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LHRLondon·Heathrow·London, United Kingdom
How long is your layover?
30 min45 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
Recommended minimum1 hour
Quick Stats
Concourses
4
Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, Terminal 5
Max Transit
35m
via walking
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
British Airways
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45min
Domestic → International
60min
International → Domestic
60min
International → International
75min
London skylinePhoto by Chengxin Zhao on Pexels
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Getting Between Concourses
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.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Key Facts
Massive split-terminal layout
BA's T5 fortress hub is efficient
T4 transfers are the weak link
Re-screening common between terminals
Airlines at LHR
British AirwaysVirgin Atlantic
Common Questions
Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Is 1 hour enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Is 2 hours enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Is 3 hours enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Is 4 hours enough for a layover at LHR?

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

Other Airport Guides
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AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER