Knowing your Heathrow terminal before you travel can make everything from check-in to airport pickup much easier. Heathrow currently operates four passenger terminals, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5, and different airlines use different terminals. Some airlines, particularly British Airways, can also operate from more than one terminal depending on the route.

This Heathrow Airport terminal guide explains what you need to know about T2, T3, T4 and T5, including selected airlines, arrivals and departures, facilities, travelling between terminals, passenger pickups and drop-offs, and what to do if you arrive at the wrong terminal.

For complete overview covering transport, parking, hotels and general travel planning, read our complete Heathrow Airport guide.

If you're arranging road transport, UKride also provides pre-booked Heathrow Airport transfers covering all four passenger terminals.

How Many Terminals Does Heathrow Airport Have?

Heathrow Airport currently has four operational passenger terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.

Terminal 2 is known as the Queen's Terminal, Terminal 3 serves a broad mix of international airlines and is Virgin Atlantic's Heathrow hub, Terminal 4 handles a mix of European and long-haul services, and Terminal 5 is British Airways' main Heathrow hub.

Because airline and route allocations can change, passengers should confirm their terminal using their flight booking or Heathrow's official Which Terminal? finder before travelling.

Heathrow Terminals at a Glance

Terminal	General Profile	Selected Airlines	Important Point
Terminal 2	International services, including many Star Alliance airlines	Lufthansa, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SAS, SWISS	Check your individual flight before travelling
Terminal 3	Major international and long-haul services	Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, American Airlines, Qantas, selected British Airways flights	British Airways can operate from both T3 and T5
Terminal 4	European and long-haul international services	Qatar Airways, KLM, Air France and other international carriers	Parking and pickup arrangements changed in June 2026
Terminal 5	British Airways' main Heathrow hub	British Airways, Iberia	Some British Airways routes still use Terminal 3

The selected airline examples above are based on Heathrow's current airline information. Lufthansa and United operate from T2; Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and American Airlines operate from T3; Qatar Airways and KLM operate from T4; Iberia operates from T5; and British Airways currently uses both T3 and T5.

Important: This is not a complete airline list. Terminal assignments can change by airline, route or operational requirements. Always check your flight rather than relying solely on a general terminal table.

Heathrow Terminal 2 Guide

Heathrow Terminal 2, also known as the Queen's Terminal, serves a wide range of international airlines. Heathrow provides restaurants, shopping, lounges, Wi-Fi, airport maps and other passenger services throughout the terminal.

Which Airlines Use Heathrow Terminal 2?

Selected airlines currently operating from Terminal 2 include:

· Lufthansa

· United Airlines

· Singapore Airlines

· SAS

· SWISS

· ANA

· Austrian Airlines

Heathrow's current airline pages confirm Terminal 2 for airlines including Lufthansa, United and ANA, while its terminal finder lists airlines such as SAS, Singapore Airlines and SWISS at T2.

If you're searching “Which terminal is Lufthansa at Heathrow?”, the current answer is Terminal 2.

Terminal 2 Departures

Before heading to Terminal 2, check:

· Your airline and flight number

· Check-in requirements

· Baggage allowance

· Boarding-pass information

· Current security rules

· Your planned arrival time at Heathrow

Heathrow currently recommends arriving around three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic or European flight, while passengers should still check their airline's specific requirements.

Terminal 2 Arrivals

Passengers arriving internationally will normally follow signs through the relevant border process, baggage reclaim and customs before entering the arrivals area.

If someone is collecting you, send them your flight number and Terminal 2 details rather than simply telling them that you're arriving at Heathrow.

Terminal 2 Facilities

Terminal 2 includes restaurants, shops and lounge facilities. Heathrow's official Terminal 2 information currently highlights the Plaza Premium Lounge and the nearby Aerotel, alongside shopping, dining, Wi-Fi and passenger services.

For live facilities, shops and maps, use Heathrow's official Terminal 2 guide.

Terminal 2 Pickup and Drop-Off

Passenger pickup is not permitted from Heathrow's standard terminal forecourt drop-off areas. For Terminals 2, 3 and 5, Heathrow directs pickups to Terminal Parking or Park & Ride options.

If you're arranging Heathrow Airport transfers, provide your flight number and terminal details when booking so the journey can be planned around the correct terminal.

Heathrow Terminal 3 Guide

Terminal 3 is a major Heathrow base for international and long-haul travel. Heathrow describes it as Virgin Atlantic's hub and notes that it serves numerous other airlines.

