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How To Get Between Terminals at London Heathrow Airport [LHR]

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London Heathrow Airport Layout

Lhr ground transportation post-security/airside, lhr terminal 2, lhr terminal 3, lhr terminal 4, lhr terminal 5, estimated walking times between terminals, flight connections at lhr, accessibility, final thoughts.

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London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is one of the busiest airports in the world, transporting over 80 million passengers in 2019 and over 19 million in 2021. As a major connection hub for flights all over Europe, LHR has implemented efficient processes and transportation for airside flight connections.

Although you can only walk between Terminals 2 and 3, it’s quite easy to get between the other terminals by hopping on several free train services, one of which is the London Underground subway system, so it is convenient for passengers looking to travel to/from London.

Terminals 2 and 5 are the most modern and recently built terminals with satellite terminals to accommodate larger planes and to reduce congestion within the main terminal buildings.

Other than Terminals 2 and 3, LHR’s terminals are spread apart from one another.

Terminals 4 and 5 are the edge of the airport’s perimeter; whereas, Terminals 2 and 3 are situated between the 2 runways. Since there is only an underground tunnel for road traffic, making connections by the free bus, pre-security, can be a slow process. Thankfully, you can connect between terminals with the good underground train systems as a preferred alternative.

For passengers making a connecting flight , there is also the option of connecting by airside bus, and these routes are detailed in the map above as detailed by the thin grey lines running between terminals.

Hot Tip: The British Airways Digital Wayfinding app debuted as a trial for LHR transit passengers in June 2023.

LHR Ground Transportation Pre-security/Landside

If you are taking an onward flight without an official flight connection, then you may need to travel between terminals outside of the secured area. Depending on which terminals you are traveling between, there are several ways of getting around LHR.

The map above shows free travel routes around the airport with the dark blue and purple lines representing the train routes running between the terminals and the dotted line showing the out-of-hours bus route.

Passengers have the option to travel via a shuttle train, with 2 departures an hour to Terminal 4 and 4 departures an hour to Terminal 5, or by riding the regular London Underground trains that connect the terminals along with onward travel to London. Both options are free with the shuttle train requiring an inter-terminal transfer ticket that is available inside the station, or by tapping in using an Oyster card or contactless credit/debit card. This doesn’t incur a charge; it’s just the method used to track entry and exit points.

The Heathrow Central station serves Terminals 2 and 3 with Terminals 4 and 5 having their own stations. From the Heathrow Central Station, again serving Terminals 2 and 3, it takes 16 to 20 minutes to travel by train to Terminals 4 or 5 accounting for walking time in and around the stations and waiting time.

Hot Tip: London Underground trains are free when using an Oyster card or contactless credit/debit card within the free zones indicated above. If you leave these zones, then you will incur a charge.

Passengers traveling between terminals from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. will need to ride the out-of-hours free bus route H30 which runs every 20 minutes.

• From Hatton Cross
• From Terminal 4, bus stop 10 or 11
• From Terminal 5, bus stop 12
• From the Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2 and 3), bus stop 20

Terminals 2 and 3 are situated quite close together, and it is possible to walk between these 2 terminals via a pedestrian underpass. It takes around 10 minutes to walk between the terminals with moving walkways available to use.

From Terminal 2, follow the signs to Terminal 3 by taking the elevator or escalator down to level -1, walking through the pedestrian underpass (bypassing the London Underground station), and following the walkway around.

From Terminal 3 ground check-in level, take the stairs near the Virgin Atlantic check-in desks or the elevator/escalator located opposite zone D down to level -1. From here, you can walk through the pedestrian underpass to Terminal 2 with the route well signposted.

For multi-leg flights booked with flight connections, you should be able to remain airside to travel to the departure terminal for your onward flight. Once you have disembarked your first flight at LHR, follow the signs for flight connections where a shuttle bus will transfer you to your connecting terminal. Buses depart every 6 to 10 minutes.

Hot Tip: LHR states that there are a few airlines that are unable to transfer luggage for flight connections, so check with your airline whether you will need to collect your bags and re-check-in for your connection. 

Layout of LHR Terminals

Terminal 2 (T2) is the smallest terminal, split across multiple levels and zones. Mostly European flights operate from T2 with some long-haul international flights also operating in the terminal.

Level 5: Check-in

The check-in area is located on level 5 accessible directly from the T2 parking lot, or if you’re arriving by bus, taxi, or private drop-off, then you will need to take the escalator/elevator from level 0 to level 5 departures.

If you’re connecting to T2, then you likely wouldn’t need to pass through the check-in area as you would arrive airside on the flight connections bus.

Level 5: Departures

Once you’ve passed through the main security checkpoint, you’ll emerge into the level 5 departures area where there are shops, restaurants, and the Aer Lingus and Lufthansa lounges. The gates are not accessible from this level.

Level 4: Departures — A Gates

From level 5 departures, take the stairs, escalator, or elevator to level 4 departures for access to the A gates and onward access to B gates. Level 4 departures has 11 gates numbered A16 to A26, with the furthest gate approximately 500 meters from security or about a 5-minute walk.

More shops and restaurants are located on this level, along with the Plaza Premium Lounge and entry point for T2 connections.

Terminal 2B: B Gates

If your flight is departing from one of the B gates, then you will need to follow the signs for these gates, taking a left at gate A16. Take the escalator/elevator to level -2 and walk through the underground tunnel with moving walkways, before heading back up using the escalator/elevator to B gates level 1.

B gates are half a mile (800 meters) from security and take around 20 minutes to walk to from security. Terminal 2B has 16 gates numbered B31 to B36, B38, B39, B41 to B44, and B46 to B49.

Level 1: Arrivals

If arriving on an international flight, then you will need to clear immigration on level 1 and claim your bags if necessary. Once you’ve cleared customs, you will emerge into the arrivals area for passengers and non-passengers.

There are a few shops and cafes on this level, as well as the United Arrivals Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge.

Ground Floor: Arrivals — Onward Travel

From level 1 arrivals, take the stairs, escalator, or elevator to level 0 where you can access onward travel options such as buses and taxis, or continue to level -1 for the walkway to London Underground services and Terminal 3.

Terminal 3 (T3) is located next to Terminal 2, and they are the only 2 terminals connected via a walkway. T3 operates mostly long-haul international routes, along with some European flights. The facilities at T3 are spread across a few floors so there can be quite a bit of walking involved to get around.

Ground Floor: Check-in

From curbside drop-off or via public transportation, you will arrive on the ground level and walk straight into the check-in area at T3. Use the boards to find the applicable check-in zone for your airline, and once you’re all checked in you can proceed upstairs to level 1 upper departures.

Level 1: Departures

This level has a zone outside of the secure area before clearing security. There are some shops and restaurants in this area, along with the Regus Express Business Lounge and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Wing for expedited check-in.

Level 1: Departure Lounge

Once you have cleared the security checkpoint, you will arrive into the level 1 departures lounge where there is a huge variety of shops, bars, and restaurants.

The Departure lounge is also home to the American Admirals Club , Qantas London Lounge, British Airways Galleries Lounge, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and Emirates Lounge.

T3 has 29 gates, split across 3 areas.

Level 1: Gates 1 to 11

Gates numbered 1, 3, 3a, 5, 5a, 7, 9, and 11 are located to the left as you enter the departures lounge and are about a 10-minute walk from security. Apart from a Caffè Nero, there are no other shops or restaurants located in this gate area.

Level 1: Gates 13 to 22

Gates 13 to 22 are located straight ahead as you enter the departure lounge and getting to your gate can be up to a 20-minute walk. From the departure lounge, take the corridor (with moving walkways) located near the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. When you reach the end, gates 13 and 16 are to the left and gates 17 to 22 are to the right.

Gates 23 to 32, 34 to 36, 40, and 42 are located to the right. Gates 25 to 29 are up to a 10-minute walk and gates 30 to 42 are up to a 20-minute walk. Only a Caffè Nero and WHSmith are located at the far end of the gate area, so be sure to grab a bite or do any shopping in the departure lounge before heading to your gate.

Ground Floor: Arrivals

The arrivals area is located on the same level as check-in on the ground floor but is located in the north part of the terminal. Once you come through passport control, you’ll take the stairs or elevator/escalator to the ground level and baggage claim.

There are several shops and restaurants located outside of the secure area, along with access to onward travel.

Ground Floor — Arrivals (Onward Travel)

From the arrivals area, you can make your way to level -1 to walk through an underground walkway to London Underground train services or exit the terminal on the ground level for buses, taxis, and curbside pick-up.

Terminal 4 (T4) is located at the south end of the airport and is not connected to another terminal with any direct walkways. Passengers must travel from T4 to other terminals via the airside connection bus or outside of the secure area by train or bus. T4 serves a combination of long- and short-haul international flights.

Level 2 and Mezzanine: Check-in

T4 check-in is located on the top level (level 2) with curbside pick-up and drop-off located outside of the terminal on the same level. The security checkpoint is located in the middle of the check-in zones.

Level 2: Departure Gates

Once you’ve cleared security, you arrive at the departures lounge on the same level. T4 has 29 gates numbered 1A-C, 2, 3, 5, 5A-B, 6A-B, 7 to 9, 10A-B, 11A-B, 12, 14 to 17, and 19 to 25. Gates are 650 feet to a quarter of a mile (200 to 400 meters) from security and take 5 to 10 minutes to walk to.

Gates 7 to 9 are directly ahead after clearing security, gates 1C to 6 are to the left, gates 9 to 21 are to the right, and gates 22 to 25 are to the right and through a long connector tunnel with moving walkways.

Ground Floor and Mezzanine: Arrivals

When arriving on a flight into T4, you will pass through immigration on the level 1 mezzanine before continuing to the ground-level arrivals area to collect any luggage and clear customs.

There are a few shops and cafes in the arrivals hall, and you have access to ground transportation outside of the terminal on this level.

Outside of the arrivals hall are the pick-up areas for shuttle services, taxis, and buses. To catch the London Underground or a train to another terminal, then you need to make your way to level -1 where the stations are situated.

Terminal 5 (T5) is the largest and busiest of the 4 terminals at LHR and is used exclusively by British Airways. Facilities are split across 8 levels, including underground walkways and ground transportation services.

