London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London Heathrow has four active terminals (T2–T5). T2 and T3 sit in the central terminal area and are linked by an airside/landside pedestrian corridor in 10–15 minutes, while T4 and T5 sit on separate spurs and rely on free Flight Connections buses or the inter-terminal Heathrow Express shuttles (every 15 minutes) for 10–20 minute transfers. All terminals feed into the central rail/tube station complex, with T5 using its own station for both the Elizabeth line/Heathrow Express and the Piccadilly line. Clear terminal signage, colour-coded zones and multiple lifts/escalators make wayfinding straightforward.

Security checkpoints sit on Departures in every terminal (multiple lanes in T2, a central hall in T3, a large central checkpoint in T5, and T4’s main hall). Fast Track is available for eligible premium and status passengers. Typical waits run 10–20 minutes off-peak and 20–35 minutes during the morning/evening banks; expect additional time if transferring landside between terminals because re-screening is mandatory.

UK Border Force operates large immigration halls with eGates in T2–T5; Fast Track immigration is offered for premium cabins and select statuses. International-to-international Flight Connections centres in each terminal allow eligible airside transfers with dedicated security, while passengers changing terminals often ride an airside bus before clearing a smaller re-check screening point. Customs exits (green/red channels) sit immediately after baggage reclaim in each arrivals hall.

Amenities vary by terminal: T2 hosts Plaza Premium and United/AC/UA Star Alliance lounges plus Heston Blumenthal’s The Perfectionists’ Café and a large duty-free. T3 concentrates many oneworld and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges alongside Cathay Pacific, Qantas and American lounges, plus dining such as Oriel and Pret. T4 features the Plaza Premium lounge, Etihad and Qatar lounges, and a quieter mix of cafés/shops. T5, the British Airways hub, offers multiple BA Galleries/First lounges, an Aspire lounge, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, and extensive retail including World Duty Free, Prada and Harrods.

Accessibility is step-free across terminals with ramps, elevators, tactile paving, induction loops and Changing Places facilities in T2, T3 and T5. Special assistance reception points sit kerbside and inside departures; pre-booking is recommended. Families can use “Stay & Play” soft play areas in T2 and T5, baby-change rooms in every washroom cluster, and family security lanes during peak school-holiday periods.