UKAirport Issue 2 November 2013
Guides
EuropeanTravel Magazine
2
E u r o p e a n T r av e l M aga z i n e
EUROPEAN TRAVEL MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY European Travel Magazine admin@europeantravelmagazine.co.uk
ADVERTISING
Advertise your business in our monthly magazine and blog at special introductory rates. Contact: admin@eurpoeantravelmagazine.co.uk SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES
Bloggers and travel writers submit your articles now for consideration. If successfull your article will apear in one of our publications which best fits. PHOTOGRAPHY
We welcome submissions of your travel pictures from all our readers and followers. To submit pictures please email them to us admin@europeantravelmagazine.co.uk With the subject line “PHOTOGRAPHY”
Follow Us
www.twitter.com/HolidayHotelBud https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanTravelMagazine
UK Airport Guides Welcome to our special issue which includes guides to all the main UK airports. Information has been included about facilities, rail and road access, car hire, parking and much much more. We hope you enjoy this special bonus edition and look forward to bringing you our April issue of European Travel Magazine very soon.
CONTENTS
4
Birmingham Airport Guide
Bristol Airport Guide
10
18
Liverpool London John Lennon City Airport Airport Guide Guide
14
Glsagow Prestwick Airport Guide
20
London Gatwick Airport Guide
8
Ediburgh Airport Guide
12
Glasgow International Airport Guide
16
6
3
22
London Heathrow Airport Guide
Leeds Bradford Airport Guide
24
London Stanstead Airport Guide
26
Manchester Airport Guide
4
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
B i r mingham A i r po r t G ui d e
Birmingham Airport is the fifth largest airport in Great Britain. Processes approximately 10 million travelers per year. There are two terminals (1 and 2) that are joined together by the Millennium Link. This link is the service center of the airport. Train There is a free monorail connection (Air-Rail Link) with the train station from the airport, this AirRail leaves from the top floor of Terminal 1, travel time is 2 minutes. A lot of regional and intercity trains go to the station at the airport. There is, among others, a direct connection with London
Contact Address Birmingham International Airport Ltd Airport Way Birmingham B26 3QJ Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)870 733 5511 Fax: +44(0)121 782 8802 Email: Via Website Contact Form Airport codes IATA airport code: BHX ICAO airport code: EGBB
Euston. For further information about trains, go to the website for National Rail (tel: +44(0)845 748 4950). Car and Bus The airport is 13 kilometers east of the center of Birmingham, directly beside highway A45 near exit 6 on the highway M42 which connects to the M6. There is a separate M6 tollway that is much less busy than the normal M6. The airport is clearly indicated on the traffic signs. A bus (line 900) leaves every 20 minutes to Digbeth bus station in Birmingham and then to the center of the city. There are also direct connections from the airport to other destinations in England, including, among others, the London airports Luton, Gatwick and Stansted. Car Rental In the Millennium Link you can find counters for car rental companies: Avis, Alamo/Enterprise, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National. Taxi Taxis are in front of the Arrival Halls of both terminals. Airport Parking Various ariport parking optiona are available at Birmingham airport, either on or off airport parking Services Shops and Restaurants Birmingham Airport has a large
range of restaurants, snack bars, cafĂŠs and restaurants. Baggage The counter for lost and found items can be found on the first level of Terminal 1, next to the Boots store, you can also store baggage there. Information The general information counter can be found in the Millennium Link between the terminals. There is also an information counter in the Departures Hall. British Airways has a separate customer counter in Terminal 2, and there is a tourist kiosk in Terminal 1 (Visitor Center). Business In the Departures Hall of Terminal 1 there are free work areas, however, you must pay for all facilities such as fax, telephone and email. There are offices and meeting rooms for 2-40 people.
B ir m i ng ha m Air por t pro cesses a p p roxim ately 10 m il l ion t ravele rs per yea r. Th ere a re t wo ter m in a ls ( 1 an d 2) t hat a re join ed to get h er by t h e M illen n iu m Lin k .
Disabled Facilities The airport is very accessible for the disabled. There are adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. At the service counter in Terminal 1 there are personnel who know sign language. In the short-term parking area and in the parking garage there are places reserved for the disabled but you must pay the regular price. Wheelchairs are available upon request as well as assistance at check-in, however, you must request this in advance through the general telephone number. Other Services There are money exchange offices and ATM’s in both terminals, there is a post office located in Terminal 1. In the Millennium Link there is a multicultural prayer room.
