London Heathrow (LHR) Transfer Experience Terminal 3 to Terminal 5

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Overview of the transfer/connections process at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5. Terminal 3 is home to the Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, and a select few other airlines from SkyTeam, as well as, oneworld alliance. Terminal 5 is primarily home to British Airways and select few members of the oneworld alliance.
© On Time Reports 2023

[@shawntaylor9338]

This was a really helpful and informative video! I’m making my first international trip through LHR in February and now I know exactly what to expect.

[@_echobravo]

Appreciate you showing the signage. It helps to align what you're doing with where you are in the process.

[@ChrisM541]

Thank you for this hugely helpful video. It seems very well signposted etc. I'm a bit less stressed, thankfully. You done a superb job showing us all the signs we'll need.

[@analuisabances604]

Very helpful video. I am also traveling through LHR for the first time in March. Thank you!

[@anuradhadatta7976]

Ty , this video made me go through, LHR, connecting from terminal 3 to 5,very smoothly. As if i already know ,what to expect every corner, every turn. Thank you sm.❤❤❤

[@LC-yn5lp]

Thank you! Very informative and helpful. Reduced my anxiety.

[@marildamontemurro771]

thank you very much! I was afraid because I have 2 h to reach my flight connection from terminal 3 tol 5, but now that I know that all the way can be done in 30 minutes, I am relieved!

[@user-sm5gl9kq2m]

Need transit visa for terminal 5 to terminal 3.. please qew inform?

[@EbonyMMoody]

Did it take you 30 min including security check ?

[@rajeshsharma-nz3mu]

Thanks a lot it helped me a lot while boarding from London.

[@sarahdang9491]

Thanks for the information and the amazing video, very clear and precise with the texts explaining what, where and how long it takes!

[@ibrahimakaba6127]

This is really helpful - Thank you

[@JRG32459]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@e_Note]

Thanks a lot! you are the best!❤

[@vaughnwebb8704]

I love terminal 5,huge and the interior of it is amazing !

[@kbyrdleroy]

Thanks for this video!!!

[@shoichikatsumoto4476]

Thank you so much!

[@lindav.3678]

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Much easier to follow than the info I had found.

[@inezengelhardt7837]

Thanks. I’m probably transferring to an Edinburgh flight so this is super useful. I’ll be saving this for my info.

[@damorafik]

Thank you very much this will help me a lot for my next travel 😊

[@ToriMurphy]

This is extremely helpful! Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@elliejackson8706]

This has been helpful for my connection between Edinburgh to LAX in September- never done one so this has put me at ease a bit 😅thanks

[@freitas0810]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@thewperry]

Thanks!

[@farooqamin1028]

Very informative. Thanks

[@khalimedic6517]

Such a great guide ! Thx so much sir

[@frankalarcon3084]

great video !

[@marwanitani4269]

Howdy,it is very helpful i have now a clear idea about my connection flight ✈️. A big Salut to your efforts 🫡

[@suetaylor46]

Great video of your landing. 787. Watch that wing flex down when you hit the ground!!!❤

[@paul253db]

Thanks for this… im expecting to have to do the same commute, flying British Airways but have a connect at LHR.

[@neelamverma282]

Thankyou. I am travelling solo for my first international trip. Need to go to terminal 5 from terminal 3. Looks it’s not that difficult after all !

[@KanisTeacher]

Very helpful. I was concerned as we have a 2 hours to make our connection. I was concerned it wouldn’t be enough time. I feel a bit better now knowing the path is well laid out and easy to follow.

[@RyanRosario]

Oh, this is not the furthest gate, not by a long shot. You're at Gate 1, on the newer (reconstructed) pier that can support the A380. The walk from the old piers is much longer, like Gate 22 and Gate 42. The old pier that Virgin uses (gates 13-22) has departing and arriving passengers on the same level, separated by a glass partition and security has to manually block traffic when a flight arrives and passengers are shunted across the departures route and into the arrivals flow if the plane parks at a gate on the "departures side."

[@vivianbalisi4715]

Hi.. just wanna hear your advice.. I will travel after 2 days.. but i wanna know if i should need transit visa if i will transfer terminal to other terminal..

[@richardkelly2812]

Thank you. This was just perfect. Please keep up the great work with any other walkthrough's you may do.

[@marjzien8035]

Just what I needed! I have this transfer on Saturday. Just wondering, how is the security line once in T5?

[@xazlina93x]

Hi, thank you for the super detailed video. I have an international flight to london heathrow , which then connects to edinburgh (terminal 5 to 4) ( all in same booking ). Would i need to go through immigration at heathrow or is it the same as your video?

