Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Very near to Central London |
| Disadvantages: |
It is a very large airport |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
I have travelled through LHR many times and have always found the experience reasonably enjoyable, as much as airport waiting can be.
LHR is a very accessible airport. It takes only 50 minutes from Central London by tube and they also have the Heathrow Express, which takes just 15 minutes to Paddington Station. The latter choice is quicker, albeit much more expensive (the last time I travelled it was £12.00 one way). Although the tube (London Underground system), is slightly longer, it is much cheaper and cost me the last time I travelled approx £2.50.
There is only the Piccadily line that runs from LHR, so despite there being two platforms, you can take EITHER tube that is waiting - You can't get on a WRONG one! There are two tube stops at LHR - one situated at Terminal 4 and the other is between Terminals 1 & 2.
My main experience has been of Terminal one, of both Domestic and International flights, both going from this Terminal. I suggest anyone travelling on a Domestic flight, eat their lunch or buy their duty frees in the main area, before passing through to the departures area. The Domestic lounge is very small and all they have is one cafe and a very small WH Smiths. The Departures area for International flights is slightly better - There is a Burger King, Pret a Manger as well as many cafes. The shops are typical 'duty free', but there is a wide variety. Prices are the same as many other international airports of the same size.
One thing to remember about Terminal 1 is that some of the boarding gates for your flight are quite a distance. Some of the gates numbered 40-50 are a good 10 minutes walk, and there are only a couple of 'moving' walkways to help you along the way. If walking can be a problem, it is always a good idea to contact your airline as you check in.
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