6
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
B r istol A i r po r t G ui d e
Bristol is situated in southwest England, near Wales. During WWII Bristol Airport was the only English airport which handled commercial flights. At that time, the main destination was Portugal. Nowadays Bristol Airport offers about Local Transport Train The nearest railway station is Bristol Temple Meads. The station lies approximately 11 kilometers from the airport. The Airport Flyer express connects the airport directly to this station. The trip takes 30 minutes. Temple Meads
station offers good connections to Southwest England, Wales and London. Car and Bus The airport is situated on the A38, approximately 12 kilometers from downtown Bristol. There is a direct bus service from the airport to Bristol. The airport also has an hourly local bus service to Weston-Super-Mare. Car Rental Near the terminal there are several car rental agencies (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National). Taxi Taxicabs are available in front of the terminal. A trip to Bristol is 20 minutes
Contact Address Bristol International Airport Bristol BS48 3DY Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)871 334 4444 Fax: n/a Email: n/a Airport codes IATA airport code: BRS ICAO airport code: EGGD
Airport Parking Transportation between the parking facilities and the terminal is provided by a shuttle bus. There are several sorts of parking places available, both for long and short term parking. The Silver Zone Car Park for long term parking. The Premier Car Park is near the terminal. Meet and Greet and Rapid pick up are perfect for dropping off and picking up. Short Stay is for short term (to 24 hours). Services Shops and Restaurants Before and after customs you will find shops, restaurants, bars and fast-food options. Baggage
It is possible to rent a porter and wrap your baggage. For lost and found items please call the airport´s general information number (tel. +44 (0)871 334 4444). Information There is an information desk where you can get information about the airport and timetables in the middle of the terminal on the ground floor. Business There are several meeting rooms for rent at the airport. Four office and meeting rooms with extended service: fax, TV screens and catering. A lounge is available in the departure hall. The Servisair Executive Lounge offers a Wi-Fi connection, TV, telephone and many other services. Disabled facilities Disabled passengers can be dropped off and picked up directly in front of the airport´s entrance.
B r is tol Air po r t ha ndle s a p p roxim ately 5 m illio n p a ssen gers on a ye a r ly b a sis a n d is o n e o f En gla n d ´s f astest growing a ir po r t s.
There are also especially reserved parking spaces. In addition to this the airport has wheelchair ramps, wheelchairs, signs in Braille and adapted elevators and toilets. Other services Inside the terminal there are exchange offices, a mailbox and ATMs. FlyTru security is a service to pass quicker through the airport´s security
8
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
E d inbu r gh A i r po r t G ui d e
Edinburgh Airport was originally a military airport. The airport has been renovated in the past few years, including an expansion of the number of parking places and a larger Arrivals Hall. It is a fast growing airport that is expected to process 26 million passengers per year by 2030. A new futuristic looking control tower was opened in 2005. Local Transport Train There is still no train connection between Edinburgh and the airport. Construction of a light
rail between the western districts of Edinburgh and the center was started in 2007. The line will ultimately be extended to the airport and was completed in 2009. Car and Bus The airport is 12 kilometers west of Edinburgh along the A8 that leads to the center of the city. The clearly indicated exit to the airport is between two roundabouts (Gogar and Newbridge). Buses frequently leave from the bus station by the Arrivals Hall to the center of Edinburgh (the central station close to Waverley Bridge). These buses also stop at Haymarket train station. Car rental In the Arrivals Hall for domestic flights there are counters for five car rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National.
Contact Address Edinburgh Airport Edinburgh EH12 9DN Great Britain Telephone: +44 (0)870 040 0007 Fax: +44 (0)131 344 3470 Email: edi_feedback@baa.com Airport codes IATA airport code: EDI ICAO airport code: EGPH
Taxi Taxis stand next to the bus station. A ride to Edinburgh takes approximately 25 minutes outside of peak traffic times. Airport Parking Right in front of the terminal building there is an area for shortterm parking for a maximum of 2 hours. There is also a parking garage with over 2,000 parking places. The long-term parking area is next to the Hilton Hotel. A shuttle bus goes to the terminal. In addition there is still a parking area just outside the airport.
Services Shops and Restaurants The airport has a reasonable range of cafes, snack bars and restaurants. For people who wish to have a quiet dinner, The Seafood Bar in the Departures Hall is recommended. There is also a large shopping area that was completely renovated and expanded in 2006. Baggage The counter for lost and found items is between the check-in counters and the International Arrivals Hall, you can also store baggage there. Information There is a large information office next to the International Arrivals Hall. You can also get information about the sights and surroundings of Edinburgh because it also houses the Edinburgh & Lothian Tourist Board.