Which Airlines Use Heathrow Terminal 3?

Selected current airlines include:

· Virgin Atlantic

· Emirates

· American Airlines

· Qantas

· British Airways on selected routes

· Other international carriers

If you're searching:

Which terminal is Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow?
The current answer is Terminal 3.

Which terminal is Emirates at Heathrow?
Emirates currently operates from Terminal 3.

Which terminal is American Airlines at Heathrow?
American Airlines currently operates from Terminal 3.

British Airways needs extra care because it currently operates from both Terminal 3 and Terminal 5, depending on the flight.

Terminal 3 Departures and Arrivals

The same planning principle applies here: confirm the specific flight rather than assuming the terminal from the airline name alone.

Passengers departing should have their travel documents and flight information ready, while arriving passengers being collected should share their actual flight number and terminal with whoever is arranging their onward journey.

Terminal 3 Facilities

Heathrow currently lists dining, shopping, lounges, Wi-Fi and hotel options for Terminal 3. Independent departure lounges include Club Aspire and No.1 Lounge, while Aerotel is located in the arrivals area.

Use the official Heathrow Terminal 3 guide to check facilities before travel.

Terminal 3 Pickup and Drop-Off

As with Terminal 2, the departures forecourt should not be treated as a passenger pickup point. Heathrow currently directs T3 collections to its designated parking options.

For airport pickups, agree on the collection process before travelling rather than relying on a vague instruction such as “meet me outside Terminal 3”.

Heathrow Terminal 4 Guide

Terminal 4 serves a mix of European and long-haul routes and has undergone recent redevelopment work.

Which Airlines Use Heathrow Terminal 4?

Selected current airlines include:

· Qatar Airways

· KLM

· Air France

· Malaysia Airlines

· Other international airlines

Qatar Airways currently operates from Terminal 4, as confirmed by Heathrow's airline information. KLM and Air France are also currently listed at T4.

Terminal 4 Departures and Arrivals

Passengers should check their airline and flight information before travelling, especially if they haven't used Heathrow recently.

Terminal 4's airport access arrangements are also worth checking because significant parking and pickup changes came into effect during 2026.

Important Terminal 4 Parking and Pickup Changes

The former Terminal 4 multi-storey car park closed on 23 June 2026 as part of redevelopment work. Heathrow says Terminal 4 passenger parking has moved to Zone A of the Terminal 4 Park & Ride car park.

Terminal 4 now also has a Priority Pick-Up option close to the terminal, while Zone A of the Park & Ride area provides another collection option. Because these arrangements and charges may change during redevelopment, check Heathrow's current Terminal 4 changes page before driving to the airport.

This is particularly important for anyone collecting a passenger at T4 based on older Heathrow parking knowledge.

Terminal 4 Facilities

Heathrow's official Terminal 4 guide currently lists restaurants, shopping, a Plaza Premium Lounge and the Hilton hotel within walking distance of the terminal.

For current information, see Heathrow's official Terminal 4 guide.

Heathrow Terminal 5 Guide

Terminal 5 is Heathrow's largest terminal building and is primarily associated with British Airways. Heathrow describes T5 as British Airways' main Heathrow hub, while Iberia also currently operates from the terminal.

Which Airlines Use Heathrow Terminal 5?

The two most important airlines to know are:

· British Airways

· Iberia

However, don't assume every British Airways flight departs from Terminal 5.

Heathrow currently lists British Airways as operating from both T3 and T5, and route-specific terminal changes have taken place during 2026.

Always enter your flight number into the official Heathrow terminal finder.

Terminal 5 Facilities

Terminal 5 offers restaurants, shopping, lounges, Wi-Fi and other passenger services. Heathrow currently lists independent Club Aspire and Plaza Premium lounges alongside British Airways' own eligible-passenger lounges.

Which Airlines Use Which Heathrow Terminal?

The table below gives a useful quick reference for several frequently searched airlines.

Airline	Current Heathrow Terminal	Important Note
British Airways	Terminal 3 and Terminal 5	Depends on route/flight
Virgin Atlantic	Terminal 3	Verify before travel
Emirates	Terminal 3	Verify current flight details
American Airlines	Terminal 3	Verify before travel
Lufthansa	Terminal 2	Verify current flight details
United Airlines	Terminal 2	Verify before travel
Qatar Airways	Terminal 4	Verify current flight details
KLM	Terminal 4	Verify before travel
Iberia	Terminal 5	Verify current flight details

These allocations were checked against Heathrow's current airline pages. Terminal information remains operational information, so passengers should confirm again before travelling.

