London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow is the United Kingdom’s busiest airport and the main international gateway to London, located west of central London. It is the home base of British Airways and is served by most major long-haul airlines. Heathrow is efficient once you know its layout, but it is large, and the distance between terminals is the main thing that catches travellers out.
Terminals and airlines
Heathrow currently operates four passenger terminals: Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Terminal 5 is the main base of British Airways. Airline allocations change from time to time, so use the airport’s terminal finder or your booking to confirm.
Connecting flights
According to Heathrow’s connecting flights guide:
- Follow the purple Flight Connections signs from your arrival gate.
- Within the same terminal you connect on foot or by a free internal train; between terminals a free transfer bus runs every 10 minutes.
- All connecting passengers go through security again at Heathrow, so keep liquids accessible.
- Gate numbers appear on departure screens only after you have passed security.
If you booked separate tickets, you may need to pass through UK border control, collect bags and check in again, which takes far longer. Size your layover with our Layover Planner.
Passenger facilities
Each terminal has shops, restaurants, currency exchange and lounges, but services and opening hours vary by terminal, so check the terminal guide for yours on heathrow.com before you travel.
Official links
- Heathrow Airport: heathrow.com
- Trains to and from Heathrow: rail options
- Connecting flights: connections guide
Rules and services checked against official sources in October 2026. Airlines and airports change their policies, fares and services regularly: always confirm the details for your own booking on the official pages linked here before you travel.
Transport Links
Heathrow has three rail options into London, all listed on the airport's official trains page:
- Heathrow Express: the fastest link, non-stop to London Paddington in about 15 minutes from Terminals 2 and 3. Best when speed matters more than price.
- Elizabeth line: direct trains through central London to stations including Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street, in under 40 minutes to the centre. Usually the best balance of speed and cost.
- Piccadilly line (London Underground): serves all Heathrow terminals and reaches central stations such as Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and King's Cross St. Pancras in under an hour. The cheapest rail option and the slowest.
Contactless bank cards and phones work on the Underground and Elizabeth line, with fares charged automatically. Buses and coaches, taxis and ride-hailing are also available; road journeys into central London are often slower than the train at busy times. Compare options with our Airport Transfer Cost Calculator.
Traveler Information
- Check your terminal before you leave. Heathrow's terminals are far apart, and the Heathrow Express does not stop at every terminal.
- Arriving from abroad, allow time for border control, which can be busy at peak hours; check the UK entry requirements for your nationality on our United Kingdom guide before you fly.
- Liquids and electronics: security rules can differ between terminals and change over time; follow the instructions at your terminal.
- Heading into London? Our London city guide explains how contactless travel works and where to stay.
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