Arrivals FAQs

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Arrivals FAQs

How long will it take me to get out of the airport?

For international flights, allow about 40 minutes to get through passport control, baggage reclaim and Customs. It may take longer at busy periods and less time for UK and Ireland or if you don't have hold luggage to collect.

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Can I take a shower?

Heathrow Terminal 4 has showers on the arrivals level.

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Are there any baby changing facilities?

Baby changing facilities are available throughout all terminals at Heathrow – find them on our Airport maps page.

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Where can I have a coffee after I land?

All Heathrow terminals have a selection of shops and cafes in the arrivals area. Visit our Shop, eat, relax and enjoy section for details of what's available at your terminal.

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What time will it be back home when I land?

The UK uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UCT) from the last Sunday in October until the last Sunday in March. Daylight saving time (British Summer Time or BST) runs from March to October and is one hour ahead of GMT/UTC.

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What will the traffic be like when I land?

Traffic information – real-time and forecasts – is available from the Highways Agency website.

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How long will it take me to get to central London?

It depends on how you're travelling.

  • By car: In average traffic conditions, the journey takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
  • By taxi: In average traffic conditions, the journey takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
  • By train: Heathrow Express trains reach Paddington from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in 15 to 20 minutes. Heathrow Connect stopping services take 25 to 30 minutes.
  • By London Underground: The journey from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 on the Piccadilly Line takes just under 40 minutes to Green Park and just under 50 minutes to Leicester Square.
  • By coach: National Express services from the bus station at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 take 50–55 minutes to reach central London.

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I'm driving into London. Will I have to pay road tolls, congestion charge or parking fees?

There are no road tolls, but you will have to pay the congestion charge to drive into some parts of central London. For pricing, a map of the charging zone and details of how to pay, visit the congestion charge website.

Parking restrictions apply almost everywhere in central London. Parking enforcement and car parks are the responsibility of London borough councils. You can find car parks near where you're going at the Mayor of London's Your London website.

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What do I do if there's a problem with my baggage?

Baggage handling and delivery at Heathrow is the responsibility of the airlines from the point of check-in to the point of collection. If you have any problems, please contact your airline immediately.

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What time should I arrive back for my return flight?

Please check your ticket or contact your airline for advice on checking in times, but as a general guide:

  • Long-haul flights (including El Al flights) – check-in opens three hours prior to departure.
  • European flights – check-in opens two hours before departure.
  • UK and Ireland flights – check-in opens 90 minutes before departure.

Please be aware that heightened security restrictions remain at all UK airports. You should allow plenty of time to get through security control, particularly at peak times and during holidays.

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Flight connections

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Your transport

HelpKnow the rules

See what you can carry as hand baggage for departing flights.

Find your duty free allowance for flights departing to: