Commuting Help & FAQs

With the launch of our refreshed Heathrow 2.0 sustainability strategy, being greener is a key topic when it comes to getting to Heathrow. We’re aiming to give colleagues all the information needed to make more sustainable choice with how they get to work.

You can see what benefits can be found when choosing specific sustainable commutes, but the main reason for choosing a greener commute is cutting down on our emissions and doing our part to make Heathrow a great place to live and work.

The Commuting to Heathrow section is regularly updated with the most recent Colleague Guide at the top of the page. This contains a wealth of information on sustainable travel routes and goings on at Heathrow.

You can also sign up to the monthly newsletter here.

You can get in touch with us using commuter@heathrow.com for any specific questions or advice which isn’t covered here.

Alternatively, dial in to the Virtual Roadshow on the first Wednesday of every month, between 13:00 and 15:00, where you can ask our panel of experts for advice about commuting more sustainably.

The Cycle Hub – conveniently located in the Heathrow Academy on Newall Road – can provide you with advice on routes and recommendations on bikes or equipment to make your sustainable commute as smooth as possible.

Heathrow ID holders also get 10% off all purchases made at the Cycle Hub and free bike servicing up to £50 (excluding parts).

You can use our comprehensive Heathrow cycle map to see all of the cycling routes around Heathrow. They are colour-coded to show the type of path you would need to cycle along, meaning you can pick one that best suits you.

Colleagues with Heathrow ID can choose from the following free options, though please note tha the tunnel is closed to cyclists.

• Park at PEX (Eastern Perimeter Road) or N4 (Northern Perimeter Road) and use the free colleague buses to T2 and T3 (bus times available on the Airport Community App).
• Park at the Cycle Hub and use the Hotel Hoppa buses from the Renaissance Hotel to T2 and T3 (Heathrow ID holders can travel free in both directions).
  
• Park at T4, T5 or Hatton Cross Station. and use the free train, Tube or H30 bus.
  

All trains between terminals are free.

Heathrow Express/Elizabeth line: Please obtain an Inter-Terminal Transfer ticket from the machines at the station.  Alternatively, you can use an Oyster card (with sufficient credit) or a contactless card/mobile device. You will not be charged for your journey between Heathrow terminals.

Piccadilly line: You will need an Oyster card (with sufficient credit) or contactless card/mobile device. You will not be charged for your journey between all Heathrow terminals and Hatton Cross.

H30 bus: The free H30 bus runs between Heathrow terminals and Hatton Cross Station.

Folded bikes are carried free of charge without restrictions on all train and Tube services to Heathrow, plus Great Western Railway and South Western Railway services which operate nearby.

Standard bikes can only be taken on specific train and Tube services:

• Heathrow Express: Leaving Heathrow on Mondays to Fridays before 06:30 and after 10:00, leaving Paddington on Mondays to Fridays before 16:30 and after 19:00, any time on weekends and public holidays.
• Elizabeth line: Arriving at London Paddington on Mondays to Fridays before 07:45 and after 09:45, leaving London Paddington on Mondays to Fridays before 16:30 and after 19:00, any time on weekends and public holidays.
• Piccadilly line: Between Barons Court, Hounslow West and Uxbridge on Mondays to Fridays before 07:30, between 09:30 and 16:00, and after 19:00, any time on weekends and public holidays.

You can find timetables on the specific service websites running to and from Heathrow – we have collected them all on our Public Transport page under the individual tabs for easy access.

All buses and coaches are fully wheelchair accessible. We recommend pre-booking on coach services if you are a wheelchair user - please check the website of the relevant service you would like to use.

For train services to Heathrow, the different service providers have their own specific guidance on accessibility which can be found on the Heathrow Express and Transport for London websites.

It is very important that you validate your journey on the Liftshare App on the way to work. This will then enable you to park in the priority car share spaces, if your car park has them. Please see the car share page for more details

Our car sharing platform Liftshare has a savings calculator which you can use to find out how much you could save – both in terms of petrol costs and CO₂ emissions.

Do you ride a motorcycle to work? Heathrow has a dedicated motorcycling group which is committed to supporting colleagues who travel to and from Heathrow by motorcycle, and ensuring Heathrow is constantly improving to cater for your specific needs.

Training and workshops

In partnership with Bikesafe, Heathrow motorcyclists can get access to training sessions offering insight and guidance on how to become a safer and more confident rider.

Bikesafe is run by a dedicated team of biking experts who work with the biking community across the UK to reduce the amount of bike-related casualties and improve bikers' awareness of safe riding. https://bikesafe.co.uk/

Scooter users can also benefit from training through Bikesafe's specific Scootersafe courses, which offer scooter-focused training and workshops. A scooter can be a very different beast to a sports motorcycle, so don't miss out if you have a lighter bike or moped. Also, if you're yet to take your riding test, you may be eligible for additional training following your CBT. 

Company motorcycles

For those eligible, Heathrow may offer the option of a company motorcycle instead of a company car. However, as it will be used for work purposes, there is a heavy focus on risk assessment including: rider fitness, rider competence, and the sustainability of the motorcycle. Speak to your HR administrator to register your interest or request further information.

Motorcycle events

Heathrow Motorcycling Group also organises ride-outs, and motorcycle trips for keen bikers. Watch this space for an upcoming motorcycling calendar, and more information on how to get involved.

Heathrow Rider Forum

We have a Heathrow Rider Forum, which is a collaborative space for Heathrow colleagues to share views, participate in discussions and benefit from important information regarding issues related to motorcycling to and around Heathrow.

What does the forum do?

• Provides advice about safer routes and avoidance of local road hazards
• Continually examines site transport safety and security measures to ensure they meet motorcyclists' needs
• Organises Ride to Work days
• Provides sufficient and secure motorcycling parking across our campus
• Ensures changing and drying room facilities at terminals to help cater for the all-weather riders amongst our colleagues

Motorcycle parking

Motorcyclists can park free of charge in any of our motorcycle-dedicated parking bays, which are located across the campus. However, any bikes parked in locations other than in the designated bays will be removed! Please always remember to lock your motorcycle securely.

Park your motorcycle at the following locations:

• Terminal 2: On Conway Road - access via Inner Ring East
• Terminal 3: At the back of the short stay car park 1A/5, to the right of the exit - access via Chester Road
• Terminal 4: Opposite the arrivals forecourt - access via Swindon road only
• Terminal 5: Next to the short stay car park, at the northern end. There is additional parking within the over height area on the ground floor of MSCP5 - access via Wallis Road.
• Compass Centre – East and West entrances