Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 Station
Piccadilly Elizabeth
Piccadilly line / Elizabeth line
Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, TW6 1EW 📍 View Full Map
Zone 6
London Borough of Hillingdon
Nearest A&E: Hillingdon Hospital, Pield Heath Road, UB8 3NN
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Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 Station – Information for Travellers

Overview

Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is the central Underground and Elizabeth line station at Heathrow Airport, serving both Terminal 2 (The Queen's Terminal) and Terminal 3 from a single underground station. It is the primary rail gateway to the airport and the busiest of Heathrow's three Underground stations.

The station is served by both the Piccadilly line — the original Underground connection to Heathrow, running since 1977 — and the Elizabeth line, which opened at Heathrow in 2022 and now offers significantly faster services to Paddington, the City, and Docklands. The Elizabeth line is the fastest and most direct rail link between central London and Heathrow.

Terminal 2 is the home of Star Alliance airlines including United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, and many others. Terminal 3 serves a mix of oneworld, SkyTeam, and unaffiliated carriers. The station is also the interchange point for the Piccadilly line branch to Terminal 4 and the line continuing to Terminal 5.

⚑ Traveller Tip — Heathrow Line Splits

It is recommended to change trains at a Central London station if you need to ensure you are on the correct branch for your destination. Both the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line split — some trains terminate at Terminal 5 and others at Terminal 4. However, all trains pass through Terminals 2 & 3 before heading to their final destination (either 4 or 5). Changing trains early in Central London is much easier, as it allows you to switch on the same platform without walking far or lifting heavy luggage. For a faster service, the Heathrow Express runs non-stop from Paddington station with a journey time of around 15 minutes.

Lines and Services

Piccadilly line

  • Direct to Earls Court: approx. 32 minutes
  • Direct to Green Park: approx. 45 minutes
  • Direct to King's Cross St. Pancras: approx. 52 minutes
  • Direct to Leicester Square: approx. 44 minutes
  • Eastbound to Cockfosters: approx. 72 minutes end-to-end
  • Trains every 5–10 minutes throughout the day
  • Piccadilly line serves all Heathrow terminals: trains alternate between T5 loop and T4 spur from this station

Elizabeth line (Fastest central London link)

  • Direct to London Paddington: approx. 31 minutes
  • Direct to Bond Street: approx. 35 minutes
  • Direct to Tottenham Court Road: approx. 38 minutes
  • Direct to Liverpool Street: approx. 44 minutes
  • Direct to Canary Wharf: approx. 52 minutes
  • Direct to Abbey Wood: approx. 70 minutes
  • Trains run approximately every 10 minutes; TfL Oyster/contactless fares apply
  • This station is the junction for the Elizabeth line branch to Terminal 5

✈ HEATHROW EXPRESS (Non-stop to Paddington — premium fare service)

  • Direct to London Paddington: approx. 21 minutes non-stop
  • Frequency: every 15 minutes (departing Paddington at :02, :17, :32, :47 past each hour)
  • Standard fares from approx. £22 one way; advance online booking is significantly cheaper than walk-up
  • Business First class available with wider seats and dedicated overhead luggage space
  • Airline-style seating and power sockets throughout; no Oyster — Heathrow Express tickets purchased separately at the dedicated check-in desks or online
  • Services also call at Heathrow Terminal 5 (27 minutes from Paddington); Terminal 4 is not served by Heathrow Express
  • At Paddington, direct connections are available to the Elizabeth line, Bakerloo line, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines, and Great Western Railway mainline services
  • Note: The Elizabeth line is a cheaper (Oyster/contactless fare) alternative to Heathrow Express with only a small difference in journey time

Station Facilities

  • Staffed ticket office and TfL customer service points
  • Self-service ticket machines and Oyster top-up points
  • Separate Piccadilly line and Elizabeth line platforms and concourses
  • Direct covered walkways to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3
  • Interchange to Terminal 4 (Piccadilly loop) and Terminal 5 (Piccadilly and Elizabeth line)
  • Real-time service information for all lines
  • Taxi rank and ride-share pick-up zones at terminal level
  • National Express coach terminal immediately adjacent
  • Bus terminus serving local Hounslow and Slough routes
  • Left luggage service within T2 and T3 terminals
  • ATMs and currency exchange in both terminals
  • Accessible toilets and baby changing throughout T2 and T3

Accessibility

Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 station is fully step-free across both the Piccadilly and Elizabeth line sections. Lifts serve all platform levels and the station connects via accessible routes to both terminals.

