Flying to London? Here’s What You Should Know About COVID Tests at London Airports

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Updated 20 July 2021

PCR tests are now an integral part of flying due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether flying domestically or internationally, there's a good chance you'd be required to provide a negative PCR test result regardless of your vaccination status.

To accommodate the public's need for a reliable and timely PCR test procedure, airports in London are now providing private testing options to keep travellers flying safely. Here's all you need to know about where and how you can get PCR tests at airports across London.

London Heathrow

London Heathrow provides private testing options depending on the traveller's needs. The following is a breakdown of all the available PCR testing options. Please note that these tests need to be pre-booked, and fees apply.

PCR tests for travellers departing from Heathrow

PCR Fit to Fly Test

The test is suitable for all forms of travel and accepted in most countries excluding Jersey and Hong Kong. Results will come out by 10 PM the next day. Price starts from £59.

The locations are:

• Terminal 4 Long Stay. Drive Through.
• Terminal 2 Departures. Walk Through.
• Terminal 3 Forecourt. Walk Through.
• Terminal 5 Departures. Walk Through.

PCR tests for travellers arriving in Heathrow

PCR Test to Release Test

The test is suitable for Amber List arrivals who wish to shorten their quarantine period by taking a test on day 5.

Available from the Heathrow Airport Drive Through only. Results by 10 PM next day, price starts from £69.

Green Arrivals Test

The test is suitable for Green List arrivals that need to take mandatory day 2 test.

Available across all ExpressTest Heathrow Airport sites. Results by 10 PM next day.

Amber Arrivals Test Package

The package is suitable for Amber List arrivals as they need to take mandatory day 2 and day 8 test

Results by 10 PM next day, price starts from £129

• Day 2 tests are available across all ExpressTest Heathrow sites
• Day 8 tests are available from the Heathrow Drive Through only.

Amber Arrivals Test Package with Test To Release

The package offers mandatory day 2 and day 8 test for Amber List arrivals. They also offer a Test to Release for day 5 test, for arrivals who wish to shorten their quarantine period.

Results by 10 PM next day, price starts from £189

• Day 2 tests are available across all ExpressTest Heathrow Airport sites
• Test to Release & Day 8 tests are available from the Heathrow Airport Drive Through only

PCR tests for non-travellers

Please note that the following tests are NOT suitable for travel. The results will be sent through email, received by 10 PM next day. Price starts from £59.

The locations are:

• Terminal 2 Departures. Walk Through.
• Terminal 3 Forecourt. Walk Through.
• Terminal 4 Long Stay. Drive Through.
• Terminal 5 Departures. Walk Through.

Additionally, London Heathrow provides lateral flow tests for travellers with results available within 30 minutes. Please refer herefor the full details.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport provides private testing options depending on the traveller's needs. Please note that these tests need to be pre-booked, and fees apply.

ExpressTest - Drive Through

This drive-through centre in South Terminal Long Stay Car Park offers a Fit to Fly PCR swab test for £59. It also offers PCR Green Arrivals tests for £69. You must book in advance. Results by 10 PM the next day.

ExpressTest - Walk In

This walk-in facility in North Terminal arrivals offers a Fit to Fly PCR swab test for £59. It also offers rapid antigen tests for £35. You must book in advance.

Hilton

The Hilton London Gatwick offers a Test & Rest Package. It includes a PCR self-testing swab kit and overnight accommodation at the hotel. You can book your test here.

Sofitel

Sofitel Test & Rest package includes a PCR self-testing swab kit and overnight accommodation at the hotel. You can book your test here.

Boots

Get a private PCR swab test at the Boots store located in the South Terminal arrivals area. You must book in advance.

London Southend Airport

London Southend Airport provides private testing options in cooperation with a number of health companies.

Pop-up COVID-19 testing in Southend Airport offers testsfor Fit to Fly, Test to Release and Health Check.

• 190+ time slots per day online.
• Guided self-swab, with samples couriered daily.
• Available for £99.

You must first book a suitable time slotonline for your Southend Airport Test Pod. Arrive to provide your sample and the results will be provided online within 24 hours of your sample's arrival at the lab.

London City Airport

London City Airport's testing centre is within walking distance from the main terminal. It offers the full range of government-approved Covid-19 tests (PCR, LAMP, Antigen, Antibody) for arriving and departing passengers for all international markets. Please note that these tests need to be pre-booked, and fees apply.

PCR Fit to Fly test in London City Airport is Accepted for travel to many destinations including Malta, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Australia, New Zealand. Results within 48 hours. Discounted price is £66; use the code LCYTEST to be eligible for a discount.

London Luton Airport

A variety of COVID-19 tests are now available at London Luton Airport and enable those arriving in the UK to book a mandatory travel test package or participate in the 'Test to Release for International Travel' scheme. Please note that these tests need to be pre-booked, and fees apply.

Drive-through PCR Fit to Fly test

The COVID-19 drive-through screening facility is located in the Mid Stay Car Park and is clearly signposted. Use LU2 9QT to get you to the airport or click hereto load directions straight to your device. Time slots are available between 09:00 - 16:45.

Walk-in PCR Fit to Fly test

The walk-in test centre is conveniently located inside the terminal building and clearly sign-posted. Time slots are available between 05:00 - 18:45.

London Stansted Airport

Please note that the tests need to be pre-booked, and fees apply.

Results next day by 23:59/within 48 hours

Drive through testing centers

Please remember you must attend your appointment in a vehicle at the following location: Jet Parks Zones T&P, London Stansted Airport. Bury Lodge Lane.

Opening hours: 07:00-19:00

Walk through testing

London Stansted Airport, Terminal Road North, CM24 1RW.

Opening hours: 07:00-19:00

Discounted price is £66; use the code STNTEST to be eligible for a discount.

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