[@mughalsquad130]

Watching the this video has got me thinking about my upcoming trip. I'm curious about the options available at LHR. After seeing the smooth transfer experience in this video, I wonder if *Express Parking* can make my journey even more convenient. Does anyone have insights on using Express Parking at Heathrow? Your reply would be greatly appreciated!

[@SuyashBansal]

Thanks for the walkthrough. I have a transit at LHR soon and have just 1 hour 50 min layover to switch from T5 to T3. I hope that is a sufficient amount of time to make the switch. Are the checked bags automatically moved to the new flight, or do I need to take them out at T5 and then get them in at T3?

[@OnTimeReports]

If you booked one single ticket, then the bags should be automatically transferred through for you. 110 minutes is sufficient to transfer through LHR.

[@jhonatamagarelli1593]

I have a flight that will arrive at Heathrow Terminal 2 at 11:50 pm and I would like to spend the night in a hotel in Terminal 4 but I am not sure how to get from Terminal 2 to the hotel in the middle of the night. What better way to do this route in the night?

[@Baelzar]

This is perfect for my clients, who must do this exact journey in 2 days. I wish all airport walkthroughs were so thorough. Thanks.

[@user-pr5hs7mg7v]

Hello mates I need your help please, I have my flight conection through Heathrow airport and from arrivals I have to trasnfer to terminal 2 or 3 my question is when you go from this point to terminals 2 or 3 you pass passport control or not? you go directly to lounges areas? I need this information because I dont have Uk visa and I am a little bit worried Thank you so much for your valuable help and promp response.

[@azjoe_6310]

Thanks for the detailed info! I am connecting there from Phoenix to Aberdeen and feel like I have the lay of the land now! Just one question: I know you can't film in security areas but did you ever have to show your passport at all? As filmed it reminded me of going thru Frankfurt to Dusseldorf in 89: I walked off the flight from DC and onto the flight to Dusseldorf. Nobody would have checked my passport at all if I didn't actually look for a passport officer in Dusseldorf.

[@OnTimeReports]

No, it shouldn't be necessary because you are not entering the Schengen Area.

[@azjoe_6310]

@@OnTimeReports Thanks so much for the reply.

[@arunasai811]

Do we need transit visa for changing the terminal from 3 to 5 ?

[@A.GYIMAH]

How long did it take you from terminal 3 to 5

[@mansamusa1848]

He said 30min

[@moalzaben5554]

Is it easy to get to terminal 4 too?

[@hessaalsubaie9438]

If I have one million like I’ll give it to you because you deserve it 👏👏 My flight in summer and I have to transfer from terminal 3 to 5 like you 👍 But I have one question , How much time it’s taking with security? And what they are asking for? They see our passport and luggage , or just check the boarding . Because I have transit only 2 hours Thank you again for all information 🙏

[@OnTimeReports]

Boarding passes are checked before going to security. Time at security varies throughout the day but there’s a dedicated lane for transit passengers.

[@fluffie6568]

It looks like we have the same itinerary. I am also arriving from US to Heathrow terminal 3. I bought another ticket from Heathrow to Naples and I only have 2 hrs to transfer from terminal 3 to terminal 5. I just want to know if I need to go through passport control security even though I am only transferring terminals. I hope you can share your experience, my flight is in Aug. Thanks!

[@user-th4rf8yl9v]

i am connecting from two british airways flights on efrom toronto teh other to belfast city

[@MrDigitalMiami]

Great video. Not sure if it’s mentioned but what are the bus pickup intervals for busses that take you from terminal to terminal? Thank you!

[@OnTimeReports]

It all really depends on the time of the day and which terminal you are going but I believe the average wait time is around 10-15 minutes.

[@mightypawns]

The BA website says every 6-10 minutes.

[@alba.c.6512]

I have a 1 and a half hour transfer and I also change from terminal 3 to terminal five

[@lifeatbukid7302]

Do I need transit visa if I have one PNR and changing terminal 4 to 5?

[@roevasantjrroevasantjr2907]

Hi There im having my 5 hours lay over at Heathrow airport going to New york .Do i need to have a transit visa.. if it's needed are they going to issue me a temporary transit visa. Please help... Thank you

[@aquasm2680]

Thank you for sharing. Did you have to get your bags and recheck before immigration?

[@RyanRosario]

He is using Flight Connections so no bag pickup. He is also transiting to another country without entering London, so no immigration. If you have checked bags and they are not checked all the way to the final destination, you would have to instead go through Arrivals with immigration, bag reclaim and then recheck bags.

