Moving between terminals at Heathrow to visit a lounge
We are traveling from Heathrow Airport Terminal 2. We would like to visit a lounge in Terminal 1 or 3 before we fly. Is it possible to check into T2 and then move between terminals before we fly?
Best Answer
Normally, it is not possible to move freely between terminals at Heathrow, unless you book a shopping transfer. You need to check in and clear security in your departure terminal, and then otherwise need to stay there. On arrival, if you're transferring to another terminal, you do that before clearing security, so you can't enter the other terminal
However... Terminals 1 and 2 are special. They currently share quite a few facilities, including sharing a pier. That will continue for another year or so, until they finally close down what's left of Terminal 1. (Terminal 2 will then be expanded over the site of the current Terminal 1)
You can find the details on how to walk between the two in this thread on FlyerTalk, expect to allow 10-15 minutes. (You basically need to walk to the shared pier, then follow the signs to whichever main terminal you want to be in)
That said, the lounges in Terminal 2 are brand new and miles miles better than anything in Terminal 1, so you'd really be much better staying in T2 and visiting the lounges there!
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Can I go to a lounge in a different terminal Heathrow?
If you have lounge access, you won't be able to access the lounges in the Heathrow terminal at which you land if different from your departure terminal, no matter how good they are. You will need to transfer to your next terminal and access the lounge there with your onward boarding pass.Can you walk between Heathrow terminals?
You can walk between Terminals 2 and 3 via the pedestrian underpass. The route is well signposted and can be followed on our interactive Heathrow map. If you have an impairment or mobility difficulties, find out how to request assistance.Do you have to go through security when changing terminals at Heathrow?
Just follow the purple connections signs which clearly point you in the direction of the departure lounge or buses if you are travelling from a new terminal. Be warned: everyone who boards a new flight at Heathrow will have to go through security.Is 2 hours enough time to transfer in Heathrow?
We recommend that you allow the following minimum connection times: 1 hour for connections within the same Heathrow terminal. 1 hour 30 minutes for connections that require travel between terminals at Heathrow.Review: My GUIDE TO HEATHROW - Things you didn't know!
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Answer 2
The answer is yes. Terminals 1, 2 and three are 5-10 minutes walking from each other. There is a good navigation system and signing everywhere as well. So it should not be a problem for you to walk to the lounge in a different terminal.
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