How Do You Travel Between Terminals at Heathrow?
London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with four active passenger terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. Many passengers find themselves needing to transfer between terminals to catch connecting flights, and knowing the best way to travel between them can save time and reduce stress.
The good news is that Heathrow offers several free and convenient ways to move around, including trains, buses, the London Underground, and even walking between some terminals.
Free Travel Between Terminals
Heathrow Express Train
The Heathrow Express is the quickest way to travel between terminals. It runs every 15 minutes and connects Terminals 2 & 3 with Terminal 5 in just five minutes. The service is completely free for passengers making a terminal transfer. The trains are spacious, with plenty of room for luggage, making them an easy option for families or anyone carrying multiple bags.
London Underground (Piccadilly Line)
The London Underground connects all of Heathrow’s terminals via the Piccadilly Line. When transferring between terminals, you won’t be charged as long as you use an Oyster card, contactless card, or a paper ticket from Heathrow. While the Underground takes slightly longer than the Heathrow Express, it’s still a reliable and straightforward choice for moving between all four terminals.
Free Shuttle Buses
If you are connecting to or from Terminal 4, the easiest way is to take one of the free shuttle buses. These buses run between Terminals 2 & 3 and Terminal 4, with a journey time of about 10 minutes. The buses run frequently and operate 24 hours a day, so you won’t need to worry about missing your connection.
Walking Between Terminals
Not all transfers require a train or bus. Terminals 2 and 3 are close enough to be linked by a pedestrian underpass. The walk takes around 10 minutes and is fully accessible, with lifts, escalators, and moving walkways. If you prefer stretching your legs between flights, this is a quick and easy option.
Journey Times Between Terminals
Here are the average travel times you can expect:
T2 ↔ T3: 10 minutes on foot
T2/T3 ↔ T5: 5 minutes by Heathrow Express
T2/T3 ↔ T4: 10 minutes by shuttle bus
T4 ↔ T5: Around 20 minutes via shuttle bus and train
Tips for Smooth Transfers at Heathrow
Follow the signs: Look for the purple Flight Connections signs inside the airport. They guide you directly to transfer points.
Allow extra time: If you need to re-clear security, build in extra time, especially during busy hours.
Stay with your airline: Some airlines, particularly those within the same alliance, will guide passengers through dedicated transfer routes.
Check terminal information before flying: Some airlines move terminals depending on the route, so always confirm your departure and arrival terminal before planning your connection.
Ask staff if unsure: Heathrow staff are used to helping connecting passengers and can point you toward the right service.
Final Thoughts
Traveling between terminals at Heathrow is simple once you know your options. Whether you take the free Heathrow Express, hop on the Underground, use a shuttle bus, or walk between Terminals 2 and 3, the airport has made it easy for passengers to move around. By planning ahead and allowing enough time, you can make your transfer stress-free and focus on enjoying your onward journey.
