Heathrow Terminals Guide

Published 18 September 2026 · By the Guide to London editorial team · Editor: Terje Moy

Heathrow has four passenger terminals: 2, 3, 4 and 5. British Airways is based mainly at Terminal 5 and Virgin Atlantic at Terminal 3, but the only reliable way to know your terminal is to check your booking or Heathrow's online terminal finder shortly before you travel.

A terminal at Heathrow is a separate building with its own check-in, security, shops and gates. Terminals 2 and 3 stand side by side in the middle of the airport and share a railway station. Terminal 4 is on the southern edge of the airfield, and Terminal 5 is at the western end. They are too far apart to walk between, but trains and buses link them, and for most journeys that transfer is free.

Terminal 1 closed some years ago, so if an old booking, a hotel confirmation or an out-of-date map mentions it, ignore that and check again. This guide explains how to find your terminal, what each one offers, and how to move between them, whether you are simply changing terminals on the ground or connecting between two flights.

How to find out which terminal your airline uses

Start with your booking confirmation or e-ticket. Most airlines print the departure terminal, and many show it in their app. If yours does not, use the terminal finder on Heathrow's website, where you can search by airline or flight number.

Pay attention to which airline actually operates the flight. On a shared flight (a codeshare), your ticket may carry one airline's name and flight number while a partner airline flies the plane, and the terminal is normally the one used by the operating airline. Your booking usually says "operated by" next to the flight.

Check again a day or two before you fly. Airlines move terminals from time to time, sometimes for only part of their schedule, and Heathrow's own information is the most up to date. On the day, the departure boards in every terminal show where each flight leaves from.

Terminal 5: the British Airways terminal

Heathrow describes Terminal 5 as British Airways' main Heathrow hub. It is a very large, modern building (Heathrow calls it the UK's largest free-standing building), and it has its own station at the lower levels. From there, Heathrow Express runs to Paddington, the Elizabeth line runs into central London every 30 minutes, and the Piccadilly line runs into the West End.

For passengers who are not flying British Airways premium cabins, Terminal 5 has independent lounges run by Club Aspire and Plaza Premium, which anyone can book, and a spa. Heathrow lists the Sofitel hotel, with more than 600 rooms, a short walk from the terminal.

If you arrive at Terminal 5 on the Elizabeth line and have just missed a train into London, remember that only two trains an hour serve this terminal. It can be quicker to ride the free transfer to Terminals 2&3, where all six trains an hour call.

Terminals 2 and 3: the central terminals

Terminals 2 and 3 are next to each other in the centre of the airport, within walking distance of each other, and share one station called Heathrow Terminals 2&3. This station has the most trains into London: every Elizabeth line train calls here, Heathrow Express calls here, and the Piccadilly line stops here too. Heathrow Central Bus Station, where National Express coaches leave from, is also between the two terminals.

Terminal 2, also known as the Queen's Terminal, has an independent Plaza Premium lounge, and Heathrow lists an Aerotel hotel within walking distance.

Terminal 3 opened in 1961 and was the first terminal in the UK with moving walkways. Today Heathrow describes it as the Virgin Atlantic hub, and it also serves more than 20 other airlines. Its lounges include Club Aspire and No.1 Lounge in Departures, and there is an Aerotel in the Arrivals area.

Terminal 4: south of the runways

Terminal 4 sits on its own on the southern side of the airport and has been refurbished. Heathrow says it serves a wide range of European and long-haul routes. It has an independent Plaza Premium lounge, and Heathrow lists a Hilton hotel a short walk away.

Four Elizabeth line trains an hour run to and from Terminal 4. Heathrow Express does not run to Terminal 4 directly; you reach it by a free transfer from Terminals 2&3, which adds about 4 minutes. If you are being dropped off or collected by car, note that the Terminal 4 multi-storey car park closed on 23 June 2026 as part of a redevelopment, and passenger parking moved to Zone A of the Park & Ride.

For a full comparison of fares and journey times into the city from each station, see our guide to getting from Heathrow to central London.

Changing terminals on the ground for free

You might need to change terminals without catching a connecting flight: for example, you land at Terminal 3 and a friend lands at Terminal 5, or you have a hotel near one terminal and fly from another. Heathrow's transfer guide covers exactly this case: moving between terminals when you are not catching a connecting flight, which means travelling outside security.

The simplest option is the Elizabeth line. Travel between Terminals 2&3, 4 and 5 is free: touch in and out with your contactless card or Oyster card and you are not charged, or collect a free inter-terminal ticket from a machine. Heathrow Express also runs free between Terminals 2&3 and Terminal 5, but you need a free ticket or must tap in and out. National Express says that moving between terminals by train, Underground or the H30 bus is free.

Allow more time than the ride itself suggests. On the Elizabeth line, Terminal 5 has only two trains an hour, so you could wait up to 30 minutes. Our visitor's guide to the Elizabeth line explains the service pattern, and our page on London's fare zones explains why Heathrow (Zone 6) journeys into Zone 1 cost more than the Tube's cheapest fares.

