Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Heathrow 3hr Layover

Search

Heathrow 3hr Layover

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 08:12 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Heathrow 3hr Layover

I am going from Washington to Munich w/ a 3hr layover at London Heathrow. Since I will be arriving at Heathrow at 6:20 am, I thought it might be a good idea to take a shower to freshen up. I will be going from Terminal 3 to 2 to change flights. The Heathrow website says that there are showers in Terminal 3 but "these facilities are currently unavailable due to development works." Are there any other showers that anyone's aware of? Thanks!
Sauternes is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 08:59 AM
  #2  
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 0
The Heathrow Web site also says there are showers in Terminal 4. Here is a quote: "Terminal 4 - available in the toilet areas on the arrivals level, before security. Further facilities are available after security control."

TimS is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 09:09 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks for your reply Tim. But doesn't it take an hour to get to Terminal 4 from Terminal 3? (and another hour from T4 to T2) I guess no shower for me then...
Sauternes is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 09:16 AM
  #4  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,197
Likes: 12
I have done exactly what you describe in 3 hours...

As I recall, I landed Terminal 4, went thru immigration line, and then on to Terminal 2. On the way between them (it didn't take an hour) I saw a sign for showers and used them. It was 6GBP for a towel, soap packets, and a private white tile room with shower, toilet, sink, bench, clothes hooks.

I believe mine was actually in Terminal 1 at the beginning, off to the right, then I walked back around and went into Terminal 2? I know this is vague but whatever it was, wasn't hard to figure out at all.

After my shower I still had time for a bite to eat and a couple glasses of wine.
suze is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 10:10 AM
  #5  
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 0
Here is a quote from the Heathrow Express Web site: "Heathrow Express offers a free transfer for passengers travelling between Heathrow Central (T1, 2 & 3) and Terminal 4."

It's only an eight-minute ride between Terminal 4 and T1,2&3. That should give you time for your shower.
TimS is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 10:18 AM
  #6  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,885
Likes: 0
Why not pay to use the airport Servisair Execuitve lounge at terminal 2? I believe it's ~$25.

http://secure.baa.com/baabook/baaboo...amp;src=WLHR78
AAFrequentFlyer is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 10:33 AM
  #7  
40 Countries Visited
20 Anniversary
2m Airline Miles
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,856
Likes: 79
The HEX is very quick between the T4 and T1/2/3 <i>train stops.</i> It's the schlep through tunnel-land on the T1/2/3 end that takes forever.

No way would I go to T4 just for a shower. Besides, you would need to go through immigration and customs to do so, while the IAD-xLHR-MUC itinerary will be a sterile transit that allows the OP to stay airside.
Gardyloo is online now  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 10:59 AM
  #8  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,197
Likes: 12
My best advice is have at least a fresh shirt in your carry-on. Then simply ask around once you are in the airport, after you see how your time is playing out.

Have some smaller denomination notes or coins, the staff person at the showers seemed to prefer my small change, not wanting to break a larger bill I'd just gotten from the ATM.

The shower was really nice between flights but not something I'd stress over finding.
suze is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 11:04 AM
  #9  
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
&quot;Why not pay to use the airport Servisair Execuitve lounge at terminal 2?&quot;

Because it hasn't got any showers.
CotswoldScouser is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 11:40 AM
  #10  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,885
Likes: 0
ok, I didn't know that. I'm used to having showers in the AA/BA lounges so I just assumed.....
AAFrequentFlyer is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 11:48 AM
  #11  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,163
Likes: 1
Don't the other passengers in the lounge stare ?

Oh, I see - the showers arn't in the lounges themselves
willit is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 12:08 PM
  #12  
40 Countries Visited
20 Anniversary
2m Airline Miles
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,856
Likes: 79
...and I don't think anyone has even used the loo in an AA or BA lounge at <i><b>T2</b></i>
Gardyloo is online now  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 12:28 PM
  #13  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,885
Likes: 0
Where did I say T2 lounges? I was just refering to the general idea of Executive Lounges, not that T2 has any AA/BA lounges...???
AAFrequentFlyer is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 01:28 PM
  #14  
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks Suze for your helpful post. In that case, should I get some pounds from ATM in Heathrow? I am not spending anytime in Britain, so I wasn't planning on getting any pounds. I am going to Germany and Austria, so I was going to take out some euros from ATM in Munich.
Scryde is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 01:36 PM
  #15  
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
Actually the Servisair lounge at T2 hasn't got a loo either.
CotswoldScouser is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 01:52 PM
  #16  
Community Builder
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,310
Likes: 4
Scryde,

Why not just use your credit card?
obxgirl is online now  
Old Apr 20th, 2006 | 03:26 PM
  #17  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,197
Likes: 12
because I'm pretty sure the shower facility did not accept credit cards. it was a kind of basic set up (but pleasant).

I actually used an exchange window that time, and cashed in $40USD worth. I always transit thru Heathrow so save any leftovers for the next time. ATM would also work. Just get a small amount out. And maybe break one larger bill at a magazine stand, bookstore, restaurant, or bar.
suze is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hanabilly
Europe
10
May 27th, 2012 11:53 AM
Byron1
Europe
5
Jan 24th, 2012 07:41 PM
Calvados
Europe
4
May 19th, 2009 07:19 PM
Hazard
Air Travel
4
Dec 20th, 2007 08:02 AM
Heidi
Europe
7
Oct 9th, 2002 04:58 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -