13 Heathrow Airport Hotels with Free Shuttles

by | Airport Hotels

7 Heathrow Airport Hotels with Free Shuttles

If you have a long layover at Heathrow Airport and don’t want to sleep on uncomfortable compact sleep pods, you can opt to book a hotel that offers free shuttles from Heathrow Airport. In this guide, we’ll review the best Heathrow Airport hotels with free shuttles so that you can make the most of your time during your layover.

What is an airport shuttle service?

An airport shuttle service is a public or private transportation service that provides point-to-point transport between an airport and hotels or other locations within the vicinity of the airport. Many airport shuttle services are provided by hotels as a complimentary service for their guests.

How do the airport shuttle works?

Most airport shuttle services have a counter or kiosk at the airport where you can go to request a pickup. Once you have requested a pickup, the shuttle will typically arrive within 15-30 minutes. Shuttle drivers will usually help with your luggage and load it onto the shuttle for you.

If you book your hotel reservation online, some hotels provide you with a pick-up location and the time and may even share the contact details of the driver who will be picking you up. You can communicate with the driver when you get to the airport and he or she will come to pick you up.

Once you’re at the hotel, the driver will help you with your luggage again and unload it from the shuttle for you.

Several hotels that I have reviewed here at Airport LLC provide free shuttle services as a perk for their guests. This perk is extremely beneficial if you have a long layover and don’t want to spend the night at the airport.

For most hotels near Heathrow Airport, the distance to hotels do not exceed 3 miles from the airport and typically takes about 10 mins without traffic and no more than 20 mins in most cases. If you were to take an uber to the hotel, it might cost you around $30 to $50 and hotels that offer this service usually factor in the cost of transport in the fee you’ll pay for the hotel room.

It’s important to know that the hotels near Heathrow cannot run their own shuttles between the airport and the hotel. Hoppa Buses are regulated by the airport authority and have fixed routes, each one serving 2-3 different Heathrow airport hotels. Hotels usually have one bus for Terminals 2 & 3, with another separate bus running from Terminals 4 & 5.

Hotels near Heathrow airport terminal 2 with free shuttle service:

Near Terminal 2, Hilton Garden Inn and Aerotel London are two of the most popular choices with visitors to Heathrow. The Hilton Garden Inn is located just a short walk from Terminal 2 while Aerotel London is located within the airport itself, making it an ideal choice for those with early morning flights. Both hotels offer free shuttle services to and from the airport.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, the Sofitel London Heathrow is located just a short drive from Terminal 2 and offers free shuttle service to and from the airport. This hotel is also within walking distance of Terminal 5, making it a convenient choice for those with flights departing from that terminal.

Hotels near Heathrow airport terminal 3 with free shuttle service:

The Hilton Garden Inn is the only hotel located within walking distance to Heathrow Terminal 3. You can walk to the terminal from the hotel in around 10 minutes via an underground walkway. The Sofitel is also located close by, about a 5-minute covered walk from the hotel to the terminal. When you get to the terminal, you’ll see signs for the Heathrow Express on the ground floor.

Leonardo Hotel London Heathrow airport shuttle bus

The Leonardo Hotel Heathrow is one of the closest hotels to Terminals 2 and 3. The hotel has buses running to all terminals, not just Terminals 2 and 3, and you can take free public buses to Terminals 2, 3 and 5 as well.

Do Heathrow Airport hotels offer shuttle services?

Yes, a number of hotels near Heathrow Airport offer free shuttle services to and from the airport. This is a great option if you have a long layover and want to rest in a comfortable bed before your next flight.

Key benefits of the free shuttle include;

  1. Convenience: You don’t have to worry about navigating public transportation or hailing a taxi with your luggage.
  2. Cost-effective: Taking the free shuttle is usually cheaper than taking a taxi or Uber.
  3. Time-saving: The free shuttle will save you time as you won’t have to wait for public transportation or hail a taxi.

Which Hotels offer a free shuttle from Heathrow Airport?

To find hotels near Heathrow that offer shuttle services, some hotel aggregation service websites such as Tripadvisor and Booking have a filter feature where you can select “Airport shuttle” under the “Amenities” tab.

Heathrow Airport shuttles vs Heathrow Airport Hotel Shuttles:

Heathrow Airport has a number of buses that are free and operate from terminal to terminal within the airport. They do not offer transport services to hotels at or near Heathrow. So long as you board and disembark the buses on the roads that encircle the airport, your ride is free. Once you go beyond those boundaries, however, you’ll have to pay the standard fare. Most of these buses operate 24 hours a day and all run from early morning until well after nightfall.

To avoid confusion, some hotels also offer shuttle services and transport their guests from the airport to the respective hotels and back the next day at no additional cost to them. These shuttle services are run independently by hotels and you’ll need to confirm with your hotel of choice if they offer this service before booking.

About Heathrow Airport and Free Transport to Nearby Hotels

London Heathrow Airport serves as the United Kingdom’s largest and busiest airport. It provides travellers with over 90 different airlines to choose from and more than 200 domestic, European, and international destinations. The airport is also the primary hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Several hotels are immediately adjacent to or near terminal 2 or 3, while several additional properties are conveniently accessible from the airport. Some businesses provide free shuttle services between the airports and/or vice versa.

