Travelling through Heathrow

As always, we’re looking forward to welcoming you to the airport and we’re working hard to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. To help with this process, please be aware of the following:

 

Consider your arrival times

Allow 3 hours to check-in before your flight and make sure all your travel documents are up-to-date. Please do not turn up significantly early for your flight though, as this can cause unnecessary congestion in the airport.

 

Terminal Drop-Off Charge

A £5 charge applies to vehicles dropping off passengers at the designated drop-off zones, located directly outside the terminals. Discounts and exemptions apply. Free drop-off is available at our Long Stay car parks.

 

Terminal 4 airline moves

Terminal 4 has re-opened and up to 30 airlines are moving there during the summer. You should always keep in touch with your airline to confirm which terminal your flight departs from before travelling to the airport. 

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    COVID-19 Travel Information

    Find everything you need to prepare for your trip

    Travelling through Heathrow

    We are delighted to welcome passengers through the airport. 
    Heathrow may feel a little different than it did the last time you travelled, so whether you're departing, arriving or connecting, here's a summary of everything you need to know to help you on your way.


     

    Travel information


    Preparing for your trip

    Please check the Government Foreign Travel Advice to understand the requirements for your destination as restrictions may be in place. See our information on COVID-19 Testing if you need to book any pre-departure tests for the country you are travelling to.

    1. Hygiene
      There is an enhanced cleaning regime across the airport, and hand sanitising stations can be found throughout the terminals. 

    2. Check-in
      We always advise arriving three hours in advance for intercontinental and European flights.

    3. Security
      Standard security rules have not changed. We recommend wearing a face covering when passing through Security, although you may be asked to remove it if selected for an additional search. We regularly deep-clean our security trays, and hand sanitiser stations are available. 

      Read more on getting through Security.

       

    4. The Departure Lounge
      Our shops, restaurants and lounges are open for you to explore. We ask that you pay by card where possible.

      Shops
      Restaurants
      Lounges

    5. Boarding
      Check on the screens for your departure gate or download the app for up-to-date notifications. Each airline has its own rules on wearing face coverings; you must wear a face-covering if asked to do so. Have a pleasant trip!

    COVID-19 testing options at Heathrow

    Heathrow's test providers offer a range of testing options to keep you flying safely. 

    Please note that these tests need to be pre-booked, and fees apply.

     

    Some countries require passengers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within specific timeframes of departure. At Heathrow, independent test providers offer the most commonly mandated tests by other countries. The types of test and timing required to take the test before departure varies by country, which is why we recommend passengers check the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office website for the latest travel information.

    Please ensure that you carefully confirm the type of test, certification, and timeframe for completion required before booking a test and provide sufficient time to receive your results to complete your flight check-in.
     

    PCR
    • Available in all terminals
    Next day results by 10pm*
    From £59
    Book now

     

    *results could take up to 48 hours to receive

    4 HOUR PCR
    • Available in Terminals 2, 3 & 5 
    Results within 4 hours
    From £119
    Book now

     

    Lateral Flow / Rapid Antigen
    • Drive through testing 
    • Available in all terminals
    Results within 30 minutes
    From £35
    Book now
    Lateral Flow / Rapid Antigen

    Remote
    (self-swab)
    Results within 2 hours
    From £25
    Book now
    Lateral Flow / Rapid Antigen
    Remote
    (self-swab - professionally overseen by a Health Advisor)
    Results within 12 hours
    From £29
    Book now
    Lateral Flow / Rapid Antigen
    Remote
    (self-swab)
    Results within 12 hours
    From £19.50
    Book now
    PCR
    Remote (self-swab)
    Results within 24 hours
    From £64
    Book now
    • 10% OFF Qured Testing

      Use the code HEATHROW10 at checkout to receive a 10% discount. Terms and Conditions apply.