Edin burg h Air por t was o r igin a lly a m ilit a r y a ir p o r t – Tur n ho use Ae rodro m e – a n d t h e S co t t ish st ill ca ll t h e air p o r t by t his na me.
Business Airline companies: bmi, British Airways and Scotways have their own lounges. The lounge of Servisair can be used by everyone who pays. The airport does not have offices or meeting rooms to rent, but the Hilton Hotel does for a maximum of 220 people. Disabled facilities Edinburgh Airport has excellent facilities for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. In several places throughout the terminal there are rooms reserved for the disabled that have induction loops (for the amplification of announcements) and a lowered television screen. There are also parking places reserved for the disabled. Other services There are banks, money exchange offices and ATM’s. Wireless internet is present in several areas.
10
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
G lasgo w I nte r national A i r po r t G ui d e
Glasgow International is 13 kilometers west of the city center. Glasgow has two international airports, Glasgow International and Glasgow Prestwick, which has experienced a substantial growth thanks to Ryanair. Glasgow International is 13 kilometers west of the city center and is the busiest airport in Scotland. There are two terminals that are connected together.. Local Transport
Train There is still no train connection with the airport, but work has been done on a connection with the Glasgow Central Station, that was ready in 2008. At the moment, the nearest station is in Gilmour Street in Paisley, 3 kilometers from the airport and is accessible with bus line 60, trains go to Glasgow Central from that station. Car and Bus The airport lies along the important highway M8 (exit 29). Bus lines 905 and 950 go to the center of Glasgow, these buses stop by train stations: Glasgow Central and Queen Street and the bus station Buchanan. Lines 901 and 906 go to Port Glasgow.
Contact Address Glasgow International Airport Paisley Renfrewshire PA3 2SW Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)141 887 1111 Fax: +44(0)141 848 4769 Email: customercomments_glal@ baa.com Airport codes IATA airport code: GLA ICAO airport code:EGPF
Car rental In the Arrivals Hall there are counters for car rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National. Taxi Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall. A sign with the rates is hanging at the beginning of the line. Airport Parking There is a parking garage directly next to the terminal. Services
Shops and Restaurants The range of shops, snack bars and restaurants are limited. Many travelers complain about the mediocre service especially in the restaurants and bars. Baggage Baggage handling does not appear to be able to keep up with the growth of the airport, sometimes travelers must wait an hour or longer for their baggage to come out on the baggage band. There is a window for lost and found items close to the baggage band. You can store baggage at Glasgow Airport. Information There is a general information counter on the first floor, and on the ground floor there are computers where you can find information about the airport and about Glasgow and the surrounding area. There is a counter in the International Arrivals Hall for the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley
Gl asg ow ha s t wo inter n at io n a l a ir p o r t s, Gla sgow I nter natio na l a nd Gla sgow Prest wick , wh ich h a s exp e r ien ced a substa nt ia l growt h t h a n ks to R ya n a ir.
Tourist Board, the employees not only give tourist information but can also book a hotel for you. Business There are several possibilities to rent offices and meeting rooms. There is a business center in the terminal, but the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce also rents out meeting rooms right next to the terminal building. There are meeting facilities for a maximum of 35 people, available in the Premier Travel Inn. The Servisair Executive Lounge has telephone and fax facilities, payment is by credit card. Disabled facilities The airport is very accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones including text telephones and a separate information line for the hearing impaired. Furthermore, there are parking places and seats reserved for the disabled.
Other services There are money exchange offices and ATM’s, there is also a post office. There is a special lounge for families with children, you can book this Holiday Wing Lounge online, Moreover, there is a play corner for children, computer games in the Gamegrid Play Area, next to Burger King on the first level and a play corner for small children by Gate 50.
12
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
G lasgo w P r est w ick A i r po r t G ui d e
Prestwick Airport is 46 kilometers southeast of Glasgow. There are plans to expand the airport. It is the only place where Elvis Presley ever set foot on British soil (in 1960). Local Transport Train The train station is next to the terminal building, a train leaves every half hour (every hour on Sundays) to Glasgow Central Station, travel time is 45 minutes.
Car and Bus To get to Glasgow from the airport you follow successively the A79, A78, A77, M77 and the M8. Glasgow is clearly indicated on the traffic signs, just like the airport is coming from Glasgow. The Stagecoach Western Express Service goes every hour to Glasgow Buchanan Street Station, and travel time is approximately 50 minutes. At 23:59 a special express bus goes to Glasgow (Buchanan Station) and Edinburgh (Waverly Bridge) and travel time is 2 hours. Car rental In the Arrivals Hall there are counters for car rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt.
