Heathrow Airport T5A - T5B - T5C transit train.

[swt class 450]

I just have some questions about this T5A - T5B - T5C transit train service if anyone knows more about it. It is quite hard to find out information about this service.

1. I understand that they currently have 10 one coach trains which can operate in formations of up to 4 coaches. But does anyone know what the train/unit/carriage numbers are? Also do they regularly split the trains in to different formations throughout the day?

2. Is there a depot where the trains are kept and maintainance is carried out? If so where is this depot located? And how do they move the trains in and out of the network (for example when they were delivered)?

3. Is there a timetable for this train? If not what are the operating times and frequency?

4. Is it possible to travel on this train without going on an airplane? I have never travelled on an airplane before (i always use trains to get to and from other countries) so have not been able to travel on this. Could i just buy the cheapest British Airways ticket that i can find and then bring my passport and go through immigration and security and take some rides on these trains and then go back out of the airport? Or would they let me ride on it if i explain that i am an enthusiast?

If anyone knows more about this that would be great. Many thanks.

 

[Bletchleyite]

No scope to get airside without a flight booked. Why not find a day trip you can do and try a flight?


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[Tetchytyke]

You can't get airside without a flight booked, and the arrivals and departures streams are kept separate. If you ride out to T5B or T5C on the train it is possible to get back, but it is a long walk down a well hidden passageway, you can't come back on the train.

You can read more on the Flyertalk BA forum.

As Neil says, have a look on ba.com and see if you can do a flight afterwards.

 

[ModernRailways]

I just have some questions about this T5A - T5B - T5C transit train service if anyone knows more about it. It is quite hard to find out information about this service.

1. I understand that they currently have 10 one coach trains which can operate in formations of up to 4 coaches. But does anyone know what the train/unit/carriage numbers are? Also do they regularly split the trains in to different formations throughout the day?

2. Is there a depot where the trains are kept and maintainance is carried out? If so where is this depot located? And how do they move the trains in and out of the network (for example when they were delivered)?

3. Is there a timetable for this train? If not what are the operating times and frequency?

4. Is it possible to travel on this train without going on an airplane? I have never travelled on an airplane before (i always use trains to get to and from other countries) so have not been able to travel on this. Could i just buy the cheapest British Airways ticket that i can find and then bring my passport and go through immigration and security and take some rides on these trains and then go back out of the airport? Or would they let me ride on it if i explain that i am an enthusiast?

If anyone knows more about this that would be great. Many thanks.

Yep! I never even knew about it until I had to transfer one day.

1. I have no idea unfortunately. Mine was a 2 car formation.

2. They are lifted in through a hole - similar to the Waterloo and City Line. And as such I'd guess maintenance is done underground.

3. They appeared to be roughly every 8 minutes when I used them.

4. Since it's airside you'd definitely need a flight ticket. As Neil says just find a cheap day trip somewhere and try it out whilst you're there but be aware that it is an awkward system.

 

[theageofthetra]

I would say that trying to do anything too clever or out of the ordinary in a time of such high security risk is very unwise unless you have written authority. There has just been today the not at all surprising revelation that a pair of employees were selling airside passes at LHR & security will be ramped up even further.

The CCTV teams will be looking out for any unusual behaviour patterns and you could end up getting picked up. I would suggest as others have said of booking a flight and actually go somewhere. You could combine it with a ride on the car park pods but again it may be wise to let a member of staff know you are just having a ride.

 

[WestCoast]

Probably my least favourite airport transit system that one, it's always very been crowded when I've used it. They're quite frequent and fast though.

Have you been on the Gatwick Airport South Terminal - North Terminal transit? That's free and fully open to all, you don't have to be an air passenger. My favourite is the one at Stansted actually, but that requires you to be flying from certain gates there.

 

[Tim R-T-C]

The one at Kuala Lumpur is the best I have used, it goes above ground and you get a great view.

I think only long haul flights from Heathrow use the 5B and 5C gates, so a domestic flight or even short Euro flight might not require you to use them and as mentioned it is not easy to get back if you use them mistakenly.

 

[swt class 450]

Thank you for all the info.

Yes i have been on both the Heathrow Pods and the Gatwick South Terminal to North Terminal transit trains many times. They are both very easy to travel. Nobody seems to mind or notice enthusiasts riding them. I have never managed to go on the Stansted one though.

I dont suppose they publish it but does anyone know if there are any track maps available for this Heathrow T5A - T5B - T5C shuttle?

Also i have heard previously that they plan to eventually extend this transit train to run T5A - T5B - T5C - T4 - T3 - T2 - T1 so it can be used for passengers who are changing airplanes between different terminals at Heathrow. Does anyone know more about this or when (and if) this extension will happen?

 

[AlterEgo]

Funnily enough, I'm in the Galleries First lounge at Heathrow reading this and I'll be heading onto the transit in ten minutes. Can't tell you much about the specifics of the system if I'm honest, other than I once bashed a rare crossover!