T5 consists of the main terminal building and 2 satellite terminals, 5B and 5C, connected by a walkway or transit train.

Level 3: Check-in and Departures 

The check-in area is located on level 3 and is on the same level as curbside pick-up/drop-off and access to the T5 short-stay parking lot. There are almost 100 check-in kiosks available, in addition to staffed check-in desks, and the 2 security checkpoints are located at either end of the terminal.

Once you have cleared security you will arrive at the level 3 departures lounge, where there are several shops and restaurants. The British Airways Concorde Room, Galleries Lounge , and First Class Lounge are also located on this level.

level 2: Departures — Gates A1 to A23

To reach the departure gates, take the stairs or elevator/escalator to level 2 where you will have access to the A gates and onward access to the B and C gates.

The A gates are numbered A1 to A3, A5 to A9, and A11 to A23 with the lower numbered gates located at the north end of the terminal and the higher numbered gates at the south. A gates are around 0.25 miles (400 meters) from security and are about a 10-minute walk. There are more shops (including duty-free), restaurants, and the Plaza Premium Lounge on this level.

Terminal 5B: Departures — Gates B32 to B48

Terminal 5B is a satellite terminal located between the main terminal building and Terminal 5C. Terminal 5B has gates numbered B32 to B39 and B42 to B48, and a small selection of shops and restaurants.

To reach Terminal 5B, either ride the transit train or walk through the underground passageway with moving walkways; both take around 10 minutes. The train and walkway are situated between gates A14 and A15 in the main building with the walkway on level -4 and the train on level -2.

Once you arrive, gates B32 to B35 and B45 to B48 are located in the north end of the terminal, and gates B36 to B39 and B42 to B44 are located in the south end. There is another British Airways Galleries Lounge in Terminal 5B.

Terminal 5C: Departures — Gates C52 to C66

Terminal 5C is another satellite terminal next to Terminal 5B and the furthest from the main building. To reach Terminal 5C, you can ride the transit train from the main building or use the underground passageway with moving walkways; both are located between gates A14 and A15 in the main terminal building and take around 15 minutes.

Terminal 5C has 12 gates numbered C52 to C57 and C61 to C66 with gates C55 to C57 and C62 to C64 located in the north end of the terminal and gates C52 to C54 and C65 and C66 located in the south end. There are a few shops and cafes within this terminal but significantly fewer than those available in 5B or the main terminal.

When arriving at either of the satellite terminals, the transit train or underground passageways will transport you to where you need to take the escalator/elevator to level 1 for immigration or flight connections. Once you have cleared immigration, you’ll travel back downstairs to the ground-level arrivals area and baggage claim.

There are a few shops and cafes within the arrivals hall, and outside of the terminal is where you will find onward travel services for buses, taxis, and trains (located at level -2.)

In some situations, it may be quicker to walk than ride the train, as the travel time to the station and waiting period may be longer.

• Walking between Terminals 2 and 3: around 10 minutes
• Walking between Terminal 5 main building and the 5B satellite terminal: around 10 minutes
• Walking between Terminal 5 main building and the 5C satellite terminal: around 15 minutes

Connecting between any other terminal requires riding a train or bus. Please refer to the ground transportation section mentioned earlier.

Connecting is easy at LHR with purple “Flight Connections” signs guiding you on arrival. If you’re arriving on an international or domestic flight connecting to an international flight, then you won’t need to clear immigration at LHR. If you’re arriving on an international flight connecting to a domestic flight, then you will need to clear immigration on arrival.

If your luggage is checked through to your final destination, then you won’t need to collect your luggage at LHR. Once you’ve checked the flight connection boards to confirm your onward terminal number, ride the flight connections bus directly there and visit the airline desk if you require an onward boarding card.

All passengers must re-clear security at their connecting terminal before being able to relax in the departures lounge to await their flight.

Hot Tip: LHR has a convenient flight connections guide where you can fill in your flight details to see a step-by-step guide to your connection with estimated journey times.

If you have booked 2 separate tickets, then you would need to clear immigration, collect your baggage, clear customs, and use one of the landside ground transportation methods to travel to your onward terminal to check in as normal.

LHR states that there are a few airlines that are unable to transfer luggage on a flight connection, so make sure you confirm with your airline before you travel.

London Heathrow’s terminals are all accessible to passengers with disabilities, mobility concerns, and wheelchair users. All flight connection buses are available to passengers with reduced mobility, and the shuttle train that travels between terminals is at platform level.

The London Underground stations at all Heathrow terminals have elevator access, and special assistance buses can be found in the forecourt outside of each terminal, available for terminal connections.

Electric buggies are available to transport passengers to and from the departure gates and there are phones located in the terminals, parking lots, and stations for assistance.

Phone Numbers for Assistance

• Short-stay parking lots: +44 (0)20 8757 2700
• Long-stay parking lots: +44 (0)20 8745 4625
• Central bus station: +44 (0)20 8757 2700
• London Underground – All Terminals: +44 (0)20 8757 2700

London Heathrow is a huge airport with large terminals that sometimes do require quite a bit of walking to reach the departure gate. That said, LHR has plenty of moving walkways to make the journey a bit easier. It was even the U.K.’s first airport to have a moving walkway in 1970.

If you’re flying from one of Terminal 5’s satellite terminals, then you can choose to walk or ride the train from the main building; however, it’s a little disappointing that LHR didn’t build a train to its newer Terminal 2 satellite building, which can take up to 20 minutes to walk to a gate!

Without the need to clear immigration, if arriving on an international flight with an onward connection (non-domestic), it’s a pretty slick process with connection buses available airside to take you directly to your next terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tube (underground) free between heathrow terminals.

The tube (London Underground) is free between Heathrow terminals. Terminals 4 and 5 have their own underground stations while Terminals 2 and 3 share the same station on the lower level of the central bus station.

What are the different terminals at Heathrow?

London Heathrow has 4 terminals — 2, 3, 4, and 5. Terminal 5 is occupied exclusively by British Airways and the other terminals all operate international flights.

Can I travel between terminals at Heathrow?

You can travel between terminals at London Heathrow. Passengers with flight connections can use the airside connection buses to reach their onward terminal and other passengers can ride the train outside of the secure area.

Is there a shuttle between Heathrow terminals?

There is a free shuttle bus available to transport connecting passengers to their next terminal. Passengers should follow the flight connections signs to reach the departure areas. Any passenger that need to exit the secure area can ride the train for free between terminals using an Oyster card or contactless payment card.

How long does it take to change terminals at Heathrow?

Your connection time will depend on which terminals you’re arriving at and departing from and the form of transport you need to take. Check out London Heathrow’s flight connection planner for estimated times and transport options.

How long does it take to get from Terminal 4 to Terminal 3 at Heathrow?

Getting between Terminals 3 and 4 takes 16 to 20 minutes by train including waiting times, outside of the secure area. It is quicker to use the flight connections buses that depart regularly and run between terminals airside.

How much time do you need between connecting flights at Heathrow?

The time required for a flight connection at Heathrow will depend on which terminals you are connecting from/to. You can use Heathrow’s flight connection planner to see estimated connection times and transportation.

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How to Travel Between Heathrow Terminals

Last Updated: March 4, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Angela Rice . Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 40,475 times.

If you're in Heathrow International Airport, you're probably really excited to be traveling! However, it's important to know how to navigate the 5 terminals so your travels can run smoothly. Heathrow has world class infrastructure designed to make getting around as simple as possible using three different methods: Shuttle train, bus (only between terminals 4 and 5) and walking (only between terminals 2 and 3). In order to enjoy your trip to its fullest make sure you're clear on the terminals and time frames that apply to you.

Walking between Terminals

Catching the Train

• Purchasing an Oyster card isn't a necessity, but if you are planning on spending time in London, it may be a useful purchase.

• If you are in terminal 4 the stop is just to the right of the main entrance and on floor level -1.
• If you are in terminal 5 the stop is on the left side on floor level 0. You can also follow the clearly marked signs saying “Heathrow Express”. [4] X Research source

• All shuttle travel between terminals is free so just make your way to the stop and hop on. [5] X Research source
• The total travel time will take about 20 mins while the actual time you will be on the train for will probably be much smaller than this.

Traveling by Bus

• The trip will take about 20 minutes and will be free as long as you are just moving between the terminals at Heathrow.
• There will be room for your luggage in the bus' storage compartment.

Expert Q&A

• Give yourself at least 3 hours between flights to make sure you make your connection. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Don't be afraid to ask for directions or help if you feel like you may be getting lost or confused. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.heathrow.com/airport-guide/getting-around-heathrow/travel-between-terminals
• ↑ https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k9807168-Heathrow_airport_Walking_from_terminal_2_to_terminal_3-London_England.html
• ↑ https://www.londontoolkit.com/briefing/oystercard.htm
• ↑ https://maps.heathrow.com/index.html?vid=lhr&s=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
• ↑ https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Heathrow-Terminal-4/Heathrow-Terminal-5-Underground-Station
• ↑ https://www.milesfaster.co.uk/information/heathrow-airport/terminal-to-terminal.htm
• ↑ https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/timetable/482/

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The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London

Editor's Note

After a long flight, you just want to get from the airport to your hotel in the easiest (and, ideally, the most cost-effective) way possible.

With an airport as vast as London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) — the biggest and busiest flight hub in the United Kingdom — achieving that goal can seem daunting even though it's only 16 miles from central London.

There are several options for getting from Heathrow to the city center, depending on your flexibility, the amount of luggage you're carrying, your budget or your time constraints. You can choose between taxis, the Tube, Uber, dedicated train services and even the bus.

Here are the best options for traveling from Heathrow to London — along with how long they take and other pros and cons — so that you can start your trip off on the right foot.

London Underground (aka the Tube)

Heathrow is on the London Underground's Piccadilly line. To spot it, simply look out for the dark blue line on any Tube map.

The popular service — run by the Transport for London (or the TfL for short) — connects the airport to plenty of central city locations. Often, you won't even need to transfer once you've made it to the city center.

