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Heathrow - Getting to Terminal 5 from Terminal 3?

Heathrow - Getting to Terminal 5 from Terminal 3?

Old May 23rd, 2012, 11:58 AM
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Heathrow - Getting to Terminal 5 from Terminal 3?

Hello! I've been lurking here a few days trying to figure out my Heathrow layover strategy and I believe I have it nearly worked out. We'll be arriving into T3, staying overnight, and departing from T5 the following morning. For the sake of calm and convenience, we decided to go for it and will be staying at Sofitel at T5.

My remaining question is in regard to transfer from T3 to T5. Is there a shuttle, tram, or train from one to the other? I read one review wherein the gentleman indicated he had to take a cab from T3 to T5. Surely that's not the only option?

Thanks for all your help.
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Old May 23rd, 2012, 12:02 PM
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1) Go through passport control at T3.
2) Collect bags if not checked all the way through.
3) Walk through customs.
4) Once "landside", follow the signs to the Heathrow Express.
5) Hop on the next train marked as going to T5.
6) Get off at T5.
7) Follow the signs to the Sofitel.

It should be pretty straightforward.
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Old May 23rd, 2012, 12:47 PM
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Perfect. Thanks for keeping it simple for me - just what I need.
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Old May 23rd, 2012, 01:02 PM
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We LOVED the beds at the Sofitel at T5 in our March 2011 trip. The Express is easy to navigate even with luggage.
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Old May 23rd, 2012, 02:55 PM
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That's good to hear, Apersuader! Falling into a super comfy bed after 11+ hrs in coach sounds like heaven, doesn't it?
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Old May 23rd, 2012, 09:18 PM
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The only thing to bear in mind, should you have much luggage is that the walks to and from the train stations can be a bit long. Not a huge deal, but worth noting.
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Old May 24th, 2012, 07:38 AM
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We are trying to travel light. I don't think we'll be able to do carry on only, as we are on Virgin Atlantic from the U.S., and their carry on regulations are a little too restrictive. However, for convenience throughout the rest of the trip, we will be packing "as if" we're doing carry on, which should work for BA from LHR to Venice, and from Rome back to LHR.

Thanks for the "long walk" info, though. Presently I am recovering from foot surgery, so we'll be sure to allow ample time for the walk.
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Old May 25th, 2012, 09:20 AM
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The walk from the station to Sofitel isn't difficult at all. You'll need to make sure you elevator up a floor (or two?) where the walkway is located, then you take the elevator back down to the lobby.
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Old May 25th, 2012, 11:53 AM
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Excellent. Thank you.
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Old May 26th, 2012, 03:54 AM
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The walk at T5 isn't terrible, but the walk from T3 to Heathrow Central is at least 5 minutes on top of the walk from plane to exiting the terminal. From plane to hotel will likely be at least 15 minutes of waking.
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Old May 27th, 2012, 11:53 AM
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That's not a problem. I just wanted to determine that we weren't in for a ridiculous trek over hill and dale - otherwise our splurge would not seem so justifiable. I am presuming (well, praying) that the foot will be fully healed by then. I just don't want to blow out the tires before we even make it to Venice! I'll have 17 days of walking ahead of me!

Thanks for all your information. Heathrow Central must be where we pick up the train/shuttle?
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