Terminal 2 Overview
Also known as: The Queen’s Terminal (reopened in 2014 after a £2.5bn redevelopment).
Primary use: Serves international and European flights, mostly for Star Alliance airlines (e.g., United, Lufthansa, Air Canada) and others like Virgin Atlantic.
Key features: Modern design, efficient layouts, and sustainability-focused facilities.
Getting to Terminal 2
By Train/Tube:
Heathrow Express: 15 mins from Paddington (Terminals 2 & 3 station).
Elizabeth Line: Connects to Central London and beyond.
Piccadilly Line: Direct Tube access (follow signs for Terminals 2 & 3).
By Car/Taxi:
Drop-off zones: Follow signs for Terminal 2 Short Stay Parking (free drop-off).
Parking: Use Terminal 2 Short Stay (closest) or Long Stay with free shuttle buses.
Terminal transfers:
Free Heathrow Express or shuttle buses connect all terminals (5–10 mins).
Terminal 2 Layout
Departures (Level 5)
Check-in: Zones A–J (check your airline’s zone online or on screens).
Self-service kiosks and bag-drop areas.
Security: Fast Track lanes available (book in advance).
Pro tip: Security wait times are usually shortest 5–8 AM and 8–10 PM.
Departures Lounge (Level 5, post-security)
Shopping: Duty-free (World Duty Free), luxury brands (Bulgari, BOSS), and tech (Dixons Travel).
Dining: From quick bites (Pret, Wasabi) to sit-down meals (The Perfectionists’ Café by Heston Blumenthal).
Lounges:
Star Alliance Lounge (for eligible business/first-class passengers).
Plaza Premium Lounge (pay-per-entry).
Arrivals (Level 1)
Baggage reclaim: Carousels 1–6 (check screens for your flight).
Customs/immigration: eGates available for eligible passports.
Onward transport: Follow signs for trains, taxis, or buses.
Airlines Operating from Terminal 2
Star Alliance: Air Canada, Lufthansa, United, Singapore Airlines, etc.
Others: Virgin Atlantic, Emirates (select flights), Aer Lingus.
Full list: Check Heathrow’s official website for updates.
Top Facilities & Services
Lounges:
Star Alliance Lounge: Complimentary for business/first-class flyers (access via Priority Pass or paid entry).
Plaza Premium Lounge: £50+ for 3 hours (includes food/drinks).
Free Wi-Fi: Connect to “Heathrow Wi-Fi” (no time limit).
Charging stations: Available near gates and seating areas.
Baggage services:
Left luggage (£12.50/bag per day).
Trolleys free of charge.
Currency exchange: ICE/Bureaux de Change (pre-order online for better rates).
Special assistance:
Book free help (wheelchairs, guided assistance) via your airline 48 hours in advance.
Family-friendly:
Baby-changing rooms (all restrooms).
Play area near Gate A8.
Quiet zones: Secluded seating near Gates B46–B48.
Food & Drink Highlights
Casual:
Pret A Manger (Level 5, open 24/7).
Grab & Fly (snacks, sandwiches).
Sit-down:
The Perfectionists’ Café (Heston Blumenthal’s burgers and ice cream).
Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food (pre-order meals to take onboard).
Coffee: Starbucks, Costa, Caffè Nero.
Shopping Must-Sees
Duty-free: World Duty Free (perfumes, alcohol, cosmetics).
Luxury: BOSS, Bulgari, Johnnie Walker.
Travel essentials: WHSmith, Boots.
Pro Tips for Terminal 2
Avoid crowds: Arrive 3 hours before long-haul flights, 2 hours for European.
Fast Track Security: Book online (£5–£15) for priority lanes.
Layovers:
Relax at the Plaza Premium Lounge (shower facilities available).
Take the Tube to Central London (30 mins to Piccadilly Circus).
Stay connected: Download the Heathrow App for live flight updates and maps.
Sustainability: Refill water bottles at free stations (post-security).
Key Contacts
Lost property: +44 (0)20 8745 7725 (Terminal 2 desk).
Special assistance: +44 (0)344 412 7747.
Final Checklist Before You Fly
Confirm your airline’s check-in zone online.
Pre-book parking, Fast Track, or lounge access.
Charge devices and refill water bottles post-security.
Terminal 2 is designed for efficiency, but always allow extra time for security and walking—it’s one of Heathrow’s largest terminals! Safe travels! ✈️