How Do You Travel Between Heathrow Terminals?

Heathrow provides free travel options between its passenger terminals, but the route depends on which terminals you're travelling between.

The airport provides an official travel between terminals planner, and passengers should use it for the latest route before starting their transfer.

Terminal 2 to Terminal 3

Terminals 2 and 3 are located around Heathrow's central transport area and have pedestrian connections through the connecting subway system.

If you're moving between these terminals, follow the airport signs rather than leaving the airport complex or arranging road transport unnecessarily. Heathrow's official free-travel map shows the pedestrian connections around the shared Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 transport station.

Terminals 2 or 3 to Terminal 4

Free inter-terminal rail travel is available between the Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 station and Terminal 4. Heathrow's free-travel arrangements can change according to operating times and engineering work, so check the terminal planner on the day.

Terminals 2 or 3 to Terminal 5

Free inter-terminal rail services also connect the central Terminals 2 & 3 station with Terminal 5.

Terminal 4 to Terminal 5

Heathrow's free-travel network provides connections between T4 and T5. The airport's official map includes bus and rail/Underground transfer possibilities depending on time and route, so use Heathrow's terminal planner rather than relying on an old timetable.

Heathrow Terminal Transfer Summary

Journey	General Approach	Traveller Advice
T2 ↔ T3	Pedestrian connection through Heathrow Central area	Follow terminal signs
T2/T3 ↔ T4	Free inter-terminal transport	Check live route before travelling
T2/T3 ↔ T5	Free inter-terminal transport	Allow additional time
T4 ↔ T5	Free airport transport with route depending on service	Check Heathrow's current planner

Can You Walk Between Heathrow Terminals?

You should not assume that all Heathrow terminals are within practical walking distance of each other.

Terminals 2 and 3 have pedestrian connections through Heathrow's central area, but Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 are separate parts of the airport and normally require the airport's transport network for inter-terminal journeys.

This is particularly important if you're travelling with:

· Several suitcases

· Young children

· Reduced mobility

· Limited connection time

· Oversized luggage

Use Heathrow's official transfer route rather than attempting to walk between distant terminals.

How Long Should You Allow to Change Heathrow Terminals?

There isn't one reliable time that works for every Heathrow terminal change.

Your required time depends on:

· Which terminals you're travelling between

· Whether your flights are on one booking

· Whether you're self-connecting

· Immigration requirements

· Checked baggage

· Re-check-in requirements

· Security

· Transport between terminals

· Airline deadlines

· Disruption on the day

Connecting Flight vs Self-Transfer

This distinction matters.

If your flights form part of a protected airline connection, follow the airline and Heathrow flight-connection signs.

If you have booked separate flights yourself, Heathrow says you may need to enter the UK through immigration, collect checked baggage, go through arrivals, travel to your next terminal, check in again and pass through security again. Heathrow therefore advises self-connecting passengers to allow additional time.

For current instructions, see Heathrow's official connecting flights guidance.

Heathrow Check-In and Security

Heathrow currently recommends arriving three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic or European flights. Your airline's own check-in or bag-drop deadline can still differ, so check your booking before travelling.

Current Heathrow Security Rules

Heathrow completed the rollout of next-generation security scanners across all four terminals. As of this guide's review date, Heathrow says passengers can generally keep liquids and large electronic devices inside their cabin baggage during screening, and liquids can be carried in containers of up to two litres at Heathrow security.

Because security rules can change and other airports may follow different restrictions, check Heathrow's official security and baggage guidance shortly before travelling.

Your airline's cabin-baggage size and weight allowance remains separate from Heathrow's security rules.

Heathrow Arrivals and Baggage Reclaim

After landing, the time needed to reach the arrivals hall varies considerably.

Factors include:

· Whether passport control is required

· Immigration queues

· Aircraft stand location

· Baggage delivery

· Customs

· Passenger mobility

· The terminal

This is why anyone collecting a passenger should use the flight number, rather than relying only on the scheduled landing time. A flight landing at 15:00 does not mean the passenger will necessarily be ready for collection at 15:05.

