We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at Heathrow. The minimum connection time is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 75 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 35 minutes.

Domestic-to-Domestic: 45 min. Domestic-to-International: 60 min. International-to-Domestic: 60 min. International-to-International: 75 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at Heathrow.

Heathrow is one of the world's great connecting hubs, but its physical size and split-terminal structure make transfers demanding. British Airways' dominance at Terminal 5 makes same-terminal connections quick and reliable, while transfers involving Terminal 4 or between terminals require extra time for inter-terminal transit and, frequently, security re-screening. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are adjacent and connected by a covered walkway (10-15 minutes on foot). Terminal 5 is linked to the central area by a dedicated driverless transit train (Heathrow Express-style pod), while Terminal 4 is the most remote and requires either the Heathrow Express/Elizabeth line rail link or an inter-terminal bus, both of which involve exiting to landside transfer areas and passing through security again at the new terminal.

Security lines and gate distances at LHR make 30 minutes unworkable except in extraordinary circumstances. See full 30 min guide →

Close to domestic MCT but domestic flights are rare at LHR; for international itineraries this remains too short. See full 45 min guide →

Meets the standard international-international MCT for a same-terminal connection at LHR. See full 1 hr guide →

Covers the published MCT for a different-terminal international connection, including inter-terminal transit. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Comfortable buffer for a cross-terminal transfer with re-screening and moderate queues. See full 1½ hr guide →

Ample time for any terminal combination, including T4 transfers via rail or bus. See full 2 hr guide →

Very comfortable, allowing for delays, retail time, or lounge access. See full 2½ hr guide →

Generous buffer covering worst-case peak security and transit delays. See full 3 hr guide →

More than enough time to relax, eat, or use a lounge regardless of terminal combination. See full 4 hr guide →