Ruth Haines
Heathrow Airport is the United Kingdom's busiest airport, with four main terminals facilitating thousands of flights daily. Connecting flights at Heathrow can be daunting, but the airport is well signposted to make the process easier. Passengers with long layovers may wish to leave the airport between connecting flights to explore the surrounding area or visit London, which is easily accessible by train. However, it is important to consider the time required for security checks and the potential for delays when planning to leave the airport between connecting flights. Passengers should also ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as visas, to re-enter the airport and pass through UK border control.
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What You'll Learn
The UK visa requirements for transiting passengers
If you are a transiting passenger at Heathrow Airport, you may need a UK transit visa. This depends on your nationality, whether you need to enter the UK, and whether you will be going through UK border control.
If you do not need to go through UK border control, you will need to check if you require a Direct Airside Transit visa. Airside transit allows travellers to remain in the airport's international transit area without passing through border control. Nationals of Russia and Georgia, for example, need a transit visa to pass through the UK on or after 5 October 2023.
If you are going through UK border control, you will need to apply for a Visitor in Transit visa if you will be leaving the UK within 48 hours. This visa costs £70 and may vary depending on your country. If you plan to stay in the UK for more than 48 hours, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
Additionally, under the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, non-visa nationals who previously did not need a visa to visit the UK now need an ETA to transit the UK. However, there is currently a temporary exemption for airside transits at Heathrow Airport, where passengers who do not pass through border control do not need an ETA.
It is important to note that if you have booked two separate flights, you are not considered a connecting passenger. In this case, you will need to go through immigration, collect your baggage, and proceed with check-in, bag drop, and security.
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Navigating Heathrow's terminals and transport options
Heathrow Airport is a major connection hub for flights all over the world, with four main terminal buildings and sub-buildings within those terminals. Most connections are within the same building, but some passengers will need to change terminals.
If you have booked a single ticket with multiple flights, you are a connecting passenger. In this case, you will need to follow the purple 'Flight Connections' signs. You can also download the Heathrow app and enter your flight details for a step-by-step itinerary of your connection journey. The app has an interactive map to help you navigate the airport, and you can receive live notifications about check-in and gate information.
If you are connecting within the same terminal, you can go on foot or catch a free tram or train. Terminals 2 and 3 are the only terminals connected via a walkway. Terminal 2 is located next to Terminal 3. Terminals 2 and 5 are the most modern and recently built terminals with satellite terminals to accommodate larger planes and reduce congestion within the main terminal buildings.
If you are connecting from one terminal to another, you can catch a free shuttle bus that operates every 10 minutes. You can also take the Free Underground line from Hatton Cross to any terminal and vice versa. The line runs daily according to the timetable, operating all night on Friday and Saturday nights. Other free train services include the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line, and the London Underground subway system.
If you are connecting from international to domestic, you will need to go through biometrics before reaching security. If you are self-connecting (booking two separate flights), you will be treated as an arrival and departure. You'll need to go through security, collect your baggage, and check back in again. You will need to pass immigration, collect your baggage, and go through check-in, bag drop, and security again.
If you have a long layover and choose to leave the airport, you will have to pass through UK immigration, so you will need the right to enter the UK (e.g., a visa or passport). When you return for your flight, you will have to pass through security as a normal departing passenger, so make sure you're back at the airport in time.
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The time required to return to the airport
If you are planning to leave Heathrow Airport between connecting flights, it is important to allow plenty of time to get back to the airport and pass through security again. Heathrow Airport recommends that you arrive at the airport three hours before departure for long-haul flights and two hours for short-haul flights. This means that you should plan your time outside the airport accordingly, ensuring that you have enough time to get back and pass through security.
When returning to the airport, you will need to go through the usual security checks, including a full screening of your hand baggage. The liquids and hand baggage restrictions for the airport will apply, so make sure you are familiar with these before you return. It is also important to note that you will need to collect your baggage before leaving the airport, as it will not be automatically forwarded to your next flight. This means that you will need to factor in time to collect your bags and check them in again before your next flight.
