Complete Guide to London Heathrow Airport - Terminals, Lounges and Layover Tips

1Terminal Overview

Heathrow's four active terminals each serve a distinct set of airlines, so knowing which terminal you need is essential before you arrive. Terminal 2, known as The Queen's Terminal, is the newest building at the airport and handles all Star Alliance carriers including Lufthansa, United Airlines, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines. It opened in 2014 and features a modern design with high ceilings and natural light throughout the departure hall.

Terminal 3 serves most oneworld alliance airlines except British Airways, along with Virgin Atlantic and several other long-haul carriers. Delta, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, and Qantas all operate from T3. This terminal handles a large volume of transatlantic and Asia-Pacific flights, making it one of the busier buildings at the airport.

Terminal 4 is home to SkyTeam alliance airlines including Air France, KLM, and China Southern. It sits slightly apart from the main terminal complex on the south side of the airport. A free shuttle train connects T4 to the central area where T2 and T3 are located. The journey takes about 4 minutes.

Terminal 5 is British Airways' exclusive home. BA operates all of its flights from T5, including short-haul European routes and long-haul services worldwide. The terminal is the largest at Heathrow and includes two satellite buildings (5B and 5C) connected by an automated transit system. Free inter-terminal transfer trains run between all terminals, with T2 and T3 connected by an underground walkway that takes about 5 minutes on foot. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to reach T4 or T5 from the central terminal area.

2Getting To and From the Airport

The Heathrow Express is the fastest way to reach central London, running nonstop to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes. Tickets cost around 25 GBP for a single journey if booked in advance online, though walk-up fares can reach 30 GBP. Trains depart every 15 minutes from early morning to late evening. The service stops at Terminals 2 and 3 (combined station) and Terminal 5, with a connecting shuttle to Terminal 4.

The Elizabeth line (formerly Crossrail) is a strong alternative that costs roughly 13 GBP to reach central London. The journey takes about 40 minutes to Paddington and continues through to stations like Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street, and beyond. For most travellers, this offers the best balance of speed and price. The Piccadilly line is the cheapest option at around 5 to 6 GBP with an Oyster card or contactless payment. It takes 50 to 60 minutes to reach stations like Piccadilly Circus, King's Cross, and Holborn, and it runs from early morning until late at night.

National Express coaches connect Heathrow to cities across the UK, including Oxford, Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester. Coach fares start from around 10 GBP and the central bus station sits between Terminals 2 and 3. Coaches to Gatwick and other London airports also run regularly.

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber cost 50 to 80 GBP to reach central London depending on traffic and destination. The journey takes 45 to 60 minutes in normal conditions but can stretch to 90 minutes during rush hour. If you are sharing the cost with fellow travellers, a taxi can be competitive with the train on a per-person basis.

3Airport Lounges

Heathrow has an excellent selection of airport lounges across all four terminals. Priority Pass holders have access to several lounges including the No1 Lounge (Terminals 3 and 4), Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminals 2, 4, and 5), and the Aspire Lounge (Terminal 5). These lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, WiFi, and shower facilities. Walk-in pricing typically ranges from 40 to 50 GBP per person for a three-hour stay.

The No1 Lounge is one of the most popular independent options at Heathrow. The Terminal 3 location features a full bar, hot buffet, and runway views. Plaza Premium lounges offer a similar experience with international cuisine and attentive service. For travellers looking to freshen up during a layover, most lounges include shower rooms at no extra charge.

British Airways operates its Galleries lounges in Terminals 3 and 5, available to BA business class and first class passengers as well as Executive Club Gold and Silver members. The Galleries First lounge in T5 includes a la carte dining and a spa. Third-party lounge access can also be purchased through services like LoungeKey or directly from the lounge websites. Booking in advance online usually saves a few pounds compared to paying at the door.

4Where to Eat and Drink

Terminal 5 has arguably the best dining options at Heathrow. Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food serves restaurant-quality meals in a sit-down setting, with mains ranging from 15 to 25 GBP. Fortnum and Mason has a bar and restaurant offering classic British fare alongside their famous teas and hampers. For a quick grab, the Cabin serves cocktails and small plates in a relaxed atmosphere.

Terminal 2 features the Perfectionist's Cafe by Heston Blumenthal, where you can enjoy creative takes on British classics before your flight. Comptoir Libanais offers fresh Lebanese mezze and wraps at reasonable prices. The terminal also has a Giraffe restaurant and several high street coffee chains. Terminal 3 is home to Caviar House and Prunier for upscale seafood, alongside a Wagamama for quick, filling Asian noodle dishes.

