Airport Accessibility

Booking PRM Assistance

PRM stands for "Person with Reduced Mobility." All London airports provide free PRM assistance through your airline. Request this when you book your flight, or contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure.

To arrange assistance:

1. Call your airline or use their website to request help when you book your ticket.
2. Specify what you need: a wheelchair to the gate, help boarding, a meet-and-greet at arrival, or baggage assistance.
3. Arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure (3 hours for long-haul flights).
4. Go to the designated assistance point in your terminal. Look for the blue wheelchair symbol or ask any staff member for directions.

If you did not pre-book, press the assistance call button at any PRM meeting point. Without a booking, expect a wait of 20 to 45 minutes.

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow has five terminals (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, plus the satellite building at 5B/5C). All terminals are fully accessible with elevators, escalators, accessible toilets, and level boarding bridges at most gates.

Getting to Central London

Heathrow Express (Recommended): The fastest option at 15 minutes to Paddington station. Trains run every 15 minutes. All carriages are accessible with level boarding and a wheelchair space. Paddington is step-free to the Elizabeth line and Hammersmith & City line. Tickets cost about 25 pounds one way.

Elizabeth Line: A step-free journey from Heathrow to central London. Trains run to Paddington, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street, and beyond. The journey to Paddington takes about 25 minutes. All Elizabeth line stations are step-free. A single fare with Oyster or contactless costs about 11 pounds off-peak.

Accessible taxi: Black cabs are available at all terminals. Every London black cab has a wheelchair ramp. The fare to central London runs 50 to 100 pounds depending on traffic and destination. See our Taxis guide for details.

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Gatwick has two terminals (North and South), connected by an accessible shuttle train. Both terminals have elevators, accessible toilets, and PRM meeting points near the arrivals halls.

Getting to Central London

Gatwick Express: Runs to Victoria station in 30 minutes. Trains have wheelchair spaces and level boarding. Victoria station has step-free access to the Victoria line. Tickets cost about 20 pounds one way.

Southern/Thameslink trains: Cheaper alternatives running to Victoria, London Bridge, and St Pancras. Most have wheelchair spaces. Fares start at about 11 pounds with contactless.

Black cab or private hire: Available outside both terminals. A black cab to central London costs 80 to 120 pounds.

Stansted Airport (STN)

Stansted has a single terminal, fully accessible with elevators and moving walkways throughout.

Getting to Central London

Stansted Express: Runs to Liverpool Street station in 47 minutes. Trains have wheelchair spaces. Liverpool Street has step-free access to the Elizabeth line. Tickets cost about 20 pounds.

Luton Airport (LTN)

Luton has one terminal, accessible with elevators and accessible toilets throughout. A shuttle bus connects the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station.

Getting to Central London

Shuttle bus plus Thameslink train: The shuttle bus from the terminal to the rail station is accessible with a ramp. Thameslink trains run to St Pancras International in about 30 minutes. St Pancras is step-free. Combined fare is about 16 pounds.

London City Airport (LCY)

London City is the closest airport to central London, located in the Docklands. It is a small, modern airport with excellent accessibility. The single terminal has elevators, accessible toilets, and short walking distances throughout.

Getting to Central London

DLR (Docklands Light Railway): The DLR station is connected directly to the terminal. All DLR stations are step-free with level boarding. You can reach Bank station in about 20 minutes. Use Oyster or contactless to pay. Fares are about 3 to 5 pounds depending on the time.

Accessible Toilets at All Airports

Every London airport has accessible toilets marked with the international wheelchair symbol. They include grab bars, lowered sinks, emergency call cords, and enough space for a power wheelchair to turn. Changing Places toilets (with hoists and adult-sized changing benches) are available at Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, and 5, Gatwick South Terminal, and London City Airport.