Question 1

Which terminal does my airline use at Heathrow?

Accepted Answer

Terminal 2 — Star Alliance carriers (United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, SWISS, Singapore Airlines, Air China, Air India, Aer Lingus). Terminal 3 — most oneworld (American, Cathay, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Finnair) plus Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates. Terminal 4 — SkyTeam (KLM, Air France, Korean Air) plus Qatar Airways, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines. Terminal 5 — British Airways (all long-haul and most short-haul) and Iberia. Check your booking — terminal allocation can change.

Question 2

How long does it take to connect between Heathrow terminals?

Accepted Answer

T2 ↔ T3: 5-10 minute walk through the underground link (no security re-check needed if airside). T2/T3 ↔ T5: 15 min by free Heathrow Express train (3 min ride + 5 min walk each side). T2/T3 ↔ T4: 15-25 min by free Heathrow Express train (different routing). T5 ↔ T4: 20-30 min total. Minimum connection times: 90 min same-terminal, 120-150 min inter-terminal.

Question 3

How do I get from Heathrow to central London?

Accepted Answer

Three good options. Heathrow Express (£25, 15 min) — fastest, direct to Paddington. Elizabeth Line (£12.80, 30-40 min) — cheaper, multiple central stops (Paddington, Bond St, Tottenham Court Rd, Liverpool St). Piccadilly Line (£5.80, 50-60 min) — cheapest but slow with luggage. Avoid taxis at peak (M4 traffic doubles £55-£90 fare).

Question 4

Is there a hotel inside Heathrow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sofitel London Heathrow is connected to T5 by walkway. Hilton T4 and Hilton T5 are walk-distance to those terminals. The Yotel at T4 sells micro-rooms by the hour for transit passengers. All other on-airport hotels (Heathrow Marriott, Renaissance, Premier Inn) require the hotel shuttle from Heathrow Central Bus Station.

Question 5

Can I leave Heathrow during a long layover?

Accepted Answer

Yes if you have the right UK entry status — UK + EU/Irish citizens use the e-gates with no questions. Most other nationalities (including US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, Singaporean) get visa-free 6-month visitor entry on arrival. Take Heathrow Express (15 min) or Elizabeth Line (30 min) to central London, allow 4 hours minimum round trip. If you need a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), apply at gov.uk/eta — £10, 3 days processing.

Question 6

Where can I find fast-track security at Heathrow?

Accepted Answer

Each terminal has its own Fast Track lane. Buy at heathrow.com/fasttrack from £7-£10 per person (cheaper online than at the airport). Includes priority security and a separate UK Border / arrivals lane on return. Free with: British Airways Club World/First, BA Executive Club Gold, oneworld Emerald, Virgin Upper Class, Star Alliance Gold (on Star carriers), and most credit cards offering Priority Pass benefits.

Mode	To	Cost	Time	Notes
Heathrow Express	London Paddington	£25 single (£32 walk-up)	15 min	4x per hour 05:10-23:00. Dedicated train, no stops.
Elizabeth Line	Paddington / Bond St / Tottenham Court Rd / Liverpool St	£12.80 (off-peak)	30-40 min	Direct, 6x per hour. Cheapest fast option.
Piccadilly Line (Tube)	Central London	£5.80 (off-peak)	50-60 min	Cheapest. Many stops — slow with luggage.
National Express coach	Victoria coach station	£10-£15	60-90 min	Cheaper than rail. Traffic-dependent.
Taxi (metered black cab)	Central London	£55-£90	40-90 min	M4 traffic at peak doubles this. Card accepted.
Uber	Central London	£40-£70	40-90 min	Pre-book Uber at the Short Stay car park (no surge pricing apron).

London Heathrow Airport

At a glance

Terminals + flights

Terminals

Notable flights

Lounges

To / from London

LHR — Frequently asked