I have an 8 hour layover at Heathrow, should I stay at the airport or is it enough time to step out for a bite to eat?
Posted by BabySharkFinSoup@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 143 comments
Flying in from Italy, then leaving Heathrow for the US. I have never flown through Heathrow before, and was unsure if I should just stay put or brave venturing out.
throwaway_t6788@reddit
its better to get lounge access to freshen up and get some free food etc.
Unlikely-Check-3777@reddit
Don't grab a taxi you're better off taking the tube or Heathrow express Heathrow express will defo be the fastest but more expensive
Swimming-Proposal-83@reddit
Do not take the Heathrow Express! It’s a £30 tourist trap.
Take the Elizabeth line
Swimming-Proposal-83@reddit
Lots of advice here from non-Londoners it seems.
8 hours is plenty of time.
Book a restaurant before you arrive near an Elizabeth Line stop (Tottenham court road probably best).
Leave you bags at the airport, there is bag storage.
Use contactless payment/apple pay to take the train.
lovely-luscious-lube@reddit
It’s not really 8 hours though, is it? Advice for transatlantic flights is typically to be there 3 hours before, so that narrows it to a 5 hour window. Then factor in passport control and navigating a massive airport you’ve never been to before. Then there’s the 1.5 hour round trip on the Elizabeth Line.
At best, OP is going to have a couple of hours in central London before needing to head back. Doesn’t seem worth it to me.
TurbulentLifeguard11@reddit
We had around 7 hour wait between flights. Flew into T5, moved to T3, stuck bags in a locker, took train into London and visited the London Aquarium, train back and flew. We did all that with a tired 4 year old. Maybe we got lucky with timings and how busy everything was.
cragwatcher@reddit
Agreed. Can't think of many things that would be less relaxing.
Ok_Weird_500@reddit
A couple of hours travelling and a couple of hours eating and wandering in central London is better than staying at the airport the whole time. I hate having round airports just waiting. It's a trade off though, you don't want to cut out so much waiting time that you get stressed about possibly missing the flight.
LlamaDrama007@reddit
Yup, definitely depends on your temperament too.
Personally, I'd rather pay for access to a lounge at the airport - pretty good eats/drinks there and it's away from the hustle bustle.
elchet@reddit
I dunno the last time I had access to the main BA Galleries lounge in T5 it was crazy busy and had plenty of its own bustle. Apparently the B gate lounge is calmer though.
haigboardman@reddit
I fly a lot from T5 and that lounge is always busy. B gate lounge is way better.
Follow_The_Lore@reddit
Literally can’t fly anymore by not going into the lounge lol
TheDoctor66@reddit
I don't know west London well but surely there is somewhere nice to spend a few hours a bit closer to Heathrow. A park to walk round and a restaurant is surely doable in many places.
Signal-Ad2674@reddit
I think this is a great answer. Once you’ve factored in the cost of the travel to London, food and stress / hassle, you’re better off staying boarding side and relaxing in comfort for the same cash.
PowerApp101@reddit
Haha me neither. If I'm at an airport I'm staying there, especially an unfamiliar one. I would just read a book, the time would pass quickly enough. No way I'd faff around trying to squeeze in a tourist attraction in 2 hours.
Swimming-Proposal-83@reddit
In London It takes 30-45 mins to get anywhere unless you live next to a tube.
This is a normal travel time in London.
5 hours is more than enough time to comfortably travel and have a meal.
lovely-luscious-lube@reddit
Depends how you define comfortable I guess. If you’re cool with constantly having one eye on the clock and weathering potential delays without too much anxiety then sure. If you’re a more cautious or anxious traveller then maybe not.
Hoppingmad99@reddit
Heathrow is very efficient, especially Terminal 5.
I wouldn't stress at all arriving there 3 hours before an international flight, probably only 2 hours if it was T5.
The last 3 times I've been at T5 (all in the last 1.5 years) I got through bag drop and security in less than 20 mins.
So ~£5.60 and 2 hours max for the return trip on Elizabeth/Piccadilly, to get a nice lunch, 1 hour, and 2 hours walking around, or going to a Museum, seems very worth.
