Heathrow has four active terminals – T2, T3, T4 and T5. Terminal 1 closed permanently in 2015. Each terminal handles a distinct set of airlines, has its own check-in halls, security lanes, departure lounges, shops and restaurants. Knowing which terminal you need before you leave home is the single biggest thing you can do to reduce stress on departure day.
This guide covers every angle: which airline uses which terminal, how to get there by road, rail and bus, what to do with your time once you’re airside, and how to move between terminals if your itinerary spans more than one. It’s based on official Heathrow data and updated for 2026.
Heathrow Terminals by Airline – Quick Reference
Use the search and filter tool below to find your airline’s terminal instantly. Because several airlines use more than one terminal depending on the route, always confirm with your booking confirmation using your flight number.
No airlines match — try a different spelling or clear the filter.
Several airlines operate from more than one terminal depending on route. Always confirm with your booking confirmation or airline website using your flight number.
What Is Each Heathrow Terminal Like?
Terminal 2 – The Queen’s Terminal
Opened in 2014 and named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, T2 is Heathrow’s newest terminal building. It’s the home of Star Alliance carriers plus a number of independent airlines. The design is spacious and light-filled, with a central atrium and good wayfinding signage. Security queues here are generally well-managed, and the airside retail zone – including a strong food-and-drink offering – is among the best at Heathrow. T2 connects to the T2B satellite building via an airside walkway.
Terminal 3
T3 primarily handles oneworld and SkyTeam alliance airlines alongside a mix of independents. It’s one of the older terminals, though significant refurbishment has modernised the departures hall and retail floor. The layout can feel less intuitive than T2 or T5, so build in a few extra minutes for wayfinding. Its position between T2 and T4 (with a free inter-terminal transfer bus) makes it a practical base if you’re connecting onwards.
Terminal 4
T4 sits south of the main campus and requires a separate road or rail approach – it is not within walking distance of T2 and T3. It handles a large and diverse mix of international carriers without a single dominant alliance. The terminal is quieter than T5 or T2, which some passengers prefer. The Elizabeth line (Crossrail) calls at T4 as well as the central terminals, making train access straightforward from central London.
Terminal 5 – British Airways Hub
T5 is the largest and most modern of Heathrow’s terminals, purpose-built for British Airways and handling the majority of BA’s global network. It is divided into the main T5A building and two satellites (T5B, T5C), connected by an automated transit system. The retail and dining offering is extensive, and BA’s lounges here – including the Concorde Room for First Class passengers – are considered among the best at any European airport. If you’re flying BA, allow plenty of time to enjoy the full airside experience rather than rushing to the gate.
Getting to Heathrow Airport
Driving to Heathrow
For many travellers, especially families and those with heavy luggage, driving to Heathrow is simply the most comfortable option. You control the schedule, avoid crowded trains, and get door-to-terminal convenience. The key is knowing which road approach leads to your terminal.
- Terminals 2 & 3: Exit the M4 at junction 4, or the M25 at junction 15. Follow signs for “Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3”. Postcode: T2 – TW6 1EW · T3 – TW6 1QG
- Terminal 4: Exit the M25 at junction 14. From the M4, leave at junction 4b, then follow the M25 south to junction 14. Postcode: TW6 3XA
- Terminal 5: On the Western Perimeter Road. Exit the M4 at junction 4b or the M25 at junction 14. Postcode: TW6 2GA
Parking is the other half of the equation. Pre-booked airport parking is significantly cheaper than turning up on the day, and you want the reassurance that your car is secure while you’re away. APH’s award-winning Heathrow parking options range from meet-and-greet at the terminal door to cost-effective park-and-ride, so you can choose the right balance of convenience and price for your trip.
Train to Heathrow
Three rail services connect central London to Heathrow:
- Heathrow Express: Non-stop from London Paddington to Heathrow Central (T2/T3) in 15 minutes, with a T5 branch. The fastest option if you’re travelling light from central London.
- Elizabeth line (Crossrail): Runs from central London through Paddington, serving T2/T3 and T4 on one branch, T5 on the other. Journey time from Paddington is around 30–40 minutes. Significantly cheaper than the Express and runs frequently throughout the day.
- London Underground (Piccadilly line): The budget option – serves all four terminals and runs 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights. From central London allow 45–60 minutes.
Bus and Coach to Heathrow
National Express and other operators run regular coach services to Heathrow from over 500 UK destinations – useful if you’re travelling from outside London and don’t want to deal with the Tube. The Hotel Hoppa bus is the most practical option if you’re staying at a Heathrow airport hotel the night before departure; it runs 4am–midnight and connects most major airport hotels to all four terminals (singles £5, returns £9).
Taxi and Private Hire
Black cabs pick up at designated ranks outside each terminal’s arrivals hall. Minicabs and private hire vehicles must be pre-booked – pick-up is from the dedicated taxi meet zones rather than the kerbside. Allow extra journey time during peak hours; Heathrow’s road approaches can be slow during the morning and evening rush.
