Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. Every day, thousands of travellers arrive and depart for business, family visits, or holidays. Many of them need postal services while at the airport. Sending a parcel, posting a letter, or even collecting travel money can all be done if you know where to go. This guide provides comprehensive information about Heathrow Airport post office, its services, and the location of post boxes in various terminals.
Post Office Services at Heathrow
There are only two main branches of the post office in Heathrow. One is in Terminal 3 and the other is in Terminal 5. Both are located inside WHSmith stores in the departure areas. These are real Post Office counters where you can post letters, send parcels, and use financial services. The other terminals do not have dedicated counters, but they have red post boxes for dropping letters.
Services You Can Use at Heathrow Post Office
At both branches, you can access full postal services. You can send letters and parcels in the UK and abroad. You can also use Royal Mail and Parcelforce services for tracked and signed deliveries. Travellers can buy postage stamps, use the Drop & Go system, and send returns. Some extra services are available too, such as cash deposits and withdrawals, bill payments, travel money, and even insurance. For many business travellers, the ability to send documents or parcels quickly before a flight is very useful. Families also use it to post cards or packages while on holiday.
Heathrow Airport Post Office in Terminal 3
The Terminal 3 branch is on Level 1 in the departure area, landside. It is located inside WHSmith, near Pret A Manger. This means you do not have to pass security to use it. The opening hours are usually 9 am to 5 pm, though they may change slightly depending on the day. The services here include sending mail, buying stamps, collecting travel money, and using identity services like passport applications. Many travellers also use it for international parcels, as customs forms are available here. If you are flying from another terminal but still want to use this branch, you can easily reach it by taking the Heathrow Express or free inter-terminal transfers.
Heathrow Airport Post Office in Terminal 5
The other main branch is in Terminal 5. It is inside WHSmith, located in the departure area on the third floor, south side, near the security check. This post office Heathrow terminal 5 is popular with travellers flying with British Airways since T5 is their main hub. Just like the T3 branch, it operates during the day, normally from 9 am to 5 pm. The services are the same. You can send letters, post parcels, and get access to financial services. Many travellers confirm that this branch also accepts parcels and even sells some packing materials. If you are in a hurry, you can buy stamps directly from WHSmith staff even if the counter is closed.
Post Boxes in Other Heathrow Terminals
If you are not near T3 or T5, you can still post letters at Heathrow. Each terminal has red post boxes, both before and after security. These are useful if you only need to send letters or postcards. They do not take parcels. For example, there is a post box Heathrow Terminal 5 near the departure gates as well as in arrivals. Similar boxes are in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, although no full Post Office counter is present there. This makes it easy to send quick mail without leaving the terminal you are flying from.
Recent Changes to Heathrow Post Office Services
Not all terminals at Heathrow have kept post office counters. For example, the Terminal 3 branch was once closed but reopened again, inside WHSmith in recent years. Terminals 2 and 4 of Heathrow Airport, no longer have full counters due to low demand. Instead, passengers are directed to the nearby terminals or to use local branches outside the airport. These changes were made because most travellers today use online services and no longer visit post offices as often as before. Still, Heathrow kept two counters in the busiest terminals to serve both business and leisure travellers.
Practical Tips for Using the Post Office at Heathrow
If you plan to use the Heathrow Airport Post Office, try to visit during the day since counters close around 5 pm. For quick mail, use the post boxes available 24/7. If you want to send parcels, check the size and weight limits in advance. Always allow extra time before your flight since postal services can take a few minutes, especially if forms are needed. If you miss the opening hours, WHSmith staff can still sell stamps for letters. For business travellers, it may help to pre-book travel time so you can stop at T3 or T5 before your flight.
Why Travellers Use Heathrow Post Offices
Travellers often use these services for last-minute needs. Some send business contracts, some return online shopping parcels, and others mail postcards back home. Post office at Heathrow airport helps because it saves time. You don’t need to leave the airport or find a local branch. For tourists, it is also a nice way to send something home during the trip. Business travellers rely on it for urgent documents and banking services.
If you are traveling and suddenly realize you left a package behind, don’t stress. Many passengers use the post office to handle last-minute parcels before flying. And when you are done, remember to book your return Heathrow Airport taxi so you travel home without extra worries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Post Office at Heathrow?
You can find two branches inside the airport. One is located in Terminal 3, inside WHSmith, and the other is in Terminal 5, also within WHSmith.
Does Terminal 5 have a Post Office?
Yes, there is a Post Office Heathrow Terminal 5 counter inside WHSmith on the departure level, close to security.
Are there post boxes in all terminals?
Yes, each terminal has red post boxes before and after security. These can be used for letters and postcards but not for parcels.
Can I send parcels at Heathrow?
Yes, parcels can be sent from the counters in Terminal 3 and Terminal 5. Both UK and international parcel services are available.
What are the opening hours?
Both Heathrow post office counters usually open from 9 am to 5 pm. Hours may change slightly depending on the day.
Did some branches close?
Yes, full counters in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 were closed due to low demand. Travellers in those terminals can use post boxes or visit T3 and T5.
Is there a Post Office near Heathrow Airport?
Yes, if the airport branches are closed, there are local branches in Hounslow and Hayes, both within a short taxi ride. If you post something from outside the airport, a pre-booked Heathrow taxi with TappAXI makes it easy to collect or deliver parcels on your way.
Heathrow offers two main post office counters in Terminals 3 and 5, along with post boxes across all terminals. They provide a wide range of services from sending letters and parcels to handling money and travel services. Knowing where these are located can save time and reduce stress. Whether you are a business traveller, a tourist, or just need to post something quickly, the Heathrow airport post office makes your journey easier.
