Heathrow Terminal 2: The Essential Traveler's Guide from Globetrottergirls
With summer holidays approaching and Heathrow's Terminal 2 now open, this comprehensive guide ensures a seamless start to your journey. Navigate the Queen's Terminal with confidence and ease.
Key Facts About Terminal 2:
Terminal 2, known as the Queen’s Terminal, serves all 23 Star Alliance members, plus Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, and Germanwings. Star Alliance passengers benefit from staying within the same terminal for arrivals and connections, minimizing stress.
Airlines will transition gradually over the next six months. Once complete, it will handle 332 daily flights to 54 global destinations and up to 32 million passengers annually.
For overnight stays, nearby hotels like the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow and Holiday Inn London Heathrow Ariel offer excellent service, facilities, and competitive rates, especially with accommodation and parking packages.
Facility Locations
- Check-in desks: Level 5 (top floor)
- Departures: Levels 5 and 4
- Arrivals and baggage claim: Level 1
- Smoking areas: Upper forecourt (Level 5) before security. No smoking areas post-security.
Dining, Drinks, and Shopping
Pre-security (Level 5): Large Costa Coffee and JD Wetherspoon pub.
Post-security: Yo! Sushi, EAT., and more eateries.
Shops: WHSmith (books and newspapers), John Lewis, Boots (pharmacy), Sunglass Hut, and Duty Free.
Arrivals (Level 1, public area): Two Café Neros and a small M&S supermarket.
Getting to Central London from Terminal 2
Follow signs to the Central Station for the Piccadilly Line Underground, the speedy Heathrow Express, or the affordable Heathrow Connect train. Buses, coaches, and taxis are also available.
Parking at Terminal 2
For long-term parking, follow signs to 'long-term parking' upon arrival. Advance booking saves significantly over on-site rates.
Business travelers: Dedicated Heathrow Business Parking with a shuttle (4-8 minutes to terminal).
Pick-ups: Use the short-term parking section; follow airport signs.
Connecting Flights
Star Alliance connections: Allow 60 minutes.
Other terminals: Allow 90 minutes. Free shuttles or Heathrow Express to Terminals 4/5; walk to Terminal 1 via link bridge.
Explore Terminal 2 with this virtual tour video:
