Heathrow has what you need for a few hours: showers, luggage storage, charging, prayer rooms and free trolleys. It does not have anywhere to sleep. If you are waiting a long time and need to lie down, that decides your plan.
Showers
Heathrow says its terminals have toilets, showers and water fountains, both before and after security. Some lounges also have showers.
What we cannot tell you from Heathrow's own page is which terminal has which, what they cost or when they open. Ask at an information desk or check the terminal's page on the day. Lounges that let you in for a fee are usually the easiest way to get a shower and somewhere to sit, and the price is set by the lounge.
Luggage storage
Heathrow has luggage storage run by the Excess Baggage Company, monitored round the clock. The prices on Heathrow's page are per item:
| How long | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 hours | £10 |
| 3 to 24 hours | £15 |
| 24 to 48 hours | £27.50 |
| 48 to 72 hours | £40 |
You can book online with the operator. Heathrow's page does not say where the desks are in each terminal, when they open or what size of bag they take, so confirm those with them before you rely on it. Storage matters most if you plan to leave the airport and your bags are not checked through.
Somewhere to sleep
There are no sleeping areas in the terminals, and no sleeping pods. If you will be there for hours and need to rest:
- A lounge. You get a seat, food and drink, Wi-Fi and charging, and some lounges have private rest areas and showers. Prices vary by lounge.
- A hotel at the terminal. Several are joined to the terminals by a covered walk. Our long layover short lists and overnight connection lists compare them for each terminal. Change the terminal in the address to match yours.
- An airside hotel. Heathrow lists a hotel in Terminal 3 beyond security, with single and twin rooms from early morning to late evening. If that is right for you, check the opening hours first. It sits on the airside of security, so you would not need to clear immigration to use it.
Also useful
- Charging points are in every terminal.
- Free luggage trolleys are in the main areas.
- Multi-faith prayer rooms and St George's Chapel are open to everyone.
- Cash machines are in the terminals, and most accept international cards.
Planning for a long wait
- Decide first whether you will stay inside or leave. The layovers guide helps.
- If you are leaving, store your bags before you go.
- If you need to sleep, book it ahead. Nothing in the terminal will do it for you.