As an international airline pilot with frequent layovers here, London Heathrow (LHR) has become one of my favorite layover and transit airports in the world.
Heathrow features numerous lounges, excellent public transportation, delicious food and coffee, and convenient nearby hotels. Some of Heathrow’s hidden gems include a little-known observation deck, a 15-minute direct train to downtown London, and even a nearby dream-like castle.
In any case, you’re guaranteed not to run out of things to do at Heathrow on any layover or transit!
Coming Up:
- Should I leave Heathrow on a short layover?
- What is there do do inside Heathrow?
- What are the best lounges at LHR?
- Which lounges can I access?
- What is there to do close to Heathrow on a layover?
- Renting a car to explore London on a layover
- Best tours to join on a short layover
- How long does it take to get through security at Heathrow?
As the busiest airport in the UK, Heathrow offers a vast array of international flights and fantastic connections on over 80 airlines.
My other Ultimate Airport Layover Guides: ATL | JFK | SEA | SFO | LAS | ATH | CDG | AMS | and more!
Wondering how to best pack and prepare for your layover? Read The Ultimate Layover Survival Guide: 10 Tips from an Airline Pilot
Top 10 Things to Do Inside London Heathrow International Airport on a Layover
For those not looking to leave Heathrow airport on their next transit, fret not – the lounges, restaurants, and terminals are world class. You just have to know where to go.
Heathrow offers:
- 6 terminals
- Over 30 restaurants to suit your palette
- A bookable, complimentary personal shopping service
- More than 60 stores, many of which are duty-free
- 7 lounges offering free access for Priority Pass members
- 29 airline-specific Lounges (Everything from British Airways to Gulf Air)
- A private VIP terminal, complete with chauffeur, Michelin star chef, and private lounge
- Miles and kilometers of terminals to explore
You can easily see why London-Heathrow is one of the best layover airports in the world – but only if you know what to do and where to go.
Many of the lounges have excellent wine and dining, showers, and even spas. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has a wonderful outdoor terrace, while the No1 Lounge has a separate TV Lounge room.
And if you really want to get some exercise, there’s miles of corridors and hallways to explore.
1. Visit One of Heathrow’s Best Lounges (Business, Complimentary PriorityPass, or Paid Entry)
The lounges at LHR Heathrow are numerous, excellent, and super convenient.
Priority Pass members have complimentary access to several great lounges across 4 different terminals at Heathrow, so you won’t miss out on champagne and free food!
AmEx Platinum members can head to the world-renowned Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3, with top notch fare and a comfortable, but cozy environment.
Right now, PriorityPass is offering well-priced yearly memberships. In just a few lounge visits, you are already ahead vs. paying for one-time day pass access. Less if you bring a guest!
Lounges at LHR included with Priority Pass
Priority Pass members have complimentary access to excellent lounges across 4 terminals at Heathrow. These include:
- Terminal 2: Plaza Premium Lounge
- Terminal 3: Club Aspire Lounge and the No1 Lounge Heathrow.
- Terminal 4: Both the Plaza Premium Lounge and the Blush Lounge.
- Terminal 5: Another excellent Club Aspire Lounge.
The No1 Lounge at Terminal 3 features a cinema, shower, and a very diverse bar.
Pro Tip: both the Club Aspire and No1 Lounges in Terminal 3 are very popular, typically with lines out the door in the morning hours. You can pre-book your spot via the Priority Pass app for 6£ and walk right in! Make sure to pre-book a couple days ahead.
Lounges at LHR that allow purchase of a day pass
Unless you’re flying in business or first class, you might be worried about finding a nice lounge to relax in between flights. But luckily, most terminals at LHR have at least one lounge that allows purchasing of a day pass.
