Heathrow has four terminals in three places. Terminals 2 and 3 sit together in the central area. Terminal 4 is on the south side and Terminal 5 on the west, each on its own. That layout is why a hotel "near Heathrow" can still be a long way from your flight.
Terminals 2 and 3: walk
These two share one rail station, which sits between them a few minutes' walk from each by pedestrian subway. The same subways link the terminals to each other and to the central bus station. You do not need a train or a bus to get from one to the other.
The centre to Terminal 4 or Terminal 5: free train
Travel between the terminals is free on the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express:
- between Terminals 2 and 3 and Terminal 5
- between Terminals 2 and 3 and Terminal 4
The Piccadilly line also serves all three stations.
| Service | How often |
|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | Every 15 minutes |
| Elizabeth line, Terminals 2 and 3 | 6 trains an hour |
| Elizabeth line, Terminal 4 | 4 trains an hour |
| Elizabeth line, Terminal 5 | 2 trains an hour |
| Piccadilly line, Terminal 4 or Terminal 5 | Every 10 minutes |
Not every train goes to both outlying terminals, so check the destination on the platform before you board.
Terminal 4 to Terminal 5
There is no direct train between these two. You either take a train to Terminals 2 and 3 and change there, or take the H30 bus. The H30 is free all day and runs between the central bus station, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.
How long to allow
The train rides themselves are short. What takes the time is the walk to the platform, the wait and the walk at the other end. We would allow 20 to 30 minutes door to door between any two terminals, and more with children or a lot of luggage.
Late at night and early in the morning
Trains do not run all night. On weekdays the first Elizabeth line trains leave the airport at about 05:15 and the last a little after midnight. The Piccadilly line runs through the night on Fridays and Saturdays.
This matters most when your hotel is at one terminal and your flight is at another. If you land at midnight or need to check in at 04:30, do not count on a train between terminals. Stay at the terminal you are using, or plan on a taxi.
What this means for where you stay
- Flying from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3: a hotel that suits one usually suits the other.
- Flying from Terminal 4 or Terminal 5: stay at that terminal. A hotel at a different one adds a transfer to your morning.
- Arriving at one terminal and leaving from another: stay near the one you leave from, so the transfer is done the night before.