We are flying in late to LHR, Terminal 3 and then fly out of Terminal 5 early the next morning. We are staying at an airport hotel, walkable from Terminal 4.

The LHR website says the following:
"
Please note from 20 May 2018, to travel on the shuttle trains, you can get a free Inter-Terminal Transferticket from the machines in the station. You can also use an Transport for London Oyster card or a contactless payment card which will not be charged when travelling between terminals."

Does anyone know if this is for all passengers regardless of whether they are staying airside or not?

The next morning, we will take a bus to T5 and I think these are free within the LHR area. Correct?

Thanks!

Why not stay at the Sofitel in T5 so you only need to take one bus. Will make the morning of your departure much easier and less stressful...

No need to take a bus from the Sofitel to Terminal 5. It’s an easy walk.

Thanks but the Sofitel is $240 for a room and we’d need two rooms to sleep 4. Premier inn family room fits us and is £45. To save some time and hassle in the AM isn’t worth the $ to us.

Just want to confirm that the train/bus transfers truly are free to those that aren’t transferring flights.

Re. the bus from your hotel to T5: would you be using the Hoppa bus? If so, it's not free in my experience.

no, it is public bus 482 or 490 from just outside T4 to T5. The journey finder on Tfl says £1.50 but I read somewhere that within the airport area, there is no fee. We do have some British pounds but I don't want to convert to or purchase oyster cards for no reason. is apple pay considered a contactless card?

I recently spent a night at LHR and used the free bus from the Ibis Styles on Bath Rd. to T5. Very easy. Since you are staying at the Premier Inn at T4, you can take free bus 490 or 482 from Bus Stop 7. Estimated travel time is 20 minutes. https://www.heathrow.com/airport-gui...ween-terminals.

Didn't see your last post before posting. The buses between T4 and T5 are free.

Yes the trains are definitely free between terminals for everyone & has always been.

Thank you!