Best Heathrow Airport Hotels with Free Shuttle Service:

Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 and 3 

  • Distance to LHR Airport: 5-12 minutes walk (Terminal 2 & 3)
  • It is a Walking Distance (No Shuttle Needed but available anyway)
  • Price: $200 to $250/per night
  • Where to book: Booking.com or tripadvisor.com
  • Customer reviews rating: 8.2/10 by 10,223 reviews. Rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip. Read all reviews here.
  • Breakfast included: Choose from Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, American, Buffet

The Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 and 3 is conspicuously located adjacent to Heathrow Terminal 2, with the nearby Terminal 3 just a 12-minute walk away via pedestrian underpass. The property provides air-conditioned rooms and boasts a fitness center. In addition, it features a restaurant, room service, and 24-hour front desk–all while offering free WiFi throughout the hotel! To top it all off, guests can enjoy refreshing drinks at the rooftop bar that overlooks both of Heathrow’s runways.

Aerotel London Heathrow, Terminal 2 & Terminal 3

  • Distance to LHR Airport: 2 minutes (Terminal 3)
  • Inside Terminal 3 (No Shuttle Needed but available)
  • Rooms available – Single, Double & Family Rooms
  • Rating: 7.5/10 by over 3,900 reviewers/travelers.

For about $20 cheaper than Hilton Garden Inn, the Aerotel London Heathrow is a great alternative for those who don’t mind being inside the airport. This 3-star hotel boasts air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi throughout the property, and a 24-hour front desk. It also has a business center and luggage storage for guests’ convenience. If you’re looking for a place to have a quick meal, the in-house restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Staybridge Suites London Heathrow – Bath Road

  • Distance to LHR Airport: 3 minutes by shuttle
  • Free Shuttle Service, Private Parking, Non-Smoking Rooms
  • Rating: 8.1/10 by over 1,800 reviewers
  • Cost: $130

Located about 1.3 miles from the airport, the Staybridge Suites London Heathrow – Bath Road provides a free shuttle service to and from the airport. This property features air-conditioned rooms, suites, and apartments–all of which are equipped with a kitchenette. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center, laundry facilities, and bar. If you’re traveling with family or a group, the Staybridge Suites is a great option as it can accommodate up to 4 guests per room.

Holiday Inn Express – London Heathrow T4 (Free breakfast)

  • Distance to LHR Airport: 5 minutes walk (Terminal 4)
  • Walking Distance (No Shuttle Needed), Parking
  • Rating: 8.5/10 by over 4,000 travelers
  • Cost/Fee: $95 to $105 – Check on Booking today here.

Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T4 is connected to Terminal 4 via a covered link bridge that opened in May. A shuttle bus service is available for transfers to and from Terminal 5 (H5A) and Terminal 2&3 (H2A), with an extra cost, which picks up guests from anywhere other than the Heathrow Terminals or Holiday Inn Express Hotel.

To avoid the surcharge fee, you can use London’s public transport. The Piccadilly Line’s Heathrow Terminal 4 is the closest subway station. You may take the free Heathrow Express Train from Terminals 2&3 or 5, as well as Red London Buses 490 and 482 (only to and from Terminal 5) or Diamond 555 from Heathrow Terminal 2&3 Central Bus Station if you arrive or depart from another terminal at Heathrow.

The Express Breakfast Buffet offers sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, baked beans among other options every morning as well as a continental selection. The contemporary Express Cafe provides an all-day dining menu that is available 24/7 and guests can relax in the comfortable bar area while enjoying various wines, beers and soft drinks.

FAQs

Can you sleep at Heathrow airport?

Heathrow airport staff and security are okay with people sleeping in the airport, as long as you follow their rules. If you have a layover, your best option will be to use the nap rooms offered in some of the terminals’ lounges. You could also try napping on benches at your terminal at Heathrow Airport. However, keep in mind that these chairs and benches may not be comfortable for longer sleep periods. A better solution would be to book cheap hotels that offer breakfast and free transport to and from the airport.

What is the best way to get to and from Heathrow Airport?

The best way to get to and from Heathrow Airport is by using the free shuttle service that is offered by many of the nearby hotels. This service will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the airport, making it a hassle-free experience. If you are not staying at a hotel that offers this service, you can use the Heathrow Express Train or the London Underground to get to and from the airport.

Which airport shuttle can I get from Heathrow to the hotel?

There are over 20 hotels that offer free shuttle services and you’ll be picked up from any of Heathrow’s terminals. The Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T4 is one of the closest hotels to Terminal 4 and offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport. I recommend all the hotels above but highly encourage you to consider those that offer free breakfast, and do not charge over $150 per night.

Also, some hotels have specific schedules of their vans/buses/shuttles departing the airport to the hotel and may be inflexible to requests. You need to understand whether the hotel will be able to accommodate your request such as being dropped out at the airport at wee hours in the morning – such as 4 am when they may not have scheduled shuttles from the hotel to the airport.

What are some good cheap hotels near Heathrow Airport?

Some good cheap hotels near Heathrow Airport include the Ibis Styles London Heathrow Airport, the Premier Inn London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 and the Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Airport. These hotels all offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, making it a convenient and stress-free experience for travelers. They also offer free breakfast and have comfortable rooms that will make your stay enjoyable.

When is the best time to book a hotel near Heathrow Airport?

The best time to book a hotel near Heathrow Airport is typically 3-4 weeks in advance. This will allow you to get the best rates and availability for your desired hotel. However, if you are looking for a last-minute deal, you can try booking 1-2 weeks in advance. Keep in mind that rates will be higher during peak travel times such as holidays and summer.

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