Budget-conscious travellers will find familiar chains across all terminals. Pret A Manger, Leon, and Itsu all operate airside locations serving sandwiches, salads, and hot food for 6 to 12 GBP. Leon is a particularly good option for healthier fast food with its grilled chicken boxes and baked fries. Terminal 4 has fewer dining choices but still covers the basics with a mix of pub-style restaurants and grab-and-go outlets.

5Sleeping and Layover Tips

YotelAir in Terminal 4 is the most convenient option for travellers who need a few hours of sleep between flights. Cabins are compact but well-designed, featuring a fold-down bed, en-suite shower, and workspace. Bookings start from around 50 GBP for a four-hour stay, making it a practical choice for early morning departures or long layovers. The hotel is located airside, so you do not need to clear security again after your rest.

Each terminal has quiet seating areas and benches, though they are not specifically designed for sleeping. Terminal 5 is the only terminal that remains open throughout the night, primarily for British Airways passengers on early morning flights. Terminals 2, 3, and 4 generally close to passengers between 11pm and 4am, meaning you cannot stay inside overnight unless you have a flight departing before the terminal reopens.

For overnight connections where you need to leave the terminal, several hotels sit within a short shuttle ride or walk from the airport. The Sofitel at Terminal 5 is connected via a covered walkway, and the Hilton at Terminal 4 is similarly close. Budget travellers can take the free Hotel Hoppa bus to properties along Bath Road, where rooms start from 60 GBP per night. If your layover is longer than 8 hours and you do not have lounge access, booking a hotel room for a few hours is often more restful than trying to sleep in the terminal.

6Hotels Near Heathrow

Budget hotels near Heathrow cluster along Bath Road, a five-minute drive from the terminals. The Premier Inn London Heathrow Bath Road and ibis London Heathrow Airport both offer clean, reliable rooms in the 60 to 90 GBP range per night. Both are accessible via the Hotel Hoppa bus service, which runs regularly between the terminals and nearby hotels for a few pounds per ride.

Mid-range options include the Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow and the Holiday Inn London Heathrow M4 Junction 4, with rooms typically running 100 to 150 GBP per night. These hotels offer more spacious rooms, on-site restaurants, and fitness facilities. The Holiday Inn also has a swimming pool, which is a bonus if you have a longer layover.

For a premium experience, the Sofitel London Heathrow at Terminal 5 is the standout choice. Connected to the terminal via a covered walkway, it offers luxurious rooms, a full spa, and multiple dining options. Rates range from 150 to 250 GBP per night. The Hilton London Heathrow Airport at Terminal 4 offers similar convenience with direct access to the terminal. Both premium hotels are ideal for early departures since you can walk to check-in in under five minutes. Several hotels around Heathrow also offer park-and-fly packages, where you can leave your car for the duration of your trip and receive a shuttle to the terminal.

7Staying Connected

Free WiFi is available throughout all four terminals at Heathrow. Connect to the "_Heathrow Wi-Fi" network and follow the registration steps to get online. The connection is adequate for browsing, email, and messaging apps, but video calls and streaming may be unreliable during peak hours. There is no time limit on the free tier, though speeds can slow down when the terminals are busy. If you need faster or more reliable internet, consider using your mobile data or an eSIM data plan.

For international travellers arriving without a local SIM, an eSIM is the easiest way to get connected. Providers like Airalo and Ubigi offer UK data plans starting from a few pounds, and you can activate them before you even land. Using a VPN on airport WiFi is strongly recommended, as public networks are common targets for data interception. Charging stations and USB ports are available throughout all terminals, with clusters near gate seating areas. Some lounges also offer dedicated workspaces with power outlets if you need to get work done during a layover.

8Practical Tips

Avoid exchanging currency at the airport bureaux de change, which typically offer poor rates and charge commission. Instead, use an ATM to withdraw British pounds directly from your bank account. ATMs are located in the arrivals halls and throughout the terminals. If you have a card with no foreign transaction fees, this is the cheapest way to get local currency.

Left luggage services are operated by Excess Baggage Company in Terminals 2, 3, and 5. Rates start at around 10 to 15 GBP per item per day, and you can pre-book online for a small discount. Note that Terminal 4 does not have left luggage facilities. If you want to explore London during a long layover, dropping your bags at the storage counter is much easier than dragging them onto the Tube.

Citizens of certain countries need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to pass through Heathrow even without leaving the transit area. If your connection requires changing terminals, you will need to pass through UK border control and may require a standard visitor visa. Check the UK government website before travel to confirm your visa requirements. Duty free shops are available in all terminals after security, with competitive prices on alcohol, tobacco, and fragrances. Pharmacies are located in the departures area of each terminal, and there is a medical centre between Terminals 2 and 3 for non-emergency care.