    Please be aware that: 

    • Each passenger is solely responsible for checking and conforming with the entry and exit requirements at their arrival and return destinations, and for booking the correct type of test. Requirements may include temperature checks, proof of negative COVID test or completion of forms.
    • Heathrow are not advertising COVID-19 testing services as a Heathrow product, travel service or holiday feature. Heathrow is not responsible for the timing, quality or outcome of any COVID-19 testing service offered by any third party test provider at Heathrow Airport nor on any impact on your ability to travel. Please check the terms and conditions of the test provider and the local requirements of your destination.
    • You can find further guidance and information on travelling to and from the UK on the Foreign Commonwealth & Development website.
    • If you fail to comply with these requirements you may not be able to travel or be allowed to enter your destination.
    • Passengers are not able to use NHS testing facilities for travel related testing 
    • If you test positive at the airport and are flying that day you will need to contact your airline to reschedule
    • Do not use the testing facilities located at Heathrow if you suspect you have COVID-19 symptoms
       

    COVID-19 testing services at Heathrow Airport are provided by third-party test providers. Heathrow Airport Limited assumes no responsibility for such testing services. Should you opt to purchase a COVID-19 test from one of these providers, their terms and conditions will apply. By clicking on the links provided, you will be leaving the Heathrow website.


     

    COVID-19 - Frequently asked questions

    General information

    We recommend checking the Government Foreign Travel Advice to check the entry requirements for your destination as many restrictions remain in place.  

    When you arrive in England from abroad, you do not need to take any pre-departure or post-arrival COVID-19 tests. This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

    Terminals 2,3,4 and 5 are open for arriving and departing flights.  As some airlines might not be operating out of their normal terminal, please continue to check with your airline before traveling to confirm the terminal for your flight. 

    Transiting passengers

    If you are transiting through Heathrow (‘airside’ or ‘landside'), you do not need to quarantine or take any pre-departure or post-arrival COVID-19 tests. 

    Testing

    There are a number of different COVID-19 tests available and the requirements on testing required when travelling vary significantly by country.

    For departing passengers – Please check carefully for any testing requirements, including the type of test, for traveling to different destinations via the Foreign Commonwealth Office website.

    For arriving passengers – There are no testing or quarantine requirements for fully and non-vaccinated passengers.

    View COVID-19 test options

    Safety measures at Heathrow

    We have ensured that our enhanced cleaning regime is undertaken by a specialist cleaning team to help keep you safe. This team has received specialist training in the use of numerous preventative measures and formulas to thoroughly disinfect the airport. You will see our Hygiene Technicians undertaking our enhanced cleaning regime and they will happily answer queries on the methods being used.  

    Antibacterial coatings:  All key passenger touchpoints across our airport have received an application of antibacterial formula – this includes all of our self-service check-in kiosks, desks, and bag drop machines. This formula has an active working life of up to 6 months allowing for long term reassurance and confidence. 

    Trolley cleaning:  All our trolley handles have been coated in an antibacterial formula in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. In addition to this, our Hygiene Technicians also undertake a regular clean of the trollies to keep you safe. We also provide antibacterial wipes for you to use should you want that extra level of reassurance.

    UV light cleaning: This technology is used to eliminate the DNA of bacteria rendering them harmless. We currently use UV light across our toilet facilities – using automated robots - and many escalator handrails are also cleaned using this technology.

    Lift button covers: All of our lift buttons have had a button cover applied to them. These covers are self-cleaning and contain an anti-bacterial formula.

    Testing:  We conduct regular testing of areas that receive these enhanced cleans. This allows us to monitor the performance of all cleaning measures we have in place to reduce the risk of transmission at the airport. 

    If you are nervous about touching surfaces, you can top up your reusable bottles at touchless water refill stations. All our shops and restaurants accept contactless payment. There are also 600 hand sanitiser stations across the airport to help you maintain good hand hygiene.

    At check-in and ticket desks, as well as counters in shops and restaurants, there are screens so that your contact is kept to a minimum. Don’t forget you can carry out most transactions on your phone, or you can download the Heathrow app where you can check your flight or even pre-order food online.