Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport · London, United Kingdom
Verified airport guidance · Last checked September 2026
London Heathrow (LHR) has four passenger terminals: 2, 3, 4 and 5. Every connecting passenger goes through security again, and changing terminals means a free transfer bus. Follow the purple Flight Connections signs from the moment you land.
International connections
Connecting between international flights, you stay in the connections area — you don't go through UK immigration. You do go through security screening again.
Connecting to a flight to the Republic of Ireland, a biometric image of your face is taken.
Domestic connections
Arriving internationally and connecting to a UK domestic flight, you complete additional immigration checks before security.
Everyone who boards a new flight at Heathrow goes through security, including passengers arriving on domestic flights.
Security
All connecting passengers go through security again at Heathrow.
Baggage
Most passengers won't need to collect baggage — it's usually transferred directly by the airline, but this isn't available for all flights, so check with your airline. If you booked your flights separately (self-connecting), you need to collect your bags and check in again.
Source: Heathrow — Connecting flights
Changing terminals between flights
For flight connections between terminals, follow the purple Flight Connections signs and take the free connections shuttle — it runs about every 10 minutes. Within a terminal you walk or take the free tram.
Source: Heathrow — Connecting flights
Free travel between terminals
For travel between terminals outside the Flight Connections process, Terminals 2 and 3 are linked by connecting subways. Travel between terminals is free: the Elizabeth line / Heathrow Express (every 15 minutes to Terminal 4, at least every 15 minutes to Terminal 5), the Piccadilly line (every 10 minutes) and the H30 bus between Terminals 4 and 5 (every 20 minutes). On trains, Oyster or contactless opens the ticket gates, or you can collect a free train transfer ticket at the station (it isn't valid on the Underground); the H30 needs no ticket. Between Terminals 4 and 5 by train, change at Terminals 2 & 3; on the Piccadilly line, Terminal 4 → 5 goes via Terminals 2 & 3 and Terminal 5 → 4 via Hatton Cross. Heathrow doesn't publish journey times between terminals.
Source: Heathrow — Free Travel transfer map (Version 7, 18 May 2025)
Departing from Heathrow
Most airlines let you check in online about 24 hours before your flight; check-in and bag-drop times are set by your airline. After check-in, go through security — there's no UK border officer on the way out, but your airline checks your passport.
Heathrow recommends arriving 3 hours before an international flight, or 2 hours for domestic flights and Europe.
Source: Heathrow — Checking in
Connection tips
- Follow the purple Flight Connections signs.
- Heathrow doesn't publish a single minimum connection time — airlines only sell connections that meet it, and it depends on your route, airline, bags and terminals.
- Self-connecting on separate tickets means collecting bags and checking in again — allow much more time.
Getting around LHR
Where you can walk, and where you'll need a train or bus. Walking times are shown only where the airport publishes them.
Between any terminals: free Flight Connections shuttle bus
| Between | Walk? | Other ways |
|---|---|---|
| Any terminal ↔ Any terminalfree Flight Connections shuttle bus | No | free Flight Connections shuttle bus |
| Terminal 2 ↔ Terminal 3 | Yes | — |
| Terminal 2 ↔ Terminal 5Elizabeth line / Heathrow Express (at least every 15 min to Terminal 5); Piccadilly line (every 10 min) | No | Elizabeth line / Heathrow Express (at least every 15 min to Terminal 5)Piccadilly line (every 10 min) |
| Terminal 3 ↔ Terminal 5Elizabeth line / Heathrow Express (at least every 15 min to Terminal 5); Piccadilly line (every 10 min) | No | Elizabeth line / Heathrow Express (at least every 15 min to Terminal 5)Piccadilly line (every 10 min) |
| Terminal 2 ↔ Terminal 4Elizabeth line (every 15 min to Terminal 4) | No | Elizabeth line (every 15 min to Terminal 4) |
| Terminal 3 ↔ Terminal 4Elizabeth line (every 15 min to Terminal 4) | No | Elizabeth line (every 15 min to Terminal 4) |
| Terminal 4 ↔ Terminal 5Elizabeth line / Heathrow Express (change at Terminals 2 & 3); Piccadilly line (Terminal 4 → 5 via Terminals 2 & 3; Terminal 5 → 4 via Hatton Cross); free H30 bus (every 20 min) | No | Elizabeth line / Heathrow Express (change at Terminals 2 & 3)Piccadilly line (Terminal 4 → 5 via Terminals 2 & 3; Terminal 5 → 4 via Hatton Cross)free H30 bus (every 20 min) |
Sources: Heathrow — Connecting flights · Heathrow — Free Travel transfer map (Version 7, 18 May 2025)
Airport map — LHR
LHR indoor map
Map data © Mapbox. Indoor maps are an experimental Mapbox feature. We don't draw walking routes.
We don't mark gates or checkpoints until we have verified locations for them.
Getting away from LHR
Official options, in no particular order. Times only where the operator publishes them.
Heathrow Express· about 15 min
Terminals 2 & 3 and Terminal 5.
To London Paddington from Terminals 2 & 3 (about 6 minutes more from Terminal 5); every 15 minutes.
Source: Heathrow Express
Elizabeth line
Stations at Terminals 2 & 3, 4 and 5.
Direct to central London.
Source: Heathrow — By rail or train
London Underground — Piccadilly line
Stations at all terminals.
Journeys to central London take under an hour.
Source: Heathrow — By rail or train
Uber and other app rides
Meet your driver in your terminal's Terminal Parking car park — pick-ups at the terminal forecourts aren't allowed.
Source: Heathrow — Passenger pick-up
Check fares and schedules with the operator before you travel.
Official resources
- Heathrow — Checking in (opens in a new tab)
- Heathrow — Connecting flights (opens in a new tab)
- Heathrow — Connections FAQ (opens in a new tab)
- Travel between terminals (opens in a new tab)
- Official airport website (opens in a new tab)
- Heathrow — Transport and directions (opens in a new tab)
- Heathrow — UK customs (opens in a new tab)