Contact Address Glasgow Prestwick Airport Aviation House Prestwick KA9 2PL Scotland Telephone: +44(0)129 251 1000 Fax: +44(0)129 251 1010 Email: informationdesk@glasgowprestwick.com Airport codes IATA airport code: PIK ICAO airport code: EGPL
Taxi Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall. Airport Parking The areas for short-term parking are in front of the terminal building (Car Park 1 and Car Park 2), you can park for free for ten minutes in these areas to pick up or drop off passengers. You may not park right in front of the entrance of the terminal! Long-term parking is in Car Parks 3 and 5, and there are free shuttle buses connecting with the terminal. Services
Shops and Restaurants There are four stores: a candy store, a store with typical Scottish souvenirs, a WH Smith bookstore and a Duty Free shop, you can also find a few snack bars and cafes. Baggage You can store baggage with the security service at Prestwick Airport. The security service is also the place to go for lost and found items. Information There is an information counter on the ground floor of the Arrivals Hall. Business The Aviator Lounge has meeting facilities to rent for 60-200 people. You can find other business services in the Syndicate Seminar Room. Disabled facilities The airport is completely adapted
I t is the third busie st a ir p o r t in Great Br it a in , af ter the Lo ndo n a ir po r t s Heat h row Air p o r t a n d G at w ick Air por t. I n 2006 M a n c h ester Air p o r t p ro ces s e d 22 millio n pa ssen gers.
for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. The Aviator Lounge is accessible with a chairlift. Complimentary wheelchairs are available. Other services You can find a bank and money exchange office in the Arrivals Hall, ATM’s are dispersed throughout the terminal building. On the first level of the terminal and in the Departures Hall there are internet cafes, wireless internet is available in the whole building. You can go to the general information counter for First Aid. The entire airport has been nosmoking since February 2006, there is a special zone outside the terminal building where you can smoke.
14
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
L ee d s an d Bradford A i r po r t G ui d e
Leeds and Bradford Airport was a joint venture. In 2007 the airport was privatized. It is a fairly small airport, but the number of passengers has grown considerably in the last years, therefore, the terminal building is somewhat tight. Local Transport Train There is no train connection with the airport, but there are plans to realize this by making a division
Contact Address Leeds and Bradford International Airport Leeds LS19 7TU Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)113 250 9696 Fax: +44(0)113 250 5426 Email: Via Website Airport codes IATA airport code: LBA ICAO airport code: EGNM
in the railway between Leeds and York (Harrogate Line) Car and Bus The airport is 18 kilometers northwest of Leeds and 11 kilometers north of Bradford. From Leeds you follow the signs to Yeadon and Otley on the A660. From Bradford the airport is accessible from the A658 in the direction of Yeadon. There are various bus lines that go from the airport to destinations in the surrounding areas. Line 737 goes to Bradford, through Shipley, Guiseley and Yeadon, line 747 leaves every half hour to Bradford through Greengates, Apperley Bridge and Yeadon. The Airlink 757 connects the airport with Leeds train station and bus station and Otley. Line 767 goes every one and a half hours to Harrogate and Knaresborough. A direct bus connection with York came in March 2007. Car rental In the Arrivals Hall there are counters from car rental companies: Avis, Hertz and Europcar. Taxi There are three taxi companies that are allowed to transport from the airport: Streamline (tel: +44(0)113 244 3322), Telecabs (tel: +44(0)113 279 2222) and City Cabs (tel: +44(0)113 246
9999). Airport Parking There is a large parking area at the airport for both long and short stay. Services Shops and Restaurants This small airport has a good range of shops and restaurants Baggage For information about storing baggage and reporting lost and found items you can contact the general service counter. Information The general information service counter in the Central Hall can also give you information about tourist sights, public transportation and hotels. Business Meeting facilities are available in the Board Room in the Arrivals
I t is a fa ir ly sma ll a ir po r t, b u t t h e n u m b er o f p a ssen ger s ha s grown consid era b ly in t h e la st yea rs, t h ere fore, the ter mina l bui ld in g is so m ewh at t ight.
Hall, there are rooms for a maximum of 150 people. The Servisair Executive Lounge is accessible for everyone who pays a charge. There are connection points for your laptop and there is also wireless internet. Disabled facilities The airport is very accessible for the disabled, there are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. There are places reserved in the short-term parking area for the disabled, there is also an induction loop for the hearing impaired. Other services There are three money exchange offices (Travelex) and many ATM’s. Baby rooms are available (information through the service counter), and there is also a children’s play corner in the Departures Hall. There is wireless internet. The general information counter also functions as the contact point for First Aid.