Here they are, with their respective prices (these might not be up to date):
Terminal 2:
- Plaza Premium Lounge (Starting at £40/2 hours, additional £25 for shower)
- Lufthansa Business Lounge (From £49)
- United Club ($59)
Terminal 3:
- No1 Lounge (From £40, additional £25 for shower)
- Club Aspire ($50 online, additional £25 for shower)
- American Airlines Lounge ($79)
Terminal 5:
- Club Aspire (from £36)
- Plaza Premium (From £40, additional £25 for shower)
Exclusive airline lounges
My favorite lounge at Heathrow – by far – is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, boasting everything from Pelotons to an outdoor terrace – with champagne and fine dining in between. I find it even more enchanting than KLM’s flagship Crowne Lounge in Amsterdam. Upper Class passengers and Flying Club Gold members have access, but this includes Delta, Air France, and KLM Business Class passengers and one guest.
Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, SkyTeam (T4), and United all have their own respective lounges. Most of these are reserved for business and first class passengers, but some offer paid options for those flying in economy or comfort. There are 29 airline-specific lounges at LHR, so check with your airline.
2. Catch some sleep at a nearby hotel (or book a day room for a couple hours!)
Day rooms are my newest dangled “travel hack”, because there’s nothing more refreshing than catching up on rest and taking a shower between flights. They’re actually my biggest travel hack to beating jet lag.
Though there are no hotels inside the secure area at Heathrow Airport (which means you’ll have to exit and go through customs/security), there are some on or near the airport that offer day rooms.
The best and most convenient hotels around LHR are:
- The Aerotel in T3 arrivals, which offers blocks of 3, 6, and 9 hours.
- The Hilton Garden Inn Terminals 2 & 3, step away from arrivals. Note there is another Hilton Garden Inn on Bath Road.
- Next to Terminal 4, you can stay at the Heathrow Hilton or the Premier Inn just a touch further.
- By Terminal 5, there’s a Sofitel connected by a covered walkway. The Sofitel is for sure the nicest Heathrow area hotel.
- The Hilton Garden Inn, just steps from Hatton Cross underground station, one stop away from Heathrow on the Picadilly line (about a 5 minute ride from most terminals).
There’s a hotel bus system, dubbed ‘Hotel Hoppa‘, offering convenient service to nearby hotels. Public buses are frequent, and cheap too, plus you can use Apple Pay to board. You can also take a Bolt, Uber, or Black Cab.
Note that the British Airways Forty Winks Lounge offers a ‘nap’ lounge as well, but you’ll have to be flying First Class.
3. Head to the observation deck for some epic spotting
If you’re lucky enough to be flying out of Terminal 4, you’ll be surprised to hear about the epic all-season observation deck location not far from gate 15/16.
Whether you love spotting airplanes or you’re looking for a family-fun activity to pass your layover, Heathrow’s observation deck at terminal 4 is a great, educational, and lovely hidden gem.
4. Go on a shopping spree
With over 60 shops and just as many brands (from Tom Ford to Johnnie Walker to Apple), London-Heathrow is one of the premier shopping airports in the world. There is seemingly endless duty-free here. I personally find Heathrow an excellent place to find sunglasses at the best duty-free prices.
And if you find the shopping a little overwhelming (as I do), Heathrow offers a personal shopping service. Best part: it’s free! They have assistants speaking many different languages, and can help with everything from watches and jewelry to clothing and beauty products.
I rarely say it, but I actually enjoy shopping at Heathrow!
5. Grab an excellent coffee
Though the Brits might be known for their tea and crumpets, you’d be surprised by how good their coffee is.
Luckily, Heathrow is no exception, and they have quite the variety to choose from. Caffè Nero is my personal favorite, but you’ll also find The Perfectionists’ Cafe, Black Sheep Coffee, Starbucks, Costa, Pret a Manger and Joe’s. As you can see, Brits love their coffee too!
6. Feast on Macarons at Ladurée
Rejoice on delicious, authentic Macarons at Ladurée at Terminal 3. This elegant patisserie features chic decor and exquisite French pastries, including its famous macarons.
Whether it’s for a pastry with coffee or a box of treats, Ladurée makes a fantastic (and quick) stop for a delicious treat.
7. Get some exercise and stretch your legs
Stretch your legs by walking around Heathrow Airport during a layover is an excellent way to stay active and refreshed.
