Navigating Heathrow’s vast terminal network is an essential part of the travel experience — whether you’re connecting flights, switching airlines, or meeting friends or family in another terminal.
Handling more than 80 million passengers each year and hosting over 80 global airlines, Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world. This guide outlines all free and efficient transfer options available in 2025, helping you move between Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 with ease.
How Terminal Transfers Work at Heathrow
Heathrow operates four active passenger terminals:
- Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal)
- Terminal 3
- Terminal 4
- Terminal 5
Passengers frequently change terminals when making self-connect flights, transferring between airlines, or meeting companions.
Unlike many other major airports, all inter-terminal transfers at Heathrow are free, clearly signposted, and available both airside (inside security) and landside (after baggage claim).
Main Modes of Terminal Transfer
1. Heathrow Express (Rail)
The Heathrow Express is the fastest way to travel between Terminals 2 & 3 and Terminal 5.
- Trains run every 15 minutes, with a journey time of 5–7 minutes per leg.
- It’s completely free between terminals — no ticket required.
- Follow signs for Heathrow Express and board the next available service.
For a complete guide to this service, read our Heathrow Express 2025 Guide.
2. Elizabeth Line & London Underground
The Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line (Underground) provide landside connections between all terminals.
- Trains run roughly every 10–15 minutes.
- Transfers are free between terminals when remaining inside Heathrow’s travel zone.
- The Underground operates earlier and later than other services, making it ideal for early-morning or late-night connections.
These routes are especially helpful if you’ve cleared customs and need to reconnect from outside security.
3. Flight Connections Buses (Airside)
If you’re continuing your journey without leaving the secure area, use the airside Flight Connections buses.
- Operate every 6–10 minutes.
- Clearly marked by purple “Flight Connections” signage throughout the terminals.
- Fully step-free and suitable for passengers with limited mobility.
- Designed for connecting passengers who have already cleared security.
If you’re transferring from an international to domestic flight, you’ll be guided directly to the correct airside bus gate after passport control.
4. Free Airport Shuttle Buses (Landside)
If you’ve exited security and need to switch terminals (for instance, after collecting baggage or re-checking for a self-connection), you can use Heathrow’s free shuttle buses.
- Operate between all terminals approximately every 10–20 minutes.
- Run from around 05:00 to 22:30 daily.
- Buses are equipped with luggage racks and wheelchair access.
Check live bus schedules via the Heathrow Airport app before travelling.
Walkthrough: How to Transfer Between Terminals
T2/T3 to T5
- Use the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line.
- Journey time: approximately 5–7 minutes on the train, 20 minutes total door-to-door including walking.
T2/T3 to T4
- Take the Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line, changing at Heathrow Terminals for T4.
- Journey time: around 15–20 minutes.
T4 to T5
- Use the Heathrow Shuttle Bus (landsid).
- Runs every 15 minutes; total transfer time 15–20 minutes.
- Ideal if you’ve collected your baggage or re-entering through security.
T3 to T5
- Fastest route: Heathrow Express, approx. 20 minutes door-to-door.
- Alternatively, free shuttle buses operate throughout the day.
Key Tips & Timing
Airside vs. Landside Transfers:
- If your connection is on a single ticket, use the airside Flight Connections route — stay within the secure area and follow the purple signs.
- If you booked separate flights or must collect baggage, you’ll need to exit security and re-check in before using landside services.
Minimum Connection Time:
Heathrow recommends at least 90 minutes between terminals for international connections.
Special Assistance:
A Special Assistance Bus is available for passengers with mobility challenges. Requests must be made 48 hours in advance via your airline or travel agent.
Night-Time Transfers:
Train and Tube services begin around 05:00. The Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line typically operate later than shuttle buses on certain days, making them ideal for late transfers.
For added convenience, consider booking a Private Heathrow Car Transfer — perfect for families, groups, or those carrying heavy luggage.
Related Heathrow Resources
Explore more Heathrow travel guides:
Final Word
In 2025, Heathrow’s terminal transfer network is one of the most efficient in the world — frequent, fully accessible, and completely free.
Whether you’re travelling between Terminals 2 and 3 for a short layover or connecting from Terminal 4 to 5 for an international flight, simply follow the purple Flight Connections signs and allow adequate time for walking and security checks.
Heathrow’s combination of rail, shuttle, and underground links ensures seamless travel between all terminals — making your journey through the UK’s busiest airport smooth, reliable, and stress-free.