London Heathrow (LHR) has no airside hotel, and some nationalities need a UK transit visa (DATV) even without leaving the airport. Terminal changes require a bus and a second security check, so allow at least 90 minutes, and 2–3 hours to be safe.
Do you need a transit visa for LHR?
It depends on your passport and whether you stay airside (inside the international transit area) or want to leave the airport, which always requires entry permission for the United Kingdom.
LHR terminals
Terminal 2
Star Alliance airlines and others.
Terminal 3
Virgin Atlantic, many oneworld and long-haul carriers.
Terminal 4
SkyTeam and a mix of other airlines.
Terminal 5
British Airways (most flights) and Iberia.
How transfers work at LHR
Follow the purple 'Flight Connections' signs. Changing terminals uses dedicated airside transfer buses and a second security check. Allow plenty of time: terminal changes are the most common cause of missed connections.
Not sure your connection is long enough? Try the layover calculator →
What to do on a layover at LHR
- 2–4 hours
Focus on the connection
If you change terminals, that alone can take 60–90 minutes. Head straight to your departure terminal, then relax.
- 5–8 hours
Lounge and rest
Buy a lounge pass for a shower and a quieter seat. Only leave the airport if you're allowed to enter the UK.
- 8+ hours
Quick central London trip (if you can enter the UK)
Take the Elizabeth line to the West End or Heathrow Express to Paddington. Return at least 3 hours before departure.
Where to sleep at LHR
- 🛏️ Landside airport hotelsLandside: entry neededHeathrow has no airside transit hotel. Hotels (some connected to T4/T5) require UK entry permission.
- 🪑 Lounges / quiet seatingAirside: no visa neededRest options airside are limited to lounges and gate seating.
Lounges at LHR
| Lounge | Who can get in |
|---|---|
| British Airways Galleries lounges (T5, T3) | BA premium passengers and oneworld elites |
| Plaza Premium (T2, T3, T4, T5) | Pay-per-use or lounge membership programs |
| Aspire / No1 lounges | Pay-per-use or lounge membership programs |
No status? See how to get lounge access without flying business.
Getting from LHR to London city centre
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow Express | ≈ 15–20 min to Paddington | Fastest, most expensive. |
| Elizabeth line | ≈ 30–40 min to central London | Cheaper, direct to the West End and the City. |
| Piccadilly line (Underground) | ≈ 50–60 min to central London | Cheapest option. |
Only leave the airport if your passport allows entry and you have enough time. Aim to be back 2.5–3 hours before departure.
Insider tips for LHR
- Check your departure terminal before you land. It's often different from your arrival terminal.
- Some nationalities need a UK transit visa even to stay airside. Check before booking.
- Several nationalities now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for some transits. Check the latest rules on GOV.UK.
LHR layover FAQ
Do I need a visa to transit through Heathrow?
It depends on nationality. Some passports need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) even without leaving the airport, others need an ETA, and some need nothing. Check the GOV.UK transit visa checker.
Is there a hotel inside Heathrow's transit area?
No. All hotels are landside, so you need UK entry permission to use them.
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.