Resident_Pay4310@reddit
Assuming that their flights are on one ticket and their bags are through checked all they'll have to do is get through security and head to the gate. Personally I would get to the airport 1.5 hr before in this scenario. 2 max.
30 - 45 min to get from the plane to the tube, 45 min on the tube, 45 min back to get there two hours before. That leaves them with almost 4 hours to wander around London plus an hour to look around at the airport.
ppan86@reddit
The only use for being there 3 hours early is when you forget your Esta
SeoulGalmegi@reddit
Or, if like me, you start feeling anxious if you're not there any earlier, thinking of all the things that have never happened to me so far (touch wood), but could.
On an 8-hour layover I don't think I'd get any joy by going more than 20 minutes or so from the airport.
I fully accept this is a me problem. OP might well be able to get the full London experience, catch their flight and enjoy it!
more_beans_mrtaggart@reddit
My missus can’t use tfl with her US card. She has to go to the ticket office if there is one.
I guess you’d have to be a non-Londoner to know that.
eerst@reddit
Yes this is a noted issue for some foreign cards.
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/pay-as-you-go/contactless-and-mobile-pay-as-you-go/why-doesnt-my-contactless-card-work
I seem to recall once reading Canadian, Australian and maybe Japanese cards were especially impacted? Don't quote me.
Bluered2012@reddit
Both my Canadian cards work fine.
eerst@reddit
That's good to hear. I had a Canadian friend come and his didn't work.
Bluered2012@reddit
You can’t use your bank debit card there, but all credit cards work fine. You can use your debit card at ATMs.
eerst@reddit
Could well be it.
Swimming-Proposal-83@reddit
Yes, why would any Londoner know about your missus’s financial affairs?
Princelysum@reddit
She seemed pretty desperate for cash last time I saw her tbf
Sir-Craven@reddit
Tap tap boom
Imposseeblip@reddit
Just boom. She couldn't tap remember.
Princelysum@reddit
Fine, she tapped me on the shoulder and offered boom boom. There. I've said it.
malmikea@reddit
Link it on the oyster website
BppnfvbanyOnxre@reddit
My BiL US citizen uses his Chase CC with no issues might well be supplier dependent.
Perite@reddit
My colleagues can’t use their cards on the tube, but it works fine if they link their card to Apple / Android pay
dhicoronabildua@reddit
If he doesn’t have check in bags in my experience 2 hours is enough for check in
Alert_Jeweler_7765@reddit
VQ at Tottenham Court Road is still 24 hour I believe
takesthebiscuit@reddit
It’s 20 minutes if you only have 8 hours you can effectively get 20% more time in London for free by taking the Express
LetMeBuildYourSquad@reddit
Not really because it doesn't go as frequently, so you'd likely need to wait longer at both ends for one, and it ends up at Paddington meaning you then need to travel for another 20 mins or so to get anywhere that you'd likely want to go.
Cptcongcong@reddit
Even the Elizabeth line is what, £8.80 to get out of the tunnel?
verocoder@reddit
Probably not relevant for OP but if you buy a through service Heathrow express is sometimes cheap AF. I think it was an extra £3 onto my ticket from Exeter to Paddington last time.
afrointhemorning@reddit
The Elizabeth line takes forever and they are short on time. Book the train in advance on trainline.com and it will be far less that £30
MeanCustardCreme@reddit
Somewhat disagree. Because it's more expensive, it's also way less hectic. Elizabeth line can be fine too, but it depends on your timing. So if you can afford it, Heathrow Express is relatively relaxed. I had to get it a couple of months ago when the Piccadilly and Elizabeth weren't running, and it was way more enjoyable. Another thing is, it's quicker, so in OPs case it might be worth it. Again, all personal preference and situational, but I wouldn't say it's a "tourist trap" since there are cleat benefits.
GakkoAtarashii@reddit
Hectic is part of the experience.
Unlikely-Check-3777@reddit
Depends really.
