Getting around Heathrow airport can be a pain – least of all, when you’re staying in a hotel on the Heathrow perimeter, and you’re thinking about using that license to print money – the Heathrow Hoppa or a taxi.
Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to move around the Heathrow area – and in a lot of cases, they’re free!
I’m sure you’re aware of the free train shuttles that operate between Terminals 2-3 and T4/T5 on the ground (operated by Heathrow Express).
However, there are more options!
If you want to use the Underground to change terminals, you can also use that too. Remember to have an Oyster card so you can do it free. If you do choose to do this, remember if you exit at Hatton Cross, you will be charged a zone 6 fare.
But what about buses and hotels in the area?
This is where the Heathrow Free-flow zone comes into play, where you can travel on certain buses in the Heathrow area free of charge – and this covers a fair few hotels too.
Here’s a map
Heathrow free travel zone map – image, Heathrow Airport
You can download the full map at the Heathrow website (although it’s well hidden – so click here instead) for the map
Whilst it doesn’t cover a major distance, it does cover some of the hotels near the central terminal area, connectivity between the central and T4/T5 areas.
As for using it – just get on the bus. You won’t be charged. You don’t even need to wave your contactless payment card or Oyster card.
Just be aware of the boundaries of the Free travel zone, and note you are liable to penalty fares if you travel outside the free travel zone without an appropriate ticket.
Sometimes, there are good solutions to help you travel better in the Heathrow Area. This is one of them that makes going through or staying near the UK’s major aviation hub a little easier.
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I usually just take the bus to my hotel within the free zone. It’s a great option which I prefer over taking the hotel hoppa, I’m surprised that more airports don’t have this service.