[@OnTimeReports]

At your point of departure make sure your bags are checked all the way through then you won’t need to go through immigration and re check your bags

[@aquasm2680]

@On Time Reports Thank you for your reply and sharing this vital information. I'm leaving today.

[@RyanRosario]

LMAO

[@rogerwild1966]

It's not the USA.

[@patidar2567]

Really helpful video, thanks for making. I have flight British Airways from Mumbai to London terminal -5, 2h layover, And second flight London terminal -5(same terminal), My quarry is 2h is enough for everything?. Please guide me.

[@OnTimeReports]

Yes that’s enough time

[@SirAranLuis]

Your video is a lifesaver! I was wondering if there was an area where I can print my boarding pass before going thru security. On the way back, is there a BA check in transfer desk in Terminal 3? Thanks a million!

[@NRecob]

I wish I'd seen this video *before* I booked 2 tix on BA from ATL to CDG thru Heathrow! Not including the busride, it Looks like about a 3 mile walk w/bags! And then I get to do it again on the return leg (Term 5 to Term 3)! Next time, its *NONSTOP* to CDG on Delta or Air France! To hell w/BA & Heathrow!

[@Trancemaster001]

Westjet flies through lhr now? They used to fly gatwick

[@ceciloong]

Hi, my flight will arrive T3 (Cathay from HK) and then my connecting flight to Dublin will be at T5. I have 2 hour layover, is it enough? Would you recommend the shuttle or subway? It’s my first time transiting at LHR, appreciate your advice! Thanks😊

[@OnTimeReports]

If your itinerary is booked on one ticket, then you should take the shuttle bus as you don't have to clear UK immigration.

[@aminkoudia7520]

What is the approximative time of the shuttle bus between terminal 3 and 5 ? Thank you

[@OnTimeReports]

About 5 minutes

[@Zuli55]

I am travelling to US from EU through LHR, I'm confused about the transit visa, heard some people had issues with it. I am going to change terminals 3 & 5 and visa versa on my way back. As it is the same airline - BA and I won't even have any checked luggage and my connection will be 4-6 hours in the same day, do I understand correctly that there is no need for the transit visa as I am not going to pass through the border control ? Thank you in advance !

[@OnTimeReports]

Whether you need a transit visa depends on your nationality. You may still need a transit visa if transiting through the same terminal in the same airport. Whether you pass through immigration or not will determine the type of transit visa you need, if you need one

[@user-sm5gl9kq2m]

Hello broather my travel arrival terminal 5 me go change terminal 3 need ane visa for transit?

[@uniqueoyeniyi668]

Traveling from Nigeria to Washington with British Airways (US) . Layover is 3hrs in Heathrow from Nigeria and 10hrs from Washington. No change of terminal..all in T5. Do i need a transit visa?.

[@OnTimeReports]

Whether you need a transit visa will also depend on your nationality.

[@Ellajadetalks]

Hi, my flight from Manchester lands in Heathrow at 8:10am and then my flight to nyc is at 9:55, is that enough time? It’s all on one ticket too so will I need to go through security again and what will happen to my luggage? I’m really confused.

[@OnTimeReports]

Yes, that is enough time, luggage will be checked all the way through.

[@amarpreetsingh9633]

Bro transit visa need to change flight from terminal 5 to 3 at heathrow uk airport

[@samuelmateus5469]

Good morning We have to change terminals at Heathrow. From 3 to 5. Is it doable in 1 hour? They changed the terminal, it wasn’t planned THANKS

[@OnTimeReports]

I’m not sure 1 hour meets the minimum connecting time at LHR when you have to switch terminals. I’d contact BA and ask to change flights due to the connection time

[@DanielVazquez]

If I am traveling from USA to Dublin via Heathrow and no checked bags, do I have to clear UK immigration at Heathrow even though connection flight is on the same terminal?

[@OnTimeReports]

No

[@RebelSol67]

I'm doing a DFW to LHR to PRG (Terminal 5 to 3) in July. Checking luggage through to PRG. Am I correct that I don't have to go through passport control at LHR? On reverse doing OTP to LHR to DFW (Terminal 3 to 5) on the way back.

[@OnTimeReports]

That's correct - no UK passport control.

[@RebelSol67]

Do we have to go through security? IF so, if we have airline provided amenity kits, do we have to pull them out due to the liquids rules? @@OnTimeReports

[@mungaMxxxaM]

What's the average time needed to pass through the security at terminal 5, mid-week, afternoon hours? How about Terminal 3 on my trip back?