If you're looking for the cheapest option to get you from Heathrow into the city, this is likely it. However, it may not be the most comfortable if you are carrying lots of luggage or traveling during peak commuter hours — especially during summer.

Depart from : Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; the latter two have Underground stations in Zone 6.

Possible destinations : The Piccadilly line directly serves Hammersmith, Gloucester Road, South Kensington, Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Holborn and King's Cross St. Pancras, among other stops. The first and last stops on the line are Uxbridge (Zone 6) and Wood Green (Zone 3).

When does it run? Typically, you can expect Tubes to run from all terminals from around 5 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.; nighttime services from stations in Terminals 2, 3 and 5 run on Fridays and Saturdays. You can check the timetable from all stations here .

Transit time : This will obviously vary depending on your final destination. As a guide, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Piccadilly Circus from Heathrow's Terminal 5 or an hour to reach King's Cross St. Pancras.

Estimated cost : Single journeys from Heathrow to destinations in Zone 1 (such as Piccadilly and King's Cross) cost 5.60 British pounds ($7.09) if you pay contactless or with an Oyster card. Buying a ticket to central London at a machine will cost around 6.70 pounds (about $8.29) per person. Children under 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you're going outside of Zone 1 (such as to Hammersmith, in Zone 2), then you're looking at a smaller fare of 2.10 pounds (around $2.60) during peak times and 3.40 pounds (around $4.21) at off-peak times.

Paying for your trip : You can pay as you pass through the gates or by buying a ticket. The most convenient method is to use your contactless payment card by touching it on the yellow card readers found at Tube entrances and some platforms.

Note: The card readers aren't always connected to gates and are sometimes free-standing. Keep an eye out for them. If you don't tap in and out at the start and end of your journey, you'll get charged for traveling through Zones 1 to 9.

You can also tap in using a prepaid Oyster card, which is available to buy at all Tube and Overground stations, plus most Elizabeth Line stations, for 7 pounds (about $8.69); they're also available at some newsstands and visitor centers throughout London.

After purchasing an Oyster card, you can add money to the card using the ticket machines found inside Underground stations. You can then purchase daily or weekly travel cards covering various zones.

Alternatively, you can buy paper tickets from the ticket machines at each Tube, Overground and Docklands Light Railway station. One-way, return, daily and weekly travel cards are available.

Some stations also have staffed kiosks instead of ticket machines; you can ask for advice here on the best tickets to buy or routes to take.

Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside

Elizabeth Line

A relatively recent addition to the TfL network, the Elizabeth Line opened in 2022. It is one of the fastest and cheapest options for traveling into central London from Heathrow Airport.

While not as cheap as the Tube, the Elizabeth Line trains are newer, roomier, air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi. It's not quite as fast as the Heathrow Express (more details below), but it is more affordable.

Depart from : Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 railway stations.

Possible destinations : The Elizabeth Line travels direct from Heathrow to Abbey Wood, serving Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf. You can see the full map on TfL's website .

There are no direct services between Canary Wharf and Terminal 5 except for some early morning and late evening services; instead, you must go via Paddington or transfer at Terminal 4. Trains arriving at Heathrow from Canary end at Terminal 4.

When does it run? Times vary by terminal and whether you're traveling during a weekday or weekend. Typically, the first trains leave between 5:15 and 6:05 a.m., and the last trains leave the airport between 11:46 p.m. and 12:13 a.m. Depending on your destination or starting point, you may find trains start slightly earlier or run marginally later. Find specific timing here .

Transit time : It depends on where you're headed. As a guide, Terminal 5 station to Paddington takes around 35 minutes, while traveling from stations in Terminal 2 and 3 to Liverpool Street takes about 45 minutes.

Estimated cost : Heathrow claims journeys to or from the airport that start or end in Zone 1 cost up to 12.80 pounds ($15.83) per person. However, if you use contactless payment or Oyster, TfL's single fare finder shows a single journey from Terminal 5 to Paddington on the Elizabeth Line costs 12.20 pounds ($15.44).

A journey from stations in Terminals 2 and 3 to Liverpool Street costs 13.30 pounds ($16.45). These prices only apply to contactless payments or Oyster payments. Buying a paper ticket via station ticket machines costs a small amount more — as discovered by TPG recently when we paid 14.30 pounds for an off-peak ticket from Liverpool Street to Heathrow via the Elizabeth Line.

Generally speaking, while savings are only minor, it's better to pay by contactless or Oyster card. Children under the age of 11 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

Heathrow Express

The direct train, Heathrow Express, is the fastest option to get from Heathrow to Paddington. The trains are relatively modern and, despite the short distance between its sole stop, they also have luggage racks and plugs for charging phones — handy if you're boarding after a long journey.

For onward journeys, Paddington is well connected to multiple Tube lines. Do note, however, that the Heathrow Express is more expensive than all other rail options.

Depart from : Terminals 2 and 3 station and Terminal 5 railway station; you'll need to take a free connecting shuttle to the station if you land in Terminal 4.

Possible destinations : Paddington station; for an extra cost, you can add connecting Tube travel.

When does it run? It typically operates from around 5 a.m. until midnight. Trains run every 15 minutes. See the full Heathrow Express timetable here .

Transit time : It takes 15 minutes to get to Paddington from Terminals 2 and 3 or 20 minutes from Terminal 5.

Estimated cost : A single Heathrow Express journey from Paddington to Heathrow usually costs 25 pounds ($31.65) per person, but you can sometimes pay less if you book in advance. If you're from Great Britain and have a National Railcard, you could pay as little as 16.50 pounds ($20.89).

Alternatively, you can sometimes find discounts online by searching for Heathrow Express vouchers or coupon codes.

The trains also have Business First Class carriages that start around 32 pounds ($40.51) for a single journey. This may not seem worth it given the short distance and travel time. However, Heathrow Express Business First Class ticket holders are also eligible to use Heathrow Airport's fast-track security service — it may be worth it if you're in a rush.

While the Heathrow Express is more expensive than other options, it can sometimes be a good deal for families; children under 15 travel free with a fare-paying adult.

If you are returning to the airport within one month of your ticket, an anytime ticket is cheaper overall than booking two single journeys, which start at 32 pounds ($40.51).

Frequent travelers can also save by buying carnets — starting at six tickets for 109.80 pounds ($138.99) for standard class or 160 pounds ($202.54) for Business First class.

If public transport isn't your thing or you need to travel between Heathrow and central London when other transport isn't running, you can easily book Uber rides. Naturally, this will cost more than a Tube or train ride.

Depart from : Short-stay parking lot in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; the app will tell you where to go once you've requested a ride and your driver is confirmed, depending on the terminal you're in.

You can typically find Uber pickup spots in the following locations:

• Terminal 2: Level 4, Row H (Short Stay Car Park 2)
• Terminal 3: Level 3, Row A (Short Stay Car Park 3)
• Terminal 4: Level 1, Private Hire Pickup
• Terminal 5: Level 1, Row R (Short Stay Car Park 5)

Possible destinations : You can use Uber to go wherever you like.

When does it run? In theory, you can get an Uber at any hour, but be wary of long waits during peak times.

Transit time : It varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. (Pay attention to rush hour and commuting times.) As a rough guide, it typically takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Paddington by car or one hour to reach Piccadilly Circus from Terminal 5 (on a good day).

Note that despite its convenience, Uber isn't necessarily the quickest way to reach Heathrow from most locations.

Estimated cost : The cost of an Uber depends on traffic, your destination and other factors. As an example, it can cost 59 British pounds ($74.69) from Terminal 5 to Paddington or 63 British pounds ($79.75) to Piccadilly Circus for UberX rides, excluding tips.

Do note that groups of four or more with more than small suitcases will need to order either a larger car or multiple cars. Expect to pay more for an Uber Lux or Comfort journey.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Taxis (including black cabs, WeKnow and Addison Lee)

Beyond Uber, there are plenty of other taxi services in London. Options include hailing an iconic London black cab, prebooking an electric car from Heathrow's private hire transfer service WeKnow or arranging a pickup from a company such as Addison Lee.

The latter two options provide a meet-and-greet service to help get you and your luggage straight into the car.

If booking with Addison Lee, you'll be required to share your flight number at booking so the driver can adjust your ride in case of a delay.

Again, this mode of transport will be more expensive than using public transport.

Depart from : The relevant taxi rank outside Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 for a black cab; other services will specify the pickup location when you book, or the driver will meet you at the terminal.

Possible destinations : You can use this option to go wherever you'd like.

When does it run? In theory, you should be able to arrange a taxi or car transfer anytime.

Transit time : As with Uber, it varies depending on traffic, destination and other factors. Terminal 5 to Paddington will typically take around 50 minutes while heading to Picadilly Circus will usually take roughly one hour.

Estimated cost : Prices vary depending on the taxi service you opt for and traffic. Some estimates are below.

• Black cab : The meter starts when your ride begins. TfL — which manages London's black cabs — says trips from Heathrow to central London cost between 52 pounds ($65.83) and 97 pounds ($122.79). More information about black cabs is available here .
• WeKnow : Prices are fixed, so you'll know what you're paying when you book. Terminal 5 to Paddington or Piccadilly Circus typically costs 70 pounds ($88.61) to 94 pounds (around $118.99), depending on the car booked. A meet-and-greet service costs 9.99 pounds (about $12.65) extra. Book here .
• Addison Lee : Like WeKnow, prices for Addison Lee rides are fixed. A sample Terminal 5 to Paddington journey (leaving ASAP) was quoted online as 94.32 pounds ($119.40) or up to 122 pounds ($154.44), depending on the car size needed. The meet-and-greet is included in both prices. For an exact quote, visit Addison Lee's website and input your flight number and journey details.

Coach (including National Express and Megabus)

From Heathrow, National Express and Megabus coaches can drop you off at Victoria Coach station. They're usually inexpensive and often have Wi-Fi and power outlets. They can also carry your luggage in the hold. Here's where you can find Megabus luggage allowances and National Express luggage allowances .

While cheap, buses are not the quickest way to reach central London, as times fluctuate considerably depending on traffic, time of day and other factors.

