95

3 days // L84.95

4 days // L99.95

5 days // L114.95

Additional days // L15 per day

For further information on British Airways Express Parking at Terminals 1 and 4, please call 0870 013 4780

Express Parking is operated by Central Parking Systems, not British Airways plc. The words British Airways and the Speedmarque are Trade Marks used under licence from British Airways plc.

Park and stay - Parking Express and Hilton hotel (nine days)

Terminal 4 only. Includes one night in the Hilton hotel. Includes nine days parking. Ideal for families who want to relax. Postcode: TW6 3AF

Next: London Intra Terminal Transfer »

London - Intra Terminal Transfer

Courtesy coaches connect Long and Business park places with airport terminals. The A2 double decker make frequent transfers between all terminals.

Next: London Car Hire »

London - Car Hire

Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and National have their offices in all terminals.

Next: London Info And Helpdesks »

London - Info And Helpdesks

Information Points

Airport information is available from the information desks in each terminal, operated by BAA Heathrow. Opening times are:

Terminal 1, arrivals concourse: 06:00-23:00

Terminal 2, main arrivals/departures area: 06:00-23:00

Terminal 3, arrivals 05:30-22:30, departures 07:00-21:30

Terminal 4, arrivals concourse: 05:30-22:30

Travel and tourist information

There are bus, coach and rail information desks at Terminals 1 and 3 and a bus and coach information desk outside Terminal 4 Arrivals. Leaflets containing advice on public transport and other tourist information are widely available at information points throughout the terminals.

The Hotel and Traveller centre in Terminal 3 arrivals offers visitor information, as well as London Underground tickets and hotel accommodation.

Help points

Passenger help points can be found at key locations around the airport, eg terminal forecourts, car parks and baggage reclaim halls. Each help point has a map and an internal telephone which can be used to call a porter.

Special needs travellers; elderly or disabled passengers and parents travelling alone with young children, are welcome to use the help points to call for assistance from the Skycap porters. This service is free for these passengers and tips are not expected or accepted.

Lost Property

The airport lost property office is operated by the Excess Baggage Company. The telephone number for enquiries is +44 (0)20 8745 7727. There is a storage charge for items reclaimed from the lost property office. This office is open from 08:00-19:00 Monday to Saturday, and 08:00-16:00 on Sundays. You can also contact them by email on heathrow.lostproperty @ excess-baggage.com.

Baggage handling and delivery at Heathrow is the responsibility of the airlines from the point of check-in to the point of collection. If anything is left on an aircraft or an airline bus your airline should be contacted immediately.

Next: London Airport Facilities »

London - Airport Facilities

Internet Access

Should you wish to use our computers to surf the net Spectrum Interactive have fixed terminals located in two locations after security; next to Costa in UK and Ireland departures and near the passenger transfer area in international departures.

Payment for this service is online with your credit card, or by using pounds sterling(£) and euro(€) coins at the access points themselves.

Cash Facilities

Cash dispensers (ATMs) are available both before and after security control. Most cash dispensers will accept UK bank and building society cards (eg Link affiliated) without surcharge. They also accept major credit cards.

Left Baggage

Each terminal has a left baggage facility for storing luggage for a number of hours or days. Items are security checked. Left baggage offices also offer competitive unaccompanied baggage rates and services and sell luggage and travel accessories. Charges are £6 per item per 24 hours (or part thereof). The service is operated by the Excess Baggage Company, who can be contacted on +44 (0)20 8745 4599. Opening times are:

Terminal 1 (06:00 - 23:00)

Terminal 2 (05:30 - 23:00)

Terminal 3 (05:00 - 23:00)

Terminal 4 (05:00 - 23:00)

Medical

Heathrow Health Centre

Situated on the ground floor of the Queens Building (between Terminals 1 and 2), the Heathrow Health Centre has qualified nurses offering basic treatment services.

Opening hours: 07:00 - 19:00

For further information please call +44 (0)20 8745 7047.

Pharmacy

Boots the Chemist is located before and after security control in each terminal. Though most Boots stores have a pharmacy counter, only the branch before security in Terminal 1 dispenses prescriptions. Please contact the branch in advance on +44 (0)20 8897 2629, to check your medication is available.

