<p>Moving between Heathrow's terminals is free and generally takes 15 to 30 minutes, using the free Heathrow Express-operated transit train between Terminals 2, 3 and 5, or a shuttle bus to and from Terminal 4. If you booked a single connecting ticket, your airline handles the transfer as part of your journey; if you booked two separate tickets, you must collect your bags, clear immigration, and check in again as if starting a new trip. Checked 2026.</p>
<h2 id="terminal-transfer-times-at-a-glance">Terminal transfer times at a glance</h2>
<div class="table-wrap"><table>
<thead><tr><th>Between</th><th>Method</th><th>Typical time</th><th>Cost</th></tr></thead><tbody>
<tr><td>Terminal 2 or 3 to Terminal 5</td><td>Free inter-terminal train</td><td>Around 15 to 20 minutes total, including walking</td><td>Free for transferring passengers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Terminal 2 or 3 to Terminal 4</td><td>Free shuttle bus</td><td>Around 20 to 30 minutes total</td><td>Free for transferring passengers</td></tr>
<tr><td>Terminal 5 to Terminal 4</td><td>Free shuttle bus, via central terminals</td><td>Around 30 minutes total</td><td>Free for transferring passengers</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<p>These times are for passengers already through security on a connecting itinerary. If you are travelling on two separate tickets, known as self-connecting, you need to add time for immigration, baggage reclaim, and a fresh security check, which can easily double the overall transfer time.</p>
<h2 id="connecting-on-a-single-booking">Connecting on a single booking</h2>
<p>If your flights are on one ticket, a connecting itinerary, Heathrow's purple Flight Connections signage guides you from your arrival gate to the transfer area without needing to leave the secure zone. Screens in the Flight Connections area show your departure terminal; note that they do not usually show your gate, which is confirmed later once you reach your departure terminal. If your next flight leaves from the same terminal, you simply proceed to your gate. If it leaves from a different terminal, follow the signs to the transfer service, which may involve a short bus or train journey, and you will pass through security again before reaching the departure lounge, and through UK immigration first if you are connecting onward to a domestic flight.</p>
<h2 id="self-connecting-on-two-separate-tickets">Self-connecting on two separate tickets</h2>
<p>If you booked your flights as two separate tickets rather than a single connecting itinerary, Heathrow does not treat you as a transfer passenger. You must go through UK immigration, collect your checked baggage, and check in again for your next flight, including passing through security a second time, exactly as if you were starting a brand new journey from Heathrow. This takes considerably longer than an airline-booked connection, so build in several hours between flights, and check whether your two airlines are in the same terminal before assuming a short gap will work.</p>
<h2 id="which-terminals-are-connected-directly">Which terminals are connected directly</h2>
<p>Terminals 2, 3 and 5 are linked by a free inter-terminal train, run using the same infrastructure as the Heathrow Express line, which is the fastest way to move between them. Terminal 4 is separate and reached by a free shuttle bus rather than the train, connecting to the other terminals with a slightly longer journey time as a result. There is no direct walking route between any of Heathrow's terminals; all transfers use either the train or a bus, and Heathrow's own terminal transfer tool lets you select your specific from and to terminals for exact directions and timing.</p>
<h2 id="assistance-for-terminal-transfers">Assistance for terminal transfers</h2>
<p>If you have mobility difficulties or need support moving between terminals, request assistance through your airline at least 48 hours before travel so Heathrow's assistance team can plan your specific connection, including the terminal transfer leg. See the <a href="/blog/heathrow-special-assistance-wheelchair/">Heathrow special assistance guide</a> for exactly how to book this, since a terminal transfer with mobility support usually takes longer than the standard times above and benefits from being planned in advance rather than requested on the day.</p>
<h2 id="how-long-should-you-allow">How long should you allow?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Single connecting ticket, same terminal: usually no extra time needed beyond Heathrow's standard minimum connection time for your airline alliance.</li>
<li>Single connecting ticket, different terminal: allow at least 20 to 30 minutes beyond your walking time for the train or bus transfer and a second security check.</li>
<li>Self-connecting on two tickets: allow several hours, since you are effectively starting a new journey through immigration, baggage reclaim and check-in.</li>
<li>Travelling with mobility assistance: book ahead through your airline so the terminal transfer is planned into your assistance route.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="what-if-your-first-flight-is-delayed">What if your first flight is delayed?</h2>
<p>If a delay to your inbound flight puts a single-ticket connection at risk, your airline is responsible for rebooking you, and Heathrow's connections desks can help direct you to the right terminal transfer as quickly as possible once you land. If you are self-connecting on two separate tickets, a delay is your own risk to manage, since the two airlines have no obligation to each other, which is another reason self-connecting itineraries need a generous buffer built in from the outset. See <a href="/blog/heathrow-airport-flight-delayed-cancelled-compensation/">flight delay and cancellation compensation</a> for what you may be entitled to if a single-ticket connection is affected.</p>
<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently asked questions</h2>
<p><strong>Is it free to transfer between Heathrow terminals?</strong> Yes, for passengers on a connecting flight itinerary. The inter-terminal train between Terminals 2, 3 and 5, and the shuttle bus to Terminal 4, are both free for transferring passengers.</p>
<p><strong>How long does it take to transfer between Heathrow terminals?</strong> Typically 15 to 30 minutes for the train or bus journey itself, plus walking time and a second security check, if you are on a single connecting ticket.</p>
<p><strong>Do I need to collect my bags to change Heathrow terminals?</strong> Not if you are on a single connecting ticket, since your bags are checked through to your final destination. If you booked two separate tickets, you must collect your bags and check in again.</p>
<p><strong>Which Heathrow terminals are linked by train?</strong> Terminals 2, 3 and 5 are connected by a free inter-terminal train. Terminal 4 is reached by a free shuttle bus instead.</p>
<p><strong>What happens if my connecting flight is at a different terminal?</strong> Follow the purple Flight Connections signs from your arrival gate, which direct you to the transfer service, whether train or bus, and then through security again before your departure gate.</p>
<h2 id="more">More</h2>
<p>More: <a href="/routes/">Routes overview</a>, <a href="/blog/leaving-heathrow-during-a-layover/">Leaving Heathrow during a layover</a>, <a href="/blog/heathrow-special-assistance-wheelchair/">Special assistance</a>, <a href="/public-transport/">Public transport</a>, <a href="/faqs/">FAQs</a>.</p>