16
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
L i v e r pool J ohn L ennon A i r po r t G ui d e
In 2002 Liverpool Airport was named after Beatle John Lennon. 22 years after his violent death in New York. A bronze statue of Lennon stands in the Departures Hall and on the roof are the words from one of his most well known songs: “Above us, only sky” (from “Imagine”). The airport is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe. The airport did not even process a million passengers in 1998, and in 2006 there were already five million.
Contact Address Liverpool John Lennon Airport Speke Hall Avenue Liverpool L24 1YD Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)870 129 8484 Fax: +44(0)151 907 1620 Email: Via Website Airport codes IATA airport code: LPL ICAO airport code: EGGP
Local Transport Train There is no train connection, but in 2006 a new train station opened that is not far from the airport, South Parkway. Shuttle buses go to this station from the terminal building. Buses also go from the terminal to Lime Street Station in the center of Liverpool. Car and Bus The airport is 15 kilometers southeast of the city center and is easily accessible from the following three highways: M53 (exit 5), M56 (exit 12) and the M62 which connects to the A561 to the airport. The route to the airport is clearly indicated on the traffic signs. The Airlink 500 bus leaves every half hour to the center of Liverpool, the bus stops at Norton Street Coach Station, for buses from National Express and at the train station Lime Street, Airlink 700 goes to Manchester, furthermore, there are various local buses that maintain connections between the airport and the center of Liverpool, line N86 goes via the train station South Parkway. Car rental On the ground floor you can find counters for car rental companies: Avis, National, Europcar, Enterprise and Hertz.
Taxi Taxis are directly in front of the exit of the terminal building, a ride to the center of Liverpool lasts around 20 minutes. Airport Parking Because of the growing number of passengers, there are not enough parking places at Liverpool Airport. Although 2,000 parking places have been added, the airport continues to struggle with parking problems. There are now plans to build a new parking garage. Until that point, you can best reserve your place online, then you are not only guaranteed a parking place, but you also receive a discount. Be Advised, passengers cannot be dropped off in front of the entrance, you must use the shortterm parking area. Services Shops and Restaurants
I n 2 002 Live r poo l Air p o r t wa s n a m ed a f ter B eat le Joh n Lenno n, 22 yea rs a f ter h is vio lent d eat h in New Yo r k . A bro nze st at u e o f Len n o n st a n d s in t h e D epar ture s H a ll a nd on t h e ro o f a re t h e wo rd s fro m on e of his most we ll k n own so n gs: “Ab ove u s, o n ly sk y ” ( from “ I ma gine” ). There is a reasonable range of shops and restaurants, but the same applies here as the number of available parking places, the airport cannot keep up with the increase in the number of passengers. If your plane arrives late at the airport, most of the shops and restaurants are closed. Baggage Go to the service counter on the ground floor for lost and found items, you can also store baggage there. Information You can find a general information counter on every level. In addition there is a counter for the Tourism Bureau on the ground floor – Liverpool Tourist Board. Business You can find the business center ‘The Cavern Suite’ on the first level. This is a room which can be arranged in several ways with places for 30-80 people, in addi-
tion there are a few smaller offices and meeting rooms to rent. The Halewood International Executive Lounge is accessible for everyone who pays a charge, and you receive a discount if you reserve online. Disabled facilities The airport is very accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones in all terminals. For the hearing impaired there is an induction loop. There are many employees at the airport that are trained in sign language. In the parking garages there are reserved places for the disabled. Other services There are various money exchange offices (Travelex) and ATM’s in the terminal. On the second level there are computers with internet connection and there is wireless internet .
