How to Travel Between Heathrow Terminals

Co-authored by Angela Rice

Last Updated: March 4, 2023 References

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

1
Make sure you are in either terminal 2 or 3. 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]
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Move down to the underground walkway. 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]
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3
Walk to the your chosen terminal. 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Catching the Train

1
Decide which terminal you're going to. 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
Purchase a Transport for London Oyster Card for additional shuttle stops. 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]
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- 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
Head down to the station. 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]
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Catch the free shuttle train. 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]
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- 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Traveling by Bus

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Check which terminal you're in. 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]
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Make your way to the bus stop. 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]
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Catch either the 482 or 490 bus. 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]
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- 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
Get off at the right stop. 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]
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Expert Q&A

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.
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.
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.