Depart from : Heathrow's Central Bus Station between Terminals 2 and 3 is the quickest departure point for both National Express and Megabus coaches. From Terminal 4, you'll need to take the free shuttle to the bus station. You can also board a coach from Terminal 5 (look for arrivals level stops 13, 14 and 15 for the Megabus).

Possible destinations : You can use these modes of transportation to reach Victoria Coach station, which is a short five-minute walk from the Victoria Line at Victoria station. This line stops at Green Park, Oxford Circus, Warren Street and King's Cross.

When does it run? National Express coaches run throughout the day, with a service gap between 1 and 3:45 a.m. You can check times and prices here . For Megabus times, head here .

Transit time : From Terminals 2 and 3, National Express coaches take between 55 minutes and one hour and 20 minutes to reach Victoria Coach station. Megabus takes between 45 and 55 minutes for the same journey.

From Terminal 5, National Express coaches can take anywhere from one hour and 20 minutes to one hour and 35 minutes.

Estimated cost : National Express coach rides start from 6 pounds ($7.60) per person. For Megabus coaches, a single journey starts from 8 pounds ($10.13).

Other travel options

The 285 bus from Heathrow's Central Bus Station (serving Terminals 2 and 3) will take you to Feltham train station — it's 16 stops away. From there, you can take a 30- or 45-minute train to Waterloo via Clapham Junction.

London bus hopper fares cost 1.75 British pounds ($2.22), and train tickets start from 8.60 pounds ($10.89) per person. The hopper fares allow you to take unlimited journeys from one hour of tapping in.

This is probably the cheapest option from Heathrow to central London, but it is a long-winded option.

There are several local bus routes from the airport for those traveling somewhere in Greater London rather than central London. View them here .

Bottom line

The best route from Heathrow to central London depends on your budget, the amount of luggage you're traveling with and the amount of time and hassle you are willing to put up with.

The Elizabeth Line and Tube are our top picks to avoid street traffic and save money. If speed is your primary concern, then consider the Heathrow Express.

Need to get away from dragging luggage around or just want the absolutely simplest path from point A to point B? Consider an Uber or taxi.

London Heathrow Airport Guide: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

If you’re flying in or out of Heathrow airport when visiting London, this Heathrow Airport Guide will tell you some smart things to know before you get there so you have a nice smooth visit.

There are four terminals at London Heathrow Airport

They’re labeled as terminals 2-5, there’s no longer a terminal 1.

When you’re leaving London, you’ll need to know which one you’re departing from, as you’ll go there to do everything from checking in, to going through security, etc.

You can also check which terminal you’re arriving into, usually your airline will tell you at various points in your journey and on your email confirmation when you buy your ticket. If you struggle to find which Heathrow terminal your airline will fly into or out of, use Heathrow’s Which Terminal tool .

Get to Heathrow Airport 2-3 hours early

As a rule of thumb, plan to get to the airport about three hours early for an intercontinental flight, and at least two hours early for a flight to somewhere in Europe.

Now, I must admit that I don’t always follow this. If I don’t have a bag to check, and I’ve already checked in online, I often give myself less time. Security at Heathrow Airport is SO efficient, I don’t think I’ve waited longer than 10 minutes to get through, even at the height of Christmas season.

However, giving yourself all of that extra time will account for any craziness that might happen, like delayed trains, long lines for bag drop (this is common), or whatever else might happen in the crazy world of travel. The good thing is that there’s loads to do with all of that extra time at Heathrow, which I will talk about a little later.

There are many transportation options for getting to/from Heathrow from Central London

If you’re on a budget, the National Express bus is a good option, or if you want to get to central London fast, there’s the Heathrow Express , plus a few other options in between. For the sake of the length of this article, I won’t go through them all, but they’re all clearly listed, including prices and other helpful info, in my free London 101 Guide.

Have a pen with you for your landing card

If you’re not an EU/EEA national, then you’ll need to fill out a landing card when you arrive to the UK. You’ll give this, along with your passport, to the immigration officer at Border Control. The line for immigration can get very long, so in order to hop on the line as quickly as possible, make sure you bring a pen with you on your flight so that you can fill out the landing card while still on the plane, and you won’t get delayed waiting for a pen to free up at the counter.

Border Control at Heathrow Airport can take a while

Assume it will take at least an hour to get through Border Control and to get your checked bags. It could be a lot less, and it could be more, there’s really no way to say. Keep this in mind when booking transfers or asking someone to pick you up.

There’s free wifi at Heathrow Airport

You get 45 minutes of free wifi, and you get faster speeds if you sign up to the free  Heathrow Rewards program . Use the free wifi to connect with family and friends while you’re waiting for your bags, or if you’re leaving London, pass the time before your flight.

Read next:  How to Use Your Phone While Traveling in Europe

There are lots of food options at heathrow.

In every terminal, there are really good food options once you’re past security, so wait to eat until you’re through, just in case there are any hold ups at security. You’ll find budget options, like Pret a Manger and Starbucks, plus more high-end restaurants and places in between. A personal favourite of mine is Giraffe, it’s affordable and yummy.

Honestly, there’s tons of choice at Heathrow Airport, so you’ll find something that works for you. Expect prices to of course be a bit higher than normal because, well, you’re in an airport.

The shopping’s great at Heathrow

There are so many shops across Heathrow Airport, most of which are mid-range to high-end when it comes to price, but there are also a few affordable options, as well as duty free shops and places to get souvenirs. Terminal 5 is the biggest of the terminals, and it has the most shopping and food selection, and if you have time, you can transfer to other terminals to check out their shopping and food options.

If you want to see what food and shopping options your terminal will have, have a look at Heathrow’s terminal guides.

Read next:  5 Areas in London to Visit for Some Serious Shopping

It takes a long time to get to the gate.

A lot of the gates at Heathrow Airport take quite a while to get to from the main food and shopping area. You’ll see signs around the terminal telling you how long to give yourself to get to your gate once it’s been announced, for some, this could be up to twenty minutes. Keep that in mind so you don’t miss your flight.

Heathrow is family-friendly

If you’ve got little ones you need to keep entertained, each terminal has at least one or two play areas for them to have some fun at. Also, most restaurants will have children’s menus, and you can even order baby milk for your flight.

I hope this Heathrow Airport Guide helps you have a great visit to the airport and to London. For help with getting to and from Heathrow and Central London, download my free London 101 guide.

More London tips:

How to Prepare for your First 3 Days in London

10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting London

5 Great Photo-Taking Spots in London

Jessica Dante

Jess is the founder of Love and London, an online travel guide that helps London tourists to visit London like they live there. She's been featured in Refinery29, Forbes, BBC Radio 2, HuffPost, and more. Jess is also a sustainable and ethical travel advocate.

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Thanks Jess. Great blog. Will be there mid August. Bye for now Alison and Graeme Pike from New Zealand

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Oh wow thank you so much Jan. I’d love for you to get value for anything you give me so perhaps you’d consider purchasing my 3-Day London Itinerary: loveandlondon.com/3-day-London-itinerary I appreciate your kind words and that you’re part of the community 🙂

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Local buses at Heathrow Airport

Including free public buses to heathrow airport hotels, local buses to heathrow hotels were often free.

Unfortunately the Covid-19 Pandemic hit airports really hard and one of the consequences of this at Heathrow was the removal of the free bus zone around the airport. This though is a temporary measure. Below is the statement from Heathrow explaining the decision:

Changes to subsidies for public transport

"COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on Heathrow’s finances. In November 2020 we announced that we would be suspending the Heathrow Free Travel Zone (FTZ) and end some other local transport subsidies, effective from 1 January 2021. From this date, some bus services in the Heathrow Free Travel Zone were no longer free (4, 7, 8, 442, 555). From 12 June 2021 the remaining buses will no longer be free. We are hoping these changes will be short-lived and once Heathrow’s financial health has been restored, we plan to introduce an improved programme of subsidised and sustainable travel for our colleagues, communities and passengers".

Previous policy in place before Covid and kept as reference for when the temporary measures end

Heathrow Airport subsidises all public buses, most of which are the famous red London buses so that any journey from the Heathrow Airport terminals to anywhere on the perimeter roads is completely free.

In many cases these public buses stop right outside the entrance of many Heathrow hotels.

Buses are free as long as you get off/on the buses on the perimeter roads of the airport and travel to and from the passenger terminals. Go beyond the perimeter roads and you pay the normal bus fare.

Many of the buses run a 24/7 schedule and all run from early morning until late evening. The official Heathrow Hoppa buses do not run 24x7 and are less frequent than most of the public bus routes.

Most of the buses are the famous London red buses like the one pictured above right. A few going south and west from the airport are run by different operators but still offer the free journeys around the airport perimeter. A mixture of double deck and single deck buses are run. Nearly all routes have several buses an hour, the major routes run about every 10 minutes during the day.

So what is the curious policy? Whilst the free buses are provided, the official Heathrow Hoppa Bus charges a full price to transport you to each Heathrow hotel.

Where to board the bus at Heathrow

For Terminals 2 and 3 all the buses depart from the Central Bus Station. With luggage it will take about 10 minutes to complete the journey on foot. Much of the journey uses moving walkways and the entire journey is inside.

Heathrow Central Bus Station is above the Underground station and the way is well signposted with ramps in each terminal and lifts up to the bus station. There are no steps involved.

At terminals 4 and 5 the buses are right outside the front doors of the arrivals hall and again are well signed.

Location Of Bus Stops Along The Bath Road (the main hotel strip)

More details of staying along Bath Road (eastern section)

More details of staying along Bath Road (western section)

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Heathrow urges government to scrap £10 fee for transit passengers

London hub says charge for overseas travellers using UK airports puts country at competitive disadvantage

Heathrow has called on the government to scrap a new £10 charge for overseas travellers using UK airports to connect to other flights, warning that it puts UK airports at a competitive disadvantage compared with other European rivals.

The government introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in November for Qatari nationals travelling to the UK from Qatar, with a wider rollout for other countries throughout 2024.

The ETA is largely based on the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta) system, and requires travellers to apply to enter the country before departing and pay a £10 fee.

This applies not only to direct flights from the country but also for those who are using UK airports for more than two hours to connect to other flights.

Heathrow said while it supported the overall rationale behind the ETA, transiting passengers needed to be exempted as this was hitting passenger numbers.