18
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
Lon d on C it y A i r po r t G ui d e
It was opened in 1987 and is in the eastern part of the city, near the Docklands. London City Airport is the youngest airport of all the airports around the British capital. It was opened in 1987 and is in the eastern part of the city, near the Docklands, a harbor that was transformed into a modern living and business district. The airport has grown steadily and now processes about two million passengers per year which are mainly business travelers. Local Transport Train There is a station from Docklands
Contact Address London City Airport Royal Docks London E16 2PX Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)20 7646 0088 Fax: +44(0)20 7474 5747 Email: Via Website Airport codes IATA airport code: LCY ICAO airport code: EGLC
Light Railway, this is an automatic metro system that connects the airport with the Docklands (Canary Wharf) and the train and metro station Canning Town (Jubilee Line). The Westline’s end point is near the metro station, Bank, close to the City (Central Line). Car and Bus The London City Airport is the closest to the center of the city, out of the five London airports. The airport is accessible from the center and West End via the Limehouse Tunnel, from the highway M11 you take the exit to the A406 (North Circular Road). Since the opening of the DLRstation (see Train), the shuttle bus connections between the airport and London metro stations have been discontinued. Two local buses still go to and from the airport. Line 473 goes every 10 minutes to Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich and Prince Regent Station, line 474 goes to Canning Town, North Woolwich and East Beckton via Silvertown. Car rental In every terminal there are counters for car rental companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt. Taxi Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall. A ride to the center of London only takes 20-30 minutes. Airport Parking There are two parking areas, the
short-term parking area is closest to the terminal. The long-term parking area is a little further away. Services Shops and Restaurants London City Airport has a good range of restaurants, bars and cafes, both before and after Customs. There are many shops including a Duty Free shop. There is a free service that takes your purchased items to your car. Baggage You can get information about lost and found items at the general information counter, the cost of storing baggage is ÂŁ2.00 per suitcase per day. Information There is a general information counter at the entrance of the airport building, here you can ask for information about flight schedules, parking and public
Lon don Cit y Air por t i s t h e yo u n gest a ir p o r t o f a ll t h e air p o r ts a round the B r it ish ca p it a l. I t wa s o p en ed in 1 987 a nd is in t he e a ster n p a r t o f t h e c it y, n ea r t h e D ock la nds.
transportation. Business The Meridian Business Center has facilities for a maximum of 120 people, there are meeting rooms and private offices. Audiovisual equipment, secretarial support, internet and catering are available. The LCY Jet Center is specialized in the reception and accompaniment of VIPs. Disabled facilities The airport is excellently accessible for the disabled. There are adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. There are parking places reserved for disabled travelers close to the terminal. Other services There is wireless internet in the entire airport building, furthermore, there are banks, money exchange offices and ATM’s. The First Aid post is on the ground level of the terminal, you can also find a shoe shine service there.
20
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
Lon d on G at w ick A i r po r t G ui d e
Gatwick Airport is the second largest London airport. Although there is only one runway this airport processes 33 million passengers each year. Many charter and budget airline companies use thisairport. There are two terminals (North and South) that are connected by a shuttle train. Local Transport Train There is a train station in Termi-
Contact Address London Gatwick Airport West Sussex RH6 0NP Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)870 000 2468 Fax: n/a Email: Via Website Airport codes IATA airport code: LGW ICAO airport code: EGKK
nal South. The Gatwick Express goes to Victoria Station in London, travel time is 30 minutes, the Thameslink connects the airport to King’s Cross Station, travel time is 50 minutes. Further information about the train system can be obtained through National Rail. Car and Bus The airport is 45 kilometers south of London along the motorway M23 (exit 9). The airport is also accessible from the road between London and Brighton (A23). Express buses leave from both terminals to London, but the main station is on the ground floor of Terminal South, most buses go from Terminal North to London. There are ticket offices in the Arrivals Hall of both terminals for bus tickets. Car rental In front of both terminals buildings, there are counters for car rental companies: National/ Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar/Thrifty and Europcar. Taxi Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall of both terminals. Take into account that the road to London is frequently very busy and a taxi ride to the center of the city can last 60–90 minutes. Airport Parking There is a place for short-term
parking at both terminals with a direct, covered connection with the terminal. A free shuttle bus goes from the long-term parking area to both terminals. Services Shops and Restaurants There is a large range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in both terminals. Purchased items can be delivered to your house. Baggage There are counters in both terminals for lost and found items, you can also store baggage there. This service is managed by Excess Baggage Company. Information The service counters in both terminals are staffed 24 hours, the personnel speak several languages. Business Business facilities are offered by two hotels at the airport: Hilton
G at w ick Air po r t is the seco n d la rgest Lo n d o n a ir p o r t. Al th oug h t he re is onl y o n e ru nway t h is a ir p o r t p ro ces s e s 33 millio n pa ssen gers ea ch yea r.
and Le Meridien (see Hotels), both have fully equipped offices and meeting rooms, and also offer secretarial support. There are various lounges from the airline companies. Public lounges are the Servisair Lounge in Terminal South and the Aviance Alexandra Suite in Terminal North. Disabled facilities The terminal is extremely accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. There are induction loops available for the hearing impaired. Furthermore, there are reserved parking places for the disabled and also reserved seating in both terminals. Other services There are banks, money exchange offices and ATM’s in both terminals. There is a post office in Terminal South. Wifi is availalble.