If you are connecting between Heathrow and Gatwick airports, British Airways recommends allowing at least three hours for the connection. The simplest way to travel between the two airports is by taking a National Express coach, which runs up to 80 times a day and takes up to one hour. Alternatively, you can use the Heathrow Express train, which can be booked in advance for a cheaper price. However, keep in mind that travelling between terminals at Heathrow can take time, especially if you are transferring between Terminals 3 and 5.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free connection, it is recommended to download the Heathrow app, which provides a step-by-step itinerary of your connection journey and live notifications about check-in and gate information. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary documentation, such as a visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA), to enter the UK if required. By allowing ample time, staying organised, and utilising the available resources, you can effectively manage the time required to return to the airport between connecting flights at Heathrow.
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Baggage claim and storage options
If you are connecting between flights at Heathrow, you will need to collect your baggage and then go through check-in, bag drop, and security again. If you are connecting from international to domestic, you will need to go through biometrics before reaching security. If you are self-connecting, you will be treated as an arrival and departure, and you will need to go through security, collect your baggage, and check back in again.
Heathrow Airport offers manned storage facilities with 24/7 CCTV monitoring for passengers who want to explore the airport or nearby areas without their luggage. There are left luggage and baggage storage facilities in each terminal, with storage options ranging from a few hours to 90 days. Prices start from £7.50 for 0-3 hours and £12.50 for 3-24 hours.
If you are connecting between Heathrow and London City Airport, your baggage will not be automatically forwarded, so you will need to collect all your bags before leaving Heathrow. The recommended minimum connection time between London City and Heathrow is 3.5 hours.
If you are connecting between Heathrow and Gatwick Airport, your baggage will not be automatically forwarded, so you will need to collect all your bags before leaving Heathrow. The recommended minimum connection time between Heathrow and Gatwick is 3 hours.
If you have a long layover and wish to leave the airport, you will need to pass through UK immigration and have the right to enter the UK (e.g., with a visa or passport). When you return to the airport, you will need to go through security as a normal departing passenger, arriving three hours before departure for long-haul flights and two hours for short-haul flights.
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Accommodation options for long layovers
If you have a long layover at Heathrow Airport, you have a few options for accommodation. Heathrow Airport recommends against leaving the airport during long layovers, as you will have to pass through UK immigration and security checks, and you will need the right to enter the UK. However, if you have a long layover and want to leave the airport, you can explore nearby London and its iconic sights, such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace.
If you prefer to stay at the airport, Heathrow offers a range of shops and dining options across its terminals. You can also access airport lounges, which often include food, drinks, and shower facilities. Some lounges offer private napping areas with beds.
If you're looking for a more comfortable sleep, there are hotels located within the airport or a short walk away. These include:
- Aerotel London Heathrow in Terminal 3, which offers rooms that can be booked in blocks of 6, 9, or 12 hours, or overnight.
- Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2, which has private napping areas with beds.
- Sofitel, which is a short walk from Terminal 5 and offers direct access.
- Hilton, which is a 10-minute walk from Terminal 4.
- Premier Inn, which is within a 10-minute walk of Terminal 4.
Additionally, there are several other hotels located near the airport that offer airport shuttle services for a fee.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, but it is not recommended if you have a short layover. If you do choose to leave the airport, you will have to pass through UK immigration, so you will need the right to enter the UK (e.g. a visa or passport). When you return, you will have to go through security as a normal departing passenger, so make sure you have enough time.
It is recommended that you allow at least 3 hours if you're connecting between Heathrow and Gatwick airports. If you are travelling between Heathrow terminals, you can catch a free shuttle bus that operates every 10 minutes. Remember to factor in time to get through security again when you return to the airport.
To enter the UK during a layover, you may need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). It is your responsibility to check your passport and visa requirements for each country in your itinerary.
If your luggage is not checked through to your final destination, you will need to collect your bags before leaving the airport. You can store your luggage in lockers at Heathrow or check into a hotel in the airport or nearby.