Heathrow Terminal Pickup Guide

Pickup planning is one of the most common areas of confusion at Heathrow.

Can You Pick Someone Up from the Terminal Forecourt?

Generally, no.

Heathrow states that passenger pickup is available from its designated Terminal Parking and Park & Ride areas rather than the standard terminal forecourt drop-off zones.

Terminal 4 currently has separate arrangements because of its redevelopment, including a Priority Pick-Up area and Zone A Park & Ride collection option.

Check Heathrow's current passenger pickup information before driving to the airport.

What Information Should You Have for an Airport Pickup?

Before arranging collection, confirm:

· Flight number

· Airline

· Arrival terminal

· Passenger name

· Passenger phone number

· Expected arrival time

· Agreed meeting point

· Luggage requirements

· Any accessibility requirements

A specific meeting arrangement is much better than simply telling someone to “meet outside Heathrow”.

What If the Flight Is Delayed?

If your flight changes, follow the transport provider's delay and waiting-time policy.

For pre-booked airport transport, providing the flight number at the time of booking can help the operator coordinate the pickup around flight information where flight monitoring is offered.

Heathrow Terminal Drop-Off

Heathrow's terminal drop-off zones are located close to departures.

A £7 Terminal Drop-Off Charge currently applies each time a vehicle enters Heathrow's standard terminal drop-off areas. Pickup and waiting are not permitted in these zones.

Because charges, payment arrangements and exemptions can change, check Heathrow's official Terminal Drop-Off Charge page before travelling.

We will cover payment methods, exemptions and alternative options separately in our dedicated Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Charges Guide.

Heathrow Lounges by Terminal

All four Heathrow passenger terminals offer lounge options, although availability and entry rules differ.

Access can depend on:

· Airline

· Travel class

· Frequent-flyer status

· Lounge membership

· Paid booking

· Departure terminal

Heathrow currently lists independent lounge options at each terminal alongside airline-specific facilities.

If you want to use a lounge, first confirm which terminal your flight departs from. Don't book a lounge simply because another Heathrow terminal has an option you prefer. Our dedicated Heathrow Airport Lounges Guide will cover this topic in depth.

Restaurants, Shops and Facilities at Heathrow Terminals

All four Heathrow passenger terminals contain food, retail and passenger-service facilities.

Depending on the terminal, passengers can find:

· Restaurants and cafés

· Grab-and-go food

· Travel essentials

· Duty-free and other retail

· Charging facilities

· Wi-Fi

· Toilets

· Baby-changing facilities

· Drinking water

· Cash machines

· Accessibility services

Heathrow provides free Wi-Fi throughout the airport and maintains terminal-specific directories for restaurants, shops and facilities.

Rather than listing every restaurant or shop here, which would quickly become outdated, use Heathrow's official terminal pages for current options.

Separate UKride guides will cover restaurants and cafés at Heathrow and Heathrow Airport shopping in more detail.

Accessibility and Special Assistance at Heathrow

Heathrow provides assistance for passengers with visible and non-visible disabilities and mobility needs.

The airport recommends requesting assistance through your airline, tour operator or travel agent at least 48 hours before travel where possible.

Passengers who require assistance should also tell their ground transport provider about relevant requirements when arranging the journey to or from Heathrow.

For current information, visit Heathrow's official assistance and accessibility guide.

Which Heathrow Terminal Is the Easiest?

There isn't one Heathrow terminal that is automatically “best” or easiest for every passenger.

In most cases, your airline and flight determine your terminal, so choosing between T2, T3, T4 and T5 isn't really the traveller's decision.

A more useful question is:

How can I make travelling through my Heathrow terminal easier?

The answer is to:

1. Confirm the terminal before leaving.

2. Check airline check-in requirements.

3. Understand your pick up or drop-off arrangement.

4. Check current airport transport information.

5. Allow additional time if changing terminals.

6. Tell your transport provider the correct terminal.

What Happens If You Go to the Wrong Heathrow Terminal?

Going to the wrong terminal doesn't necessarily mean travelling back out of Heathrow.

If you realise you've made a mistake:

· Check your boarding pass or flight number.

· Use Heathrow's official terminal finder to confirm the correct terminal.

· Follow Heathrow's inter-terminal travel signs.

· Check the airport's terminal-transfer planner.

· Allow additional time.

· Notify your transport provider if the change affects an arranged pickup or drop-off.

