Heathrow Airport Guide

Terminals and transfers

Terminals 2 and 3 sit together in the central area and can be walked between through a covered pedestrian route. Terminals 4 and 5 are separate and need a train or bus.

• Free rail transfers between terminals are available on the local rail services. You do not pay for airport-to-airport journeys within Heathrow.
• Allow 45 to 60 minutes for a transfer between Terminal 5 and Terminal 4, including walking time.
• Airside transfer buses connect some terminals for connecting passengers, which avoids a second full security check where offered.
• Terminal 5 is used almost entirely by one airline group. If your ticket says T5, your connection is likely to be simpler.

Airport to city: central London

Heathrow has one of the better airport rail offers in the world, with a fast dedicated express, a slower but cheaper mainline service and the Underground.

Contactless payment works on the Underground and Elizabeth line. Tap the same card in and out and the fare is calculated for you.

Check-in and security

Three hours before a long-haul departure and two hours for short-haul is the usual advice, and at Heathrow it is worth following. The security halls are large and generally efficient, but queues build fast during the early morning and late afternoon waves.

• Bag drop for most airlines opens around three hours before departure and closes 45 to 60 minutes before.
• Newer scanners have been introduced across the airport, which can change what needs to come out of your bag. Follow the signage at your specific lane rather than habit.
• Boarding gates are announced late at Heathrow, and the walk to a gate can take 15 to 20 minutes. Watch the screens.

Lounges

Heathrow has one of the deepest lounge selections anywhere, split between airline lounges, alliance lounges and independent pay-per-visit lounges in every terminal. Paid access can normally be booked online in advance for a fixed slot, which is more reliable than turning up.

• Independent lounges welcome most passengers for a fee regardless of the airline flown.
• Some lounges have shower suites, useful when you land early and cannot check into a hotel yet.
• Arrivals lounges exist in a couple of terminals for long-haul passengers landing in the morning.

Restaurants and food

Every terminal has a spread of sit-down restaurants, cafes and grab-and-go counters. Terminal 5 and Terminal 2 have the strongest choice. Prices are broadly similar to central London prices, which is to say not cheap, but the quality is generally decent.

If you are flying early, note that some outlets do not open until around 05:00, even though passengers are already airside.

Wi-Fi and charging

Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available across the terminals after a quick sign-in. Charging points are widespread, especially in newer seating areas, and many gate rooms include desks with power sockets.

Baggage storage

Heathrow has staffed left luggage facilities in the main terminals, generally located in arrivals. Items are screened before storage, and pricing is per item per period. It is one of the more reliable airports in Europe for this, which makes a day trip into London during a long layover more practical.

Airport hotels

There are hotels connected directly to Terminals 4 and 5, and a large cluster along the surrounding roads served by shuttle buses. Connected hotels cost more but remove all transfer risk for an early departure.

Sleeping at the airport

Heathrow terminals do not stay fully open through the night. Landside areas may close and passengers can be asked to wait in designated zones until the terminal reopens in the early morning. If you have an overnight gap, a room or a lounge with extended hours is the safer plan.

Family services

• Baby changing rooms are available in every terminal, both landside and airside.
• Family security lanes operate at busy times and are worth asking for.
• Play areas exist in several terminals, usually near the main airside seating.
• Pushchairs can be used to the gate and are returned at the aircraft door on most services.

Accessibility

Special assistance at Heathrow is well established. Request it through your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Dedicated assistance points are marked in each terminal, and there are quiet routes and sensory rooms for passengers who find busy terminals difficult.

Layover guide

A same-terminal connection can work in about 75 minutes. A terminal change needs at least two hours, and three if you must clear immigration and re-check bags. UK transit rules depend on nationality, so check whether you need a visa to pass through even without leaving the airport.

Things to do nearby

Windsor is close and easy to reach by bus or a short taxi ride, which makes it the practical choice for a five or six hour gap. Central London is around 45 minutes each way by train, so anything less than seven hours is a rushed visit.

Frequently asked questions

How do I transfer between Heathrow terminals?

Terminals 2 and 3 are linked on foot. For Terminals 4 and 5, use the free rail transfer or the transfer bus, and allow 45 to 60 minutes door to door.

Which train is fastest to central London?

The dedicated express to Paddington is the quickest at roughly 15 to 20 minutes. The Elizabeth line takes longer but reaches more of the city directly.

Does Heathrow have left luggage?

Yes, staffed left luggage desks operate in the main terminals, usually in the arrivals area, with per item pricing.

Can I sleep in the terminal overnight?

Not reliably. Parts of the airport close overnight, so an airport hotel or a lounge with late hours is the better option.