Meeting point

Our designated meeting point can be found in the international arrivals area, opposite the BAA information desk and next to the escalator that heads down to London Underground.

Order Currency

Pre-order and pick up at the airport

Make your currency go further and save unnecessary trips to the bank by pre-ordering and picking it up at the airport. More great benefits include:

0% commission. Competitive exchange rates. Over 50 currencies available*. Pay by credit card or debit card ( inc.Switch ).

You can either go online by clicking on one of our partner logos or call +44 (0)870 850 2825.

American Express

Get competitive rates which match major high street banks. No pre-payment is required. Available at:

Terminal 3 before and after security Terminal 4 before and after security

ICE

Pre-payment required and don't forget you can change back any remaining cash commission free - just bring your receipt. Available at:

Terminal 1 before and after security Terminal 2 before and after security

Travelex.

The Travelex price promise means if you find a better deal you will be refunded the difference. Available at:

All terminals (before and after security)

Commission free pre-order service - home delivery

ICE

Get commission free currency direct to your door, with next working day delivery and a 30 day money back guarantee.

Phone and Fax Facilities

Public telephones can be found throughout the airport. Wheelchair accessible telephones and text phones for the hard of hearing are available in each terminal. Payment for these services is by cash and credit card. Fax machines are available in the Heathrow Business Centre operated by Travelex.

Porters

If you would like to use the services of a porter you can use the uniformed Skycap porters. Each transaction costs a flat rate of £7 for a standard amount of baggage.

Porters are available on all the terminal forecourts and in the baggage reclaim halls. They can also be contacted from the telephone help points that are located on the forecourts, in the short stay car parks, the baggage reclaim halls, the underground station and in the central bus station.

For further information telephone:

+44 (0)20 8745 5727 or

+44 (0)20 8745 6011

Post Facilities

Stamps can be purchased in each terminal at branches of WHSmith or Booksplus shops. Post boxes are available after passport control in all four terminals.

Terminal 1

Post boxes and coin operated stamp machines are situated on the departures concourse.

Terminal 2

There is a Post Office in Terminal 2 which is open at the following times:

09:00-17:30 Monday to Saturday

09:00-13:00 Sundays and bank holidays

Terminal 3

Post boxes and coin operated stamp machines only.

Terminal 4

Post boxes and coin operated stamp machines only.

Spectators' Gallery

Please note, the Heathrow spectators viewing area on the roof of Terminal 2 is closed until further notice.

An alternative to the Terminal 2 viewing area is the Heathrow Visitor Centre.

The Heathrow Visitor Centre on the Bath Road offers an interactive exhibition covering the airport's past, present and future. Aircraft movements can be seen from the first floor of this building. Admission is free and the centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users. For further information telephone +44 (0)20 8745 6655.

Smoking Areas

We only allow smoking in clearly designated areas. In the check-in area this can be found at the extreme left side of the building near the WHSmith. Other smoking areas are located to the right hand side of both international and UK & Ireland arrivals.

After security, there is a smoking area in the middle of the airside lounge, as well as at the entrance to Gates 35-56, Gate 2, Gate 5, and Gates 6-8. Smoking is also allowed in some of the airport’s bars and restaurants.

Toilets and Showers

Toilets

Most toilet facilities include a unisex, wheelchair accessible toilet. Occasionally the accessible toilet is located inside the men's and ladies' toilets. Parents travelling with children of the opposite sex are welcome to use the unisex accessible toilets.

Showers

Showers are available in the following locations:

Terminal 1

Luxury shower facilities are available in Rejuve - the first airport wellbeing club. Located after security day memberships start from £25. Find out more about some of the great treatments.

The Flight connection Centre (FCC) has shower facilities in its Comfort and Care Level - Passenger Lounge. This is located after security.

Terminal 2

The Flight connection Centre (FCC) has shower facilities in its Comfort and Care Level - Passenger Lounge. This is located after security.

Terminal 3 - departure lounge

The showers are currently closed for refurbishment and should be open again in November 2006.

Terminal 4

Available in the toilet areas on the arrivals level, before security. Further facilities are available after security control.

Trolleys

Free baggage trolleys are provided in key areas around the terminal building. Please note due to Health and Safety reasons children or adults must not ride on the trolleys.