Connecting between flights at Heathrow

If both flights are on one ticket, you stay inside the secure area and do not need to go into the arrivals hall. Follow the purple "Flight Connection" signs from the moment you leave the aircraft. Most connecting passengers do not collect their bags, because the airline transfers them, but check with your airline if you are not sure.

Most connections are within the same terminal, on foot or by a free tram. If your next flight leaves from a different terminal, a free shuttle bus runs between the terminals every 10 minutes. Everyone connecting at Heathrow goes through security again, because all passengers flying from a UK airport must meet UK security rules. Heathrow says large electrical items and liquids of up to 2 litres can stay in your cabin bag when you connect.

You only pass through immigration if you are arriving on an international flight and connecting to a flight within the UK or to Ireland. Those passengers have a biometric photo taken of their face. When you land, the departure screens show your onward terminal, but gate numbers only appear once you are through security.

How long you need depends on your airline, your route and whether you change terminals. On a single ticket, the airline sets a minimum connection time, and if a delay makes you miss the second flight, Heathrow advises speaking to your airline about rebooking.

Self-connecting on two separate tickets

If you booked the two flights separately, for example a long-haul flight into Heathrow and a separate ticket onwards, you are not a connecting passenger. Heathrow treats you as an arriving passenger and then a departing one. You pass passport control, collect your bags, leave through customs, travel to your departure terminal, check in again and go through security.

That means you need permission to enter the UK, so check whether you need an ETA or a visa even though you are not staying. Our page on UK entry requirements explains the rules; GOV.UK says passengers who pass through border control need an ETA if their nationality requires one. Allow several hours between flights, especially if you change terminals.

Accessibility and help at the terminals

All the Heathrow rail stations are step-free from train to street, and every Elizabeth line station is step-free from street to platform. If you need help getting through the airport or between terminals, Heathrow's assistance and accessibility pages explain how to request support before you travel. Our guide to step-free transport in London covers onward travel, and our accessibility guide for visitors covers hotels and sights.

Families should allow extra time between terminals, particularly with pushchairs and several bags. Pack so that one adult can manage the bags while the other looks after the children. Our family guide to London has more tips for travelling with children.

Staying near your terminal before an early flight

If your flight leaves early in the morning, sleeping close to your terminal removes the risk of a late-night or pre-dawn journey across London. Heathrow lists hotels close to each terminal, including hotels you can walk to from Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Our guide to staying overnight at a London airport weighs up the choices, and our page on late-night and early-morning airport transport explains when the trains start and stop.

If someone is dropping you off by car, Heathrow charges a Terminal Drop-Off Charge for vehicles on the terminal forecourt. Black cabs can add up to £6.00 for dropping you at a terminal. Our guide to taxis and minicabs in London explains the other extras you may see on the meter.

Flying on to another airport rather than another terminal? Read our guide to transfers between Heathrow and Gatwick. And for an overview of what happens when you land at Heathrow, from the eGates to the arrivals hall, see our Heathrow arrivals guide.

Frequently asked questions

Which terminal is British Airways at Heathrow?

Heathrow describes Terminal 5 as British Airways' main Heathrow hub. A small number of British Airways flights, and flights sold by British Airways but operated by partner airlines, can use other terminals. Check your booking and Heathrow's terminal finder before you travel.

Is Heathrow Terminal 1 still open?

No. Heathrow's passenger terminals today are 2, 3, 4 and 5. If a booking or a guide mentions Terminal 1, the information is out of date, and you should check the terminal for your flight on Heathrow's website or with your airline.

How do I get from Terminal 5 to Terminal 2 or 3 at Heathrow?

Outside security, take the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to Heathrow Terminals 2&3 station; both are free for this trip if you tap in and out or collect a free ticket. If you are connecting between flights on one ticket, follow the purple signs to the free airside shuttle bus.

How long does it take to change terminals at Heathrow?

The train ride itself is only a few minutes, but waiting times vary: Terminal 5 has two Elizabeth line trains an hour and Terminal 4 has four. Airside, the shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes, and you must also clear security again, so allow plenty of time.

Can I walk between Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3?

Yes. Terminals 2 and 3 are next to each other in the centre of the airport and share a railway station, so you can walk between them outside security. Terminals 4 and 5 are too far to walk to, so use the free train transfer.

Sources

• Heathrow - Terminal guides (Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5) (checked September 2026)
• Heathrow - Which terminal? (checked September 2026)
• Heathrow - Connecting flights (checked September 2026)
• Heathrow - Travelling between terminals (checked September 2026)
• Transport for London - Getting to and from Heathrow on the Elizabeth line (checked September 2026)
• Heathrow Express - Fares and timetable (checked September 2026)
• National Express - Heathrow Airport coaches (checked September 2026)