The airport pointed to the impact it had on travellers from Qatar – it said there had been 19,000 fewer transit passengers coming through the airport in the first four months of ETA rules applying. It added that each month recorded the lowest proportion of transiting passengers from the country for 10 years.

The update said: “This is a huge blow to UK competitiveness as many long-haul routes, which are highly important to the UK’s economy, exports and wider connectivity, rely on transit passengers. With more connecting passengers expected to choose other hubs as the scheme expands, minsters need to take action to remove this measure.”

Heathrow recorded its busiest Easter weekend this year, with 936,000 passengers using the airport across the bank holiday period. This contributed to 7 million people travelling through the London hub in March, the highest ever for that month.

The chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said: “The government needs to exempt airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme to avoid encouraging passengers to spend and do business elsewhere. We need to level the playing field, so the UK aviation industry continues to be world class.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are introducing an electronic travel authorisation scheme to enhance border security by increasing our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and preventing the arrival of those who pose a threat.

“Requiring transit passengers to obtain an ETA stops people who may use connecting flights to avoid gaining permission to travel to the UK. We are keeping this under review as we continue to roll out the scheme.”

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Simplify your next holiday by planning your airport hotel, parking and shuttle in advance!

If you're looking for hassle-free travel, then you've chosen the ideal service! Book a convenient Heathrow airport hotel package with Purple Parking and let us help you save time searching with competitive deals right at your fingertips.

Top Heathrow Hotels Deals with Shuttles and Parking

Enjoy an overnight stay near Heathrow Airport with airport parking and shuttle, for the perfect stress-free start to your trip. By booking your hotel and parking together, you'll often get a cheaper deal than if you booked them separately, or booked just a hotel stay on its own. So, though your parking isn't technically 'free', combining the two means these cheaper deals are too good to miss. Plus, each hotel offers a reliable and frequent shuttle transfer to the airport.

Compare top hotel and parking deals, with airport transfer below:

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Heathrow Hotels with Hoppa Shuttle Service

The Hotel Hoppa operates as a paid service and you will be charged, however, this is often a cheaper option to alternative airport transfer . More cost-effective than a taxi ride, the Heathrow Hoppa has over 200 services per day, running from 4am until 11pm, connecting over 20 nearby hotels with Terminals 2, 3, and 5. If you're travelling as a family, your shuttle service is partly free , with up to two children under 15 being able to travel free with a paying adult.

Find out Heathrow Hoppa prices below:

You can purchase your shuttle tickets from the Hotel Hoppa website , app, hotel kiosks or directly from the driver. Please see table below for details of the Hoppa buses, which hotels and which Terminal's they serve.

For further information please checkout the Heathrow Hoppa Network .

Alternatives to London Heathrow Hoppa Bus

Your hotel with parking doesn't include a shuttle service within your price, giving you the flexibility to choose the most convenient transfer for you. Though the Heathrow Hoppa can be the cheaper way to travel, it's important to bear in mind that the shuttles typically make several stops en route to the terminals which adds extra time to your journey. Most routes only operate once per hour too, which may not be frequent enough for you (especially if you're in a hurry).

Wondering what alternatives there are to the Hoppa? Check out other popular transfer options and costs for top hotels below:

Alternative ways to get to and from the airport include taxis, public buses and WeKnow e-Shuttles. These options are priced differently and have different journey times. Compare your options below:

Heathrow Taxis

Available 24/7, aiport taxis can be the easiest way to travel and often worth the added expense compared to other methods of transport. With shorter journey times and knowing you're heading directly to the terminal, booking a taxi in advance can be the most hassle-free option.

Heathrow Public Buses

Check out the Heathrow area bus map to see the different routes available and the hotels they serve.

WeKnow Shuttles at Heathrow

The WeKnow hotel E-Shuttle provides services between Heathrow Airport and surrounding nearby hotels. This reliable service operates 24-hrs a day, 7-days a week at a time that suits. You'll travel in style, in their luxury fully electric vehicles and you can book with complete confidence knowing that WeKnow holds the unique position of being Heathrow's onsite and licensed transfer provider.

If you're being collected from the airport, your driver will meet you at the exclusive Welcome desks located within all Arrivals terminals at Heathrow. They will help you with your luggage to the dedicated parking bays located just a minutes walk from the arrival hall and take you safely to your destination. Alternatively, if you're being collected from your hotel, WeKnow will send you updates by SMS text and email keeping you up to date on your ride.

For further details, and to book, please visit the Hotel E-shuttle website.

Enjoy peace of mind with FREE Cancellation

Don't panic if your plans change unexpectedly - with free cancellation, you can easily amend or cancel your Heathrow airport hotel package.

For further information, please visit our FREE Cancellation page.

*Prices are correct at the time of writing, but are subject to change.

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Search by airline, dixons duty free shopping.

Dixons Travel is a leading travel retailer in the UK and Europe, offering an extensive range of products for business and leisure travelers. Established over 30 years ago, the company has built up a loyal customer base and now has over 125 stores across the UK. As well as their high street presence, they also have an online store which offers customers easy access to their extensive range of products.

At Dixons Travel they offer an extensive range of products including luggage and travel accessories, electronics, cameras, headphones and audio equipment, power banks and other charging solutions. They also have a wide selection of fashion items such as watches, wallets, bags and jewellery. In addition to this they provide services such as holiday insurance and currency exchange. The company provides competitive prices on all its products including exclusive offers that cannot be found anywhere else.

The staff at Dixons Travel are passionate about travel and making sure customers get the most out of their journey by providing them with quality products and services. They are always on hand to offer advice on what products will best suit their needs. Customers can also take advantage of their helpful buying guides which explain different features and benefits so that customers can make informed decisions when purchasing items from them.

Their website provides customers with an easy way to browse through the entire range of products available at Dixons Travel as well as finding out more information about the latest offers and promotions taking place in-store or online. They offer free delivery on orders over £50 as well as next day delivery for convenience when people don’t have time to wait for their items to arrive in the post. For added peace-of-mind they also provide extra support with a full returns policy if shoppers are not completely satisfied with their purchase.

Click here for the Dixons website.

Dixons stores can be found at the following airports:

Aberdeen dyce airport, birmingham airport, bristol airport, dublin airport, east midlands airport, edinburgh airport, gatwick airport, glasgow airport, liverpool john lennon airport, london heathrow airport, luton airport, manchester airport, milan-malpensa airport, newcastle airport, stansted airport, latest articles about dixons, dixons travel exit represents opportunity for inmotion brand, says whsmith ceo.

WHSmith Group Chief Executive Carl Cowling has said that Dixons Travel’s exit from the UK market represents an opportunity to expand its own presence in consumer electronics, notably through its InMotion brand. Dixons Carphone is to close its airport business under the Dixons Travel name, citing the financial hit from reduced traffic and store footfall […]

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Dixons Travel stores set to close after UK airside tax free shopping is axed

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Heathrow urges ministers to drop £10 fee for transit passengers

• Heathrow Airport
• Thursday 11 April 2024 at 4:45pm

Including transit airline passengers in a scheme making visitors to the UK pay a £10 fee is putting the country’s airports at a “competitive disadvantage”, Heathrow has claimed.

An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is a requirement for people entering or transiting through the UK without legal residence or a visa.

The scheme was introduced in November 2023 but is currently only for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

It is scheduled to be extended to include the European Union, the European Economic Area and Swiss nationals in early 2025, and the rest of the world this autumn.

Heathrow said in a statement it supports the “overall rationale” behind the introduction of ETAs, but “applying them to airside transit passengers will put UK airports at a competitive disadvantage compared to EU hubs”.

It went on: “We are already seeing an impact.

“In the first four months of ETAs being in place, 19,000 fewer transit passengers travelled from Qatar, with the transfer route recording its lowest monthly proportions for over 10 years each month since the implementation of ETAs.

“This is a huge blow to UK competitiveness as many long-haul routes, which are highly important to the UK’s economy, exports and wider connectivity, rely on transit passengers.

“With more connecting passengers expected to choose other hubs as the scheme expands, minsters need to take action to remove this measure.”

The Home Office says ETAs “cement the UK as a world leader in border security” as applicants must provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer “suitability questions”.

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: “We’re on a journey to be an extraordinary airport fit for the future and it’s great to see the progress we’re making this year with smooth journeys for a record number of passengers choosing Heathrow.

“But to keep up the momentum, the Government needs to exempt airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme to avoid encouraging passengers to spend and do business elsewhere.

“We need to level the playing field, so the UK aviation industry continues to be world-class.”

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are introducing an electronic travel authorisation scheme to enhance border security by increasing our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and preventing the arrival of those who pose a threat.

“Requiring transit passengers to obtain an ETA stops people who may use connecting flights to avoid gaining permission to travel to the UK.

“We are keeping this under review as we continue to roll out the scheme.”

Heathrow said 6.7 million passengers travelled through the airport in March.

That is up 8% from 6.2 million during March last year, and is the highest total it has recorded for that month.

The Asia/Pacific market saw the largest year-on-year rise in percentage terms, at 18%.

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Heathrow Airport strikes 2024: April and May dates and everything you need to know

Border force staff are due to walk out on April 29

Striking transport workers are now as much a part of British culture as complaining about the weather or grabbing a cup of tea to kill time at work. So, it won’t surprise you to find out that strikes at Heathrow airport have been announced.

When are the Heathrow border strikes?

Heathrow border force workers will walk out for four days between April 29 and May 2.  

Why are Heathrow workers striking?

Border force workers will put down tools to protest proposed job cuts from the Home Office. The strikes have been called by the Public and Commercial Services trade union (PCS), who said: ‘The Home Office should be doing all it can to retain experienced, trained staff — not lose them by introducing an unworkable new roster system.’

What’s been said about the strikes?

Strikes had originally been planned for last week, but were called off due to the possibility that an agreement could be reached, but after talks broke down the union has decided to proceed with next week's walk outs. 

The new roster system was due to begin on April 29, and after talks left union representatives unsatisfied it was decided that industrial action was needed. In announcing the strike , PCS explained: ‘Members have expressed heartbreak at being forced out of the job that they have undertaken in Border Force for years.’