Worship

St George's chapel

The airport chapel is located beside the control tower and opposite Terminal 2 car park. It is reached by a flight of stairs and is open from early morning to late at night for private prayer and peace and quiet. For times of services, please call the office on +44 (0)20 8745 4261, or ask for details at the BAA information desk in any of the terminals.

A prayer room for all faiths can be found at ground level (above the chapel) as an additional worship facility.

Family Facilities

If you are looking for baby changing areas or simply want to know where to park here is a glimpse at some of our many family facilities:

Food and other essentials

Most restaurants and bars provide high chairs and children's menus. Boots supply baby essentials such as nappies, formula milk and baby wipes.

Child friendly restaurants are easy to find, Garfunkels has a full children's menu complete with activity pack. There is also Giraffe a fun family restaurant in Terminal 1 offering a children's meal deal comprising of a main course, ice-cream and fruit juice for just £5.95. (12:00-15:00 Monday to Friday.)

Baby changing facilities

Baby changing facilities are located with other toilet facilities before and after security control in each of the Heathrow terminals.

Terminal 1: There are numerous changing facilities throughout the terminal, both before and after security. Terminal 2: Six changing facilities available throughout the terminal, both before and after security. Terminal 3: Seven changing facilities available throughout the terminal, three before security control and four after. Terminal 4: Six changing facilities available throughout the terminal, both before and after security.

Play areas

There are a number of unsupervised soft play areas at Heathrow airport including one after security in Terminal 1, by Gates 35-56 (international departures), near Caffè Nero. The play areas are suitable for children aged two to six and also include Fingaboxes which are interactive and educational games consoles aimed at pre-school children.

Passengers travelling from Terminal 4 can keep the kids entertained in the KLM Holideck lounge. For a small fee they’ll have the run of two floors of this purpose-built lounge with views of the runway from the Flight Deck and complimentary refreshments, magazines, interactive toys and games for pre-school children to be found on the Main Deck.

There are also a number of shops in most terminals, such as Game Grid, that have computer and arcade games to keep children and teenagers occupied while you enjoy the shopping.

WHSmiths and World News offer a wide range of magazines, comics and puzzle books to keep children entertained in the departure lounge and in the air. Colouring packs containing crayons and a colouring book can be picked up free from the BAA information desks.

There are a number of play areas at Heathrow airport including one after security in Terminal 1, by Gates 35-56 (international departures), near Caffè Nero.

Passengers travelling from Terminal 4 can keep the kids entertained in the KLM Holideck lounge. For a small fee they’ll have the run of two floors of this purpose-built lounge with views of the runway from the Flight Deck and complimentary refreshments, magazines, interactive toys and games for pre-school children to be found on the Main Deck.

There are also a number of shops in most terminals, such as Game Grid, that have computer and arcade games to keep children and teenagers occupied while you enjoy the shopping.

Parking options

There are a number of parking options all of which are family friendly, why not compare them to see which suits you best.

Viewing areas

Fantastic views of the runways and planes can be found at The Tin Goose and Cafe Nero at Heathrow Terminal 1.

Eating & Drinking: All the Terminals provide eating and drinking places to please all tastes. In Terminal 1 you will find Burger King, Caffe Nero, Costa and the children friendly restaurant Wetherspoon and after security The Caviar House, The Bridge Bar and Est Est Est are some of the places to choose from. Terminal 2 has Pizza Express and La Brioche Doree and after security Cafe Uno, Presto and Wetherspoon. Terminal 3 has Food Village in the Arrivals, Garfunkels, Sbarro and Parallel 54, a wine and cocktail bar. After security you will find O'Neills - Irish pub and grub. Terminal 4 offers Caffe Italia and Wetherspoon and after security Metro, Caviar House and Garfunkels are some of the eateries in the airport.

Shopping: You could shop until you drop at Heathrow and some exclusive stores offer wonderful goods, anything from sweets, cigars, whisky, clothes, jewellery, shoes, books and much more. You can visit, Cartier, Bulgary, Christian Dior, Chanel, Escada, Hackett, Harrods, Mappin & Webb, Mulberry, Tie Rack, Hamleys, The British Museum and many more.

