How much time do I need to connect at Heathrow?

Within a single terminal, connections can work from about 60 minutes. Between terminals, allow 90 minutes or more, since you use the inter-terminal train or transfer bus and may need to re-clear security. Always check whether your connection involves a terminal change.

Which terminal does British Airways use at Heathrow?

British Airways primarily uses Terminal 5, with some flights from Terminal 3. Always check your specific flight, as terminal assignments can vary by route.

Heathrow Airport Guide: Terminals, Transit & Layovers

LHR at a Glance

Terminals: 4 terminals (T2, T3, T4, T5)
Distance to city: About 15 miles (24 km) west of central London
Getting downtown: Elizabeth Line (~35–45 min), Heathrow Express (~15 min), Piccadilly Line, taxi
Min. connection time: From ~60 min within a terminal; 90 min+ between terminals
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout

London Heathrow is the UK's largest airport and one of the world's busiest international hubs, serving as British Airways' home base and a major Star Alliance and oneworld gateway. Its four terminals are well organised, and the rail links into central London are excellent.

This guide explains the terminal layout, the train options into the city, and how connections work at Heathrow.

Terminals & Layout

Heathrow has four terminals: T2 (the Queen's Terminal, Star Alliance), T3 (oneworld and others), T4 (SkyTeam and various), and T5 (British Airways and Iberia). Terminals 2 and 3 are within walking distance of each other in the central area; Terminals 4 and 5 are separate and reached by train or transfer bus.

Always confirm your terminal before travelling — airlines occasionally move, and Heathrow's terminals are far enough apart that arriving at the wrong one costs real time.

Getting To & From Central London

Option	Time to central London	Notes
Heathrow Express	~15 min	Fastest. Non-stop to Paddington. Premium fare; cheaper if booked ahead.
Elizabeth Line	~35–45 min	Excellent value. Direct to Paddington, Bond Street, Liverpool Street and beyond.
Piccadilly Line (Tube)	~50–60 min	Cheapest. Direct into central London with many stops.
Taxi / rideshare	45–75 min	Black cabs and rideshares; traffic-dependent and the priciest option.

Layovers & Connections

Connecting within the same terminal at Heathrow can be quick — from about 60 minutes — as you usually stay airside. Connections between terminals take longer because you ride the free inter-terminal train or transfer bus and may need to re-clear security; allow 90 minutes or more.

Heathrow has flight-connections centres and clear signage for transfers. If you are connecting between BA flights, you will often stay within Terminal 5. Check whether your connection requires a terminal change as soon as you book.

Planning a flight through LHR?

Estimate your flight time and compare fares before you book — then find a hotel right by the airport for early departures and long layovers.

✈️ Flight time calculator 🏨 Hotels near LHR

Food, Lounges & Sleep

All terminals have extensive shopping and dining; Terminal 5 and Terminal 2 are particularly well served.
Airline lounges (BA Galleries in T5, Star Alliance lounges in T2) plus Plaza Premium and Priority Pass options.
On-site and near-airport hotels (many with Heathrow Express/Hoppa connections) suit early flights and layovers.
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available across the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Heathrow Express is fastest — about 15 minutes non-stop to Paddington. The Elizabeth Line is slightly slower (35–45 minutes) but much cheaper and reaches more of central London directly. The Piccadilly Line Tube is the cheapest option at around 50–60 minutes.