Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport, and knowing your terminal before you set off saves a lot of trouble. There is no Terminal 1 any more: it closed in 2015. The four terminals in use are spread across a huge site, and they are reached by different roads.
Airlines at Heathrow are grouped roughly by the alliances they belong to, so partners share a terminal and connections are easier. But airlines do move, so treat this as a guide and check your booking the day before. Your airline’s app or the airport’s website will always have the latest information.
1. Terminal 2, The Queen’s Terminal
Home to many Star Alliance airlines. Shares a central area with Terminal 3. It opened in 2014 on the site of the airport’s original terminal, which was first opened in 1955, and it was named The Queen’s Terminal in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
Terminal 2 is used by airlines including Lufthansa, United, Air Canada and many other members of Star Alliance, along with Aer Lingus and others. Because partner airlines share the terminal, connecting between their flights is easier. Many flights to Europe, North America and Asia leave from here.
The terminal is light and airy, with a wave-shaped roof and large windows. It has a wide choice of shops and restaurants. Look out for Slipstream, a huge sculpture that snakes through the building’s courtyard.
Terminal 2 is in the central area of the airport, reached by road through a tunnel under the northern runway, from the M4 at junction 4. The Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line all stop at the station serving Terminals 2 and 3. It is a short walk from the station to the terminal.
2. Terminal 3
Long-haul airlines including many from the Middle East and Asia, plus some oneworld carriers. Terminal 3 first opened in 1961, as the Oceanic Terminal, for long-haul flights. It has been expanded and modernised many times since.
Terminal 3 is used by airlines including Virgin Atlantic, Delta, American Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Qantas. Some British Airways flights use it too. It is a hub for long-haul flights to North America, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
Terminal 3 shares the central area with Terminal 2, and the station between them is linked to both by walkways. If you are connecting between them, allow time for the transfer and for security. The central bus station, serving coaches and local buses, is between them.
Like Terminal 2, Terminal 3 is reached by the tunnel under the northern runway. If you are being dropped off, tell your driver which of the two terminals you need, as they have separate forecourts. The drop-off charge applies here too.
3. Terminal 4
Set apart on the southern side, used by a mix of airlines. Terminal 4 opened in 1986, and it is some distance from the other terminals, on the far side of the southern runway. It is reached by its own road, rather than through the central tunnel.
Terminal 4 is used by airlines including Qatar Airways and many members of the SkyTeam alliance, such as Air France and KLM. Other airlines from the Middle East, Asia and Africa use it too. Check your booking, as the airlines here have changed over the years.
Terminal 4 has its own stations on the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line. From the central area, the free trains between terminals will take you there. Allow plenty of time if you are connecting from another terminal.
If you are being driven to Terminal 4, your driver will take the southern approach, usually from the M25 at junction 14. It is quite separate from the central area, so it is important to know if this is your terminal. Going to the wrong terminal can cost a lot of time.
4. Terminal 5
Mostly British Airways, with its own long approach road and an enormous single building. Terminal 5 opened in 2008, and it was designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership. When it was built, it was one of the largest free-standing buildings in the UK.
Terminal 5 is the home of British Airways, and some of its partner airlines in the oneworld alliance use it too. It has a main building and two satellite buildings, linked by an underground train. Your gate may be in one of the satellites, so allow time to reach it.
The terminal is known for its huge, curved roof and its wide open spaces, filled with light. It has a wide choice of shops, restaurants and lounges. Many travellers think it is one of the easiest terminals at Heathrow to use.
Terminal 5 has its own station, served by the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line. By road, it is reached from the M25 at junction 14, along its own approach road. If you are flying with British Airways, check your terminal, as a few flights use Terminal 3.
Getting between them
Free trains and the Elizabeth line link the terminals, but allow plenty of time. If you are being dropped off, tell your driver the terminal so they head for the right road: Terminal 5 and Terminal 4 each have separate approaches from Terminals 2 and 3.
If you are connecting between flights, follow the signs for flight connections, which will take you through the transfer security checks. The time you need depends on the terminals and airlines. Your airline sets a minimum connection time.
Getting to Heathrow
The Elizabeth line runs from Heathrow right across central London, to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street and beyond. The Heathrow Express runs non-stop to Paddington in around fifteen minutes. The Piccadilly line on the Underground is slower but reaches much of west and central London.
By road, Heathrow is close to the M4 and the M25, two of the busiest motorways in the country. Traffic can be heavy at peak times, especially on Friday afternoons and in the school holidays. Allow for the time of day when you book.
Drop-off and pickup
Heathrow charges for dropping off at the terminal forecourt. With a booked transfer the driver handles it, and for a pickup your flight number goes to them so they know which arrival to meet. Airlines do change terminals, so check the day before.
For a pickup, your journey page shows your driver’s name, the car’s details and where to meet. If you would like your driver to meet you inside, in the arrivals hall, add Meet and Greet when you book. See also how early to get to the airport.
Ride with ZeroLanes. A car booked ahead, at a price fixed before you confirm, with the driver and the car on your journey page before pickup. Book an airport transfer.