Lizzy line is a nightmare during rush hour so I'd still take Heathrow express around that time. Plus, it's still the fastest option and considering that time sounds like the more valuable factor here I would discount it.
Swimming-Proposal-83@reddit
Faster to where though, you have to get off at paddington and then continue your journey?
Lizzy line shoots you straight into soho
Unlikely-Check-3777@reddit
ur mum's house
Swimming-Proposal-83@reddit
Touché
Unlikely-Check-3777@reddit
<3
MisterrTickle@reddit
I remember when they made a big deal of it being a 15 minute journey, every 15 minutes and £15.
LondonCycling@reddit
I certainly wouldn't stay in the airport for 8 hours, but I would just pick one tourist attraction rather than trying to cram loads in.
Border control can be slow coming into London depending on time of the flight etc. I assume your baggage doesn't need claiming and checking in again as well?
You'll have enough time to head into central, do a touristy thing like Kensington Palace or the Tower of London for a couple of hours, and head back out to the airport again. Ideally pick something on the west side of London, near a Piccadilly Line or Elizabeth Line station. This will give you more time to see things and less time travelling around.
SpiritedVoice2@reddit
Sounds crazy hectic to me, 8 hours is a long time but I can't imagine it being much fun trying to squeeze in a day trip to London between flights at Heathrow.
It's probably not even anywhere close to 8 hours free time once you factor in disembarking, baggage, passport control, travel to central London, etc. Then all the same coming back.
I had similar layovers in Singapore, Hanoi and also JFK. Totally sucks wondering the airport for so long but screw trying to nip to the statue of liberty between flights.
Daveddozey@reddit
Public yranpet from jfk sucks. For 8 hours in singapore I’d certainly be tempted to go to gardens on the bay for lunch/dinner or similar though.
Utnac@reddit
Yep - 20minute taxi from Singapore airport to the centre along deserted roads... What a waste of 8 hours in Singapore!
SpiritedVoice2@reddit
Well it wouldn't really have been 8 hours that's my point, even if it is a 20 minute taxi with all the hassle getting out an airport and getting back in it would have been far less.
I don't regret missing a few hours rushing around Singapore, it wasn't my destination. I would have regretted missing the insanely expensive plane ticket for the onward journey to the other side of the world though.
Daveddozey@reddit
You’ve clearly never been to singapore airport.
SpiritedVoice2@reddit
Well done! I have clearly not been through Singapore airport passport control as I chose not to exit the airport during my 8 hour lay over.
Sorry for being an absolute wetter and not enjoying those refreshing few hours of Singaporean tourism mid way through my 20 odd hours of **flight** time.
LondonCycling@reddit
No it won't be 8 hours free time - that's why I suggested picking one tourist attraction.
Even if you had an hour long mare at border control, factoring in disembarking, maybe collecting a bag if it's self transfer, you've still got plenty of time to say get the tube to Ken, visit Kensington Palace for a couple of hours, bite to eat on High St, tube back, getting there a couple of hours before your flight.
SpiritedVoice2@reddit
Fair enough, it's maybe just not for me.
Have you ever done something similar yourself? Feels like a lot of posters are of the opinion it's a great idea but my unwritten mantra has always been don't mess about half way through continental flights.
LondonCycling@reddit
Yeah I actually have done it at Heathrow, though the layover was 12 hours. I was self transfer, so I actually had to collect my bags, bunged £20 to a hotel to let me store my suitcase there for the day, and went into central.
Also done it in Istanbul - they offer a transit visa specifically for this purpose, valid for 24 hours.
SpiritedVoice2@reddit
Nice, still not something I'd be bold enough to try but great you're advising OP from position of experience!
lifesrelentless@reddit
Yeh natural History museum ftw
The_2nd_Coming@reddit
I think this is the best advice. Say 2 hours buffer time either side still leaves you with 4 hours to do whatever you want.
Teembeau@reddit
Go to Southall for a curry. 5 minutes on the Elizabeth Line. Absolutely amazing place for Indian food.
Assinmik@reddit
Honestly the state of tfl, I wouldn’t risk it. Imagine tubes down and taxi would tear a while through your wallet
hebejebez@reddit
111 bus to Hampton court palace, can get lost in the maze.