Heathrow provides free inter-terminal travel options, but the correct route depends on the terminal combination and operating services.

Heathrow Airport Transfers for T2, T3, T4 and T5

If you're travelling to or from Heathrow by road, identifying the correct terminal is an important part of booking your journey.

UKride provides pre-booked Heathrow Airport transfers covering Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Its current Heathrow service includes pre-booking, flight monitoring and multiple vehicle categories for different passenger and luggage requirements.

When booking, provide:

· Your flight number

· Airline

· Terminal, if confirmed

· Travel date and time

· Pickup location

· Destination

· Number of passengers

· Number and size of bags

· Child-seat requirements where applicable

· Accessibility requirements

· A working contact number

Accurate information is especially important for airport pickups because terminal arrangements and the time between landing and entering the arrivals hall can vary.

You can get a Heathrow Airport transfer quote online before booking.

Heathrow Terminal Travel Checklist

Before Travelling to Heathrow

· Check your flight number.

· Confirm your Heathrow terminal.

· Check your airline's latest guidance.

· Confirm check-in and bag-drop requirements.

· Review current Heathrow security rules.

· Check baggage allowance.

· Plan how you'll reach your terminal.

· Check current road or public transport disruption.

· Confirm parking or drop-off arrangements if driving.

· Confirm your airport transfer if pre-booked.

If You're Arriving at Heathrow

· Confirm your arrival terminal.

· Keep your phone switched on after landing.

· Collect all checked luggage.

· Check your pickup instructions.

· Know your exact meeting point.

· Contact your transport provider if your plans change.

If You're Collecting Someone

· Ask for their flight number.

· Verify the terminal.

· Track the flight status.

· Check the correct Heathrow pickup area.

· Do not wait in a terminal drop-off forecourt.

· Allow time for immigration and baggage reclaim.

Final Thoughts

Heathrow's four passenger terminals serve different airlines and routes, so the most important step before travelling is confirming your exact terminal and flight details. Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 each have their own facilities, access arrangements and passenger collection considerations.

If you're travelling by road, make sure your driver or transport provider has the correct terminal and flight number. UKride provides pre-booked Heathrow Airport transfers across all four terminals, with online journey quotes available before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heathrow Airport Terminals

How Many Terminals Does Heathrow Airport Have?

Heathrow currently operates four passenger terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.

Which Heathrow Terminal Do I Need?

Your terminal depends on your airline and flight. Check your booking or use Heathrow's official terminal finder shortly before travelling.

Which Terminal Is British Airways at Heathrow?

British Airways currently operates from both Terminal 3 and Terminal 5, depending on the route. Check your individual flight rather than assuming T5.

Which Terminal Is Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow?

Virgin Atlantic currently operates from Terminal 3.

Which Heathrow Terminal Does Emirates Use?

Emirates currently operates from Terminal 3 at Heathrow.

Which Terminal Is Qatar Airways at Heathrow?

Qatar Airways currently operates from Terminal 4.

Which Heathrow Terminal Does Lufthansa Use?

Lufthansa currently operates from Terminal 2.

Can You Walk Between Heathrow Terminal 2 and Terminal 3?

Terminals 2 and 3 have pedestrian connections through Heathrow's central area. Follow the airport's signs and current terminal-transfer guidance.

Can I Travel Between Heathrow Terminals for Free?

Heathrow provides free inter-terminal travel options. The correct route depends on the terminals involved and current services, so check the airport's terminal-transfer planner before travelling.

How Long Should I Allow to Change Heathrow Terminals?

There is no universal transfer time. Allow for terminal travel, security, immigration, baggage collection and check-in where applicable. Self-connecting passengers on separate tickets may need considerably more time because they can be required to collect bags and check in again.

How Early Should I Arrive at My Heathrow Terminal?

Heathrow currently recommends arriving three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic or European flight. Always check your airline's own guidance as well.

Where Do Taxis and Private-Hire Vehicles Pick Up at Heathrow?

Passenger pickup is not permitted from the standard terminal drop-off forecourts. Heathrow provides designated parking and pickup arrangements, with different arrangements currently applying at Terminal 4 because of redevelopment work.

Can I Pre-Book a Transfer for Any Heathrow Terminal?

Yes. UKride's Heathrow Airport transfers covers Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Heathrow Airport Terminal Guide: T2, T3, T4 & T5

Heathrow Airport Terminal Guide: T2, T3, T4 & T5