The best hotels near Heathrow Airport for early morning flights

At Sofitel Heathrow, you'll have direct access to Terminal 5 via a covered walkway, which means no last-minute rush to catch your flight. And if you have time, the facilities are great too, with a modern health spa, a 24-hour gym, two bars, and two restaurants and a swimming pool. Who knows, with so much to do, you might even choose to just stay here for a week rather than jetting off on holiday? 

How close is it to Heathrow? Terminal 5 is just a ten-minute walk 

Price: From £200

Breakfast starts: Starts at 6 am 

Time Out tip: Unwind with a spot of Sky Sports on the large TV in Sphere Bar

When you live in the depths of north London, getting to Heathrow for an 8am flight can be quite the ball ache. But the good news is that if airport hotels aren’t your jam, the Heathrow Express starts at 4.30am, and gives you plenty more options for nearby London stays. I stayed at the Hilton London Paddington before a flight, grabbed a buffet breakfast, exited straight into Paddington Station and hopped on the Heathrow Express – and was at the airport in 15 minutes. Plus it’s a genuinely great hotel, especially for tourists, as it’s right in the thick of it and every bit of it screams London. Opt for a budget-friendly standard room, which are compact but great value for the location, or splash out one of the newly-renovated Signature Executive King Rooms, with huge king beds, a very handsome bathroom and access to the Executive Lounge.

How closer to Heathrow? 15-minute journey from Heathrow Airport, via the Heathrow Express

Breakfast starts? Starts at 7am

Price: From £170 per night

Time Out tip: If you're around for a bit longer, try one of the afternoon teas.

A contemporary and relaxing oasis, this Marriott spot will feel a world away from Heathrow. Unwind in the health club or enjoy a leisurely meal with a glass of wine at the beloved Italian restaurant chain, Carluccio’s. There are also convenient transport links connecting you to London. Watch the steady flow of planes taking off and descending from the pretty alfresco dining area to get you in the holiday mood. 

How close to Heathrow? 15 minutes from Terminals 2 & 3 by bus.

Price: From £160

Breakfast starts: At 6am

Time Out tip: Get a proper refresher with a quick dip in the 15-metre heated indoor swimming pool.

Based on the outskirts of the airport, Renaissance is complete with a cocktail bar, health club and soundproof windows. The hotel underwent a big refurbishment in 2022, including updates to all 710 rooms and bathrooms. Other perks include a gift shop, restaurant, cafe serving Starbucks coffee, and currency exchange. There's free WiFi too, and spaces to book out for a conference if that's your thing. Make use of the onsite parking if you're driving to the airport, too.

How close to Heathrow? It's so close to Terminals 2 & 3 that you can see the runways from the hotel, but it'll still take you a 15-minute bus ride to navigate the busy roads.

Breakfast starts: Starts at 6am

Price: From £129

Time Out tip: Feeling tense after a long-haul flight? Book in for a massage treatment at their health club.

This four-star Novotel is only a few minutes drive from Heathrow and is complete with a gym, soundproof windows and a bar and restaurant. You'll also find an extremely handy shuttle that'll ferry you from the airport to the hotel and back. Take a dip in their heated indoor swimming pool should you need to wind down post-flight. Or, if you don't want to swim with other people bag yoursef one of the hotel's Executive rooms, which come with their own jacuzzi tubs. Not bad for a pre-airport stay hey? 

How close to Heathrow?  Less than a mile to Terminals 2 & 3 (which are ten minutes by bus) and close to the long-stay car park.

Breakfast starts: Continental starts at 5am, cooked starts at 6am

Price: From £150

Time Out tip: Got little ’uns in tow? Ask reception about the children's library, video game area and available board games.

Whether you've just got off the plane or preparing to board, Radisson RED is providing some much-needed respite for weary travellers. With interiors featuring nods to London, including telephone boxes and statues of British bulldogs, this patriotic property will make you either excited for your UK stay or sad to leave. The lounge bar and three restaurants mean you'll have options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you won't feel like you're just getting by with the basics – something that airport hotels tend to do. 

How far to Heathrow? Less than one kilometre from Heathrow. The 

Breakfast starts? Buffet starts at 6am

Price: From £99

Time Out tip: There's nothing better than soothing your muscles in the indoor pool and sauna after (or before) a long flight. 

You'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay at Courtyard by Marriott; the neutral-coloured lobby area and rooms provide a bright and airy space that exudes calm vibes, especially if you're a nervous traveller who's a little apprehensive for your flight. You'll be able to wind down in one of three restaurants, serving international cuisine from American to Indian and head up to Sky Bar located on the sixth floor, has a menu of Pan Asian dishes. The whole place has a slight clinical feel to it, but for £99 we'l take it.

Where is it? Heathrow is two kilometres from the hotel.

Breakfast starts? 6:30 am

Price: From £99 per night

Time Out tip: The snack bar is always on hand if you need a quick snack for a very early flight

The highly-rated Crowne Plaza is proof that airport hotels can be impressive as well as convenient; not only does it offer that sought-after on-site parking facility, 24-hour front desk and fitness centre, but there's also three dining options including an Asian street food counter and to-go snacks for your journey. You can expect quality to be kept in check and all aspects of your room to be top of the range; from the premium bedding to the Smart TV.

Where is it? Crowne plaza is directly linked to Terminal 4 by a covered pedestrian bridge. 

Breakfast starts? From 5:30am

Price: From £149 per night

Time Out tip: Legoland Windsor Resort is just a 30-minute drive away from the hotel if you fancy a day of unadulterated fun before heading home.