Each terminal offers unique experiences: Terminal 5 offers over a kilometer of hallways to explore, while Terminal 2, 3, and 4 are just a tad smaller.
Walking through the terminal helps reduce stiffness from long flights and is one of my top tips on staying healthy and fit while traveling. It can even help reduce jet lag!
8. Find some peace of mind at one of Heathrow’s multi faith prayer rooms
Heathrow Airport’s multi faith prayer rooms, located in each terminal, offer a serene escape to relax, meditate, or just enjoy some peace and quiet. You’ll find comfortable seating, noise isolation, and nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the terminals.
Taking a break here can significantly reduce stress and provide a refreshing mental reset between flights. Whether for prayer, meditation, or a peaceful retreat, these rooms offer a perfect respite from the bustling airport atmosphere.
9. Delight your taste buds at one of Heathrow’s restaurants
Yes, the UK is not known for its cuisine. Luckily, London-Heathrow features plenty of international restaurants, including some excellent fine dining options, a Gordon Ramsey restaurant, and more.
Even better, Heathrow is touted as “one of the world’s best airports for food and drink” by several media outlets (such as eater.com), and I fully agree. Some of the restaurants you shouldn’t miss as you transit Heathrow are:
- Caviar House & Prunier (Terminal 3 & 4 Departures, Terminal 5 near Gate A14)
- Gordon Ramsey Plane Food (Terminal 5 Departures)
- Giraffe (Terminal 5 Departures)
- Fortnum & Mason Bar (A local favorite, Terminal 5 near Gate A15)
- Shan Shui (Terminal 2 Departures)
Heathrow even allows you to pre-order your food via an app ahead of time if you’re in a hurry and would like to takeaway on the way to your gate.
10. Relax with a spa treatment
Treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment at the Be Relax Spa in Terminal 5.
Be Relax offers massages, nail care, facials, and more, with services from 15 minutes to over an hour. You’ll find these in Terminal 5 near gates B35 and A18.
This is another excellent way to relax and unwind on your next Heathrow layover!
Should I leave London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) on a short layover?
While going out and exploring the incredible city of London on a layover is enticing, you definitely have to consider how much time you have. There also other factors to consider:
- Is it a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday? These are busy days and security lines will be longer.
- Are there planned strikes by public transportation workers or taxi workers? These are usually announced ahead of time and cause massive delays.
- Is the weather bad enough to create chaos with cancellations, delays, and rebookings?
- Are you arriving on an international flight? Do you need a visa to enter UK territory? If so, going through customs may add time. (US and European passport holders are eligible for entry through fast-lane visa-free passport scanners, saving ample time)
- Do you have checked baggage booked on two separate itineraries? Check-in lines could be long, though you can save time by checking them in at a transfer desk before exiting the secure zone.
- Are you arriving at night? This may call for a short hotel layover instead of going out and exploring.
- Do you have Priority Pass and less than 4 hours before your connecting flight? If so, it may make more sense to spend your layover at an excellent free lounge.
Heathrow has been extremely busy, but I’ve recently not experienced security wait times over 30 minutes. However, you should always plan for long lines at check-in, security, help desks, and more – just in case.
Typically, 4 hours of transit time at Heathrow would be the minimum recommended time to leave the airport on a layover and do something locally. More time than that and you can head downtown!
Related: 10 Ultimate Tips Airline Crews Use to Pass US Customs & Immigrations FAST
Going out and exploring on a short Heathrow layover/transit
Even after having traveled to over 130 countries, I still have to contend that London is one of my favorite cities. And excellent public transport makes it one of the most accessible cities in the world, even on a short layover.
You have so many options on places to go and how to get to them – you can tailor your layover to any level of exploration. I’ve found that even after many, many layovers, London just does not get old. There’s always more to do.
So whether you see a lot or a little, you’ll be glad you did. Here are my recommendations on what to do during your London layover.
