Travelling Between Terminals of Heathrow Airport [LHR]

How to travel between terminals at Heathrow?

Being a major connection hub for air voyages all over Europe, LHR Airport has established an efficient transportation process for airside flight connections. Thus, passengers can easily reach terminals 2 & 3, 4, and 5 from Hatton Cross by train, the Underground Piccadilly line or by bus H30 getting between the terminals at Heathrow. Please consider that the only walking route allowed for in-terminal transportation is from T2 to T3 (Arrival and Departure zone) and vice versa. Another means connecting the terminals is the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line trains. Check out the map to travel for free between any of the Underground or train stations. Please note that the Underground trains are free in case of providing an Oyster card or contactless credit/debit card within the free zones indicated on the map.

Walking between LHR Airport terminals

Travellers are allowed to move on foot between T2 and the Arrival and Departure zones of T3. These terminals are situated side by side, so you can use a pedestrian pathway to cover the distance between Terminal 2 and 3 in Heathrow. As a rule, it takes around 8-10 minutes to transfer between the halls via the moving walkway.

• To reach T3, use the elevator to come down to T2 Floor -1, move along the pedestrian underground passage which goes through the Underground station, and follow the signs of T3.

• From the T3 Ground check-in floor, take the elevator next to Zone D (the Virgin Atlantic check-in desks) and come down to Floor-1. The route to T3 is perfectly signposted. To quickly navigate at LHR terminals in Heathrow and travel between terminals, get acquainted with the airport map before arrival.

Heathrow transfer between terminals

One of the most convenient modes of transport between the terminals in Heathrow is the Free Underground line. It will take you from Hatton Cross to any LHR terminal and vice versa. The line runs daily according to the timetable, operating all night on Friday and Saturday nights along the following routes:

• from Hatton Cross to T2 & 3 and T5;

• from T2 & 3 to T5 and Hatton Cross;

• from T5 to T2 & 3 and Hatton Cross.

Another option available for LHR travellers is the Heathrow train between the terminals (Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express). Such a train takes you from T2 & 3 and Heathrow T 4 or 5 in 15-20 minutes.

Please consider that Oyster or contactless is obligatory to activate ticket gates at stations. If you take the trains between terminals, without leaving free-travel zones indicated on the map, you do not have to pay. If you would like to use the service of Heathrow Express between the terminals for free, you need to obtain a free Inter-terminal transfer ticket in the machine placed at the station.

If you are travelling between T4 and 5 via the Free Underground line, you need to change trains at Hatton Cross. In case you use the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express to get from T4 to T5, please change trains at Heathrow's T2 & 3.

Heathrow shuttle bus between terminals

Upon arrival at LHR, travellers are enabled to hop on a bus H30 to transfer between the Heathrow buildings. You are not required to use an Oyster, contactless card, or a ticket to travel free via this mode of transportation. But you should note that the Heathrow Airport shuttle between the terminals runs only in the morning. The first bus from Hatton Cross starts at 3:15 am and runs every 20 min until 5 am from Monday to Sunday. If you need to reach T5, you also have the option of taking a public bus (except H30) for free.

• From T4, bus stop 7, hop on a bus 482 or 490 with terminus "Heathrow T5"

• From T5, bus shelter 7, take bus 482 with the final destination "Southall Town Hall" or bus 490 with terminus "Pools on the Park".

Transportation between LHR terminals for connecting flights

Those travellers who need to change from one aircraft to another at the LHR hub on the way to their endpoint should remain airside to move to the departure terminal for the onward flight. If you have a transit voyage, once you have disembarked at LHR, follow the signs for flight connections where a shuttle bus will transfer you to the connecting terminal. The Heathrow Airport buses between the terminals depart every 6-10 min.

There are a few airlines that are unable to transfer baggage for flight connections. Please contact your airline directly whether you need to collect your suitcases and re-check in for your connection.