How early should you leave for Heathrow?
Heathrow recommends arriving at the airport two hours before flights within the UK or Europe, and three hours before long-haul international flights. Work back from that time to set your pickup: your journey to the terminal comes on top.
Last checked against heathrow.com on .
Heathrow’s recommended arrival times
Heathrow’s own guidance is a simple rule of thumb, and it lines up with when most airlines open bag drop.
- UK and European flights: arrive about 2 hours before departure. Bag drop usually opens around 2 hours before short-haul flights.
- Long-haul flights: arrive about 3 hours before departure. Bag drop usually opens around 3 hours before long-haul flights.
- Boarding often starts 30 to 45 minutes before short-haul departures and 45 to 60 minutes before long-haul departures, so you need to be through security well before then.
Working out your pickup time
Start from the time you want to be at the terminal, then allow for the road journey from your address. For a 10:00 long-haul flight, for example, you’d aim to be at the terminal by about 07:00, and your pickup time is set back from there.
How far back depends on where you are, which terminal you’re flying from and the time of day. From West London areas such as Hounslow, Hayes or Southall you’re on Heathrow’s side of the city. From North London, the route usually involves the A406 North Circular, the M1, the A40 or the M25, which are busy at rush hour.
When you book with us, we plan your collection time around your flight, terminal and address, so you don’t have to work it out alone.
When to allow extra time
Heathrow publishes live security wait times on heathrow.com, which are worth a look on the day.
- School holidays and bank holiday weekends, when the terminals and roads are busier.
- Weekday rush hours, if your pickup falls between about 7 and 10 in the morning or 4 and 7 in the evening.
- Travelling with children, a lot of luggage or anyone who needs assistance at the airport.
- If you haven’t checked in online, or need to drop bags at a desk rather than a self-service point.
FAQs
Common questions
How early should I get to Heathrow for a European flight?
Heathrow recommends arriving about two hours before flights within the UK or Europe. Check your airline’s bag drop closing time, especially if you’re checking in luggage.
How early should I get to Heathrow for a long-haul flight?
Heathrow recommends arriving about three hours before long-haul international flights.
What time will my minicab collect me?
We set your collection time when you book, based on your flight time, terminal, pickup address and the time of day, so you reach the terminal in good time.