The Top 10 Best Sights to See in London while on a layover
London might be my favorite large city. There’s just so much to do, see, eat, explore, learn about, and admire. It might be touristy, but that does not deter me from loving this city tremendously.
The top 10 sites you won’t want to miss on a London layover include:
- Buckingham Palace – you can even visit a State Room from 22 July to 2 October and some dates in winter! Changing the Guard, an amazing show, occurs most days at 10:45AM
- Go shopping in the historic area of St. James.
- Hit up Westminster Abbey. Don’t miss out on that giant clock tower they call Big Ben somewhere around there.
- Visit Churchill’s War Rooms for a chilling and enlightening experience
- Ride the London Eye for epic views of the city
- Walk through SoHo and experience London’s most vibrant neighborhood
- Tour the 900-year old Tower of London and learn about the medieval history of the city
- Take an elevator to the top of the Tower Bridge
- Head up the the observation deck at The Shard, that pointy building that rises high above the city skyline
- Hyde Park – my favorite place to hike! You’ll also find concerts and events here quite often.
Each of these sites is located near an Underground (Metro/Tube) station, and the order listed above is a good way to do it. Note that it would probably take an entire afternoon (4-6 hours at least) to see all of that in a hurry, so you’ll have to pick and choose.
An excellent option to maximize a short layover would be taking a top-rated Hop On, Hop Off Bus in London.
Transportation Options to London
Whether you want to get to London by public transportation, rental car, cab, or ride share, Heathrow has super convenient options.
Getting to downtown London from LHR – quick! (Heathrow Express)
Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Harry Potter. Whatever your rhyme or reason is for visiting London, you’ll be glad to know there is a fantastically fast way to get downtown from LHR airport.
It’s namely the Heathrow Express, offering direct service to downtown with a journey time of about 15 minutes. Though it’s more expensive than the tube (metro/underground), I highly recommend it. The underground/tube often has delays and many stops, making it a much more tedious way to get to London from LHR.
The fare for the Heathrow Express is normally 25£ one way and 38.50£ return (roundtrip), but here’s a little secret - if you book ahead, you can get fares as low as £5.50 each way!
Renting a car for the day and going more in depth
Though public transportation in London is excellent, you may prefer the flexibility of having your own car. This unlocks the ability to see even more of the area, including:
- The Royal Observatory of Greenwich, located at the Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude)
- Oxford University and its Museum of Natural History
- The Windsor Castle
- The incredible Brooklands Museum, featuring everything from rockets to the Concorde
- With more time, the coast of Brighton
In my experience, Hertz offers the most reliable and convenient rentals.
Just beware of parking downtown, which is mighty inconvenient and expensive.
Join a free (or cheap) guided tour of the city
London is easily one of the most walkable cities in the world. But it might seem difficult to know what to see, how long it’ll take, and navigate the most efficient path. Luckily, there’s a great way to learn about the history, culture, and hidden gems of the city: by guided tour.
Bonus: The best local, classic British dining (it’s actually good!)
Fish n’ chips, a nice meat pie, bangers n’ mash, Shepherd’s Pie – all nice boring British food for you to try.
The Indian food is where it’s really at. Let’s bring the spice and the taste. There’s no lack of great Indian food here.
My favorite Indian place? Dishoom, a local favorite with several locations across town, is flabbergastingly good. Probably the best in London.
For a great fish n’ chips, the Mayfair Chippy is your spot. And for a local chain with fantastic fare, try The Ivy.
If you want to eat at one of Gordon Ramsay’s excellent dining experiences, make sure to book ahead.
And lastly, great coffee is everywhere. For a unique experience, try Attendant Coffee Roasters, situated in what used to be a Victorian public toilet.
Getting back to Heathrow on time for your next flight
In recent years, we’ve experienced unparalleled travel chaos. That meant dealing with travel disruptions such as delays, cancellations, late bags, and more.
Luckily, staffing is already getting better and it’s only improving from here.
That being said, you should still plan to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before any international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight. Whether you use an Uber, rental car, the tube, or the Heathrow Express – always plan in extra time.
Best of luck with your London travel plans!
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