Heathrow rail engineering works: 16 & 17 November

Due to planned engineering works, there will be no Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line services to or from Heathrow on Saturday 16 November and Sunday 17 November.

Piccadilly line services will be running as normal on both days.


Passengers should plan their journeys before travelling, and allow for additional time where necessary as trains that are running will be much busier than normal.

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Connections guide

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Maria Asaad
Connections,
Welcome to Heathrow's connections guide, your one stop shop on all things connections, and here to guide you through the process to ease your connecting journey. From what to do at security and immigration to the best way to spend your time at the airport during connecting flights, you will find all the information you need right here.

What is a connecting flight?

A connecting flight is when you book one ticket and have multiple flights, arriving on one flight and leaving on another from the same airport.

You're not technically a connecting passenger if you've booked two separate flights. You'll need to go through immigration, collect your baggage and then go through check-in, bag drop and security again.

What's the step-by-step process for catching a connecting flight?

  1. Once you leave the aircraft, follow the purple ‘Flight Connections’ signs. When you reach the Flight Connections area, look at the screens to find out which terminal your onward flight departs from (please note that these screens do not show gate information).

  2. Continue to follow the purple signs, this may involve getting on a bus if your flight departs from a different terminal.

  3. Pass through security, ensuring you follow instructions from colleagues within the area regarding liquids and electronic devices. Please note that if you’re connecting onto a domestic flight you will pass through UK immigration prior to security.

  4. Enter the departure lounge and enjoy your time before your flight. Information screens will show your gate close to your departure time.

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Look out for the purple signs, to guide you through your connections journey

Plan your connection with the Heathrow app

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. 

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Travelling between terminals

Heathrow has four main terminal buildings and sub-buildings within those terminals, so your connecting journey will vary depending on where you arrive and where you are flying.

Once you arrive at Heathrow, you will see purple ‘Flight Connection’ signs, which will lead you to your next flight.

Depending on the type of passenger you are, here are the main ways to connect between each building:

  • Connecting from one terminal to another - if your outbound flight departs from a different terminal to the one you arrived at, you can catch a free shuttle bus between terminals that operates every 10 minutes.
  • Connecting within the same terminal - if your inbound flight arrives at the same terminal you're departing from you can travel to your gate on foot, or catch a free train.
  • Connecting from international to domestic - if you arrive on an international flight and are connecting to a domestic flight, you'll need to go through biometrics before reaching security.
  • Self-connecting - treated as arrival and departure - you'll need to go through security, collect your baggage, and check back in again. The information on this page doesn’t apply to you.

 

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Catch the connections bus to transfer between terminals
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If you're connecting to the same terminal, you can walk or use the free train.

Immigration and security

All connecting passengers must go through security again, and the 100ml rule still applies when connecting. Make sure you allow enough time for this to eliminate any rush or panic when catching your next flight.

As a connecting passenger, you can pass through security with just your itinerary in case you don’t have your boarding pass printed or at hand. 

Security and baggage guidance
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All connecting passengers must go through security at Heathrow

Check-in and baggage

Most connecting passengers, won’t have to pick up baggage until you reach your final destination, where it will be waiting for you there. If you're a self-connecting passenger you may need to pick up your luggage and go through the check-in process again. Check with your airline if you're not sure.

If you are experiencing a delay in your initial flight and you are worried about catching your following flight on time, your airline may rebook you on the next available flight while you’re in the air, which you will be notified about once you land.

There are airline desks available for additional assistance pre and post-security. 

Contact your airline
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How long does it take to connect between flights?

Airlines sell connecting flights that are within an airports ‘minimum connection time’. If you have booked directly with an airline and your flight is on time, you will have plenty of time to make your connection. If your inbound flight is arriving late, speak to a member of airline staff and they will be able to help.

We would not recommend leaving the airport, even if you have a long wait between flights.

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Shopping and eating during your connection

If you have a lengthy wait time, you may consider booking a lounge to relax and eat in for a few hours. The lounges in terminal have comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options.

You can use foreign currency at Heathrow in our shops and restaurants. So, if you have a layover at Heathrow but aren't leaving the airport, there's no need to exchange your currency to enjoy all the airport has to offer.

Book a lounge at Heathrow