Connecting within London Heathrow
There are four terminals at Heathrow:
- Terminals 2 and 3, which are connected and a short walk from each other.
- Terminal 4
- Terminal 5. A Gates are in the main terminal building. B and C Gates are in separate satellite buildings connected by a transit train from the main terminal.
British Airways operates from London Heathrow Terminal 3 and Terminal 5.
Check which London airport and terminal your British Airways flight will depart or arrive. Alternatively, check your boarding pass and the information screens once you're at the airport.
If you need any help, please contact a member of British Airways staff. The British Airways Customer Service desks for flight connections are located in:
- Terminal 3: after Flight Connections Security.
- Terminal 5: in the Flight Connections area, before Security.
We recommend that you allow the following times when connecting between terminals:
- Within Terminal 3: 75 minutes
- Between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5: 90 minutes
- Within Terminal 5 (UK domestic and international flights): 75 minutes
You must be at the gate for your onward journey at least 20 minutes before your connecting flight departs to be able to travel.
Please ensure you allow plenty of time to collect your bags, or if you require additional support getting through the airport.
Connecting between flights at Heathrow airport will vary depending on where you arrive from and where you're flying on to.
- When you arrive at Heathrow, please follow the purple ‘Flight Connections’ signs, which will lead you to your next flight.
- When connecting between flights, normal rules for liquids in hand baggage apply. You may carry duty-free liquids provided they remain sealed with the receipt inside their Security Tamper Evident Bag.
- If you need to collect any boarding passes, please go to a kiosk or customer service desk, then follow the appropriate signs – either International or Domestic – for your flight. Staff will be happy to help with any queries you may have in the connections area.
- If you're connecting to a UK domestic or Republic of Ireland flight, you will need to present your passport at Passport Control, then Security will take a facial biometric picture before you go through Security screening.
- Free dedicated Flight Connections buses will transfer you between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5.
If you are travelling to/from Heathrow Terminal 2 or Terminal 4, you can find more information about the flight connections process by using theHeathrow Flight connections guide.
Follow the purple signs to ‘Flight Connections’ and use the dedicated Flight Connections buses to take you to your departure terminal. These free buses provide step-free access, run every 6-10 minutes and are the easiest way to travel between terminals.
Heathrow airport offers a dedicated Special Assistance Bus for travellers with reduced mobility and those travelling with babies or children. This bus doesn't serve Arrivals, so if you need to pass through this area to collect your bags, please speak to a member of Heathrow airport staff.
The below options are also available for getting between the terminals.
The Heathrow Express is free to use when travelling between terminals. London Underground is free if you use a Transport for London Oyster card.
| From/To | Transfer information |
|---|---|
Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 / Terminal 5 to Terminal 3 | Heathrow Express: 20 minutes London Underground: 16 minutes |
| Terminal 5 to Terminal 5 Gates A, B and C | Transit train: 20 minutes Moving walkway: 20 minutes |
If you need additional help for your journey, such as getting through the airport, boarding the aircraft or reaching your onward travel connections, please let us know at least 48 hours before you travel onManage My Bookingand we can arrange this for you with Heathrow airport.
Please allow more time for reaching your connecting flight than the recommended minimum connection time.
- Transferring within Terminal 5 (A, B or C Gates): you can arrange to travel in an electric buggy, which takes 10-15 minutes depending on the arrival and departure gates.
- Transferring between Terminals 3 and 5: you can use dedicated Flight Connections buses.
Help points are available in:
- Terminal 3: additional seating area, behind World Duty Free
- Terminal 5: British Airways Lichfield Suite, opposite gates A20 and A21
The Lichfield Suite offers additional facilities for travellers with more severe physical or learning disabilities, including a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, hoist and showers. You can request an escort to and from these facilities by contacting us at least 48 hours before you travel.
Wheelchair accessible toilets and induction loops are also available throughout the airport.
You will need to go through Passport Control (and Customs, if applicable) and then check in again as normal for your connecting flight, so please ensure you have enough time.
| Lounge | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Terminal 5: Galleries Arrival Lounge 05:00-14:00 | Travelling in First or Business (Club World) Executive Club Gold Members travelling on a British Airways long-haul flight |
| Terminal 3: American Airlines Arrival Lounge | Travelling in First or Business (Club World) Executive Club Gold Members arriving on a British Airways long-haul flight Travelling in First or Business on an American Airlines operated flight |
If you have a longer stopover between your connections, you can stay at a conveniently-located Heathrow airport hotel.
There are a number of shuttle buses that run between local hotels and Heathrow airport. Please check which shuttle bus you need to take for your hotel.
