How to Travel Between Heathrow Terminals

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you're in Heathrow International Airport, you're probably really excited to be traveling! However, it's important to know how to navigate the 5 terminals so your travels can run smoothly. Heathrow has world class infrastructure designed to make getting around as simple as possible using three different methods: Shuttle train, bus (only between terminals 4 and 5) and walking (only between terminals 2 and 3). In order to enjoy your trip to its fullest make sure you're clear on the terminals and time frames that apply to you.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Walking between Terminals

PDF download Download Article
  1. Walking is only available between terminals 2 and 3 as they are located at the centre of Heathrow airport while the other terminals are significantly farther apart. [1]
  2. Follow the signage around you directing you to the walkway. You can take your luggage on a luggage cart but will need to get in a lift rather than the escalator. As the lifts are usually busy, this can sometimes take a while. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. This walk will take about 10 minutes and is well signposted. There are arrangements that can be made for people with walking difficulties but this will need to be organized in advance here: https://www.heathrow.com/airport-guide/special-assistance/how-to-get-help .
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Catching the Train

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can only catch the free shuttle train to and from terminals 2 and 3 to 4, or terminals 2 and 3 to 5. You cannot catch the train between terminals 4 and 5, so make sure you're going to the correct terminal.
  2. This is the most convenient way to pay for travel around London. You can purchase one from any London underground station (including in Heathrow). There are London underground trains that go between terminals 2&3, but if you use this mode of transport, it will only be free if you have an Oyster card. [3]
    • Purchasing an Oyster card isn't a necessity, but if you are planning on spending time in London, it may be a useful purchase.
  3. If you are in either terminal 2 or 3, the shuttle train station is located between the two terminals along the underground walkway.
    • If you are in terminal 4 the stop is just to the right of the main entrance and on floor level -1.
    • If you are in terminal 5 the stop is on the left side on floor level 0. You can also follow the clearly marked signs saying “Heathrow Express”. [4]
  4. The shuttle trains come 4 times an hour and have ample room for luggage. The trains are also all at platform level so there's no need to worry about lifting luggage up stairs onto the train.
    • All shuttle travel between terminals is free so just make your way to the stop and hop on. [5]
    • The total travel time will take about 20 mins while the actual time you will be on the train for will probably be much smaller than this.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Traveling by Bus

PDF download Download Article
  1. Catching the bus between terminals is only necessary when you are traveling between terminals 4 and 5 because there's no free shuttle train between the terminals. [6]
  2. If you are in terminal 4, go to bus stop 7, which is located on level 0 on the right side of the terminal. If you are in terminal 5, go to bus stop 7 which is located just to the left side on level 0. [7]
  3. It also always pays to double check with the driver of the bus when you get on to make sure they are going to your desired terminal. [8]
    • The trip will take about 20 minutes and will be free as long as you are just moving between the terminals at Heathrow.
    • There will be room for your luggage in the bus' storage compartment.
  4. The driver will make it clear when you have arrived at the other terminal but just make sure you know when to get off. These buses do have other final destinations and the last thing you want to begin your big journey is to end up miles from Heathrow! [9]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I travel between terminals at Heathrow?
    Angela Rice
    Luxury Travel Specialist
    Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show.
    Angela Rice
    Luxury Travel Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but always plan for delays and give yourself ample time to get to your destination.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
  • Question
    Is there no terminal 1 in Heathrow?
    HumanBeing
    Top Answerer
    Terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Heathrow Airport are close enough to one another to walk between them. There is an underground walkway that connects the three.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
  • Question
    I am arriving in terminal 2 and my son is arriving in terminal 3. We are taking the Heathrow Express. Where is the best place to meet?
    FBI
    Community Answer
    Head over to Heathrow Terminal 5 and there is a little shuttle called Pods. The best place to meet at is Parking Station B.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Give yourself at least 3 hours between flights to make sure you make your connection.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Don't be afraid to ask for directions or help if you feel like you may be getting lost or confused.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Check in at the Airport
      How (and Where) to Get Your Boarding Pass
      How to
      Pick Someone Up from the Airport
      How to
      Find Your KTN (Plus How to Enroll in or Renew PreCheck)
      How to
      Arrange Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport: Before or After Arrival
      How to
      Switch Flights in LAX
      Everything You Need to Know About TSA Precheck
      How to
      Get a Boarding Pass
      How to
      Get Through TSA Faster: Going Through Security Like a Pro
      How to
      Get Through the Airport Quickly and Efficiently
      How to
      Change Planes for a Connecting Flight
      How to
      Get to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from Manhattan
      How to
      Dress for the Airport (for Women)
      How to
      Board the Plane Train at Hartsfield‐Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.heathrow.com/airport-guide/getting-around-heathrow/travel-between-terminals
      2. ↑ https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k9807168-Heathrow_airport_Walking_from_terminal_2_to_terminal_3-London_England.html
      3. ↑ https://www.londontoolkit.com/briefing/oystercard.htm
      4. ↑ https://maps.heathrow.com/index.html?vid=lhr&s=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
      5. ↑ https://www.heathrow.com/airport-guide/getting-around-heathrow/travel-between-terminals
      6. ↑ https://www.heathrow.com/airport-guide/getting-around-heathrow/travel-between-terminals
      7. ↑ https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Heathrow-Terminal-4/Heathrow-Terminal-5-Underground-Station#trips
      8. ↑ https://www.milesfaster.co.uk/information/heathrow-airport/terminal-to-terminal.htm
      9. ↑ https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/timetable/482/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 51,998 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement