Heathrow is four terminals grouped by alliance. T5 and T2 are modern; T3 is a lounge heavyweight (Virgin Clubhouse, Cathay, Qantas); T4 feels the oldest. Inter-terminal connections mean a bus or train and re-clearing security — slow, so alliance-aligned bookings pay off here.
01Connections
Same terminal: 60–75 min. Between terminals: 90–120 min (free Heathrow Express/Elizabeth line between T2/3–T4–T5, plus security). International→domestic adds UK Border.
Airlines publish legal minimums per terminal pair; these figures are our comfortable recommendation, not the legal minimum. Verify with your airline for your specific itinerary.
02Sleep & nap options
Fair. Landside hotels attached or minutes away (Sofitel T5, Hilton T4, Aerotel T3 landside); airside there are no pods and seating is armrested. YOTEL is landside T4.
- on airport
Sofitel London Heathrow (T5) — Covered walkway from Terminal 5. The Heathrow classic for BA early departures; spa on site.
- on airport
Aerotel London Heathrow (T3, landside) — Inside Terminal 3 arrivals, landside. Hourly nap rooms and showers; you'll need to re-clear security afterwards.
- on airport
YOTEL London Heathrow (T4) — Inside Terminal 4, landside. Compact cabins by the hour; 4-hour minimum typical.
03Showers
In premium and Priority Pass lounges; Aerotel T3 landside sells shower/nap blocks.
04Food & coffee
Above-average for a hub, especially T5 and T2. Pret and M&S landside keep costs down.
05Wi-Fi & charging
Free with a time cap on the basic tier in some terminals; good enough.
06Lounges at LHR
07Getting into London
| Mode | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth line | 35–50 min to central London | Best value-for-time; runs to Paddington, Bond Street, Liverpool Street. |
| Heathrow Express | 15 min to Paddington | Fastest; expensive unless booked ahead. |
| Piccadilly line | 50–60 min | Cheapest; direct to Covent Garden / King's Cross. |
| Taxi | 40–90 min | Metered black cabs; pricey. |
08Transit & visa reminder
The UK requires an ETA for many visa-free nationalities; airside transit rules vary by nationality (some need a transit visa even without entering). Confirm before relying on an airside connection.
09Layover ideas by time window
- Under 4h
Lounge (T3 has the best independent options). Do not attempt London.
- 4–7h
Borderline. Elizabeth line to Paddington for a Hyde Park walk only if entry is simple and bags are checked through.
- 7h+
Central London half-day; return with a 2.5h buffer (security at T5 can spike).
10Traveler warnings
- UK ETA is required for many visitors — even for a day out.
- Terminal changes are slow; know your terminal before you land.
- Fog and winter ATC restrictions cause rolling delays; morning departures are most reliable.
11Frequently asked
Which Heathrow terminal has the best lounges?
Terminal 3 has the strongest independent and Oneworld lounges (Virgin Clubhouse, Cathay Pacific, Qantas). Terminal 5's BA lounges are large but crowded.
Do I need a visa to transit Heathrow?
Some nationalities need a Direct Airside Transit Visa even without entering the UK, and many visa-free visitors now need an ETA to enter. Check UK government rules for your passport.
- Heathrow Airport Ltd — terminals and connections
- UK Home Office — ETA and transit visa guidance
- Editorial visits, 2026
Airport operations, hours and access rules change. Request a correction if something is out of date.