The system also isn't a train, btw. It's a people mover which runs on tyres, like a conventional road vehicle, but automated and guided.

 

[Hophead]

No scope to get airside without a flight booked. Why not find a day trip you can do and try a flight?

Or, if you prefer, flight out and train back? With a bit of research, you may be able to get yourself a similar airport transfer train at the other end!

 

[AlterEgo]

Or, if you prefer, flight out and train back? With a bit of research, you may be able to get yourself a similar airport transfer train at the other end!

Not in Britain you wouldn't.

The only airports which have people mover systems in Britain are Heathrow, Stansted, and Gatwick.

Additionally, flying within the UK or Ireland guarantees you depart from Terminal 5A, the main building. This will mean you don't use the transit train anyway.

There is no way to guarantee a departure from 5B or C, but the overwhelming majority of long hauls depart from those satellites, as well as some random early morning shorthauls to Europe. It's a bit of a lottery.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Zurich has one, FWIW, though I don't know where the LHR-ZRH flights go from in Heathrow.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Additionally, flying within the UK or Ireland guarantees you depart from Terminal 5A, the main building. This will mean you don't use the transit train anyway.

If you have enough time you could get the transit train out and then walk back, though.

 

[class387]

I would like to add that a flight allows one single trip on the transit ONLY. Got in quite a bit of trouble trying to do a return trip (5A - 5C - 5A - 5B/C) a few years back when it first opened. Police/security was called and I was forced to go through check-in and security again, nearly missing my flight. This was before there was tightened security.

Because of this, as well as the general nature of the transit, I was not impressed. Zurich is far superior and has more tolerance for enthusiasts.

 

[WestCoast]

The only airports which have people mover systems in Britain are Heathrow, Stansted, and Gatwick. .

There's also the AirRail between Birmingham International Station and the airport terminal, free and open to all.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Because of this, as well as the general nature of the transit, I was not impressed. Zurich is far superior and has more tolerance for enthusiasts.

(Don't) try Stansted then - I don't think there is any official (unescorted) way back from the satellites.

 

[class387]

(Don't) try Stansted then - I don't think there is any official (unescorted) way back from the satellites.

I actually managed to get back from the satellite but was then stopped from returning to catch a flight.

 

[Mojo]

You can't get airside without a flight booked, and the arrivals and departures streams are kept separate. If you ride out to T5B or T5C on the train it is possible to get back, but it is a long walk down a well hidden passageway, you can't come back on the train.

You can actually return on the train, but you end up as an "arriving" customer. I did this 2 months ago when I had checked in and gone through security for a flight, but was no longer in a position to travel and I only had hand luggage (thanks to RailUK member island for the tip).

From the departures area, once the transit arrives at Terminal 5C, there are repeated announcements telling you to disembark. If you ignore the announcements and stay on, then the doors close on the "departures" side and reopen on the "arrivals" side. This then calls at T5B, and then drops you off at the main terminal and you then have to go through passport control. I'm not sure if your boarding pass would work to let you through security a second time.

Once it's in arrivals mode you cannot stay on however, as they do a check at T5A because of the security risk with arriving customers staying on and ending back in the departures area.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I do wonder if the airports couldnt make a bit of money out of cranks wanting to ride their systems? Charge m 20 quid, make m clear securitty and provide them with an entry pass of some kind?
Chances are they might proffit further by spending whilst inside so therefor supporting businesses within the complex

 

[Mojo]

I do wonder if the airports couldnt make a bit of money out of cranks wanting to ride their systems? Charge m 20 quid, make m clear securitty and provide them with an entry pass of some kind?
Chances are they might proffit further by spending whilst inside so therefor supporting businesses within the complex

I'm not sure if there is that much interest given the possible security risks. The system has always intrigued me but it isn't worth £20.

Interestingly though, when I went to Australia recently I noticed that there was no ticket inspection before passing through security, whereas all British airports I have used carry out a check.

 

[306024]

Or, if you prefer, flight out and train back? With a bit of research, you may be able to get yourself a similar airport transfer train at the other end!

But no guarantee your flight will leave from the B or C gates at T5. You may even be bussed to the plane from an A gate. Short haul do go from B or C gates, mine went from C today.

Düsseldorf airport has an unusual transit to the main station, a danglebahn similar to Wuppertal. Take Docklands Light Railway to London City Airport for Düsseldorf, fares are reasonable too.

Oddly enough both transits at Heathrow ended up at the main terminal at the same time today. The first one was in effect cancelled, while a 'security checks being made' announcement repeated itself. I trust the delay was not caused by anyone on here

 

[Bletchleyite]

I do wonder if the airports couldnt make a bit of money out of cranks wanting to ride their systems? Charge m 20 quid, make m clear securitty and provide them with an entry pass of some kind?
Chances are they might proffit further by spending whilst inside so therefor supporting businesses within the complex

It'd create security queues, though, which is the main reason families etc aren't allowed to go through security with people they are seeing off.