According to the union’s general secretary, Fran Heathcote: ‘While not everyone will be affected, the changes will disproportionately hit those who are disabled or have caring responsibilities.’

Should the Home Office fail to meet the wishes of PCS, the four-day strike will be followed with a period of work-to-rule until May 18, where staff will do only the bare minimum that they are contractually obliged to do.

The Home Office is not hugely pleased with these measures. A spokesperson said: ‘The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at other ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns, and improve the service to the travelling public.’ 

All of this to say – if you’re heading on a Springtime break soon and travelling through Heathrow, give yourself a little bit of extra time to mind the missing staff. It shouldn’t cause huge disruptions to your security and boarding experience, but it’s definitely worth considering on the way back.

Eyes on the skies

At Time Out we keep an eye on all things British aviation. For instance, did you see that that  the UK’s most delayed flight routes have been revealed ? Or that Ryanair is launching six new holiday routes from Bristol Airport ? We’ve also updated you on  how air traffic control shortages could cause chaos this summer , and  why the 100ml rule won't be scrapped this year .

Did you see that   this seaside resort has been named the UK’s party capital ?

Plus:  The real-life Hogwarts Express has started running again . 

Stay in the loop:   sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter   for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.

• Annie McNamee Contributor, Time Out London and UK

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April 16th - What to know if you're flying to the Middle East Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

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Money latest: Do solar panels work in Britain's wet and cloudy climate?

George Frost, UK manager for sustainable energy advice firm iChoosr, talks to us about how effective solar panels really are in the UK. Listen to the latest Sky News Daily podcast about inflation as you scroll.

Friday 19 April 2024 07:31, UK

• Do solar panels work in Britain's wet and cloudy climate?
• 'You can't afford to feel': The woman who cares for daughter, son and husband
• Ketchup swaps that could eliminate tablespoons of sugar from your diet
• Drivers warned 'psychological shock' coming from petrol prices

Essential reads

• Spotlight on unpaid carers: 'I'm juggling caring for my dad with dementia, looking after my children and my job'
• Ian King analysis: Why an interest rate cut may not come as soon as you think
• Basically… How to improve your credit score
• Money Problem: My boss ruined end of maternity leave with ultimatum - what are my rights?

By Ollie Cooper, Money team

It can be hard to balance getting nutritious foods that make you feel good without emptying your wallet.

In this series every Friday, we're trying to find the cheapest ways to identify the healthiest options in the supermarket.

We've asked  Sunna Van Kampen,  founder of  Tonic Health ,  who went viral on social media for reviewing supermarket products in the search of healthier choices, for his input. 

The series does not aim to identify the outright healthiest option, but to help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

Today we're looking at ketchup - which contains a surprising amount of sugar. 

What's the worry with sugar?

"Reducing added sugars in your diet can lead to significant health benefits, including weight loss and decreased risk of heart disease," Sunna says. 

"But fear not, ketchup connoisseurs: there's a way to enjoy your sauce and look after your health too."

How much sugar? 

The average bottle of ketchup has around 4g of sugar per tablespoon. 

If you're having a generous dollop of ketchup three times a week, you're adding more than 600g of sugar to your diet each year from one condiment. 

"That's a whole lot of sweet for something that's supposed to be savoury," Sunna says. 

"Another way to look at it is that you're having a teaspoon of sugar drizzled over your French fries - it feels wrong, doesn't it?"

The good news is there's plenty of options.

Avoiding premium ketchups can save your wallet and your sugar intake - they tend to up sugar content by 35% to more than 30g per 100g.

A standard bottle of Heinz contains 22.8g of sugar per 100g.

"Without getting into the taste debate, Heinz's rival Hellman's comes up trumps for your health by lowering the sugar content to 18g per 100g," Sunna says. 

Heinz has created two lower-sugar versions: a 50% less sugar option (at 11g per 100g) and Heinz's No Added Sugar & Salt (4.4g of sugar per 100g).

"But watch out here," Sunna says, "as they do add artificial sweeteners in their place (sucralose)". 

In his view, there are two newer challenger brands that deserve a mention as they cut sugar without the artificial additives. 

"Dr Wills Ketchup using dates instead of sugar (15g per 100g) and Hunter & Gather keep the sweet stuff out entirely (6g per 100g). 

So, he says, there is "plenty to choose from to suite your taste buds and health needs".

What does that look like over time?

Making small changes for your health can build up to a big impact over the long term. 

"Going from standard Heinz to the brand's no sugar option will save you more than 500g of sugar a year in your diet," Sunna says. 

What's the cost? 

"Surprisingly, opting for a healthier ketchup doesn't mean squeezing your wallet dry," Sunna says. 

A bottle of Heinz No Added Sugar & Salt costs around £0.80 per 100g and is the most expensive.

The 50% less sugar version is cheaper at £0.54 per 100g. 

That's only 4% more than the standard, more sugary version, which costs £0.52 per 100g. 

"This way you'll save 32% on the price of your ketchup (compared with no sugar) and 50% of the sugar content for your health - that's a win-win," Sunna says. 

"In the grand scheme of dietary changes, switching ketchup varieties might seem small. But it's these little tweaks that can add up to a big difference in your health."

The nutritionist's view -  from  Dr Laura Brown , senior lecturer in nutrition, food and health sciences at Teesside University

"I would say that yes, they are correct in that the focus should be health over money and the reduced sugar version does not make too much of a difference. 

"Also, there is the option of making your own ketchup too, in which you could manipulate the ingredients to add more natural flavours that will reduce the need for the added sugar - provided it is consumed within a shorter space of time."

Read more from our series... 

By Bhvishya Patel, Money team

This week, we've been speaking to some of Britain's struggling unpaid carers, hearing at times heart-breaking accounts of their physical, emotional and financial struggles.

In our final instalment in the series, a woman who cares for her daughter, son and husband says it is a "lonely job" and you often feel "looked down on" as she urges the government to "look at the bigger picture" when it came to help.

"I care for three people but I'm allowed to get Carer's Allowance once. The allowance is deducted from my Universal Credit so in effect I do not get paid for caring at all." Suzanne Buckner, unpaid carer

Suzanne's daughter Charlotte, or Lottie as her mother and father Mark call her, was three when she was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that affects children and develops in early nerve cells, in 2010.

Her gruelling treatment left her with a number of healthcare problems, including the development of three benign tumours in her liver, non-autoimmune type 1, type 2 and type 3 diabetes and asplenia.

Charlotte, now 17, is also deaf and has severe back problems due to discs growing into her vertebrae.

"My daughter was told by her oncologist in December they didn't actually expect her to survive," Suzanne, 56, says.

Suzanne is also a carer for her son, 23, who has multiple complex conditions and her husband, 62, who has mental health conditions.

"It's an eclectic collection - one minute I'm a mental health nurse, then I'm dealing with behavioural problems and then it's just classic nurse," she says.

Suzanne receives universal credit of around £972 a month after her carer's allowance is deducted.

She says the carer's allowance earnings limit, set at £139 a week, means carers like her are "caught in this trap" where they can't earn above the limit for fear of losing their benefit money.

"I care for three people but I'm allowed to get carer's allowance once. The allowance is deducted from my universal credit so in effect I do not get paid for caring at all," she says.

"It's ridiculous because if I handed my family over to the state, can you imagine how much money it would cost?

"I sometimes think central government does not have the ability to calculate or look at the bigger picture."

Recently, Suzanne got "quite poorly" and was told to go to A&E after she was unable to get an appointment with her GP.

"I thought 'I can't go to A&E I've got to look after my family'. I think that's another area that's not looked at - the health and wellbeing of carers. It's a lonely job," she says.

"Even though I was sick, I was making sure Lottie was having her injections and medicines. You can't afford to feel.

"Emotionally it is hard because sometimes you can't fix the problem. There isn't a magic solution and you can't make a phone call.

"It doesn't matter to a degree how much money you've got, it  isn't going to go away. If someone is poorly, they are poorly."

Suzanne used to run several companies, including an advertising agency, before becoming a carer for her family and now does telecoms regulation consultancy work when she can.

Holding down a 9-5 job is "not possible for most carers".

"Lottie getting cancer taught me so much about life - do not plan," she says.

"If she had to go to hospital today that means I have to change all the tutors she's having and it can happen overnight.

"Having a child with cancer is even more of a lonely thing because it's quite a rare thing. If she gets sick, life just turns upside down."

After undergoing chemotherapy, Lottie was left with a low blood temperature and therefore keeping the house warm is important, Suzanne says, which increases heating costs.

The costs can go up further if Charlotte needs to go to hospital as this means trips "all over the country" to hospitals in Birmingham, the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, increasing fuel and food costs.

'Less of a citizen'

Suzanne says there is "absolutely" a pressure on her finances and if it were not for the inheritance her mother left her, she "wouldn't be living".

"Both my husband's parents are dead and my parents are dead. I don't have siblings that live close by so I don't have any support," she says.

"I think the problem is, unless you've walked in somebody's shoes, you really don't understand."

Suzanne says there are some things central and local government could do to help, such as giving personal budgets through direct payments, which would allow carers to choose the support and help they needed.

"Personally I feel you get looked down on. People think you're only a carer, you get benefits, you're less of a citizen - that really annoys me," she says.

"I think the benefits system doesn't work. I'm not suggesting that all carers in the UK should be paid a certain amount, but they should be paid equitably so that people don't get to the point mentally where they say 'I can't do this anymore'. 

"There need to be some serious, high-level debates and they need to involve carers in those debates. 

"The government need to look at how much money they are wasting in the care system by doing the wrong things."

Speaking of her daughter's battles, Suzanne adds: " I don't know how she copes - I think she's an inspiration.

"She has to be pulled and tugged by doctors and have test after test, and she tolerates it all. Sometimes when I'm watching her have these tests I think to myself 'I don't know how she does it'". 

Charity calls for review

Helen Walker, chief executive at Carers UK, says it is in the state's interest to support unpaid carers because "if a carer goes down then the state has to look after two people".

If you have to give up work to care, she says, "you are going to find yourself spiralling into poverty".

"Carer's allowance hasn't had a fundamental review for years so we would like a review looking at who is eligible for it, how it works and an increase to the amount," she adds.

