Quick overview
Heathrow's four operational terminals each serve different airline alliances. T1 closed in 2015 and was demolished as part of the T2 expansion. Knowing which terminal you're flying from determines your security wait, lounge access, parking, and how long you should give yourself between connecting flights.
| Terminal | Main alliance | Notable airlines | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2 | Star Alliance | United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore | 2014 |
| T3 | Oneworld (partial) | American, Cathay, Qantas, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic | 1961 |
| T4 | SkyTeam | Air France, KLM, Korean, Etihad, Saudia | 1986 |
| T5 | Oneworld (BA hub) | British Airways, Iberia | 2008 |
Terminal 2 — Queens Terminal
Terminal 2 is Heathrow's second-newest terminal, opened in 2014 to replace the original T1 and T2 buildings. It serves Star Alliance carriers as its primary tenant: United, Lufthansa, Swiss, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, EVA Air, ANA, Turkish, and Air New Zealand.
Strengths: modern security halls (rarely longer than 15 minutes), excellent food court, the United Polaris Lounge for business class United flyers, direct Heathrow Express station shared with T3, and superior signage compared to older terminals.
Weaknesses: the long walk from check-in to gates A20+ can be 15-20 minutes. Plan accordingly if you have mobility needs.
Terminal 3
Heathrow's oldest active terminal (1961), still serving major Oneworld carriers like American Airlines and Cathay Pacific, plus key non-aligned heavyweights including Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, and Delta.
Strengths: central location next to T2 with covered walkway. Strong lounge offering — Cathay's lounge is widely considered London's best, and Emirates has its own lavish lounge here. Direct Heathrow Express access.
Weaknesses: dated infrastructure, narrower jetways, and security can back up at peak. Allow 10 extra minutes vs. T2 or T5.
Terminal 4
The southernmost terminal, accessed via its own Piccadilly Line station and Heathrow Express extension. T4 is the SkyTeam home: Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Saudia, Etihad, Aeroflot (suspended), and a handful of long-haul carriers.
Strengths: generally the quietest Heathrow terminal — shorter security queues, less crowded shopping. Air France and KLM lounges are solid.
Weaknesses: harder to reach if you're using Heathrow Express (a free shuttle from Hatton Cross is required) and inter-terminal transfers from T4 to T5 are the longest at Heathrow.
Terminal 5
Opened in 2008 and exclusively used by British Airways and its sister airline Iberia, T5 is the busiest single-airline terminal in the world. It's a hub for Oneworld traffic and the gateway most American passengers use when flying BA.
Strengths: the most lounges (BA Concorde Room, Galleries First, North, South, plus Aspire and Plaza Premium options), fastest security via Fast Track, dedicated Heathrow Express station, and clear wayfinding throughout.
Weaknesses: it's enormous. T5C gates can be 25 minutes from check-in via the underground transit train. Build in extra time for tight connections.
Inter-terminal transfers
Free buses run between all terminals every 5-7 minutes, 24/7. Approximate journey times:
- T2 ↔ T3: walk via underground passage (10 min) or bus (5 min)
- T2/3 ↔ T5: Heathrow Express free between these terminals (4 min) or bus (15 min)
- T2/3 ↔ T4: bus only (15 min)
- T4 ↔ T5: bus only (20-25 min)
If you're connecting on different airlines, your bags will not transfer automatically unless they're on the same ticket or via interline agreement. Check with your airline before checking in.
Which Heathrow terminal is best?
For modern facilities and shortest security: T2 or T5. For the best lounges: T5 (BA travellers) or T3 (Cathay, Emirates). For quiet and quick: T4. For Star Alliance: T2. For BA: always T5.
If your airline gives you a choice (some BA flights operate from both T3 and T5), pick T5 for the better lounges and faster Heathrow Express.
Frequently asked
Which is the best Heathrow terminal?
Terminal 5 is widely considered the best for British Airways and Iberia passengers — fastest security, most lounges, and direct Heathrow Express access. Terminal 2 (Queens Terminal) is the most modern after T5 and serves Star Alliance members. T3 handles oneworld partners and is dated but well-located. T4 hosts SkyTeam and a handful of other carriers.
How long does it take to transfer between Heathrow terminals?
Free inter-terminal buses run every 5-7 minutes and take 8-15 minutes between any two terminals. The Heathrow Express runs free between T2/3 and T5. Allow at least 60 minutes for inter-terminal transfers, or 90 minutes if changing between T4 and T5.
Are Terminals 2 and 3 connected?
Yes — T2 and T3 are connected by an underground walkway with travelators. The walk takes about 10 minutes. Most airline alliances keep partners in the same terminal complex for this reason.
Which Heathrow terminal has the best lounges?
Terminal 5 has the most British Airways lounges (Concorde Room, Galleries First/North/South). Terminal 2 has the United Polaris Lounge and several Star Alliance options. Terminal 3 has Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Emirates, and American Airlines lounges.
Where do US flights arrive at Heathrow?
It depends on the airline: British Airways and American Airlines flights mostly use T5 and T3 respectively; United and Air Canada use T2; Delta and Virgin Atlantic use T3. Always confirm via your airline as terminal assignments change.
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