Is smoking allowed inside Heathrow Airport?

No, smoking is prohibited inside all terminal buildings.

Does Heathrow have a smoking area?

Yes, designated outdoor smoking areas are available outside all terminals.

Can passengers smoke after security at Heathrow Airport?

Yes, only Terminal 2 (near Gate A1) and Terminal 4 (lower level) have dedicated smoking zones after security.

Can transit travellers smoke during a layover at London Heathrow Airport?

Passengers on Terminals 2 and 4 can use the dedicated areas, but connecting through Terminals 3 and 5 may need to exit security and re-enter afterward.

Can passengers leave Heathrow during a layover to smoke?

Yes, but they need to clear immigration on exit and security checks on entry.

Can I bring cigarettes and vapes through Heathrow security?

Yes, but they should be packed properly.

Heathrow Airport Smoking Areas: Airside & Landside Locations

Under United Kingdom laws, smoking is strictly prohibited inside the secure areas of all terminals at London Heathrow Airport. However, there are designated outdoor smoking areas at Heathrow for passengers who wish to smoke before security. Limited smoking options are also available at Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 after security. Travellers with connecting flights may also need to leave the secure area and pass through security again if they want to smoke.

Smoking area outside Heathrow terminal

Is Smoking Allowed at Heathrow Airport?

Yes, smoking is allowed, but only in dedicated outdoor areas. All the areas are clearly marked. Heathrow smoking areas are located:

Outside every terminal building
Near the Central Bus Station at level 0
Parking Level 3 at Terminal 5

Smoking Areas at Heathrow Airport Terminals

Currently, Heathrow Airport has four terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. Smoking options are limited after passing through the security.

Heathrow Smoking Area Terminal 2: This terminal has both landside and airside smoking areas.

Outdoor smoking areas are located outside the main terminal building on the departures level (Level 5) and onward travel areas on Level 0.
An open-air smoking terrace with enclosed fencing is located near Gates A1–A5 in the A Gates area. Move downstairs and follow the signs to access the smoking areas at Heathrow Airport Terminal 2.

Heathrow Terminal 3 Smoking Area: There is no dedicated smoking area after security at Terminal 3. However, several clearly marked outdoor smoking zones are available outside the departure hall and on the arrivals level near the curbside (level 0).

Smoking Areas at Heathrow Terminal 4: This terminal has better smoking options.

Outdoor Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 smoking areas are located curbside on Level 2 and onward travel, Level 0.
The airside smoking spot at T4 is located near the Burberry store. Go downstairs through two escalators, pass through double doors, and enter an enclosed outdoor space to access the smoking area.

LHR Terminal 5 Smoking Area: Terminal 5 has several smoking areas on the departures level curbside and at the parking level 3. However, there are no official smoking rooms or terraces after security.

Smoking at Heathrow Airport During Layover

Passengers on connecting flights departing from Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 can use the designated smoking zones. However, travellers connecting through Terminal 3 or Terminal 5 who need a smoking break may need to:

Pass through the UK passport control.
Exit the terminal building to use the outdoor smoking areas at Heathrow.
Go through security screening again to re-enter the terminal.

The process can take time, especially during peak hours. It's better to check Heathrow security wait times online before leaving the airport for a smoke break.

Vaping Rules at Heathrow Airport

The rules for vaping at Heathrow Airport are similar to traditional smoking.

Vaping is banned inside all the terminals.
Use the vaping device only outside the terminal building before security.
E-cigarettes can only be used in designated smoking areas at Heathrow Terminal 2 and Terminal 4.
Vape batteries should be packed in hand luggage.

Note: Airlines may have separate rules for carrying vape devices. Check airline rules before carrying vape devices.

Heathrow Airport Smoking Tips

Smoking rules at Heathrow Airport can be strict, especially after passing through security. Here are some simple tips to smoke at Heathrow without violating the rules:

Arrive early to access the outdoor Heathrow airport smoking area before security.
Check if the airside smoking options are available at the departure terminal.
Use a traditional cigarette or vape device in a designated area only.
Follow the airport signs to access the smoking areas.
Plan to return the car rental at Heathrow Airport to access the landside smoking area.
Avoid leaving the terminal during a short layover, as re-entering may require another security check, which may take time.
Pack cigarettes, vapes, and lighters according to the airline’s guidelines.
Consider alternative options like nicotine gum or patches to avoid leaving the secure area.

Final Thoughts!

While there are no official smoking areas at Heathrow Airport inside all terminal buildings, Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 have smoking areas after security. Arrive early, follow airport smoking rules, and consider the time needed to exit and re-enter security to smoke during a layover.