Welcome to London Heathrow (LHR), the United Kingdom’s largest airport and one of the busiest international hubs on the planet. For travelers flying from India, Heathrow Airport is a primary arrival point and a major transit hub for onward journeys. Navigating this sprawling airport with its multiple terminals can be a challenge, but this guide for 2025 will provide all the essential details on Heathrow’s terminals, transit procedures, and the best ways to get from Heathrow to Central London.
Navigating the Terminals at Heathrow Airport
Heathrow’s terminals are organized primarily by airline alliances. It is critical to know your terminal before you travel.
- Terminal 5 (T5): This is the exclusive, state-of-the-art home of British Airways.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Known as The Queen’s Terminal, this is the hub for Star Alliance airlines, including Air India, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa.
- Terminal 3 (T3): Home to most Oneworld airlines (like Cathay Pacific), Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic.
- Terminal 4 (T4): This terminal serves many other airlines, including Etihad Airways and members of the SkyTeam alliance.
How to get between terminals at Heathrow: You can travel between terminals for free using the Heathrow Express trains or the London Underground. Follow the purple “Inter-terminal transfers” signs. Journeys can take up to 20 minutes, so always plan accordingly.
Key Features & Amenities
Shopping and Dining Shopping at Heathrow Airport is a premium experience, especially at Terminal 5, which features luxury British brands like Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. All terminals offer a wide range of duty-free shops, high-street fashion, and bookstores. Dining options range from classic British pubs to fine dining restaurants
Lounges at Heathrow Heathrow is renowned for its exceptional airport lounges. In Terminal 5, the British Airways Galleries lounges are a highlight for Oneworld passengers. In Terminal 2, eligible travelers can use the Air India, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa lounges. There are also excellent pay-per-use lounges in all terminals.
Getting from Heathrow to Central London
You have several excellent options to travel from Heathrow to Central London:
- Heathrow Express: The fastest way. This non-stop train takes just 15 minutes to reach London Paddington Station
- Elizabeth Line: A fantastic new option. This train is slightly slower than the Express but connects Heathrow directly to key central London locations like Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, and Canary Wharf
- London Underground (The Tube): The most budget-friendly option. The Piccadilly Line runs directly from all terminals into Central London, taking about 50-60 minutes.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: London’s iconic black cabs, as well as Uber and other services, are available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a visa to transit through Heathrow Airport?
This is a critical point for Indian passport holders. In most cases, yes. Even if you are not leaving the airport (an “airside” transit), you may need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). If you need to change terminals or your layover is long, you will need a standard Visitor in Transit visa. Always check the official UK Government visa requirements based on your nationality and destination before you book your flight.
2. Which terminal will my airline use at LHR?
It depends entirely on your airline and its alliance. As a rule of thumb for travelers from India: British Airways is in Terminal 5. Air India and Singapore Airlines are in Terminal 2. Emirates is in Terminal 3. Etihad Airways is in Terminal 4. Always confirm on your ticket
3. What is the fastest way to get from Heathrow to the city?
The Heathrow Express train is the fastest method, taking only 15 minutes to get to Paddington Station. However, the new Elizabeth Line may be more convenient depending on your final destination in London, as it serves more stations directly in the city cente
This is a critical point for Indian passport holders. In most cases, yes. Even if you are not leaving the airport (an “airside” transit), you may need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). If you need to change terminals or your layover is long, you will need a standard Visitor in Transit visa. Always check the official UK Government visa requirements based on your nationality and destination before you book your flight.
It depends entirely on your airline and its alliance. As a rule of thumb for travelers from India: British Airways is in Terminal 5. Air India and Singapore Airlines are in Terminal 2. Emirates is in Terminal 3. Etihad Airways is in Terminal 4. Always confirm on your ticket
The Heathrow Express train is the fastest method, taking only 15 minutes to get to Paddington Station. However, the new Elizabeth Line may be more convenient depending on your final destination in London, as it serves more stations directly in the city cente