[@OnTimeReports]

That is probably a time that has low wait times.

[@mungaMxxxaM]

@@OnTimeReports Thank you! Any approximation? What is an average? 10 minutes? 30 minutes?

[@mileyooxx]

Im taking my first flight soon. Ill be arriving at terminal 5 and needing a connecting flight at T3. Ive looked on Heathrow's website and for connecting between the two you need yo take the underground or express train. It doesn't mention a bus service. I looked at the map/ time tables and the buses seem to only run early in the morning between 3-5am. Is this true or is there a bus connecting the terminals? Thanks

[@OnTimeReports]

What you are describing are the options after clearing immigration. I am describing the options before clearing immigration. If you follow what I did, there is no need to go through immigration.

[@79madrileno]

I'm flying Delta to Heathrow and then connecting on a separate ticket on British Airways to Edinburgh. We have carry on luggage only. US Passports. Can we stay airside as you show in the video? Where do we go through Passport Control/Immigration? Thanks @@OnTimeReports

[@mansamusa1848]

How did your trip go. Can you pls tell us how was ur trip from T5 to T3?

[@mileyooxx]

@@mansamusa1848 very easy and straightforward. Once you get off the plane, follow the purple signs to connecting flights. It led me to the bus shuttles. They are clearly labelled what terminals they go to. So I hopped onto the T5/ T3 when needed.

[@mansamusa1848]

@@mileyooxx Thank you. Do we have to pay fee for the bus. Many thanks in advance cheers

[@forbabs24]

CAn someone tell me this transfer is free of charge? Thanks

[@amyash2339]

Wow i felt like im walking..

[@rupambora]

Hi this is very useful. Thanks a lot Is the reverse ( transiting from T5 to T3 with single PNR and thorough checkin) takes about the same time ? I have a transit - arriving at T5 and departing from T3

[@OnTimeReports]

Yes, should be around the same time.

[@Slincayman]

Which transit visa going to be used in this case

[@almacyinthiakirana6479]

Do i need transit visa just change terminal ?

[@anuradhadatta7976]

If i print boarding pass at d airport of origin for my connecting flight for heathrow to destination, then do i hv to print out d boarding pass again? Wat about d announcement of gate as i hv a lay over of 5 hrs at heathrow. Please reply.

[@OnTimeReports]

Why would you need to reprint your boarding pass again? That is not necessary at Heathrow.

[@anuradhadatta7976]

Ty for d reply. Great video❤❤❤

[@abdulisudi173]

I am citizens of Tanzania my question is if I want to trasit in London to and next destination is Bahamas just 1 hour and half in London they checking me every things or just bording pass only?

[@OnTimeReports]

You’ll have to go through security again

[@abdulisudi173]

What he need the security in London?

[@tonyo7324]

Very nice no shaking of camera and informative with written captions. I think you know the airport well. The long walk and the transfer seem endless. My heart will be pounding and go up to my throat. Now I have to choose a connection of 1 hr. and 35 mins. or a 16 hour overnight layover. We have a very stressful connection 10 yrs. ago from T5 to T3 or T2 on our way to Dublin BA. We have over 3 hours layover and when we reached our gate they were already boarding. Your connection was so smooth. BTW. If we have a 16 hr. overnight layover, do we have to exit arrival? I'm sure our luggage will be checked in to our final destination. This will be our first time to have a very long layover.

[@sivaforutube]

Isnt there a train or something between trminals?

[@OnTimeReports]

In order to use the train, you'll need to formally enter the United Kingdom.

[@Lukky2424]

Is 1:30 hr will be ok for connecting one more internal plane At Heathrow airport

[@OnTimeReports]

90 minutes is sufficient.

[@taurussian4591]

When you mean security, is it custom? Or immigration? This is airside transit right?

[@OnTimeReports]

Neither - security means the place where you go through a body scanner, take out your electronics, put your liquids in a custom sized bag, maybe take off your shoes, and scan your boarding pass once or maybe twice.

[@ImportedFromSerbia]

In England we are supposed to walk on the left side, right?!:::))))

[@DeeWade823]

Do you know if taking the train from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 is free of charge? and do i need to buy tickets to take this train?

[@face_thereality]

The Piccadilly Line is free but you need a oyster card/contactless payment to access it. The Elizabeth Line and Heathrow express are also free but you need to show a valid terminal transfer ticket which can be obtained for free at the ticket machines. If you don't have oyster/contactless, the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line is the best option. But I'd recommend the Piccadilly Line if you have suitable payment methods as it is more frequent albeit less luggage-friendly

[@lailawik2441]

Thaiköket you👍🏼

[@user-th4rf8yl9v]

westjet so you are flyuing from Canadawhat city

[@mlloyd52]

There is a train between terminals..,this is just walking from the gate..it’s a nightmare.

