Making the most of a short layover at Heathrow (0-6 hours)
Enjoy a meal in our huge range of restaurants.
Indulge at some of Heathrow's exclusive shops.
Relax in one of our premium lounges.
Refresh with a relaxing spa treatment.
People Also Ask
It would not be advisable to leave the airport if you land at other airports. You will need to take Heathrow Express to Paddington Station during your 6 hour layover, then from Paddington take the Circle Line (yellow line) to St.
If you are passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country, you may need a UK transit visa. Transit visas are required by some nationals who are passing through the UK en-route to another country within 24 or 48 hours.
If you have an excessive layover time you may be wondering: Can I leave the airport between connecting flights? The short answer is yes. It is possible to exit and reenter the airport.
A 4-hour layover may be enough time to leave the airport and explore the city. But it also depends on the airport's location, the time of day, and the immigration and customs procedures.
During domestic layovers, you are free to leave the airport. If your domestic layover is longer than one hour, you should expect to receive two boarding permits. If you want to check out local points of interest, make sure you get your second boarding pass and print it out before you leave.
Yes, I've done it before, usually in Amsterdam. I've intentionally taken flights with 6–8 hour layovers so I can pop into the city, take a stroll about and sightsee, and then head back to the airport. Even better are the flights that get arrive in the late afternoon and then depart early the next morning.
CONNECTING FLIGHTSIf your baggage is checked through to your final destination, that's where you clear customs. If you're collecting your baggage and checking in to your next flight yourself, you need to pass through customs at Heathrow.
A layover is a broad term that means any connection between flights. This could include a stop as short as 30 minutes (depending upon the airport) or as long as four hours (or up to 23 hours and 59 minutes on international flights). Airline crews use this term, slightly differently.
When layover flights are booked with the same airline, your baggage will be automatically transferred through to your final destination. However, if the two flights are with different airlines, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover.
You can get your luggage during a layover under 2 circumstances: If you booked flights under separate tickets since you will need to gather and recheck your luggage before boarding the next flight. If your flights are booked under a single ticket, usually luggage will automatically be checked to the final destination.
You will need a UK transit visa if you: Are in transit to another country and have sufficient funds and the intention to travel onwards. Have evidence to prove you can enter that country. Can show that the only reason for your visit to the UK is for transit purposes.