Is it easy to change terminals at Heathrow?

Follow the purple signs to 'Flight Connections' and use the dedicated Flight Connections buses to take you to your departure terminal. These free buses provide step-free access, run every 6-10 minutes and are the easiest way to travel between terminals.



Changing terminals at London Heathrow is very manageable, but it requires time and attention to signage. All inter-terminal transfers are free, which is a significant perk. If you are staying "airside" (connecting between flights without clearing customs), you use the purple "Flight Connections" buses that run every 6–10 minutes. If you have to go "landside" (after collecting luggage), you can use the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth Line for free between Terminals 2/3 and Terminal 5—you just need to tap a contactless card or Oyster card, but you won't be charged. For Terminal 4, you can take a free shuttle bus or the Elizabeth Line. The "easiest" transfer is between Terminals 2 and 3, which are connected by a pedestrian underpass. However, Heathrow is massive; even with efficient trains and buses, you should allow at least 90 minutes for any inter-terminal connection to account for walking distances and potential security re-screening.

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Wherever you're going, you'll need to go through Heathrow security. With a bit of preparation and the expert assistance of our staff, you'll fly through in no time.

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If you are using Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line, please obtain a free Inter-terminal transfer ticket from one of the machines in the station for your journey.

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We recommend that you allow the following minimum connection times: 1 hour for connections within the same Heathrow terminal. 1 hour 30 minutes for connections that require travel between terminals at Heathrow.

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Free London Underground services and shuttle trains (Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express) are available for inter-terminal transfers between Heathrow Terminals 2&3 and Heathrow Terminal 4.

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Overall, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights, though there may be some exceptions depending on the airport and flight itinerary. To make this process easier, checking with the airline or airport ahead of time is recommended.

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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.

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You will need to go through passport control (and customs if applicable) and then check in again as normal for your connecting flight, so please ensure you have enough time.

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Terminal 5, home of British Airways, has been named 'World's Best Airport Terminal' six times in its 11-year history.

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Here's what you're expected to encounter: If you checked a bag, you'll have to collect it from baggage claim from the international flight. You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight.

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If you are arriving/departing from the same terminal then 60 minutes is the minimum connection time, a change of terminals has a minimum connection time of 90 minutes. Since it's one ticket and your luggage will be booked straight through the question is whether you have to change terminals or not.

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It depends on how your ticket was booked. If your flights were booked under one ticket, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. If your flights were booked under separate tickets, you will need to collect your bags and recheck them before your connecting flight.

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For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection. For international flights on different airlines, the connection time will need to be even greater as you may have to change terminals between the two flights.

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Use the eGates for quicker entry a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA.

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Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

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