  • Lifts to all platforms on both the Piccadilly and Elizabeth line sections
  • Wide-gate barriers and step-free corridors throughout
  • Audio and visual passenger information on all platforms
  • Assistance staff from TfL and airport available at all times
  • Accessible toilets in both T2 and T3
  • Induction loops at all information points

For special assistance, contact your airline in advance. TfL Assisted Travel: 0343 222 1234.

Local Attractions

Windsor Castle — 7 miles (approx. 30 mins by taxi or No. 77 bus)

The world's oldest and largest occupied royal castle, Windsor is England's most-visited attraction outside London. The State Apartments showcase extraordinary royal art collections; St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England; and the Long Walk provides a stunning approach to the castle. Open daily; allow a full half-day or more.

Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens) — 9 miles (Elizabeth line to Paddington, District to Kew Gardens)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 326 acres of outstanding botanical gardens. The Victorian glasshouses — including the Palm House and Temperate House — are spectacular in any season. The 18-metre-high Treetop Walkway offers a unique perspective on the gardens. Open daily; allow 3–5 hours for a thorough visit.

Osterley Park & House — 5 miles (Piccadilly line to Osterley)

A National Trust Georgian mansion set in 140 acres of parkland, featuring some of Robert Adam's finest 18th-century interiors in England. A quiet, rewarding visit away from the main tourist crowds. The grounds and lakes make for a peaceful walk.

Thorpe Park Resort — 11 miles

One of the UK's largest and most thrilling theme parks, with major coasters and attractions. Best for passengers with a full day available. Reachable by taxi or the park's dedicated shuttle bus service from Heathrow.

Runnymede — 6 miles

The historically significant Thames-side meadows where Magna Carta was sealed in 1215. Managed by the National Trust, the site includes memorials to the Great Charter and President Kennedy. A peaceful and contemplative half-hour visit.

Richmond Park — 9 miles

London's largest Royal Park, home to over 600 free-roaming red and fallow deer. Breathtaking views across London from King Henry's Mound on clear days. Accessible via Elizabeth line and District line combination.

Hotel / Bed & Breakfast

Hilton London Heathrow Airport — On site (T4 area, shuttle to T2&3)

A large 4-star hotel directly connected to Terminal 4, with frequent shuttle buses to T2&3. Comfortable rooms, a health club, multiple restaurants and bars. From around £130/night.

Premier Inn London Heathrow (Bath Road) — 0.5 miles

A large, reliable Premier Inn property close to Heathrow Central Bus Station with easy bus access to T2&3. Consistent rooms, on-site restaurant, and competitive rates. From around £65/night when booked ahead.

Sheraton Heathrow Hotel — 1 mile

A well-appointed 4-star hotel with a free terminal shuttle, health club, restaurant, and bar. Reliable and comfortable for both leisure and business travellers. From around £120/night.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow — 1.5 miles

An upscale 4-star hotel with free airport shuttle, excellent restaurant, spa, and fitness facilities. Consistently well-reviewed. From around £140/night.

Ibis London Heathrow — 0.8 miles

A budget hotel with comfortable rooms and on-site dining. Airport shuttle available. A good value option for early departures or late arrivals from T2 or T3. From around £55/night.

Parking Facilities

Heathrow's central terminals have extensive parking facilities managed by Heathrow Airport Ltd. The T2&3 area has the widest range of options at the airport. Advance online booking is strongly recommended.

Short-Stay Parking

  • Short Stay T2 — immediately adjacent to Terminal 2. Ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. From approx. £6 for 30 minutes; expensive for longer durations.
  • Short Stay T3 — a short covered walk from T3 departures. Same rates as T2 short-stay.

Long-Stay Parking

  • Long Stay T2&3 (Purple Parking zone) — open-air car park with frequent shuttle service. Pre-book online for the best rates; from approx. £22/day.
  • Business Parking T2&3 — premium covered multi-storey with short walk to terminal. From approx. £45/day.
  • Off-airport providers (APH, Meet and Greet services) frequently offer cheaper alternatives with a shuttle transfer. Compare prices and allow extra time for the transfer.

A drop-off charge applies in the terminal set-down areas. Check the Heathrow website for current drop-off fee information before arriving by car.

