London Heathrow (LHR): Terminals, Connections and Flights to Frankfurt
Key facts
| IATA code | LHR |
|---|---|
| Terminals | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Flights to Frankfurt | British Airways (T5), Lufthansa (T2) |
| Flight time to FRA | approx. 1 h 20 min (gate to gate about 1 h 40 min) |
| To central London | Heathrow Express (≈15 min to Paddington), Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line |
| Arrival in Frankfurt | BA: Terminal 3 · Lufthansa: Terminal 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What part of London is Heathrow Airport in?
Heathrow is in west London, in the London Borough of Hillingdon, about 24 km (15 miles) from the city centre. It lies in Travelcard Zone 6, so Oyster and contactless payments work on the Underground and Elizabeth line to and from the airport.
Which Heathrow terminal do flights to Frankfurt leave from?
British Airways flights to Frankfurt depart from Terminal 5. Lufthansa, a Star Alliance airline, uses Terminal 2 – The Queen’s Terminal. Always confirm on your boarding pass or airline app, as terminal allocations can change.
How do I change terminals at Heathrow?
If you are connecting airside, follow the purple ‘Flight Connections’ signs; dedicated transfer buses run between terminals and you will pass a security check. If you are landside, Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line are free between the Heathrow stations (Terminals 2 & 3 and Terminal 5). Terminals 2 and 3 are within walking distance of each other.
How much time do I need for a connection at Heathrow?
Airlines set the minimum connection time, usually around 60 to 90 minutes depending on terminals. A change from Terminal 3 or 4 to Terminal 5 takes longer than a connection within the same terminal. If your connection is on one ticket, the airline is responsible for rebooking you if you miss it.
How do I get from Heathrow to central London?
Heathrow Express reaches London Paddington in about 15 minutes. The Elizabeth line goes directly to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and the City without changing. The Piccadilly line (Underground) is the cheapest and slowest option. A taxi to central London typically takes 45–75 minutes depending on traffic.
What is there to do at Heathrow during a layover?
Heathrow is known for shopping — including luxury boutiques and a Harrods store — plus restaurants, airline and pay-per-use lounges, and quiet areas. Terminal 5 has views over the runways. Pay-per-use lounges and fast-track security can be booked online in advance.
How long is the flight from London to Frankfurt?
Scheduled flight time is about 1 hour 40 minutes gate to gate, with around 1 hour 20 minutes in the air. Germany is one hour ahead of the UK, so a flight leaving London at 08:00 lands in Frankfurt at around 10:40 local time.
How early should I be at Heathrow for a European flight?
Plan to arrive about 2 hours before departure for flights to Europe, and earlier during school holidays. Bag drop usually closes 45–60 minutes before departure, and gates close 15–20 minutes before.
I land at Frankfurt Airport from London. How do I get to my hotel?
The easiest way is a pre-booked private transfer. With FlyRide Frankfurt you get a fixed price before booking, your driver monitors your flight from London and waits at the arrivals exit of Frankfurt Airport (Terminal 1 for Lufthansa, Terminal 3 for British Airways) with a name sign. We drive to Frankfurt city, the Messe, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Darmstadt, Heidelberg and anywhere in Germany. Book online, by phone (+49 176 56958737) or via WhatsApp.
Flying from London to Frankfurt
London–Frankfurt is one of Europe’s busiest business routes, with many daily flights. British Airways (oneworld) lands at Frankfurt Terminal 3, Lufthansa (Star Alliance) at Terminal 1. For trade fairs at Messe Frankfurt, a private transfer straight from arrivals to the exhibition halls saves you the train change at the Hauptbahnhof.
Note: Since 9 June 2026 Frankfurt's Terminal 2 is closed for renovation. Flights use Terminal 1 or the new Terminal 3. Always check your terminal in your airline app.
Flying from London Heathrow Airport to Frankfurt? Book your private ride with FlyRide Frankfurt
Your chauffeur tracks your flight from London, waits for you in the Frankfurt Airport arrivals hall with a name sign and drives you door to door to your hotel, office or home — at a fixed price agreed before you book. Mercedes E-Class, V-Class and Vito, free child seats on request, 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp.
- Fixed price — no taximeter
- Flight monitoring & up to 60 min free waiting
- Meet & Greet at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
- Rhein-Main, all of Germany and Europe
Facts checked October 2026. Airport facilities, opening hours and airline terminals change — please confirm with the airport or your airline before travelling.
Image credits: Interior, Heathrow Terminal 5 (geograph 6066290).jpg — Rossographer (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Terminal 2 The Queen's Terminal.jpg — Panek (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Heathrow Airport Terminal 2, London, England – Diliff.jpg — Diliff (CC BY-SA 3.0)