Next: London Conference Facilities »

London - Conference Facilities

Phone and Fax Facilities

Public telephones can be found throughout the airport. Wheelchair accessible telephones and text phones for the hard of hearing are available in each terminal. Payment for these services is by cash and credit card. Fax machines are available in the Heathrow Business Centre operated by Travelex.

Business Services:

However far you are from home or office, we have all the business facilities you need when you pre-book a lounge in the departure area. You can also enjoy internet access at several points both before and after security control.

Lounges

In Terminal 1, as well as airport lounge facility, we also have Rejuve - the first airport wellbeing club.

Rejuve - the first airport wellbeing club

Situated in the international departure lounge, this is a unique concept that aims to re-energise, refresh and relax business and holiday travellers. The club includes an exercise area, treatment rooms, a barber’s area, power showers, juice bar and a private club area. Expert consultants can also recommend the best nutrition, treatment or exercise prior to your journey. Prices start from as little as L25 for day membership. For more information call 0845 222 2644 or visit www.rejuve.info

Business lounges

If you want to upgrade your airport experience, why not treat yourself to a Business Lounge? In this tranquil haven you can prepare for that all important business meeting or simply relax with complimentary drinks and snacks.

Airline lounges

The airlines listed below also provide lounges for their business and first class passengers departing from Terminal 1. Please contact your individual airline for information on opening times, eligibility and facilities.

Airline // Lounge

Aer Lingus // The Gold circle

Alliance // Servisair executive lounge

British Airways // Club Europe, International executive lounge, Domestic executive lounge

bmi // bmi business lounge, diamond club lounge

El Al // King David suite

Finnair // Servisair executive lounge

South African Airways // Springbok - first class lounge, Servisair executive lounge

Cyprus Airways // bmi business lounge

Icelandair // Servisair executive lounge

Brussels Airlines // Servisair executive lounge

South African Airways passengers also have a first class lounge available to them on arrival at Terminal 1.

Meeting Rooms

The Heathrow Business Centre, operated by Travelex, is located in the Queen’s Building between Terminals 1 and 2. It is situated before security, in the public area of the airport (known as landside) and makes an ideal point for those who are flying and those who aren’t, to meet up.

There are 20 meeting rooms available that can be booked through Travelex and some great support facilities such as showers, a theatre-style conference suite that seats 60, access to computer workstations, fax, photocopying, internet, email and audio/video conferencing facilities.

Next: London Handicapped Facilities »

London - Handicapped Facilities

SPECIAL NEEDS:

Parking at Heathrow

For security reasons the blue badge (previously orange badge) scheme does not operate on the Heathrow road system. Unattended cars will be towed away by the police and a fine must be paid in order to retrieve such vehicles.

Short stay car parks

All car park prices are displayed at car park entrances. Clearly signed blue/orange badge parking is available in all short stay car parks located close to terminal access routes. Help points are located near these spaces and assistance is free to those with special needs. Disabled customers - wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage will be provided. Lift the green telephone and request assistance. If you wish to park in blue/orange badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine or by using a help point telephone and asking that the operator be contacted. You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. If you cannot reach the ticket/payment slot, press the help button. For further information or pre-booking please contact the BAA information line on 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK). Our Minitel number is +44 (0)121 410 5284.

Business/Long stay car parks

There are blue/orange badge spaces in business and long stay parking close to bus stops or admin offices. We advise that you contact the appropriate car park in advance in order to arrange suitable arrangements for transfer to the terminals.

Other parking information

All the multistorey car parks have a general height limit of 2 metres (6'9"). Overheight vehicles up to 2.6 metres (8'9") may park on the roof of car park 4 (serving Terminal 4) and vehicles up to 2.4 metres (8') may park on the ground floor of car park 3 (serving Terminals 1, 2 and 3). Vehicles over this height need to park in business or long stay car parks. Please call the BAA information line on 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK). Our Minitel number is +44 (0)121 410 5284. Alternatively, you can use the West Ramp Coach Park system. For further information please call BAA ground operations on +44 (0)20 8745 4625.

Public Transport

Heathrow Airport has excellent public transport connections for all passengers. The Heathrow Express service, London taxis and local bus operators all offer facilities for mobility impaired passengers. Please use the menu on the left hand side to find out more details about the public transport options available from Heathrow.