[@OnTimeReports]

In order to use the train, you'll need to formally enter the United Kingdom.

[@vivianbalisi4715]

Hi.. please help me to know .. if i need transit visa if i just need to transfer terminal.. my connecting flight is from terminal 3 to terminal 5 .. just wanna know if i should need to get visa.. please reply.. thank you

[@OnTimeReports]

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, among other factors.

[@sarameyers2453]

What about USA nationality? Layover under 2 hours, no checked bags just carry on, all my terminals for Layover are 5. Do I need any type of visa or passport only is needed?

[@YumeFox]

I'm travelling from Chicago to Berlin in a few months time with checked in luggage, and I'd also have to do this transfer. Will this also mean I'd have to go through immigration at Heathrow? Or wont immigration happen until I arrive in Berlin? What about my checked in luggage? Will it get transferred to T5 or do I need to pick it up at T5 and then check it in again at T3?

[@OnTimeReports]

If you are flying on one ticket, then your bags should be checked to your final destination. If it is, then you wouldn't have to go through immigration at LHR. You just need to go through security again

[@Slincayman]

Which transit visa is required to change the terminal in Uk Landon

[@jayd1426]

Shouldn't be necessary for flight connections in most cases, but I think there is an In Transit visa that you can get

[@OnTimeReports]

The same kind that would be needed if you need to transit between Heathrow and Gatwick airports

[@lencrites7044]

It is still confusing to me. Thanks.

[@sherinthomas65]

Do we need a transit visa if we want to just change the terminal from 5 to 3?

[@OnTimeReports]

Transit visa is determined by your nationality, not whether you need to change terminals or not. You may still need a transit visa if you are transiting through the same terminal at Heathrow.

[@sherinthomas65]

@@OnTimeReports So I being an Indian, will I require a transit visa as I only need to transfer from 5 to 3. I need to go to Spain.

[@theblindbegga5897]

No as long as your luggage is checked through to your final destination you will not need to leave the airport meaning you will not go anywhere near immigration. Only a small sercuity check that checks your bags and 100ml liquids alike.

[@pranavrabari7104]

⁠@@theblindbegga5897 I am going to fly from Mumbai to Zagreb and had a layover in London should I need a transit visa ?

[@kyrieavery6189]

Hi, what if I do have checked bags? But i have a US work visa, do you have any idea how that works?

[@oscar-wn]

The security check is in Terminal 5?

[@OnTimeReports]

Yes, in this case you would go through security in Terminal 5

[@stark7412]

Mauritius Mk 043...T4

[@skylineXpert]

Went to heathrow decades ago (before the renovating & rebuild). I only return due to the new ESTA look-a-like formula being introduced after august 2024... Usually I frequent STN as their Hampton Inn Is good value... I wonder how It will go... I plan on using HGI at Hatton Cross

[@lucyda6079]

Great video ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️if i could I would give u 1000 likes

[@user-ib4sf3ij1x]

I am from India, will I need visa for terminal 3 to 5?

[@princeverma1495]

No

[@fluffie6568]

Im coming from US to Heathrow Terminal 3 and I bought a separate ticket from Heathrow to Naples and I only have 2hrs to catch it to Terminal 5 once I arrive in Heathrow. Do I need to go to passport control even though I am not going out of London airport? I just need to transfer from terminal 3 to 5. Thanks!

[@OnTimeReports]

As long as you don’t have any checked bags, there’s no need to go through passport control

[@Baelzar]

If you have checked bags with two separate tickets....you should ship your luggage, because they won't interline it and you don't have time to collect it and re-check it and still make your flight.

[@almacyinthiakirana6479]

Do i need visa transit ?

[@OnTimeReports]

Did you watch the video?

[@uwaamen1082]

✈️💯Nothing

[@PhoenixWrong_]

TFW terminal 3 says you need to print your boarding pass in terminal 5 and there's a 2+ hour queue for the transfer desk in terminal 5.

[@OnTimeReports]

For BA at T5, there’s self-serve kiosks to print your boarding pass.

[@user-cr6yt1np3p]

イギリスブーム。

[@watzh1205]

Ngl I’d cry if I had turned up to the uk 🤢

[@theblindbegga5897]

Wow im famous i see myself.

[@badr5638]

Congs