Heathrow has four passenger terminals, numbered 2, 3, 4 and 5, and they are a long way apart. Going to the wrong one can cost you half an hour or more, so it is worth checking before you set off, and telling your driver when you book.
This guide lists the terminals used by the main airlines, explains the exceptions that catch people out, and covers what to tell your driver.
Which terminal does my airline use?
This list is taken from Heathrow’s own terminal finder. Airlines do move terminals from time to time, so check your booking confirmation or Heathrow’s website before you travel.
Terminal 2
Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air India, ANA, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Egyptair, EVA Air, Icelandair, ITA Airways, JetBlue, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines.
Terminal 3
Alaska Airlines, Aeromexico, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and Virgin Atlantic, plus some British Airways flights (see below).
Terminal 4
Air France, Etihad, Gulf Air, KLM, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Riyadh Air, Royal Air Maroc, Saudia, Vueling and WestJet.
Terminal 5
British Airways (most flights) and Iberia.
British Airways: Terminal 5 or Terminal 3?
Most British Airways flights use Terminal 5, but not all. Some routes, including flights to several US cities such as Dallas, Atlanta and Phoenix, and to a number of European destinations, leave from Terminal 3. Your BA booking confirmation shows the terminal. Do not assume it is Terminal 5 just because you are flying BA.
The same applies to codeshare flights. If you booked through one airline but the flight is operated by another, it leaves from the operating airline’s terminal.
How far apart are the terminals?
Terminals 2 and 3 share the central area of the airport and are within walking distance of each other. Terminal 4 is on the south side of the airport and Terminal 5 on the western side. By car, the wrong terminal can mean a long drive around the perimeter roads. On foot, it means a train or bus transfer between terminals, which takes time you may not have.
What to tell your driver
- Your terminal. Give it when you book, and confirm it again on the day.
- Your flight number. For pickups, this lets the driver follow your flight and adjust if it lands early or late.
- Your airline. Useful if a flight changes terminal at short notice.
For drop-offs, the car stops in the terminal’s drop-off area, which is subject to the Heathrow drop-off charge. Our guide to Heathrow drop-off charges explains how it works.
How early to leave
The terminal makes little difference to journey time from most of London, but traffic on the M4, M25 and A4 does. Our guide to how early to leave north London for Heathrow covers timings, and if you are flying during the school holidays, see travelling to Heathrow in the school holidays.
Heathrow transfers with Abetta
Abetta runs pre-booked transfers to and from all four Heathrow terminals, with flight tracking on pickups and a meet and greet service in arrivals. See our Heathrow airport transfers or call 020 8445 1111.