Heathrow Express (link will launch a new window) travels from Paddington to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in just 15 minutes with a further five/six minutes to Terminal 4. The service operates from 05:00 to midnight daily.

Unaided wheelchair access is available once station staff have released the trolley barriers at the platform entrances. The train's doors are level with the platform at Paddington and at the Heathrow stations. Door control buttons are illuminated, low level and emit an audible signal. Each train offers one space for one wheelchair user, at the end of each train, with a call button located close by. An accessible toilet has been installed every four carriages. There are help buttons on the red pods on the platforms and along the station concourses. Heathrow Express central station is approximately a ten minute walk from Terminal 1, a 12 minute walk from Terminal 2 and a five minute walk from Terminal 3. From the station at Terminal 4 it takes approximately three minutes to reach the check-in hall. There is a free transfer service between Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and Terminal 4.

For further information contact Heathrow Express on: 0845 600 1515

London Underground

Heathrow is connected to central London by the Piccadilly line. There are two Underground stations, one serves Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the other serves Terminal 4 (closed until September 2006 to allow for the extension of the Piccadilly line to Terminal 5). The journey time to central London is approximately 50 minutes.

Both Heathrow underground stations have step free access to the platforms, however many other stations do not. If you are mobility impaired we recommend that you check your route beforehand with London Underground. Tactile and talking maps of the underground are available from London Transport's Unit for Disabled Passengers. For further information call London Underground on +44 (0)20 7222 5600 or visit www.thetube.com (link launches a new window).

Other information

The tube station for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 is located beneath the airport's central bus station and is a five to ten minute walk from Terminals 1 and 2 and a ten to 15 minute walk from Terminal 3. There are help buttons on either side of the up escalators to call station staff who will take you to a lift to reach the ticket office level. From here, there are lifts to take you to ground level and the central bus station. Terminal 4 underground station is located in the terminal. If you are a wheelchair user, you will need to seek assistance from station staff to pass through the trolley barriers. If you need assistance in order to reach check in, there is a help point on the left side as you leave the station concourse.

Bus and Coach Services

Numerous buses and coaches serve both the central bus station (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) and Terminal 4. Certain buses stop only in the central area (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) however you can transfer to Terminal 4 free on the Heathrow Express. If you have mobility problems, look for the Help Bus sign and use the telephone at stand 6 to call the bus.

If you need assistance to reach Terminals 1, 2 or 3 then use the telephone at the help point in the bus station located en route to the Underground.

Several local bus services are now low floor, but long distance coaches tend not to be wheelchair accessible.

Taxi

All 22,000 licensed London black cabs have wheelchair access. There is no need to pre-book a taxi, simply go to the taxi rank on each of the terminal forecourts. At Terminal 1 the taxi will leave the rank and turn into the inner forecourt so that passengers can be loaded safely from the correct side.

Heathrow Help Bus

This is a free wheelchair accessible service to assist passengers with reduced mobility or who are heavily encumbered with luggage.

The help bus operates between all terminals and the central bus station from 06:00-23:00 daily. Drivers are trained to provide assistance. To call the help bus please use the green help point telephone or the special help bus telephones located on each arrivals forecourt and at stand 6 in the central bus station. You can call the help bus direct from any public telephone on 020 8745 6261. Staff at the information desk will also be happy to call the bus for you. There are a limited number of help buses so please allow additional time for your journey.

Help Points

Help points are located on terminal forecourts, short stay car parks, in stations and in baggage reclaim halls. They can also be found on some routes within terminals where there are long walking distances.

Help points are green with a location map and two telephones - one for calling a Skycap porter and the other (generally green) for use by people with special needs who require assistance.

Assistance is free if you have special needs and you can request wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage in order to reach check-in. This assistance can also be pre-booked with Skycaps. Please call +44 (0)20 8745 6011/5727 for more information.

In the Terminals

Facilities for the hard of hearing and the blind and partially sighted

Induction loops are found in various locations throughout the airport, where signs showing the 'sympathetic ear' symbol will be displayed Payphones and credit card telephones are available in all parts of the airport and are adapted for hearing aids. There are also text pay phones in the arrivals area of each terminal, after exiting customs.

Reserved seating areas

Reserved seating areas, identified by the use of special needs pictograms, are located in all terminals within the general seating areas. They aim to have the following features:

Low level flight information screens. An induction loop. Arms on both sides of seats. Space for wheelchair users.

