Heathrow Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 self connecting - how?

[Rolley]

I'll be flying in to Terminal 2 and need to get to Terminal 5 after going through customs and collecting luggage. (UK Citizen) I've done the internal connections before with no problem but had to buy two separate tickets this time with different airlines.

I currently arrive 11:30am at and fly out of terminal 5 at 4:30pm. I have read so much conflicting info about how much time is needed and how to actually change terminals. I assumed 5 hours would be plenty (assuming no delays)?

Can anyone who has done this give me a realistic time frame for going through customs, collecting luggage, and changing terminals? And also tell me exactly how to do it? Where do I get the connecting train/bus?

Thank you so much for any help!

We did the is last weekend (Europe flight) and am doing to tomorrow (US). It took less than an hour all in I would say (take underground with free ticket)

thank you! But where do I get the underground? I could really use some simple directions, like after walking out after collecting my luggage, where do I go? How far it is?

It will be signposted at arrivals

Just follow the underground signs. It’s super simple, there’s pictures as well as words (in case visitors don’t speak English)

Look around and above you for the great big unmissable signs pointing to the Underground.

Collect your luggage at T2, then in Arrivals look for the signs to ‘Underground’. Follow them, then get on the next Piccadilly line train to T5. It’s free so just tap in with your debit / Oyster card. The train takes less than 10 minutes. Then use lifts & escalators to all the way up to Departures & check in as normal. The total process from collecting your luggage in T2 to starting checkin in T5 should take less than an hour. If you need directions, just ask a member of staff.

It really is very well signposted.

You've the option of the tube or Heathrow Express/Elizabeth line...It's dead easy, you've got plenty of time and as pps have said it's well signed.

https://www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/airport-maps/travel-between-terminals

Thank you all, it seems I've been panicking for nothing! ❤️

When you go through the underground barriers you still need to use a credit card or phone to get through, but you won’t actually get charged.