Heathrow Terminal 3 — Everything You Need to Know

Heathrow Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is Heathrow's long-haul specialist terminal, home to many of the world's leading airlines. Located in the central terminal area alongside Terminal 2, it handles flights to destinations across Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa. If you are flying with an airline outside the Star Alliance or British Airways/Iberia family, there is a good chance your flight departs from Terminal 3.

Airlines at Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is home to a diverse range of carriers, including:

• Oneworld Alliance — American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian, Malaysia Airlines
• Other major airlines — Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Qatar Airways (some services)
• Additional carriers — Etihad Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, and others

Terminal assignments can change, so always confirm with your airline before travelling.

Drop-off and Pickup

Terminal 3 shares the central terminal area with Terminal 2. The drop-off and parking arrangements are similar:

• Free drop-off — at the Long Stay car park with shuttle bus to the terminal
• Paid forecourt drop-off — directly outside departures, approximately £5 for up to 10 minutes
• Short stay parking — connected via covered walkway, ideal for pickups

When you book a taxi with us, we drop you directly at the Terminal 3 forecourt, included in your fare.

Getting to Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is in the central area of Heathrow, accessed from the M4 spur road. Journey times by taxi are the same as Terminal 2. Some key routes:

• Maidenhead — 20-30 minutes
• High Wycombe — 30-40 minutes
• Staines — 10-15 minutes
• Woking — 25-35 minutes
• Cambridge — 70-85 minutes

Terminal 3 Facilities

• Shopping — World Duty Free, luxury and fashion brands, travel essentials
• Dining — a wide range from quick bites to sit-down restaurants
• Lounges — Emirates Lounge, Qantas Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, and No1 Lounges
• Wi-Fi — free throughout the terminal

Tips for Terminal 3

• Security queues — Terminal 3 can have longer security queues during peak hours. The early morning departure wave (6am-9am) is the busiest period
• Gate distances — some gates in Terminal 3 are a long walk from security. Allow at least 15-20 minutes to reach distant gates
• Inter-terminal transfers — if connecting to a flight in T2, T4, or T5, free transit trains connect the terminals airside
• Book your return taxi — provide us with your return flight number and we will track it live, ensuring your driver is waiting when you arrive