Car Hire London Heathrow Airport - Mini guide to London Heathrow Airport

One of the busiest airports in the world, certainly a hub for Europe, Heathrow has four terminals and is always busy. The airport boasts good duty free shopping and is well equipped with facilities for all travel needs. Located in west London it receives flights from all over the world with numerous daily flights to trans-Atlantic destinations.

Terminal 1 handles all domestic flights, Terminal 2 is mainly for flights to European destinations, while the majority of long haul flights depart from terminal 3 and 4. A total of 90 airlines whisk 63 million passengers in and out of Heathrow each year. The terminals are connect by subterranean walkways, and shuttles. The check-in hall does become crowded during peak travel times, and travellers are advised to arrive at least two hours early.

There are numerous bureaux de change and ATMs situtated in all four terminals before and after security, with at least one operating 24/7, there are also several postal facilities on hand. Each terminal offers a variety of shops selling liquor, cosmetics, souvenirs, speciality wares, British crafts and more.

Heathrow is huge and boasts convenience food to suit most tastes. In fact it boasts the world’s biggest duty free hall. Likewise, the UK’s best known convenience outlets are also represented, including Boots (pharmacy), the Tie Rack, WHSmith (books), the Bodyshop, Our Price (music) and Dixons (electronic goods). Many designer shops and the world famous Harrods are also represented, so that an astonishing range of goods to suit all tastes, needs and budgets is on offer.

Food and drink is provided by a large selection of buffet and counter restaurants and fast food outlets, including popular chains such as Burger King, Pizza Hut, Costa coffee and more. A broad range of international cuisine is provided to suit all travellers tastes, and several bars are found in each of the terminals. Coffee shops, snack restaurants and bars are found before and after security, several of them open 24/7.

Left Luggage is well organised, and services such as lost property, a health centre and freight services are conveniently offered.

The airport meets EU standards for provision for disabled person with ramps, modified toilets, TDD hearing service, porter and wheelchair assistance and specially reserved parking areas ( +44 0 20 8745 7950).