Security checks

The safety and security of our passengers is our number one priority. All passengers must pass through security control before they enter the departure lounges. Wheelchair users will inevitably activate the archway metal detector, and security personnel are obliged to hand search passengers who activate the alarms: therefore chair and passenger will be searched. You can ask to be searched in private, away from the main security control area if you prefer.

Toilets

Most toilet blocks include a unisex accessible toilet nearby. Occasionally the accessible toilet is located inside the mens and ladies toilets. Parents travelling with children of the opposite sex are welcome to use the unisex accessible toilets.

For further enquiries about special needs assistance at Heathrow Airport please call + 44 (0)870 000 0123. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please call the Heathrow minicom service on +44 (0)20 8745 7950.

Guide and hearing dogs are the only dogs allowed in the terminal buildings. The airport's directional signs are black on yellow providing optimum contrast to assist all users.

Shopping Assistance

Gatwick, Stansted, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports have Personal Shoppers who will help you with your purchases in the shops after security control. At Heathrow this service is provided by Shopping Consultants, who, due to the large number of people that pass through the airport, are only available to advise you on purchases, rather than accompany you while shopping.

BAA airports also offer a Shopping Collection service for passengers travelling within the EU (excluding UK and Ireland flights to/from Heathrow). This allows you to buy before you fly, and collect on your return – saving you the trouble of carrying heavy or fragile goods to and from your holiday destination.

For further information on these services call the shopping information line on 0870 850 2825 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (outside the UK).

Next: London Wireless Lan »

London - Wireless Lan

Boingo provide WiFi internet access in various departure lounges, including all British Airways lounges, throughout terminals 1-4. ($21.95 per month).

iPass provide WiFi internet access in the designated Wifi Zone in Terminals 1-4 and select departure lounges.

NTT DoCoMo Namikiteru provide WiFi internet access in select departure lounges. ($29.99 per month // $0.25/minute + $20 activation fee)

T-mobile (UK) provide WiFi internet access through airport. (L5.00 per hour / L10.00 per day / L40.00 per month)

BTOpenzone provide WiFi internet access in the designated Wifi Zone in Terminals 1-4. (L6.00 per hour / L10.00 per day / L40.00 per month / 20 pence per minute, various monthly usage plans available)

CredEcard provide WiFi internet access in the designated Wifi Zone in Terminals 1-4. (10 pence/minute with discounts for prepaid blocks)

Sprint provide WiFi internet access in the designated Wifi Zone in Terminals 1-4. ($9.95 per day / $49.95 per month)

The Cloud provide WiFi internet access in the designated Wifi Zone in Terminals 1-4.

Next: London Hotels »

London - Hotels

Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel

140 Bath Road, Hayes Middlesex UB3 5AW, England

Telephone: + 44 (0)20 8759 6311

Fax: + 44 (0)20 8759 4559

Our Hotel - Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel

The Radisson Edwardian Heathrow airport hotel is a five star luxury hotel, voted the World's best airport hotel several times by readers of Business Traveller magazine. Heathrow hotels don't come much better than this. Superbly designed and decorated with Oriental artefacts, designer furniture and specially commissioned artwork, offering complimentary wireless internet access throughout, this London Heathrow hotel is one of the finest airport hotels in the world. Facilities at this 5 star Heathrow hotel include a luxury health spa and gym, a hairdresser, newsagent, jewellery store, business centre, a choice of restaurants and bars and a magnificent customised glass atrium ideal for entertaining and gatherings on a grand scale, all complimented by industry leading meeting facilities. Step into a magnificent, bright and airy lobby designed with marble floors and original artefacts giving a luxurious yet uncluttered appearance. Our welcoming staff strive to meet your requirements and requests as quickly as possible. Your stay at a Heathrow hotel need not be stressful or rushed if you choose the Radisson Edwardian London Heathrow hotel. Step into a magnificent, bright and airy lobby designed with marble floors and original artefacts giving a luxurious yet uncluttered appearance. Our welcoming staff strive to meet your requirements and requests as quickly as possible. Our London Heathrow hotel is not far from the local attractions of Windsor Castle and the Royal Park, Twickenham International Rugby, Legoland and Chessington World of Adventures.