"And also there needs to be an increase to the amount of hours you can work while caring.

"Social care is underfunded so it needs some real investment in order for unpaid carers to be able to care safely and well.

"What many carers will say is they need a break. It's not that they don't want to care, it's that they are exhausted. They are at breaking point."

A government spokesperson said: "Unpaid carers play a vital role in the lives of their family and friends, which is why from April we're boosting carer's allowance meaning carers receive an extra £1,500 a year compared to 2010.

"Those in low income households may also be eligible for additional financial support such as universal credit."

You can read the previous parts of our series here:

We've all heard consumer advice that's repeated so often it almost becomes cliché. So, every Friday the Money team will get to the bottom of a different "fact" and decide whether it's a myth or must.

This week it is...

'Solar panels in the UK are pointless given the weather'

For this one, we've got the help of  George Frost , UK manager for sustainable energy advice firm iChoosr. 

"With cloudy and colder days in the winter, it is natural for people to think that solar energy may not be as effective in this country - but this is simply false," he says. 

Let's dive into it... 

So how do solar photovoltaic (PV) systems work?

George explains: "Solar panels are composed of PV cells, which contain electrons that are energised upon contact with light particles, or photons. 

"This energy is then directly converted into an electric current to generate electricity."

In simple terms: solar panels rely on the sun's light and not its heat  to generate energy. 

Like most electrical equipment, solar panels perform better in colder temperatures, as excessive heat can reduce efficiency. 

"Solar panels will generate more energy on a crisp and chilly sunny day than on a hot, sunny day," George says. 

The issue really lies not with temperature but with cloud cover.

Solar panels receive less sunlight if there is a high density of clouds. 

Data suggests the energy generated drops significantly under heavy cloud cover, but George says that even on less clear and bright days, solar panels can still generate a "substantial" amount. 

Battery storage can help make up for effects of cloud cover. 

"By installing a battery alongside solar panels, any excess energy generated can be stored and utilised later in the day when the panels are no longer generating due to the absence of sunlight," George says.  

"Although the winter months have fewer daylight hours, it's important to note that solar PV systems do not completely shut down on shorter and darker days."

The numbers

The ideal temperature for solar panel efficiency is between 1C and 20C. 

National Energy Action data shows that the average solar panel can generate up to 3kWh of electricity on a sunny day. 

A mildly cloudy day will produce 0.55kWh and a heavily overcast day 0.24 kWh, according to the Ecoexperts.

The typical UK solar panel system (3-4kW system, typically made up of eight to 12 panels) produces between 2,450 and 3,000+ kWh a year, depending on orientation, location and weather conditions - according to Solar Together data.

The average British home uses around 2,700kWh of electricity a year, Ofwat estimates. 

Myth or must?

It's a myth that British solar panels are pointless - and data shows the average panel system could in theory power your home almost entirely. 

Solar Together caveats that by saying: "In practice, it's difficult for the average homeowner to install enough solar panels to power their entire home. 

"They can, though, generate enough energy to power household appliances such as your TV and fridge-freezer."

Consider this myth busted - and think of the green impact too! 

The Duchess of Sussex seems to be soft-launching the first product from her upcoming lifestyle brand. 

Influencers and friends of Meghan have been posting pictures of American Riviera Orchard's debut item - strawberry jam - in recent days. 

Parenting campaigner Kelly McKee Zajfen has become the latest to promote the jar, posting an image of it in a basket of lemons and flowers on Instagram. 

The Duchess reportedly sent out 50 jam jars to online influencers. 

Los Angeles-based fashion designer Tracy Robbins shared a photo of a jar - marked 17 out of 50 - earlier this week. 

Megan has already launched the American Riviera Orchard website, but it does not feature any products and simply invites visitors to join a waiting list. 

An Instagram profile has also been set up for the business, but just features several posts making up its gold logo. 

"By Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex⁣⁣⁣. Established 2024", is all the description says. 

You can read more about when we first saw a glimpse of the product here ...

Barristers and judges have the biggest gender pay gap in the UK, a study has shown.

Women in the profession earn just over 29% less than their male counterparts - around £8.31 an hour. 

That's according to ONS data analysed by Claims.co.uk. 

Financial managers and directors were found to have the second-biggest difference, with women paid approximately £11.56 less an hour than men in the same occupation. 

"Perhaps in 2024, studies like this will raise awareness of the gender pay gap and precipitate change in these industries, starting with pay reviews," Claims.co.uk said.

You can see the 10 jobs with the biggest pay gaps below...

As the season for high pollen count is upon us, anyone who suffers from hay fever will be thinking about stocking up on their medication.

But this can mean the pocket takes a hit.

Branded tablets from pharmacies can set buyers back quite a bit, with Clarityn allergy relief costing £10.99 for 30 tablets . Piriteze is another common brand, priced at  £11.55 for 30 tablets .

But most of these medications have identical properties, regardless of brand.

It's important to look out for the "active" ingredients - and then buy the cheapest option. 

These include loratadine and cetirizine hydrochloride. 

Supermarkets and discount stores can provide cheaper alternatives to the brand names. 

Poundstretcher, for example, sells 30 loratadine tablets for 79p. 

Supermarkets will often sell the branded versions alongside their own cheaper equivalents - so compare the ingredients before deciding which to go for. 

Here are some examples:

• Asda: £2.50 for cheapest generic v £6.50 for cheapest Clarityn tablets
• Boots: £5.99 for cheapest generic v £11.55 for Piriteze, Zirtek or branded equivalent
• Boots: £2.75 for cheapest generic v £10.99 for Clarityn tablets
• Sainsbury’s: £2.50 for cheapest generic v £11.10 for Clarityn tablets
• Tesco: £2.95 for cheapest generic v £11 for Piriteze, Zirtek or branded equivalent
• Waitrose: £3.25 for cheapest generic v £11.85 for Clarityn tablets

There are no cheaper equivalent options for Benadryl tablets, but Amazon offers cheaper deals of £7.20 or £6.48 with Prime vs a standard price of around £10 from supermarkets.

Remember, certain options could seem cheaper, such as an option of 90p for 10 tablets vs £1 for 10 one-a-day tablets.

However, you'll need to keep taking the first option throughout the day, with the second option lasting you much longer.

You should only buy medications from legitimate pharmacies and shops, as they must adhere to certain standards and inspections.

By Mickey Carroll, science and technology reporter 

If you had a great meal out, you'd probably leave a tip. Why don't you tip the people that make your video games too? 

That's the suggestion from former game studio president Mike Ybarra. He sparked a debate on X when he posted the idea he'd been thinking about "for a while".

"When I beat a game, there are some that just leave me in awe of how amazing the experience was. 

"I've often thought 'I wish I could give these folks another $10 or $20' because it was worth more than my initial $70 and they didn't try to nickel and dime me every second," he posted.

His idea was a flop.  

A lot of the more than 1,700 replies asked why games studios didn't just pay their developers properly, at a time when the industry is in crisis. 

"Maybe it's time companies start giving salaries and a bonus structure adequate to all their employees," posted @leqvist.

Game developers are facing mass redundancies. ( You can read more about that here .)

In the Past two years, more than 19,000 people have lost their jobs and just four months into 2024, another 8,000 have gone. 

Only yesterday, an estimated 600 redundancies were announced by Grand Theft Auto-6 publisher Take-Two, which could include jobs at Scotland’s Rockstar Games UK.

The other criticism that cropped up a lot was that games are pretty expensive anyway and should just be… good?

"A horrible idea. The game should be an amazing experience for $70! Paying extra for a 'great game' means that you are settling for a **** or mediocre game normally," posted @LinuxMostly. 

The average price for a boxed video game in the UK is now £35.70, according to the Entertainment and Retail Association yearbook.

After posting his idea, Mr Ybarra clearly went about his life, posting afterwards: "Whoever runs SteamDB [a database of everything on Steam], I tip my hat to you."

"Maybe you should tip them," came the reply.

Crisis-hit Boeing has rushed to defend itself from fresh whistleblower allegations of poor practice as the airline grapples its latest safety crisis.

A Congressional investigation heard evidence yesterday on the safety culture and manufacturing standards at the company - rocked in January by a mid-air scare that saw an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 flight suffer a panel blowout.

One Boeing quality engineer, Sam Salehpour, told members of a Senate subcommittee that Boeing was taking shortcuts to bolster production levels that could lead to jetliners breaking apart.

Read more on this story here ...

Almost one million private renters in England have been handed no-fault evictions since the Conservative government promised to abolish them, new data has shown.

Research by YouGov on behalf of homelessness charity Shelter - and shared exclusively with Sky News - showed that since April 2019 943,000 people had been given Section 21 notices, the equivalent of more than 500 renters every day.

The figures also showed unwanted moves were costing private renters in England £550m a year, with 830,000 people having to move in the past 12 months alone due to either their fixed tenancies coming to an end, being priced out by rent increases or being served with a Section 21.

You can read more on our political reporter Jennifer Scott's exclusive here ...

The Co-operative Bank will this week move a step closer to regaining its mutual status when it announces that it has struck a £780m deal to be bought by the Coventry Building Society.

Sky News has learnt that the two organisations are expected to announce as early as today that they have reached agreement on the terms of a transaction.

Insiders said the cash price to be paid by the Coventry would be close to £800m.

Read more on this story here ... 

The 10 cheapest European summer holidays have been revealed, with some "surprising" destinations making the list. 

Which? compiled the list after analysing more than 4,500 package holidays. 

The consumer group found the least expensive were often in locations that people "assume come with a higher price tag", such as Italy's Amalfi Coast or Greek islands.

Interestingly, traditionally low-cost destinations such as Bulgaria and Turkey failed to make the top 10. 

Which? said this was partly because of the type of packages available, with the Amalfi Coast having a wide choice of accommodation on either a self-catering or bed and breakfast basis, which is usually cheaper than full board packages.

These are the 10 cheapest package holidays for seven nights during the first week of August: 

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2,5 absolutely FREE DAILY walking tour in Moscow. We're TOP-rated company according to TA reviews! Book now and get meeting points details!

