Heathrow Drop-Off Guide: Which Terminal, and How Long From Redditch?

How long does it take from Redditch to Heathrow?

Heathrow is around 105 miles from Redditch. The usual route is the M42 and M40, then the M25 into the airport. With clear roads it takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, but the M40 and M25 can be slow at peak times, so we plan extra time for morning rush hour, Friday afternoons and bank holidays.

As a rule of thumb, for a long-haul flight we aim to have you at the terminal about three hours before departure, and around two and a half hours before a short-haul flight. When you book, we work out your pickup time from your flight time.

Which Heathrow terminal do I need?

Heathrow has four passenger terminals: 2, 3, 4 and 5. Your terminal depends on your airline, and airlines do sometimes move, so always check your booking confirmation or the airline's website before you travel. As a general guide:

• Terminal 5 is the home of British Airways (with some BA flights from Terminal 3) and Iberia.
• Terminal 3 is used by Virgin Atlantic and many long-haul airlines, including several Middle Eastern and North American carriers.
• Terminal 2 (the Queen's Terminal) is mainly Star Alliance airlines such as Lufthansa, United, Air Canada and Singapore Airlines, plus Aer Lingus.
• Terminal 4 is used by SkyTeam and other airlines, including Qatar Airways, KLM and Etihad.

Tell us your airline and flight number when you book, and we'll confirm the terminal for you.

What happens at drop-off?

Every Heathrow terminal has a forecourt drop-off zone right outside departures. We'll pull in, unload your luggage and see you to the kerb, a few steps from check-in. Heathrow charges vehicles a drop-off fee for using the forecourt. If you're booking with us, ask whether it's included in your quote so there are no surprises.

Coming home: Heathrow collections

For collections we track your flight, so if you land early or late your driver adjusts. Once you're through passport control and baggage reclaim, call or WhatsApp us and we'll meet you just outside the terminal and walk you to the car (or inside arrivals if you've booked meet and greet). Allow 30 to 60 minutes after landing to get through, and longer for busy long-haul arrivals.

Top tips for a stress-free Heathrow trip

• Check your terminal the day before. Airlines occasionally change terminals.
• Keep passports and boarding passes in your hand luggage, not in the boot.
• Leave extra time in school holidays, when security queues are longest.
• Save our number, 01527 555666, in your phone for the return journey.

Book your Heathrow transfer

Airport Taxi has run executive Heathrow transfers from Redditch, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire and the West Midlands since 2007, in clean Mercedes vehicles with fixed prices confirmed before you travel. See our Heathrow transfers or get a quote.

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