Heathrow Airport Terminal 4
Heathrow Terminal 4 is one of the airport's four passenger terminals, serving international flights to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and beyond. Opened in 1986, the terminal offers a range of passenger facilities, including check-in services, security screening, shops, restaurants, free WiFi and accessible travel support.
Located to the south of Heathrow's main airport complex, Terminal 4 has its own Elizabeth line and London Underground stations, as well as road connections and bus services. Our guide covers essential Terminal 4 information to help you prepare for your journey, from check-in and transport to family facilities and passenger services.
Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 Parking
Heathrow Terminal 4 is one of the airport's four passenger terminals, serving international flights to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and beyond. Opened in 1986, the terminal offers a range of passenger facilities, including check-in services, security screening, shops, restaurants, free WiFi and accessible travel support.
Located to the south of Heathrow's main airport complex, Terminal 4 has its own Elizabeth line and London Underground stations, as well as road connections and bus services. Our guide covers essential Terminal 4 information to help you prepare for your journey, from check-in and transport to family facilities and passenger services.
View airport parkingHeathrow Airport Terminal 4 Hotels & Parking
If you're driving to Heathrow Terminal 4, APH offers a choice of airport parking options to suit different travel requirements. Compare Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and on-airport parking services based on location, transfer arrangements, security features and price.
Family-owned since 1980, APH helps travellers find convenient airport parking options. Visit our dedicated Heathrow Terminal 4 parking page to compare availability and book online.
View hotels & parkingHeathrow Airport Terminal 4 Hotels
Heathrow Terminal 4 has a choice of nearby hotels for passengers who want to stay close to the airport before or after their flight. Several hotels are connected to the terminal by covered pedestrian walkways, while others are located a short journey away.
Hotel facilities, walking distances and transport arrangements vary by property, so check whether your chosen accommodation offers direct terminal access or requires a transfer.
View Airport HotelsHeathrow Airport Terminal 4 Lounges
Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 Essential Information
If you’re flying from Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 Terminal, we’ve collected the essential ‘must-know’ information you’ll need to ensure your trip gets off to the perfect stress-free start:
Take a virtual tour
Explore Heathrow Terminal 4 before travelling with a virtual tour of the terminal. A virtual walk-through can help you familiarise yourself with check-in areas, departure facilities and the general terminal layout, making it easier to plan your journey through the airport.
Some images may not reflect recent changes, so use Heathrow's official Terminal 4 map for the latest information about facilities, walking routes and departure gates.
View a map of the terminal
Heathrow Terminal 4 has check-in facilities, security screening, departure gates, shops, restaurants and passenger services across several levels. The terminal includes dedicated check-in zones, a departure lounge and gate areas serving international flights.
Use Heathrow Airport's official interactive Terminal 4 map to locate check-in desks, security, toilets, accessible facilities, shops, restaurants and departure gates. Allow sufficient time to reach your gate, particularly if you're travelling with children or require assistance.
Terminal Airport Live Flights
Check live departure and arrival information for flights operating from Heathrow Terminal 4 using Heathrow Airport's official flight information service. You can find scheduled and estimated flight times, current flight status and departure gate details when available.
Flight times and gate assignments can change throughout the day, so check your flight before leaving home and continue monitoring the information screens once you arrive at the airport.
Check traffic before you leave home
Heathrow Terminal 4 is accessible via the M4 and M25 motorways, with road connections through the airport's southern approach roads. Traffic conditions can change throughout the day, particularly during busy holiday periods, weekday commuting hours and major events.
Check live traffic information before travelling and follow signs for Terminal 4, passenger drop-off or your pre-booked car park. Allow additional journey time if congestion, roadworks or incidents are affecting the airport approach roads.
Flight check-in details
Check-in times at Heathrow Terminal 4 vary depending on your airline, destination and whether you're travelling with checked luggage. As a general guide, allow around two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul departures, unless your airline advises otherwise.
Many airlines offer online check-in, self-service kiosks or baggage drop-off facilities, although availability varies by carrier. Check your airline's recommended arrival time, check-in opening hours and baggage drop-off deadlines before travelling, and follow signs for your airline's designated check-in zone.
Security and hand luggage: Heathrow Terminal 4 uses upgraded security screening equipment that allows passengers to leave permitted liquids and large electronic devices inside their hand luggage. Liquids, aerosols and gels can be carried in individual containers of up to two litres, while laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices can remain inside cabin bags.
Heathrow allows up to two pieces of hand baggage through security, each measuring no more than 56cm × 45cm × 25cm. Your airline may have more restrictive baggage allowances, so check its requirements before travelling. Reusable metal or insulated bottles must be emptied before security and can be refilled afterwards.