TOURS / SERVICES

Testimonial

"A very enjoybale day in Moscow. We had a very nice and knowledgeable guide Anastasia.(Nastia) She was very passionate about the City and we learnt so much in our brief four hours walk with her! Certainly this walking tour added a lot of value to our Moscow Holiday. A great idea to educate visitors about Russia and Moscow. The group was intimate enough to ask questions and stop for snacks etc..we thoriughly enjoyed it and would highly reccomend it.Carry on doing a great job!"

"I really enjoyed the tour, it was a great experience, very informative and fun. I will definitely tell everybody about that tour, keep it it is a fantastic idea!"

"Sorry I do not remember the names :( ... They were very talkative and very into everything. I think they both really love the city, and they made me feel like this to. They knew much about History, which was very informative! Great guides!!!"

"We partook of the fantastic Petersburg Free Tour. Due to our timing during the low season (shockingly not everyone is flocking to Moscow while the average temperature is 15F), it ended up being just us and Sonia, the afore-mentioned super-guide. She quickly ascertained the limited scope of our wanderings.."

Moscow’s best free city tour

I love Moscow – this charming metropolis, its people, its history and its unique cityscape. I would like to share my passion for this city with you. It is my job to show you the most exciting corners of this fascinating metropolis. That’s why, as a travel specialist and your private tour guide Moscow in Russia, I organize a guided free city tour Moscow – so that everyone, regardless of their budget, would be able to enjoy the insider’s view of Moscow.

You get to see what only Moscow residents know and what other tourist guides keep from you. I am a licensed travel specialist in Russia and would like you to enjoy all facets of the capital of the largest country in the world, without demanding any money from you. I’ll show you the city on my free Moscow walking tour for 1.5-hours on foot.

Everything you need to know:

• My tours take place daily by arrangement, I am the only English-speaking licensed tourist guide Moscow, who offers a free city tour.
• My 1.5-hour free tours Moscow do not cost you a cent, I also offer other great paid tours as well.
• I am an experienced local, I make the tours informative, but at the same time relaxed and not off the plane.

Free Tours Moscow – Daily

My free tours Moscow city starts on Slavonic Square (Kitay-Gorod Metro Station), passes the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral, which was built by Ivan the Terrible on the south side of Red Square in the 16th century and where the tsars were once crowned. Then it goes across the Red Square at the Lenin Mausoleum, the luxury department store GUM and with a view of the Kremlin towards the historical museum. Of course, you will also learn more about the stories that once happened behind the thick walls of the Kremlin – from the Tsars and Napoleon to Stalin. Then we continue through the idyllic Alexander Garden.

An advance booking is required!

Practical information:

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 1.5 hours Price: Free Language: English

«First acquaintance with Moscow» – a 2.5-hour city tour in the center of Moscow

This Moscow city tour starts on the Theater Square, past Lubyanka Square and the KGB-building, then through Kitay Gorod district and Varvarka Street, past the world-famous St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then it goes across Zarjadje Park, over Red Square at the Lenin Mausoleum, the GUM-department store and towards the Historical Museum. We walk through the Alexander Garden.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2.5 hours Price: 17 $ Students and children: 6 $ Language: English

A 3.5-hour car/bus tour of Moscow.

This is the best tour of Moscow city as all the important sights are visited. I am your Moscow city guide who will walk you through the city explaining the charming history of the city. This tour begins with picking you up from the hotel. 3 breaks are offered for photographing.

First, we will visit the most famous riverside streets and bridges in the center of the city with the most beautiful views of the Kremlin and the Moskva River (e.g. the Kremlin embankment and the Great Stone Bridge).

The first photo break is made at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. We then pass by the district with numerous museums, Prechistinka Street and the district with numerous medical areas.

We again stop at the Novodevichy Convent, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the other bank of the Moskva River to click pictures.

Then we visit “Sparrow Hills” where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city of Moscow from the observation deck. Then there are the skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Kutuzov avenue, the New Arbat, Tverskaya Street, the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, the KGB building and Varvarka Street. Here there are ample spots to click pictures.

We then drive past the Kremlin again and finally reach Red Square. We take a short tour of Red Square and say goodbye in the Alexander Garden.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 3.5 hours Price for a group: 170-200 $ (depending on the number of travelers) Language: English

Metro tour – daily

Palaces for ordinary people – that was what Stalin promised to the people when the construction of the Moscow Metro began between the World Wars. The communist dictator hadn’t promised too much. No other underground system in the world can boast such spectacular architecture – chandeliers, decorations, stucco, paintings on the walls – each station is individually designed. No wonder that Moscow residents love their metro. I will guide you through the bustle of one of the busiest subways in the world and show you the most beautiful stations Moscow city has.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: Metro tickets / the guided tour

Tour of Communist Moscow – every day

After the Communist October Revolution in 1918, Moscow became the capital of the Soviet Empire and was the center of socialist orbit for more than 70 years. This left its mark on Moscow, even if the USSR disintegrated more than a quarter of a century ago. The city streets are full of remnants of the communist regime and the Cold War. This is a walking tour where I will show you the most exciting places in Soviet Moscow: from the notorious KGB headquarters, also known as Lubyanka to the Karl Marx Monument to small hidden remains from the time of hammer and sickle. You will also learn about Stalin’s Great Terror political campaign and the system of the GULAG and how the USSR, the communist Russian republic, became modern Russia.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour

Alternative Moscow Tour – daily

Explore the unseen Moscow with your Moscow private guide and discover a range of sights during this alternative walking tour.  Away from the main tourist spots (in the central district of Kitay-Gorod), just a short walk from Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, you suddenly find yourself in one of the trendiest districts of Moscow. This place not only has trendy cafes and green squares, but here you can see the most beautiful spray works (according to Albrecht Dürer), hangout-places of the youth and hipsters, as well as learn what Moscow looked like in the 19th century. Here you will also learn exciting and even bloody stories about famous gangsters, eccentric business people and legends like the wandering preacher Rasputin, who is known in Russia either as the “holy devil” or the mad monk. To learn a little more about Moscow’s culture, this is the tour for you. On my alternative tour, you will get to know Moscow away from the tourist hotspots. This tour is of 2 hours duration and you will experience the following on the tour:

• St. John’s Hill, a quiet oasis right in the center, where time has stopped as it did in pre-Communist times
• Khokhlovka Art Center, where Russian hipsters and street artists hang out
• Samoskvorechye District where you can see beautiful streets and hear stories from old Moscow

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 2 hours Price: 21 $ Students and children: 17 $ Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour / tram ticket

Kremlin tour – daily (closed on Thursday)

With its 20 towers and high walls, the Kremlin rises imposingly over Red Square. This world-famous fortress with its area of ​​28 hectares is home to over 800 years of Russian history. Described as the eighth wonder of the world, this historic fortress complex is the principal symbol of Russia that sits on the banks of the Moscow River. Today the Kremlin still harbors numerous secrets and has palaces and cathedrals, surrounded by Kremlin Wall. The current wall was constructed between the 15 th  and 16 th  centuries, but the original wall was made of wood around the year 1147. The Kremlin Wall became an important symbol of Moscow’s importance in the Russian Empire. This top tourist destination attracts millions of people every year and there are various sights to see. With my Kremlin tour, you will see the oldest square in the city in the heart of the Kremlin, the once largest cannon in the world and the scene of numerous dramas – from Ivan the Terrible and Napoleon to Stalin. You cannot miss this unique experience.

An advance booking and prepayment for tickets are required.

Time: by arrangement, daily (closed on Thursday) Duration: 2 hours Price on request Students and children: on request Language: English Included in the price: Kremlin tickets / the guided tour

Moscow pub crawl – Friday / Saturday

Experience the real nightlife of Moscow with my Moscow Pub Crawl and enjoy 4 pubs/bars plus 4 welcome shot drinks. Move from one bar to another and get to know travelers from around the world as well as the locals. Play fun adventure games and contests in addition to getting perks in the bars. Between the bars, move from one place to another on foot. The routes are organized as such that you will walk no more than 10 minutes between the bars. Visit the most exciting events, parties, concerts, and dance in the bars. Moscow Pub Crawl is a tour that you will never forget.

This tour runs every Friday and Saturday evening at 8 PM and you need to bring along your passport or an ID card, comfortable shoes, and wear smart casual clothes.

An advance booking and a small prepayment are required!

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 4 hours Price on request Language: English Included in the price: the guided tour, 4 shot drinks

1.5-hour boat trip on the Moskva River.

Taking a boat tour in Moscow on the Moskva River is a very pleasant experience. It allows you to know the city from a totally different perspective and admire the beautiful bridges. In this 1.5-hour river trip, you will sail past many beautiful sites in Moscow, so you can take the best photos to commemorate this day. The ship makes several stops on the way. The trip starts from the Ustinskiy Bridge near Sarjadje Park and ends at the Kiev train station.

On this Boat Trip, you can see sights such as: the former Imperial Education House, Sarjadje Park, the “flowing”, “floating” bridge, the most beautiful view of the Kremlin, the Great Stone Bridge, the legendary House on the Quay, the Christ the Savior Cathedral , the monument to Peter the Great on the ship, the central sports arena Luzhniki, the Sparrow Hills, 240 meters high Lomonosov University, the numerous architecturally spectacular skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Novodevichy Convent, the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

Time: by arrangement, daily Duration: 1.5 hours Price on request Language: English

A military tour – riding on tanks in Stupino (Moscow region)

Russian Military is one of the largest military forces in the world formed in 1992. With my Military Tour experience what it likes to be in the Russian military, shooting guns, ride the Tank T-34 and various models of German tanks from the Second World War, as well as armored personnel carriers and vehicles. You will also shoot from the AK-47 and another combat weapon.

The tour will begin with your private tour guide Moscow in a Soviet army van accompanied with some tasty snacks and tea for a tasty start. Upon arriving, you will have to put on the army safety clothing and climb the Russian armored vehicles. The tour will take you on the noisy, smoky tank, driving through mud roads. All participants will get the chance to drive the tank which is coordinated by the Russian military.

Time: by arrangement, daily Price on request Language: English

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

Gorky Park and Sparrow Hills: Green Lungs, place to relax and meet

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