Where Can You Smoke at Heathrow Airport? Heathrow Smoking Area All Terminals Guide

If you’re wondering where to smoke at Heathrow Airport, the answer is simple: you can only smoke in designated outdoor smoking areas located outside each terminal building. That means if you want a cigarette or need to vape, you must visit the outdoor Heathrow smoking area before entering the departure zone. The same applies to e-cigarettes and vaping at Heathrow follows the strict rules

Heathrow’s Official Smoking & Vaping Policy

• Smoking & vaping indoors is prohibited (including e-cigarettes)
  
• Designated outdoor zones are available at each terminal for smokers and vapers.
  
• No Heathrow airport smoke room inside security. Once you’re airside, there’s no facility for smoking or vaping.
  
• If you need to smoke after check-in, you’ll have to exit the terminal and go through security again.
  

Terminal-by-Terminal Heathrow Airport Smoking Areas

LHR Terminal 2 – The Queen’s Terminal

Designated Smoking Zones:

• Arrivals Level: Outside the terminal exit, smoking points on both sides of the main doors.
• Departures Level: Smoking area just outside the main entrance before you clear security.

Remarks:

• No official smoking lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2 inside security.
• Some travellers report an unofficial outdoor space near gate A1, but it’s not listed by Heathrow.
• If you’re connecting flights, smoke before entering departures to avoid security delays.
  

Heathrow Airport Terminal 3

Designated Smoking Zones:

• Arrivals: Outdoor shelters near the car park walkway, right outside the exit.
• Departures: Smoking spot by the main check-in hall entrance before security.

Remarks

• There is no Heathrow Terminal 3 smoking area after security.
• Step outside before check-in if you need to smoke or vape.
• Busy terminals, allow extra time to return through security if you exit.
  

Heathrow Airport Terminal 4

Designated Smoking Zones:

• Arrivals: Smoking shelter right outside the arrivals exit.
• Departures: Marked smoking area outside the main entrance before security.
  

Remarks:

• No official smoking lounge in Terminal 4 Heathrow after passing security.
• Rumors exist of a fenced area near gates 6B–7, but it’s not recognized by airport authorities.
• Best to smoke before entering departures.

Terminal 5

Designated Smoking Zones:

• Arrivals: Outdoor smoking shelters near the taxi rank and bus stops.
• Departures: Smoking area outside the main check-in entrance.

Remarks:

• No Heathrow Terminal 5 smoking area beyond security.
• Popular for long-haul flights, you should smoke or vape before you enter.

Vaping Rules at Heathrow Airport

• Are vapes allowed at Heathrow? Yes, but only in outdoor smoking areas.
• E-cigarettes and vaping devices are treated like regular cigarettes hence, no use indoors.
• Heathrow airport rules require liquids to be carried in your hand luggage in 100ml or smaller bottles.
• You may see some vape products in duty-free, but buying a vape at Heathrow Airport is limited and depends on shop stock.
  

Some Tips for Smokers & Vapers

1. Smoke or vape before security because there’s no Heathrow airport smoke room after security.
2. If you’re on a layover, plan for at least 30 minutes to exit, smoke, and re-clear security.
3. Follow signage. All Heathrow smoking area points are clearly marked outside.
4. Avoid non-designated areas. Fines apply for smoking outside permitted zones.
5. For vaping at Heathrow, treat it the same way as smoking.
   

Heathrow Airport is clear about its rules: there is no indoor smoking lounge at Heathrow once you’re past security. The only places to smoke or vape are the designated outdoor smoking areas before you enter the departure zone. Whether you’re looking for the Heathrow Terminal 5 smoking area or wondering if you can smoke in Terminal 4 Heathrow, the answer is always the same. Step outside and then.

Need a ride after your smoke break? Once you’ve used the designated Heathrow smoking area, you can step straight into a taxi to or from Heathrow Airport for a comfortable, stress-free ride. Our drivers wait at the arrivals pickup point, ready to take you anywhere in London or beyond, with fixed prices and 24/7 availability.