Dennyisthepisslord@reddit
Uber to Windsor is about 20 minutes each way. Tour a huge castle and chill out by the river have lunch in a pub a few hundred years old and go back to Heathrow refreshed. Easy.
hebejebez@reddit
111 to Hampton court palace alternatively.
Beneficial-Hour-9167@reddit
Go to Windsor, like 20 min away
hebejebez@reddit
Or, and hear me out - feltham!
Ok I laughed writing it.
RFL92@reddit
I would also recommend this. Leave the bags at the airport and have a day in Windsor. This is what alot of my friends do when they only have a few hours for a layover. See the castle, go on a boat tour, pop to the brewery.
Perite@reddit
Just try not to accidentally run there
deltree000@reddit
PSA: Dobbyclub is organising an actual Run to Windsor this Saturday in support of Mind. Check it out, go donate.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DA3pELpoo3c/?img_index=1
tntyou898@reddit
Got any olives?
kiteloopy@reddit
Very moorish, olives. Seen my snake?
MoaningTablespoon@reddit
The only wise advice here. Can also take 703, £2 and in Windsor in ~1 hour.
Dan8720@reddit
A good option would be to stay out of London and book a country pub for some lunch/dinner.
If you've not visited the UK before you would get a good slice of British pub culture which would be a better memory and use of time than rushing into central London. Slamming some average food down your neck then squashing onto a tube to get back in time and potentially miss your flight
Final_Flounder9849@reddit
Elizabeth Line is your friend. Do not get on the underground (tube) as it’s much slower.
You can get to the centre of London easily and explore a bit for a good few hours. Depending on your arrival/departure time of course.
Hoppingmad99@reddit
Elizabeth line vs Piccadilly line is HEAVILY dependent on where you're going.
Yes Elizabeth line is faster but as soon as you need to change train then the difference is negligible.
tl;dr use google maps to check which is quicker
Final_Flounder9849@reddit
Or Citymapper. It’s got a simpler UI and gives guidance on which part of a train or tube platform to use so you’re nearest your exit.
stpizz@reddit
I'd do it, just be aware of backup options for your return to LHR in case of issues. For example if you use the Lizzy line near in mind the Express uses the same infrastructure and will also be down if Lizzy is down - rare, but not unheard of (has literally happened to me within the past few months, at LHR!).
So if your plan involves those, just make sure you have something else in mind to get back on time with and wont be panicking last minute - there are alternate tubes (which are uncomfy and slower but can work) or it'll be a taxi, etc
tunasweetcorn@reddit
Get liz line you can be central London in about an hour plenty of time to grab a bite to eat and head back afterwards easy peasy
Routine-Basis-9349@reddit
Head to Southall for some Indian food...if you like that
RecognitionWestern86@reddit
As everyone else has said, take the Lizzie line and I’d get off at Bond Street. Wander down Regent Street and book a table at the Wolseley on Piccadilly for lunch (ask for a table on the balcony if possible). Then walk down to Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and across Westminster Bridge for a river view.
Then get the Jubilee line back from Waterloo, change at Bond Street and you’re back on the Elizabeth line. I’d avoid Tottenham Court Road and Paddington as neither are particularly nice.
Queen_molina@reddit
Eight hours? That’s a mini vacation in airport time! If you're feeling adventurous, I'd say step out. Just make sure to check the time it takes to get through customs and security again. Grab some good food and maybe see a little of London—though I wouldn’t recommend trying to climb Big Ben in that time. But hey, even a quick stroll for fish and chips can make your layover much more fun than just sitting at the terminal. Just keep an eye on the clock, or you might end up regretting that last pint!
AddictedToRugs@reddit
Heathrow is on the Underground system, and is only an hour from central London. You could go into the city.
DangermanDickhead@reddit
Second this. Although, if you do go to Central London, take the Elizabeth Line. Don't take the Piccadilly line as it is much slower and more cramped.
FunkyPete@reddit
Or just take the Heathrow Express to Paddington.