Moving Between Heathrow Terminals
If your journey involves two terminals – for example, you’re connecting from an inbound T3 flight to a BA departure from T5 – here are your options:
- Free inter-terminal bus (airside): The quickest option if you’ve already cleared security. Buses run every 10–15 minutes between T2, T3 and T5. T4 has a separate airside bus service.
- Elizabeth line (landside): If you need to clear immigration and re-check bags, the Elizabeth line provides a fast landside link between all terminals. Free for connecting passengers – show your boarding passes.
- Piccadilly line: Also stops at all terminals; a slower but always-available fallback.
Allow at least 60-90 minutes for inter-terminal transfers involving re-clearing security, and confirm your minimum connection time with your airline.
What to Do at Heathrow While You Wait
Airport Lounges
Booking a lounge access pass transforms a stressful wait into a genuinely pleasant start to your trip. Every active Heathrow terminal has multiple lounge options – from alliance lounges (Star Alliance Gold Track, oneworld Emerald) to independent pay-per-use lounges open to any passenger regardless of airline or ticket class.
What you typically get: unlimited food and soft drinks (plus alcoholic beverages), fast Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, comfortable seating away from the main concourse, shower facilities, and in some cases dedicated quiet rooms or business workspaces. Premium options at T5 – most notably BA’s Galleries and the Concorde Room – add à la carte dining and runway views.
Browse and book Heathrow airport lounge access through APH – you can often secure a better rate than booking at the lounge door.
Shopping at Heathrow
With over 70 retail outlets, Heathrow is one of the largest airport shopping destinations in the world. The range covers both ends of the spectrum: duty-free flagships for Gucci, Chanel, Burberry and Dior sit alongside Boots, WHSmith and Dixons Travel for last-minute essentials. There’s a Harry Potter store in T5 (popular with families), a Fortnum & Mason, and a Hamleys toy shop.
Most major brands have a presence in each terminal, so you’re not disadvantaged by which terminal you depart from. Tax-free shopping (on eligible goods for non-EU passengers) is available throughout.
Where to Eat at Heathrow
The days of airport food meaning a limp sandwich and an overpriced coffee are behind you at Heathrow. Each terminal has a full range of dining options from grab-and-go to sit-down restaurants. Highlights across the terminals include:
- Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food (T5) – full restaurant experience airside, open all day
- Heston Blumenthal’s The Perfectionists’ Café (T2) – modern British comfort food
- Wagamama, Carluccio’s and Itsu – across multiple terminals for reliable sit-down meals
- Pret a Manger, Costa, Starbucks, Café Nero – at every terminal for coffee and quick bites
- Wetherspoons — reliably affordable for a full breakfast before an early flight
Dietary requirements are well catered for across all terminals: vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are clearly signposted at most outlets.
Find out exactly what’s available at your terminal:
- Where to eat at Heathrow Terminal 2
- Where to eat at Heathrow Terminal 3
- Where to eat at Heathrow Terminal 4
- Where to eat at Heathrow Terminal 5
Frequently Asked Questions About Heathrow Terminals
How many terminals does Heathrow have?
Heathrow currently operates four terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 closed in 2015 and has since been demolished to make way for infrastructure upgrades.
Which terminal is British Airways at Heathrow?
Almost all British Airways flights depart from and arrive into Terminal 5. A small number of BA-operated flights use Terminal 3. Check your booking confirmation for the definitive terminal.
Which terminal is Emirates at Heathrow?
Emirates operates from Terminal 3 at Heathrow for the majority of its flights, with some services via Terminal 2. Always verify against your booking.
Which terminal is Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow?
Virgin Atlantic departs from Terminal 3 at Heathrow.
Which terminal is United Airlines at Heathrow?
United Airlines operates from Terminal 2 – The Queen’s Terminal, which is the home of Star Alliance carriers.
Is Terminal 4 far from Terminals 2 and 3?
Yes. Terminal 4 is on the south side of the airport campus and is not within walking distance of T2/T3. If you’re driving, it requires a different road approach. By rail, the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line both serve T4 but it’s a separate stop a few minutes from the Central Terminal Area stations. Allow 20–30 minutes to transfer between T4 and the other terminals.
Can I move between terminals before security?
Yes. Landside (before security), you can use the free inter-terminal bus, the Elizabeth line or the Piccadilly line. Airside (after security), there are dedicated inter-terminal transfer buses. Note that moving airside between some terminal pairs requires re-clearing security.
What is the cheapest way to get from London to Heathrow?
The Piccadilly line is the cheapest rail option (typically £5–6 on Oyster from central London zones). National Express coaches can be cheaper still for off-peak travel from outside London. The Heathrow Express is the fastest but costs significantly more.
How early should I arrive at Heathrow?
Heathrow recommends arriving at least 3 hours before long-haul flights and 2 hours before short-haul. During peak summer season and busy school holiday periods, add an extra 30–60 minutes buffer for check-in queues and security.
Plan Your Heathrow Trip with APH
Getting to Heathrow sorted well in advance means one less thing to worry about on departure day. APH specialises in making the airport experience as smooth as possible:
- Heathrow airport parking – meet and greet, park and ride, and on-airport options. Book early for the best prices.
- Heathrow airport hotels – stay the night before and remove the stress of an early-morning dash.