22
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
Lon d on H eath r o w A i r po r t G ui d e
In terms of passenger numbers, Heathrow is the largest airport in Europe. The airport lies on the edge of Greater London, 24 kilometers west of the city center. There are four terminals (1-4) Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected with each other, and Terminal 4 is accessible by the free Heathrow Express train. A new terminal was opened in 2008 on the west side of the airport.
Contact Address London Heathrow Airport 234 Bath Road Harlington Middlesex UB3 5AP Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)870 000 0123 Fax: +44(0)20 8745 4290 Email: Via Website Airport codes IATA airport code: LHR ICAO airport code: EGLL
Local Transport Train There are train stations in the Central Hall of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and in Terminal 4. The Heathrow Express leaves every 15 minutes to Paddington Station, travel time is 15 minutes. A cheaper alternative is the slow train Heathrow Connect, which also goes to Paddington Station, travel time is 30 minutes, but does not leave from the station in Terminal 4. Trains leave from Paddington Station to the west and southwest of England, and it is also an important station of the London metro network. In addition the airport is the end point of the Piccadilly metro line. Car and Bus The airport lies along highways M4 and M25. For Terminals 1, 2 and 3 you take the M4 exit 4a and on the M25 exit 15. For Terminal 4 you take exit 3 and exit 14, respectively. Bear in mind that the roads around London and especially around the airport can be extremely busy. The A2 Airbus stops at all terminals and goes to King’s Cross Station, this station is on an intersection of the metro and train lines. At night the bus line N9 goes to the center of London. Many local bus lines go to Heathrow Airport, most have their stops in the central area of Terminals 1, 2 and
3. Furthermore, there are long distance buses that go to more than 500 destinations in Great Britain. The largest bus company is National Express. Car rental In every terminal there are counters for car rental companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt. Taxi The famous black taxis of London are in front of all terminals. Expect that a ride to the center of London takes a minimum of one hour. Airport Parking There are short-term parking areas close to all terminals, a little further away there are the Business Car Parks and even further away are the areas for long-term parking, the areas are developed by NCP Services
I n ter ms of pa sse ng er n u m b ers, Heat h row is t h e l argest a ir po r t in Euro p e. Th e a ir p o r t lies o n t h e ed g e of G re ater Lo ndo n, 24 k ilo m eters west o f t h e c it y center.
Shops and Restaurants Heathrow Airport offers what you would expect from one of the largest airports in the world, an enormous range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in all terminals. Baggage There are counters in all terminals for the Excess Baggage Company, you can store baggage there. In addition there are counters in all terminals for lost and found items. Information There are general information counters in all terminals that you can also reach directly through special telephones that are on the wall in many places in the airport. Business There are fax machines at various places in the terminal (pay with a credit card).
Disabled facilities Heathrow Airport is extremely accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. There is an induction loop for the hearing impaired as well as a special telephone line. Furthermore, there are reserved parking places and seating forth disabled. A wheelchair accessible shuttle bus goes between the terminals. Most buses and trains are also accessible for wheelchairs. Other Services There are ATM’s and money exchange offices in all terminals, there is a post office in Terminals 2 and 4. There is wireless internet present and an internet cafe in Terminal 4. Furthermore, there are children’s play areas and baby changing rooms. The First Aid office is on the ground floor of the Queen’s Building. There is a pharmacy in Terminal 1.
24
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
Lon d on S tanste d A i r po r t G ui d e
London Stansted Airport is about 50 kilometers northeast of the capital. It is the fourth busiest airport in Great Britain after Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester Airport. It is used by many budget airline companies such as Ryanair and easyJet. The airport processes 22 million passengers per year. There are plans to expand the airport, but there is a lot of resistance from the people living in the neighborhood.