DangermanDickhead@reddit
Isn't that extortionately priced though?
FunkyPete@reddit
It's cheaper than a cab and quicker than the tube. But OP has time to take the tube if they would prefer. That's definitely cheaper.
Daveddozey@reddit
Barely any faster than the Liz line - especially if you’re heading to the west end and thus need to change at Paddington onto the Liz line
JamieEC@reddit
even better, if you can book in advance book the heathrow express, it is like 15mins into Paddington and can be cheap when booked in advance
MrPoletski@reddit
I rate your suggestion: Risky
Laserpointer5000@reddit
You need to be there 2-3 hours before your flight so you only have 5 hours.
I can normally get through Heathrow security 30-45 mins so you have maybe 4 hours.
I think its doable but dont really think its worth it since the terminal has plenty of places to eat.
Daveddozey@reddit
The reason they say 3 hours is to ensure you have plenty of time to spend money airside.
peanut_butter_xox@reddit
I agree with this I think it’s risky but heck that’s just me
Dyalikedagz@reddit
Just get a cheap flight into London the day/two days before. Trying to squeeze this is sounds miserable.
Extension_Drummer_85@reddit
Ha ha ha you're going to be lucky to make it in and out in 8 hours.
Robynsxx@reddit
Uhmm hate to break it to you, but you might not actually be allowed back through security seeing as you are only in the UK for a layover.
sissy_girl_2878@reddit
Best use of time would be a pub to pass time
MrPoletski@reddit
You will be tripping over airport restaurants to get out into London. I wouldn't bother, especially if you would need to go through passport control. Sometimes getting put can take 5 minutes, sometimes 50, some times even worse.
GakkoAtarashii@reddit
What a joke. Go for a walk in London. You have lots of time.
FYIgfhjhgfggh@reddit
See Hounslow and Southall!
NuclearMaterial@reddit
Would rather go to Donetsk or the West Bank right now than go there again.
MrPoletski@reddit
The problem is the hassle of getting in and out of Heathrow airport.
Me, I'd just hit the airport bar, hic.
Charlie_Yu@reddit
For 8 hours it is fine if you know what to do. With a EU passport it should be pretty smooth for OP. Although anything can happen, so some buffer time on the way back.
Brazzle_Dazzle@reddit
Tbh, none of the restaurants you’d be “tripping over” at Heathrow are worth sticking around for if you do have time to head into London and go somewhere actually decent. Best there is to offer at Heathrow are the Caviar House or Gordon Ramsay Plane Food which are far from great.
hundrethreason@reddit
Get the Heathrow express if you're not worried about budget, go Elizabeth line if you are.
I would personally go to covent garden and have a walk around, go to a pub for one and see some street performers. Then I'd walk up to carnaby street/Soho and check out some more pubs in the local area. Then I'd go Dishoom and get Indian curry... By the time you've done that it'll be time to head to the airport... (You might squeeze one more pub in).
Indian curry is the British favourite, as is the pub. The architecture around there is great to take in. You'll sleep great on the plane and you'll get some London culture. Tourist attraction will take up too much time.
1234ideclareathunbwa@reddit
I personally think you would be fine to do this!
Just leave bags at the airport then get the Elizebeth line into central London, pre book somewhere nice (with a view of something very london, idk tower bridge or Big Ben) then have a wonder around some landmarks and head back to Heathrow.
_anyusername@reddit
The Centurion Lounge is pretty good as far as lounges go. If you’re feeling lazy.
Funny-Hovercraft9300@reddit
Have a nice meal near Paddington and walk around . Enjoy
Willeth@reddit
Head for a day out in Windsor. Closer than Central London, lovely places to eat (try Sebastian's!) and you'll get to pick up some royal tat for anyone in the US who might fancy it.
connectfourvsrisk@reddit
A pub lunch near the airport sounds much nicer and less stressful than into London and back!
combat_lobotomy@reddit
Get the bus to Southall or Hounslow.
Signal-War-2991@reddit
Richmond is about 30 mins cab ride away, and is beautiful. Grab lunch somewhere then have a pint on Richmond Green and a walk along the Thames.
