Travel between terminals | Heathrow terminal transfers

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Travel between terminals

Getting around Heathrow

Fast, convenient transfers are available between Heathrow Airport's four terminals.

Terminals 1 and 3 are a short walk from each other. Terminals 4 and 5 are served by free trains and buses.

 

Are you a connecting passenger?

If your ticket was purchased as a flight connection and any baggage is checked through to your final destination, you will normally use dedicated transfer buses within the passenger-only zone. In this case you should follow the advice given in our Flight Connections pages.

 

Routes between terminals

 

Between Terminals 1 and 3

Heathrow Terminals 1 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. Walking time is approximately 11 minutes.

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Terminal 1 or 3 to Terminal 4

Use the free Heathrow Express rail shuttle for a quick, convenient transfer between terminals. Please ensure you board the correct train, as Heathrow Express also serves Terminal 5 and London Paddington.

Heathrow Central is between Terminals 1 and 3, which 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.  

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Terminals 1 or 3 to Terminal 5

Use 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. Please ensure you board the correct train as Heathrow Express also runs non-stop to London Paddington.

Heathrow Central is between Terminals 1 and 3, which 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 and 3).

Please be advised, bus service 441 travels from Terminal 4 to Heathrow Central and also from Terminal 4 to Englefield Green. The front of the bus will be clearly marked with its destination, but if you are unsure, please check with the driver.

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Terminal 4 to Terminal 5

Free bus transfers are available between the terminals, taking 12 to 15 minutes. Services 482 and 490 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 (change trains at Heathrow Central – please allow plenty of time for your connection and ensure you board the correct train).

Please be advised that bus service 482 travels from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 and also from Terminal 4 to Southall, while bus service 490 travels from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 and also from Terminal 4 to Richmond. The destination will be clearly displayed on the front of the bus but if you are unsure, please check with the driver.

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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.

Flight connections

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