Heathrow is a big, sprawling airport which takes a bit of navigating. Unlike many of its competitors it has developed on a piecemeal basis with the various terminals being added at different stages since its opening in the late 1940s.
Each terminal has its own character and its own individual challenges for the first time user.
First and foremost – follow the signs. Heathrow extends a lot of time and energy into signage. Sounds obvious but take a bit of time to pause and think where you’re going. There’s a sign for pretty well every eventuality. Heathrow’s website, heathrow.com, is a mine of information.
Secondly – if in doubt ask. Most people are pretty friendly and airport staff are trained to supply information to confused passengers. English is obviously the language of communication – you are after all in England…
One of the biggest challenges is going from terminal to terminal. Once you are airside there are plenty of free buses – just follow the signs.
Outside, known as landside, it’s more difficult. Going between terminal 3 and 2 in Heathrow’s core area is a matter of walking, maybe 10 or 15 minutes. To get to terminals 4 and 5, there are buses but a generally better way is to take the train, ideally the Heathrow Express which is free of charge between Heathrow terminals.
Good luck getting around. Unlike most of the world’s major airports, Heathrow is privately owned so there’s a plethora of shops and eating outlets giving it the feel of huge shopping mall. Enjoy.