For most departing passengers, no. Over 97 per cent of travellers cleared Heathrow security in under five minutes across 2025, so the standard lanes are usually quick. Fast Track earns its price mainly at the morning peak, on tight connections, or on arrival where passport queues can be longer. Checked August 2026.
The two different Fast Tracks
Heathrow sells Fast Track for two separate points in your journey, and they are priced very differently.
Departures Fast Track is a quicker lane through the security search on the way out. It costs from £12.99 per person, is available at all four terminals, and generally operates from around 06:00 to 21:00. You can book in advance or on the day.
Arrivals Fast Track is a quicker lane through passport control when you land. It costs £25 per person off-peak and from £35 at peak times, is bookable up to six months ahead, and closes one hour before your flight arrives. These are two different products for two different problems, so decide which, if either, you actually need.
Departures: usually not needed
The case against paying for departures Fast Track is strong for most people. Heathrow's security has been transformed by next-generation CT scanners, now in all four terminals, and the numbers reflect it: more than 97 per cent of passengers waited under five minutes across 2025. If you turn up outside the busy windows, you will often walk straight through the standard lane, and £12.99 buys you almost nothing.
There is a real exception. The morning long-haul peak, roughly 05:00 to 08:00, at T3 and T5 is the worst window, and waits there can exceed 20 minutes when several big flights push through together. If you are flying in that window, or you are running late and cannot afford any queue, the small fee can buy useful certainty. It is also more tempting if you are travelling as a solo traveller on business rather than a family of four, where the per-person cost adds up.
A free alternative to consider first: check the live security wait time for your terminal in the Heathrow app before you buy. If it shows a few minutes, save your money. If it shows a long peak wait and your flight is tight, then Fast Track makes sense.
Arrivals: worth it more often
Arrivals Fast Track is a different calculation. Passport queues on arrival are less predictable than departures security, because they depend on how many long-haul flights land together and how many Border Force desks are open. When a big early-morning bank of flights arrives at once, the wait to clear immigration can be long.
If you can use the eGates and you are arriving off-peak, you probably do not need it, because the eGates move eligible passengers through quickly. It becomes worth the £25 to £35 when you cannot use the eGates, when you are landing into a known busy bank, when you have a tight onward connection, or during Border Force industrial action, which lengthens arrivals queues. For more on arrivals queues and who can use the eGates, see our guide to passport control at Heathrow arrivals.
A simple way to decide
Ask three questions. Are you travelling in a known peak, the morning long-haul window for departures or a busy arrivals bank? Do you have a tight buffer, a connection or an appointment you cannot miss? And can you not use the eGates on arrival? If you answer yes to any of these, Fast Track is more likely to pay off. If you are travelling off-peak with time to spare and can use the eGates, the standard lanes are usually fine.
For a fuller look at timing your arrival at the airport, see is 2 hours enough at Heathrow, and for prices across the terminals see the facilities guide.
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More: Overview, Facilities, FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Fast Track at Heathrow? Departures Fast Track through security is from £12.99 per person at all four terminals. Arrivals Fast Track through passport control is £25 per person off-peak and from £35 at peak times.
Is departures Fast Track worth it at Heathrow? Usually not. Over 97 per cent of passengers cleared security in under five minutes across 2025. It is mainly worth it in the morning long-haul peak of about 05:00 to 08:00 at T3 and T5, or if your flight is tight.
Is arrivals Fast Track worth it at Heathrow? More often than departures. It helps most if you cannot use the eGates, are landing in a busy early-morning bank, have a tight connection, or during Border Force strikes. Eligible eGate users arriving off-peak usually do not need it.
How can I check if I need Fast Track at Heathrow? Check the live security wait time for your terminal in the Heathrow app before buying. If it shows a few minutes, the standard lane is fine. If it shows a long peak wait and your time is tight, Fast Track is worth considering.
What times does Heathrow Fast Track operate? Departures Fast Track generally runs from around 06:00 to 21:00 at all four terminals. Arrivals Fast Track is bookable up to six months ahead and closes one hour before your flight lands.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Heathrow Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Heathrow Airport website before you travel.