Our Location

Situated only minutes from the main Heathrow airport arrivals and departures terminals and with easy access to M25, M40 and M4 motorways, and the Piccadilly underground, this London Heathrow hotel makes a perfect base for stopovers, meetings or for travelling to and from London. Alternatively many other people choose to avoid a last minute rush to the airport, or an extremely early start, by staying the night before their flight at our deluxe Heathrow airport hotel.

Sheraton Skyline Hotel & Conference Centre

Heathrow Airport, Bath Road · Hayes UB3 5BP · United Kingdom

Phone: (44)(208) 7592535

to airport: 0.25 miles

Transportation

Airport Transportation (Limited)

Jurys Inn Heathrow ***

Eastern Perimeter Road, Hatton Cross, Hounslow, Heathrow, UK, TW6 2SR

Tel: (+44 20) 8266 4664 Fax: (+44 20) 82664 665

Jurys Inn Heathrow hotel is the ideal location for Heathrow airport and is just one tube stop away from terminals 1,2 and 3. Situated next to Hatton Cross tube station, this Heathrow hotel is on the H9 Hoppa Bus route and is easily accessible from all terminals, either by bus or tube.

Heathrow Airport – Bus – Free of Charge

(1) Head towards Central Coach station at Terminal 2

(2) Take Bus no 285 Towards Kingston

(3) Alight at Hatton Cross

(4) At Hatton Cross go straight through station (5) Cross the road to the left towards Jurys parallel with the A30 dual carriageway

(6) Walk for approximately 1 minute, you will see the hotel on your left hand side.

(7) Cross the Eastern Perimeter Road.

(8) Bear left along the footpath which will take you to the main entrance of the hotel.

Sheraton Heathrow Hotel

Heathrow Airport · Colnbrook Bypass · West Drayton UB7 0HJ · United Kingdom

Phone: (44)(208) 7592424

Simply convenient. Within minutes of the European hub of Heathrow Airport, Sheraton Heathrow Hotel also offers the advantageous location of being close to central London. Situated at the getaway to Royal Windsor, you’ll enjoy a great combination of work, refreshment, and relaxation.

Smart thinking. Our airport hotel is home to the very latest in conferencing facilities in the area, with a 21-room, state-of-the-art conference centre that can welcome meetings of up to 200 delegates. Stay connected in our ergonomically designed smart meeting rooms with plasma screens, High Speed Internet Access, and teleconferencing.

Stay in shape. Sheraton fitness is a facility to make you feel good. With its 24-hour access you can fit your exercise routine into your own schedule. Conceived by fitness enthusiasts for fitness enthusiasts, the cardio and strength equipment features the most innovative technology available.

Why not come and see for yourself at Sheraton Heathrow Hotel.

The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes from all terminals, taking you to the heart of the city within a matter of minutes.

For arrivals and departures at London's Heathrow Airport, National Express Airport, offers a regular coach service for a fee to all major hotels, equipped with comfortable seats and plenty of space for luggage. This service is called the "Hotel Hoppa."

Coach Number H4 services the route between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and our hotel. Tickets can be obtained from self-service ticket machines at the terminals. H4 leaves from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 every 12-15 minutes from approximately 5:30am to approximately 11:30pm.

For arrivals at Terminal 4, take the Heathrow Express (free of charge) to Terminal 1, 2, or 3 and then board the Hotel Hoppa at the bus stop located at Terminal 3.

As an alternative to the Hotel Hoppa services, a choice of public buses can take you (free of charge) from Heathrow Airport Central bus station to the Bath Road bus stop "Hatch Lane," which is just a few minutes walk from our hotel. Bus U3 towards Uxbridge departs regularly throughout the day from stand 18.

Next: London News Update »

London - News Update

4 September 2006

Two major transport milestones were reached this week on the Terminal 5 construction programme as the project nears the 85 per cent completion mark.

State of the Art Driverless Trains Installed at Terminal 5

The first was achieved today when six 15-tonne ‘automated cars’, each with a capacity to carry up to 75 passengers, were delicately lowered by crane down a 12 metre shaft into the tunnel system of T5’s tracked transit system (TTS), ready for commissioning.