Baby milk, food and essential medication can be carried through security subject to the relevant screening requirements. Security rules at your return airport may differ, so check the requirements for each airport on your journey.
Follow instructions from security staff and check Heathrow's latest hand baggage guidance before travelling.
Online and mobile check-in
Many airlines operating from Heathrow Terminal 4 offer online or mobile check-in, allowing passengers to complete part of the departure process before arriving at the airport. Depending on your airline, you may be able to select seats, download a digital boarding pass and manage your booking through a mobile app.
Online check-in opening times and deadlines vary by airline. Passengers travelling with checked luggage must still follow their carrier's baggage drop-off instructions, while those travelling with hand luggage only may be able to proceed directly to security if they have a valid boarding pass.
Terminal destinations
Heathrow Terminal 4 serves a wide range of international destinations, with flights connecting London to cities across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Airlines operating from the terminal include Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Gulf Air, alongside other international carriers.
Terminal allocations and flight schedules may change, particularly when airlines introduce new routes or adjust their operations. Check Heathrow Airport's official airline and destination directory for the latest information before travelling.
Facilities for disabled passengers
Heathrow Terminal 4 provides Assisted Travel services for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and additional accessibility requirements. Passengers who need assistance should arrange support through their airline or travel provider at least 48 hours before departure, where possible.
Before security, the Terminal 4 assistance area is located in Check-in Zone B, next to Excess Baggage. After security, an additional assistance area is located near Gate 7, while the arrivals assistance point is opposite international arrivals on the route towards the London Underground.
The terminal also provides accessible toilets, assistance points and support for passengers with hidden disabilities. A Changing Places facility is available after security near Gate 11A, with another in the international arrivals area. Visit Heathrow's official accessibility pages for further information.
Getting There
Heathrow Terminal 4 is accessible by the Elizabeth line, London Underground, bus, coach, car and taxi. The Elizabeth line provides direct rail connections between Terminal 4, central London and other destinations, while the Piccadilly line serves the dedicated Underground station beneath Terminal 4 Arrivals.
Heathrow Express does not stop directly at Terminal 4. Passengers using this service should travel to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 station and change to the free transfer train to Terminal 4. Drivers can reach the terminal via the M4 and M25 motorways, following signs for Terminal 4 and their designated car park or drop-off area.
Local buses, coaches, licensed taxis and private hire vehicles also serve Heathrow. Check your transport operator's timetable, terminal stop and any transfer requirements before travelling.
Fast-track security lane
Heathrow Terminal 4 offers Fast Track security access, providing a dedicated route through the security screening area. Access may be available through an airline ticket, frequent flyer status or advance booking, depending on the current arrangements.
Passengers using Fast Track must still complete all required security checks, and the service does not guarantee a particular waiting time. Check Heathrow Airport's official website and your airline's guidance for current eligibility, booking options and availability.
Top Tip
Check whether your airline ticket or frequent flyer membership includes Fast Track security access before purchasing a separate service. Even with Fast Track, allow enough time for check-in, security and boarding.
Push chairs and child seats
Families travelling through Heathrow Terminal 4 can bring pushchairs and child car seats, subject to their airline's baggage rules. Many airlines allow pushchairs to be taken through security and handed over at the boarding gate, although arrangements vary by carrier.
Pushchairs and child seats must undergo security screening, and some larger items may need additional checks. Before travelling, confirm whether your pushchair will be returned at the aircraft or collected from baggage reclaim when you arrive at your destination.
Family assistance lanes
Heathrow Terminal 4 provides support for families travelling with babies, young children and pushchairs during security screening. Passengers who need additional help can speak to airport staff, who will direct them to the most suitable screening lane.
Pushchairs, car seats and other family equipment must undergo the required security checks, and additional screening may be necessary. Dedicated lane arrangements may vary according to operational conditions, so passengers should follow the instructions provided by security staff.
Top Tip
If you're travelling with a pushchair or need extra support at security, speak to a member of the Heathrow team before joining the queue. Staff can direct you to the most suitable screening lane.
Airport shopping
Heathrow Terminal 4 offers a selection of shops selling travel essentials, fashion, beauty products, electronics, gifts and duty-free items. Passengers can browse retailers offering toiletries, clothing, accessories, snacks and last-minute travel essentials before departure.
Shopping facilities are available before and after security, although the selection varies by location. Opening hours and retailer availability may change, so check Heathrow's official Terminal 4 shopping directory for the latest information.
Top Tip
If you need a particular item before travelling, check Heathrow's shopping directory and retailer opening hours in advance. Some products and services may only be available after security.
