Terminals 1, 2 & 3 are all located in the centre of the airport and are within walking distance of each other via underground walkways. Terminal 4 is located on the south side of the airport, and can be reached from Terminals 1, 2 & 3 via the free inter-terminal transfer service on the Heathrow Express train, which takes approximately eight minutes.

Even though currently named Terminal 2, this was Heathrow's first terminal. It was opened in 1955, and was originally named the Europa Building. 28 airlines operate from this terminal carrying over 8.5 million passengers, but there are plans to knock it down and replace it with the new Heathrow East project.

Check-in area is located on the ground floor of Terminal 2. Departures and arrivals are located on the first floor.

• International flights - check in 3 hours prior to departure


• European flights - check in 2 hours prior to departure


• Domestic flights - check in 1 hour prior to departure

Boarding usually begins around 45 minutes before departure.

Arrivals for international arriving passengers and baggage reclaim are on the ground floor of Terminal 1. Domestic, Republic of Ireland and Channel Island arriving passengers and baggage reclaim are located on the first floor of Terminal 1.

International connections do not need to go through Immigrations or Customs but all International to Domestic connections do. Domestic to International connections can use the special Immigration check points if baggage is through-checked.

Baggage storage is available from Terminal 2. Open from 06.00 - 22.30 at a cost of £4 per item per day. Each item is security checked. You can contact Excess Baggage on +44 (0)208 745 4599.

Terminal 2 Departures:

Bureaux de Change: Two Bureaux de Change in Departure area, Travelex open 05:45 - 21:00 and ICE open 06:00 to 21:00. ICE Bureau open 07:00 - 19:00.

There are two Bureaux serving Arrivals area, ICE 06:00 - 23:00 and Travelex 06:30 - 22:30.

Cash Dispensers: Behind the stairs to the mezzanine floor. Most domestic and international cards accepted.

Food and Drink: Meals, light refreshments and a bar are located on the mezzanine level above the shopping area. There is a coffee bar on the main level.

Information Desk: Airport enquiries desk opposite stairs to mezzanine level.

Left Luggage: None in Arrivals / Departures. Nearest is downstairs in the check-in area at the left (Lufthansa) end. Costs £6.50 per 24-hour period. Open 06:00 - 22:30.

Luggage Trolleys: Free, available outside the terminal and occasionally in the car park.

Pay Phones: In various areas.

Postal Services: Post Office is below the mezzanine floor next to the toilets. Open 08:30-17:30 Mon-Sat, 09:00-13:00 on Sundays.

Shopping: There is a limited range of outlets available, however the extended seating area provides extra choice. Wider selection at better prices at the duty free outlets Airside.

Toilets: Located behind stairs to mezzanine floor. Baby care room beside Men's toilet.

Terminal 2 Arrivals:

Bureau de Change: Two Bureaux de Change in Arrivals area, Travelex open 06:30 to 22:45 and ICE open 07:00 to 23:00. There are another two exchange facilities at the Departures end of the floor.

Buses: Some bus services leave from the Arrivals forecourt, but most go from the bus station. Follow the signs.

Car Hire: Major companies have desks in the Arrivals area.

Cash Dispensers: Behind the stairs to the mezzanine floor, most domestic and international cards accepted.

Food and Drink: Meals, light refreshments and a bar are located on the mezzanine level above the shopping area plus a coffee bar on the main level.

Hotel Reservations: There is a hotel desk in the Arrivals area.

Information Desk: Airport enquiries desk opposite stairs to mezzanine level.

Left Luggage: None in Arrivals / Departures. Nearest is downstairs in the check-in area at the left (Lufthansa) end. Costs £6.50 per item per 24 hour period. Open 06:00 - 22:30.

Luggage Trolleys: Free, plentiful in the baggage hall.

Pay Phones: In baggage reclaim and various other areas.

Postal Service: Post Office is below the mezzanine floor next to the toilets. Open 08:30-17:30 Mon-Sat, 09:00-13:00 on Sundays.

Shopping: The shops are centrally located between Arrivals and Departures.

Parking: Access to short stay car park 2 is from the Departures end of the concourse.

Taxi: Taxi rank on forecourt outside the check-in level downstairs.

Toilets: In baggage reclaim area and behind stairs to mezzanine floor. Baby care room beside men's toilet.

Train: Follow signs to the Underground or Heathrow Express for services to London.

Terminal 2 Airside:

Bureaux de Change: Two Bureaux de Change, Thomas Cook open 06:00 - 21:30 and ICE open 06:00 - 21:30.

Food and Drink: Catering outlets are limited. Burgers and pub food is what is mostly available.

Pay Phones: In various areas.

Smoking Area: In shopping area outside Austin Reed outlet.

Toilets:On left just after passport control