The TTS is a light rail system providing the essential underground link between the various terminal buildings which make up the T5 campus. The stand-alone transport system – the most modern of its type in the UK - uses a high specification automated people mover (APM) that will shuttle passengers between the main terminal building (T5A) and its smaller satellite building (T5B) when the terminal development opens in March 2008. It will then be extended to the second satellite building (T5C) in 2011.

Unlike traditional rail systems, the TTS uses rubber-tyre driverless ‘cars’ that run along a guideway. When in operation, trains will depart from the TTS stations through two parallel tunnels every 90 seconds with a journey time of 45 seconds.

“Similar, but older systems are in use at Stansted and Gatwick airports, but the T5 system is the most modern of its kind” said Ralph Abbott, BAA Station & TTS Deputy Project Leader.

The ‘cars’ were built by Bombardier Transportation, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and were shipped to the UK in July and August. The T5 project team worked closely with Bombardier at all stages of design and manufacture.

“This is the first application of a moving block communication based signalling system (Bombardier’s ‘Cityflo 650’) in the UK, so we wanted to ensure we got it right,” added Abbott.

“Rigorous testing of their propulsion and signalling systems has already taken place at Bombardier’s automated test track where one vehicle has already clocked over 1000 miles, fault free,” he continued.

Eddie Wright of Bombardier Transportation said “Cityflo 650’s moving block technology enables the cars to communicate continually with an antenna that is fixed along a guide-way, so the infrastructure knows exactly where every vehicle is at all times on the system. This means that vehicles can operate safely and at speed much closer to each other than on the fixed block system that other train systems use. In order that the journey will be as smooth as possible the running surface has been constructed to very high tolerances.”

T5 will have six cars initially but the system has been designed to take 16. The cars will now begin the process of being tested and commissioned ready for service in 2008.

TTS facts at a glance

The system will move 6500 passengers per hour at a maximum speed of 31 miles per hour.

The cars weigh 15 tonnes when empty and 20 tonnes fully loaded.

TTS will transport more people between T5A and T5B daily than both the Piccadilly line and the Heathrow Express will bring into T5.

The APM cars have been constructed to the highest standards required by new fire regulations for underground rail vehicles.

BAA is only the second client in the world to use Bombardier’s Innovia car model but were the first to select it.

The TTS is designed so that departing and arriving passengers never have direct contact with each other

Heathrow Piccadilly line Serving Terminal 4 Re-opens After 20 Month Closure

After a 20 month closure, the Piccadilly Line station at Terminal 4 reopens to the travelling public on Sunday 17 September, exactly on schedule. The T4 rail loop, which runs between Hatton Cross, Terminal 4 and the central station at Terminals 1,2 and 3, had to be closed to accommodate the construction of a junction box to connect two new tunnels, that will bring the tube trains into the new rail station at Terminal 5, with the existing Piccadilly line.

The Terminal 5 Rail Project team handed back the T4 loop and completed junction box to London Underground on 1st September, ready for trial operations ahead of the re-opening.

BAA Project leader John Oliver said: “Working in a live airport environment without causing any disruption to airport operations is a huge challenge. All in all, this has been a very successful project. Much of the tunnelling for the new rail extensions and the construction of the junction box occurred beneath the operational airport and in close proximity to both Heathrow Express and London Underground Tunnels. All of it was delivered with no impact on rail or airport operations.

“Undertaking this work safely while ensuring the underground station at T4 re-opened on schedule was our priority and, by working in partnership with London Underground and their suppliers (Tube Lines, Citylink and EdF Powerlink), we’ve successfully achieved this important milestone.”

For further information contact Heathrow Press Office – 0208 745 7224

Notes to Editors

BAA Heathrow’s L4.3bn Terminal 5 project is on budget and on schedule to open in March 2008. By 30 September the project will have reached the 85 per cent completion mark.

The construction phase is due to complete in September 2007, leaving a six month period dedicated to familiarisation and training of staff and the testing and commissioning of systems.

Over 40 million man hours have been spent on construction since work began in summer 2002.

T5 has one of the UK’s best safety performances of any construction site. In July this year the whole site (over 7000 workers) achieved over 2 million manhours without a reportable accident, unprecedented for a project this scale and complexity.

The cost of the Piccadilly line extensions and T5 rail station has been borne by BAA as part of the T5 programme.

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