Where to eat
Heathrow Terminal 4 offers a selection of cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaway outlets, with options ranging from quick snacks and coffee to sit-down meals. Food and drink facilities are available before and after security, although the choice varies depending on where you are in the terminal.
Restaurant opening hours and menus may change according to flight schedules and operating arrangements. Check Heathrow's official Terminal 4 restaurant directory for current dining options and locations, check out the full list of Terminal 4 restaurants here.
Area for kids
Heathrow Terminal 4 has a free Stay & Play area after security, giving younger passengers somewhere to play before their flight. The facility includes soft play equipment suitable for different age groups, with nearby seating for parents and carers.
Heathrow currently lists its Stay & Play areas as open daily from 06:00 to 21:00. Children must remain under adult supervision, as the play areas are not staffed. Check Heathrow's terminal map for the latest location and access information.
Wi-Fi access
Heathrow Terminal 4 provides free WiFi throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to browse online, check flight information, access digital boarding passes and stay in touch before travelling.
To connect, select Heathrow Wi-Fi from the available networks on your phone, tablet or laptop, follow the on-screen instructions and register to start using the service. Free internet access is available throughout the terminal, with no need to purchase a separate WiFi package, you can find all the essential information here.
Charging mobile devices
Heathrow Terminal 4 provides charging facilities for mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices at selected locations throughout the terminal. Charging points are available across Heathrow's terminals, although their exact locations, connections and availability may vary.
Bring a suitable charging cable or portable power bank and check your airline's rules for carrying spare lithium batteries. If you need to charge a device before departure, ask airport staff for directions to the nearest available charging point.
Baby changing facilities
Heathrow Terminal 4 provides baby changing facilities in designated areas throughout the terminal, including locations before and after security. Facilities are signposted and may include dedicated baby care rooms or changing areas within selected toilets.
Families travelling with babies should allow additional time for feeding and changing before boarding. Check Heathrow's official Terminal 4 map or ask airport staff for directions to the nearest available facilities.
Luggage Trollies
Free luggage trolleys are available at Heathrow Terminal 4 to help passengers transport suitcases and other bags between designated collection points, check-in areas and arrivals facilities.
Trolley availability may vary depending on demand and location. Follow airport signage or ask staff for directions to the nearest collection point, particularly if you're travelling with several large bags.
Luggage Lockers
Heathrow Terminal 4 has Boots retail facilities offering health and beauty products, toiletries, over-the-counter medicines and travel essentials. Store locations, opening hours and available services may differ, so check Heathrow's current shopping directory before travelling.
Passengers requiring prescription medication should arrange this before travelling rather than assuming a dispensing service will be available at the airport. Keep essential medicines in your hand luggage and check Heathrow's security guidance when travelling with liquid medication or medical equipment.
Pharmacies
Heathrow Terminal 4 has Boots retail facilities offering health and beauty products, toiletries, over-the-counter medicines and travel essentials. Store locations, opening hours and available services may differ, so check Heathrow's current shopping directory before travelling.
Passengers requiring prescription medication should arrange this before travelling rather than assuming a dispensing service will be available at the airport. Keep essential medicines in your hand luggage and check Heathrow's security guidance when travelling with liquid medication or medical equipment.
Top Tip
Heathrow Terminal 4 allows eligible liquids in containers of up to two litres through security, including baby milk and liquid medicines subject to the relevant requirements. Check Heathrow's latest security guidance before travelling, particularly if you need to carry specialist medication or medical equipment.
Showers
Heathrow Terminal 4 does not currently list general public shower facilities in its main passenger areas. Shower facilities are available through selected restricted-access services, but availability and entry conditions vary.
Passengers who require a shower before or after their flight should confirm the available facilities and access arrangements directly with Heathrow Airport before travelling.
Chapel
Heathrow Terminal 4 provides multi-faith prayer rooms for passengers, visitors and airport staff, offering quiet spaces for prayer, meditation and reflection. These facilities welcome people of all faiths and none.
A prayer room is located before security on the Mezzanine Level, while another is available after security near Gate 4. Both locations provide Wudu facilities for ablution before prayer. Follow airport signage or ask staff for directions to the nearest prayer room.
Viewing Areas
Passengers travelling through Heathrow Terminal 4 may be able to watch aircraft movements from selected areas of the terminal. Views of aircraft stands, taxiways and runways vary depending on the location, with some seating areas and restaurants offering views of airport activity.
The terminal has previously featured a dedicated View Heathrow observation area between Gates 15 and 16, although its current availability and facilities should be confirmed before travelling. Check Heathrow's terminal map or ask airport staff for the latest information about aircraft viewing opportunities.