Contact Address London Stansted Airport Enterprise House Bassingbourne Road Essex CM24 1QW Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)870 000 0303 Fax: +44(0)1279 662 066 Email: Via Website Airport codes IATA airport code: STN ICAO airport code: EGSS
Local Transport Train There is a train station under the terminal, the Stansted Express leaves every 15 minutes to Liverpool Street Station in London, travel time is 45 minutes, a train also goes to Cambridge and the Midlands. Car and Bus The airport is along the highway M11, from London you take exit 8a and from Cambridge you take exit 8, you come to a roundabout where the route to the airport is clearly given. Colchester and Harwich are accessible from highway A120, Stansted Airport is also accessible from the M25, exit 27. The bus station is between Zones C and D of the area for shortterm parking. An express bus goes to various destinations in London (i.e. Stratford, Victoria Coach Station, Liverpool Street Station and Golders Green). Because of the heavy traffic in and around London the travel time can take up to an hour and a half (two hours at peak time). A bus also goes to various other destinations including Oxford and Cambridge. Car rental You can rent a car from the counters in the Arrivals Hall from car rental companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National/
Alamo. Taxi Checkercars is the only company that may operate at Stansted Airport. Taxis to London are not cheap. There is a counter in the Arrivals Hall where you can reserve a taxi. Airport Parking There is an area for short-term parking, close to the terminal (Fast Track). It is especially recommended for business travelers that fly back the same day. A little further away (200 m) there is another area for short-term parking (NCP). Services Shops and Restaurants There is a large range of restaurants, bars, cafĂŠs and shops at Stansted Airport for both visitors and travelers. Baggage
Stan sted is t he fo ur th b u siest a ir p o r t in Great Br it a in af ter H eathrow, Lo ndo n G at wick a n d M a n c h ester Air p or t.
In the Arrivals Hall there is an office to store baggage. The office for lost and found items can be found in Zone G next to the Monsoon store. Information There is an information counter in the Arrivals Hall Business The United Business Center is close to the terminal, there are offices and meeting rooms for 2-30 people, equipped with broadband internet, telephone and fax, secretarial support is also available. Disabled facilities The airport is completely accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted restrooms, elevators and telephones, furthermore, the airport has induction loops and text telephones. There are reserved parking places close to the terminal for the disabled.
26
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
M ancheste r A i r po r t G ui d e
The airport is 17 kilometers southwest of the centre of Manchester. There are two runways and three terminals. Just like Schiphol, there are roll bands or rolling sidewalks at this airport. It is the third busiest airport in Great Britain, after the London airports Heathrow Airport and GatwickAirport. In 2006 Manchester Airport processed 22 million passengers. According to expectations this number will double by 2015. There are many activities planned to take care of this growth.
Train The airport has a combined bus and train station that is called ‘The Station’, many trains from the north of England and the Midlands come to the station. Other destinations are accessible from Manchester Piccadilly in the city center. There are plans to put in a monorail between the airport and Piccadilly, at the moment this route is still used by regular service trains.
Local Transport
Car and Bus The airport is along the M56 highway (exit 5) that connects to the ring road around Manchester (M60, exit 4). The routes to the various terminals are clearly indicated on the traffic signs.
Contact Address Manchester Airport Plc Manchester M90 1QX Great Britain Telephone: +44(0)161 489 3000 Fax: +44(0)161 489 3813 Email: Via Website Airport codes IATA airport code: MAN ICAO airport code: EGCC
Bus line 43 leaves every 10 minutes to the center of Manchester, this is an express service. There are many other bus lines that have connections between the airport and Manchester, there are also long distance buses from National Express to places including London, Blackpool and Aberdeen. Car rental In every terminal there are counters for car rental companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt. Taxi Taxis are in front of all terminals. For destinations in Manchester and the surrounding area, meters are used. For other destinations, fixed rates are given on signs Airport Parking
There are areas for short-term parking at all terminals. For each stay longer than six hours you are better to park your car in the long-term parking area. Services Shops and Restaurants Manchester Airport has a large range of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants in all terminals. Baggage There is a window for lost and found in each terminal. Information There are general information counters in all terminals, in addition in Terminals 1 and 2 you can find information counters from the Tourism Bureau. Business Business facilities are available in the Atlantic Suite and in the Radisson SAS Hotel. There are offices and meeting rooms to rent
Lon don Cit y Air por t i s t h e yo u n gest a ir p o r t o f a ll t h e air p o r ts a round the B r it ish ca p it a l. I t wa s o p en ed in 1 987 a nd is in t he e a ster n p a r t o f t h e c it y, n ea r t h e D ock la nds.
and also conference halls for up to a maximum of 400 people. The Ringway Suite in Terminal 2 has rooms that are particularly suitable for small symposiums, for up to 30 people. The Escape Lounge has telephone, fax, copy and internet facilities. Disabled facilities The airport is very accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones in all terminals. For the hearing impaired there is an induction loop. There are many employees at the airport that are trained in sign language. In the parking garages there are reserved places for the disabled. Other services There are money exchange offices and ATM’s in all terminals, there is a post office in Terminal 1. Medical services are available. Manchester Airport.
E U ROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E
www.europeantravelmagazine.co.uk