Pubs & Bars

The Straw Hat, Terminal 2 Airside — On site

J.D. Wetherspoon's pub in Terminal 2's departure lounge. Reliable, good-value food and an extensive range of beers, wines, and spirits. One of the busiest and most popular bars in T2. Departing passengers only.

Victoria's Bar & Kitchen, Terminal 2 Airside — On site

A comfortable bar offering cocktails, craft beers, and wines alongside a food menu. A slightly more refined option than the Wetherspoon for those wanting a quieter pre-flight drink. Airside T2 departures only.

Caviar House & Prunier, Terminal 3 Airside — On site

A well-regarded champagne and seafood bar serving oysters, caviar, and smoked salmon alongside an impressive wine and Champagne list. A real treat for special occasions or those wanting a luxurious start to a long-haul journey. Airside T3.

Bar Américain, Terminal 3 Airside — On site

A cocktail bar and brasserie inspired by classic American bar culture, serving well-crafted cocktails and a full food menu. Popular with long-haul travellers before overnight flights.

The Wheatsheaf, Bath Road — 0.5 miles

A traditional British pub on the Bath Road near Heathrow, serving real ales and pub food. A genuine local pub away from the airport environment, popular with airport workers and hotel guests. Short taxi or bus ride from the terminals.

Restaurants

Fortnum & Mason, Terminal 5 (approx. 5 mins by Elizabeth line) — 1 stop

While technically at T5, Fortnum & Mason is just one Elizabeth line stop away and worth the short journey for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a special meal in the iconic setting of one of Britain's finest food emporiums. Booking recommended.

Heston Blumenthal's Perfectionists' Café, Terminal 2 Airside — On site

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal's Heathrow outpost, known for his signature “perfect” dishes including the celebrated triple-cooked chips and extraordinary breakfasts. A genuinely special dining experience in an airport setting. Airside T2 departures only; booking strongly recommended.

Wagamama, Terminal 3 Airside — On site

The popular Japanese-inspired noodle and rice bowl chain. Quick, consistent, and good value for airport dining. A reliable choice for a light meal before a long flight.

SSP Food Travel Experts & Various Outlets — T2 & T3 Landside & Airside

Both terminals have extensive food-to-go options throughout the landside and airside areas including Pret A Manger, Costa Coffee, Itsu, Leon, and Sourced Market. Excellent for quick bites or breakfast before checking in.

Garfunkel's, Terminal 3 Airside — On site

A large, family-friendly restaurant serving generous portions of classic British and American dishes. Good for families or groups wanting a substantial sit-down meal. Airside T3 access only.

Entertainment

T2 & T3 Airside Shopping — On site

Both terminals have substantial airside retail areas. Terminal 2 features a large World Duty Free, luxury brands, Dixons Travel, and fashion outlets. Terminal 3 has a similarly well-stocked selection with a focus on fashion and accessories alongside duty-free. A good range of books, gifts, and essentials available in both.

Windsor Castle — 7 miles (day trip)

The most accessible major attraction from Heathrow, Windsor Castle is outstanding in every respect. A half-day visit comfortably covers the main highlights. Take the No. 77 bus from Heathrow Central Bus Station or a taxi (approx. £25–£35 each way).

Kew Gardens — 9 miles (Elizabeth line to Paddington, District line to Kew Gardens)

Outstanding in every season, Kew Gardens is one of the world's great botanical gardens. The UNESCO listing, Victorian glasshouses, treetop walkway, and art galleries make a full morning or afternoon's entertainment for visitors of all ages and interests.

Osterley Park — 5 miles (Piccadilly line to Osterley)

A tranquil National Trust property featuring Robert Adam's finest interiors and 140 acres of parkland. A genuinely rewarding off-the-beaten-track day trip from Heathrow for culture and history enthusiasts.

Aviation Spotting, Myrtle Avenue — 2 miles

The famous Myrtle Avenue in Hounslow is one of the world's most celebrated aircraft viewing spots, directly under the final approach to Heathrow's northern runway. Aircraft pass overhead at remarkably low altitude, making for spectacular photography. Free to visit; accessible by local bus from the terminals.

Heathrow Visitor Centre — On site (T2 area)

The Heathrow Visitor Centre provides information on the airport's history and future development plans. Exhibits cover the airport's remarkable growth from a single wartime runway to one of the world's busiest international airports. Free entry during terminal opening hours.

 
 
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