AlligatorInMyRectum@reddit
London's overrated. Head into Slough. 'it's only about 3 miles away too :) You can thank me later.
TheCommomPleb@reddit
Definitely enough time to go out for food
hhfugrr3@reddit
Hop on the tube and head into town for a few hours. Will take about half an hour each way.
arenicolamarina@reddit
Pop into Hounslow for a curry.
Alarmed_Crazy_6620@reddit
It's doable but a bit of a hassle. Optimistically, an 30 min to get off the flight and out, \~1h to Central London, \~1h back, 2h padding. You can if you want to tick off London
LetterheadOdd5700@reddit
30 mins to Central London with the Liz Line. Easily the time to have a nosy and get back with plenty to spare.
Alarmed_Crazy_6620@reddit
I tried to do some "expected time to get in and out the tube, plus wander to a restaurant" but should have been clearer about this
LetterheadOdd5700@reddit
I would avoid the tube like the plague. Doing the whole shlep to Heathrow on the Piccadilly is just a bad memory.
Alarmed_Crazy_6620@reddit
Liz line nice
Mabenue@reddit
That’s like absolute best case scenario and if you already know your way around. If it’s someone’s first time in London they’re in all likelihood going to take longer.
negras@reddit
Heathrow Express is more expensive but will get you into Central London in about half an hour, or alternatively, you could use the underground but beware of your timings bearing in mind check in times coz 8hrs is not a lot of time if you get stuck in London
LetterheadOdd5700@reddit
Liz line is the way to go
negras@reddit
Definitely
LondonerCat@reddit
You can get the Elizabeth Line from the Heathrow terminal and stop at a town called Ealing (Ealing Broadway stop). There is a nice town centre with lots of shops and restaurants and a park. Much closer to Heathrow than central London but still plenty of amenities.
thmt11@reddit
There’s a new line called the Elizabeth Line. Gets you to central London about 30-40mins. Cheaper than Heathrow express.
Independent_You9247@reddit
I met up with a friend who did this. She be was the traveller. We met at Comptoir Libanais at Gloucester Road tube station for a brunch. She had around 8 hours layover too. She made it back in time with lots to spare. It's 45 mins on tube from Terminal 5 station.
Consistent-Chicken99@reddit
I would get out… I would even rent a car to maximize time spent out there. That’s if I’m not too jet lagged.
LetterheadOdd5700@reddit
Madness to rent a car to go to Central London
VickyKR83@reddit
Or even a taxi to Windsor which is about a half an hour drive away (Windsor Castle)
Chicken_shish@reddit
All depends on the exit time from the airport.
But - a reasonable idea would be to take the Elizabeth line to Liverpool street, walk down to the Tower of London, get the obligatory selfie with a Beefeater, have lunch and head back.
If the airport is working, you’ll be at the Tower of London about 90 minutes after landing.
Iammildlyoffended@reddit
Have a look at Extreme Day Trips on Facebook. Those guys will help you out no problem!
elizabethpickett@reddit
You should have plenty of time to go into London - Elizabeth line into the city centre and you'll have time to wander around and grab some food.
Oohtobeagoona@reddit
You could be in Central London in an hour. So thats 2 travelling to and from the airport. Usually you want to be at an airport 2 hours before your flight and it may take 1 hour to deboard/custom when you initially get here. Leaving you with 3 hours to do what you want.
ZaphodG@reddit
The local bus service is tap to pay. Google Maps on your phone tells you what bus to take and where it is. I like The White Horse on Bath Road. It’s a really nice pub with pretty good food in a 17th century building. I overnight a lot at Heathrow airport hotels and that’s a favorite spot.
cgknight1@reddit
Are you in transit? Because that will create some additional hassle.
citruspers2929@reddit
I’d jump on the Piccadilly line. Get to South Kensington direct. Look at a free museum or two and grab some food in one of their cafes.
revival-jam@reddit
Grab a taxi or public transport to experience the city, have a meal, and sight see for a bit. Just ensure you return 2 hours before your flight for check-in and security. Enjoy your time!
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