Living There
Heathrow Airport
London has six international airports and Heathrow by itself handles 40% of the total air traffic of Europe. With more than 70 million passengers visiting the airport every year, Heathrow is also the busiest city airport system in the world.The airport handles more international passengers than any other airport in the world. It is the major hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. It is located in the London Borough of Hillingdon and is about 32km (20 miles) to the west of Central London.Heathrow Airport Holdings owns and operates the airport.
The airport is made up of five terminals and each terminal is equipped with a wide variety of shopping centres and restaurants. The terminals also have currency exchange facilities, information counters, accommodation desks and left luggage facilities.Terminal 5, dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, was opened in the year 2008. Terminal 2 is still under improvisation and will reopen in 2014. Terminals3 and 4 were refurbished between the years 2007 and 2009. A sum of $160 million has been invested to extend the check in area and security area of Terminal 3 and this allowed for easier movement to the departure lounge. The airport has two runways which are now used to the fullest capacity. A third runway has been proposed to handle the increasing aircraft traffic in the airport.
Like most other London airport transfer services, quick and easy travel options are available between the Heathrow terminalsand the city. The terminals 1 and 3 are a short walk from each other while terminals 4 and 5 are served by free trains and buses.
History
Heathrow started out as a small airfield in 1929. Later in 1944 it underwent a fewchanges and was used for military operations until the end of World War II. After the war, the government continued to invest in the development of the airport and it was initially named the London airport. The name Heathrow was later derived from the Hamlet called “Heathrow”.
Heathrow Shopping and Eat outs
The terminals at Heathrow are well equipped with shops and restaurants of all types.The Duty Free shops offer everything from designer labels to familiar high street stores. Passengers can avail cosmetics, sunglasses, perfumes, travel accessories and a wide range of tobacco and alcohol at offer prices.For pre-flight refuelling options, Heathrow presents coffee bars and multi cuisine restaurant options. Terminal 5 alone has more than 100 shops and restaurants.
Internet Services
Wireless Internet is available throughout the airport and is free of service at the executive lounge. The internet service at Heathrow is called Boingo, a pay-as-you-go wireless option. Internet Kiosks with wired internet connection are available within frequent intervals at all terminals.
Hotels at Heathrow
For shorter transit time passengers have entertainment and the Heathrow lounge. The lounges are particularly useful to passengers travelling with young children and infants. For longer hauls Heathrow offers easy and quick access to numerous hotels. Some of the hotels near Heathrow are The Sofitel, The Arora Hotel, the Thistle London, The Sheraton and Holiday Inn. The Hilton hotel is the only one that offers direct access to Terminal 4.
Heathrow Transfer Services
The airport is well connected by both public and private transfers. London airport transfers are available from all the terminals. Some of the ways to get to and from the airport are:
The Heathrow Express
The quickest way to travel to the airport from Central London. It isfrequent, fast and reliable.You can avail the Heathrow Express every 15 minutes from any terminal of the airport.
Heathrow Connect
This option works best to connect to London Paddington from the airport. It serves all local stations towards west London and reaches Paddington within 30 minutes.
The National Express
It offers frequent coach services between the airport and Victoria Coach Station. These services run between 5.30 AM to 9.30 PM. Many tourists prefer the coach service as the Victoria Coach station is located in close proximity to tourist attractions and a wide range of tourist accommodation.
Apart from this, London buses, trains and the Tube also offer airport transfer services. The most popular way to get to Central London from Heathrow is by hiring a licensed taxi. Heathrow taxi can be availed at a short walking distance from every terminal.
