Travel between terminals
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Travel between terminals

Fast, convenient transfers are available between Heathrow Airport's five terminals.
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are a short walk from each other, while Terminals 4 and 5 are linked by free trains and buses.
| Are you a connecting passenger? If you've booked a flight connection and any baggage is checked through to your final destination, you will use dedicated transfer buses within the passenger-only areas. In this case you should follow the advice given in our Flight Connections pages. | |
Routes between terminals
Maps and tables
Bus and train map (198KB PDF)
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Terminal maps in PDF format
Between Terminals 1, 2 and 3
Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are close together at the centre of the airport and linked by a pedestrian underpass with moving walkways. Just follow the signs for your terminal.
Approximate walking times between terminals are:
- Terminal 1 – Terminal 2: Seven minutes.
- Terminal 1 – Terminal 3: 11 minutes.
- Terminal 2 – Terminal 3: 10 minutes.
Use the free Heathrow Connect rail shuttle for a quick, convenient transfer between terminals. Trains run every 15 minutes between Heathrow Central and Terminal 4, a three-minute journey.
Heathrow Central is between Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The terminals are a few minutes' walk away via underground walkways and signposted from the platforms. The Terminal 4 rail station is in the basement of the terminal and linked to check-in and arrivals by lifts and escalators.
Alternatively, the 555 bus runs every 19 minutes between the terminals. The transfer is free and buses stop close to the terminals.
Terminals 1, 2, 3 to Terminal 5Use Heathrow Express trains for a free transfer between Heathrow Central and Terminal 5. This quick, convenient service runs every 15 minutes and the journey takes about three minutes.
Heathrow Central is between Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The terminals are a few minutes' walk away via underground walkways, and are signposted from the platforms. The Terminal 5 rail station is in the basement of the terminal and linked to check-in and arrivals by express lifts.
Alternatively, the 441 and 724 buses provide a free transfer between the terminals, taking 10 and 20 minutes. The N9 night bus, which runs between 23:55 and 04:55 (times vary at weekends), also takes ten minutes.
Services stop at the Terminal 5 bus station (next to the terminal) and the Heathrow central bus station (between Terminals 1, 2 and 3).
Terminal 4 to Terminal 5Free bus transfers are available between the terminals, taking 12 to 15 minutes. Services 482, 490 and 724 stop outside Terminal 4 and at the Terminal 5 bus station (next to the terminal building).
Alternatively, free rail transfers are available using Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect (change trains at Heathrow Central).
All journey times stated are approximate and may vary. In particular, you should allow extra time if your connecting ticket requires you to pick up baggage at Heathrow, or if you have arranged your own flight connection – in these cases, standard IATA minimum connection times do not apply. If you're in any doubt, please consult your airline.
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