Running errands before a flight isn’t fun, but if you need to post a letter, mail a parcel, or drop off a return package before you fly out of London, Heathrow Airport actually makes it pretty easy. You don’t have to leave the terminal or miss your gate. Here’s a complete, no-fluff guide to using the post office at Heathrow, including where to find it, when it’s open, and what you can (and can’t) do there.
Heading to Heathrow and want a stress-free start to your trip? Skip the parking hassle and traffic altogether, book a chauffeur service to Heathrow Airport and get dropped right at your terminal, with plenty of time to sort out your post office run before you fly.
Where Is the Post Office at Heathrow Airport?
Heathrow currently has two full post office counters, both located inside WHSmith stores:
- Terminal 3 – Inside WHSmith, Departures, Landside (next to Pret A Manger). You don’t need a boarding pass to reach it, since it’s before security.
- Terminal 5 – Inside WHSmith, Landside Departures, near the South Wing.
There is currently no standalone post office counter in Terminal 2 or Terminal 4; these were closed due to lower demand for over-the-counter postal services. If you’re flying from T2 or T4, you’ll need to rely on post boxes or the coin-operated stamp machines (more on that below), or head over to T3/T5 if you have time before your flight.
Post Office Opening Hours at Heathrow
Hours can vary slightly by season, so it’s always worth double-checking on the day, but as a general rule:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (some sources list until 5:30 PM)
- Sunday: Shorter hours, sometimes 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, though some counters now operate similar hours all week
Tip: If you’re flying early morning, on a red-eye, or late at night, the counter is unlikely to be open. Plan your post office stop for a daytime flight, or use the 24/7 post boxes instead.
What Services Can You Use at the Heathrow Post Office?
The Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 branches function as regular Post Office counters, so you can generally use them for:
- Buying stamps (UK and international)
- Posting letters and postcards
- Sending parcels, both domestic and international, through Royal Mail and Parcelforce
- Cash withdrawals and deposits (select branches)
- Bill payments and top-ups
- Travel-related services, such as foreign currency (availability varies by branch, so check ahead if this is your main reason for visiting)
Since services can shift over time, it’s worth checking the Post Office’s branch finder or asking staff directly if you need something specific, like ID or passport-related services.
Posting a Letter Without Visiting the Counter
If you just need to drop a letter or postcard and don’t want to detour to WHSmith, Heathrow has you covered:
- Red post boxes are located both before and after security in every terminal.
- These boxes are for letters and postcards only; you cannot post parcels in them.
- Anything posted may be subject to inspection by HM Customs.
- Coin-operated stamp machines are also available in each terminal if the post office counter is closed.
Can You Send a Parcel from Heathrow?
Yes, but only from the Terminal 3 or Terminal 5 counters, not from the post boxes. Both UK and international parcel services are available. A few practical things to keep in mind:
- Check size and weight limits before you arrive, especially for international shipping
- Have your parcel packed and ready; forms and customs paperwork can take a few minutes
- Build in extra time, particularly if you’re posting close to your flight
If you’d rather sort this out before you even get to the airport, Royal Mail Click & Drop lets you buy and print postage labels from home, then drop the pre-paid parcel at a post office, Parcel Postbox, or your local postbox.
Quick Tips for Using the Heathrow Post Office
- Visit during daytime hours; counters typically close by 5–5:30 PM
- If the counter is closed, WHSmith staff can usually still sell you stamps
- Business travellers with tight schedules should factor in a buffer before their flight
- Flying from T2 or T4? Use a post box, or route through T3/T5 if your schedule allows
- Posting something time-sensitive? Confirm same-day collection times with staff, since last collections vary by terminal
FAQs About the Heathrow Airport Post Office:
Is there a post office at Heathrow Airport Terminal 3?
Yes. It’s inside WHSmith in the Departures area, landside (before security), next to Pret A Manger, so you don’t need a boarding pass to access it.
Is there a post office at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5?
Yes. It’s inside WHSmith on the Landside Departures level, near the South Wing.
What are the Heathrow post office opening hours?
Generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (sometimes 5:30 PM) Monday through Saturday, with shorter hours on Sunday. Hours can vary, so check on the day if your visit is time-sensitive.
Can I post a parcel from Heathrow Airport?
Yes, at the Terminal 3 or Terminal 5 post office counters, for both UK and international destinations. Parcels cannot be posted in the terminal post boxes.
Is there a post office in Terminal 2 or Terminal 4?
No, both terminals had their full-service counters closed. Use the post boxes in those terminals, or visit Terminal 3 or 5 if time allows.
Do I need a boarding pass to reach the post office?
No. Both the Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 post offices are located landside, before security.
What if the post office is closed when I arrive?
You can still buy stamps from WHSmith staff, use a coin-operated stamp machine, or drop letters and postcards in one of the red post boxes located throughout each terminal.
Can I withdraw cash at the Heathrow post office?
Select branches offer cash withdrawal and deposit services, so it’s worth checking ahead if that’s your main reason for visiting.