It shouldn't be a security risk in and of itself if security are doing their job!

 

[Blindtraveler]

Whilst I dont want to drag the thread off onto airport securitty I totally aggree with you here!

 

[swt class 450]

Thank you for all the additional information. Much appreciated. It is a shame that they check your airplane tickets at security. Otherwise i could probably just bring my passport and take a ride. I think maybe at some point i will just buy a cheap airplane ticket and ride the transit train a few times from T5A - T5B - T5C (walking back through the tunnels) and then stay on at T5C to go back to the terminal and through passport control. Im just not quite sure that i want to travel on an airplane.

Does anyone think there is any chance at all they would let me ride it (without an airplane ticket) if i explained that i am an enthusiast and bought my passport and went through security at Heathrow? Or would they definitely 100% not allow that? I would quite like to ride Stansted at some point as well.

I also just found an interesting article here - http://your.heathrow.com/new-t5-transit-train-lowered-in-through-airfield/ - showing the transit trains being delivered with some interesting photos. It also appears that the ten one coach trains are just simply numbered 01 / 02 / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10 from looking at the very few photos available.

Also can i ask do the transits at Heathrow operate in the same way as Gatwick with both lines being bidirectional and the same train stays on the same line? Or is there a Eastbound and Westbound line? It seems like the ones at Heathrow have quite a few crossovers and surely it would need an Eastbound and Westbound line to allow more than two trains to run at a time (which i presume happens at Heathrow)?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Thank you for all the additional information. Much appreciated. It is a shame that they check your airplane tickets at security. Otherwise i could probably just bring my passport and take a ride. I think maybe at some point i will just buy a cheap airplane ticket and ride the transit train a few times from T5A - T5B - T5C (walking back through the tunnels) and then stay on at T5C to go back to the terminal and through passport control. Im just not quite sure that i want to travel on an airplane.

I suspect you'll find yourself in trouble (or at least having to answer questions) if you try to do that, TBH, they will notice it on CCTV as suspicious. Why not give flying a go? You don't know if you'll like it until you try it. I quite enjoy it myself.

Does anyone think there is any chance at all they would let me ride it (without an airplane ticket) if i explained that i am an enthusiast and bought my passport and went through security at Heathrow? Or would they definitely 100% not allow that? I would quite like to ride Stansted at some point as well.

Absolutely no chance at all, unfortunately. Airport staff do not, unlike rail staff, have any discretion they can apply to relax rules - they can only be stricter.

 

[swt class 450]

I suspect you'll find yourself in trouble (or at least having to answer questions) if you try to do that, TBH, they will notice it on CCTV as suspicious. Why not give flying a go? You don't know if you'll like it until you try it. I quite enjoy it myself.



Absolutely no chance at all, unfortunately. Airport staff do not, unlike rail staff, have any discretion they can apply to relax rules - they can only be stricter.

Ok. Thanks for the info. I will have a think about flying. Yes i do see your point about security. Although if i did get caught surely it would only be a few simple questions about what i am doing? I wasnt quite sure how strict security is at airports. Do they have staff constantly watching CCTV even after you go through security?

 

[fowler9]

Ok. Thanks for the info. I will have a think about flying. Yes i do see your point about security. Although if i did get caught surely it would only be a few simple questions about what i am doing? I wasnt quite sure how strict security is at airports. Do they have staff constantly watching CCTV even after you go through security?

You are being constantly watched, especially if you are doing anything unusual like riding around on the transit system with no plane to catch.

I caught it once, got a domestic flight in to Heathrow from Manchester and changed to a flight to Hong Kong. If you decide you don't want to fly you aren't missing out on much with the transit system.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Ok. Thanks for the info. I will have a think about flying. Yes i do see your point about security. Although if i did get caught surely it would only be a few simple questions about what i am doing? I wasnt quite sure how strict security is at airports. Do they have staff constantly watching CCTV even after you go through security?

Airport security is very tight at the moment. A quick look on the news should be good enough to explain why. Yes, there are people watching the CCTV, especially in "obscure" places like the return tunnels from the satellites.

I would imagine the first time you tried it you might be questioned, the second time you'd be told to stop pratting around and go and get your flight, the third you might well end up arrested. Any attempt to do anything you're not allowed to do (e.g. trying to get from departures to arrivals by staying on transits as they switch sides) will almost certainly skip straight to arrest.

 

[swt class 450]

It definitely doesnt sound like my plan is a good idea then. I can definitely understand why they would be strict though especially with everything that has been happening recently.

 

[class387]

It definitely doesnt sound like my plan is a good idea then. I can definitely understand why they would be strict though especially with everything that has been happening recently.

If you read the post that I made at the top of this page you will see that it definitely isn't. I was basically doing what you described, except that I actually did have the intent of flying that day.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Airport security is very tight at the moment. A quick look on the news should be good enough to explain why. Yes, there are people watching the CCTV, especially in "obscure" places like the return tunnels from the satellites.

I would imagine the first time you tried it you might be questioned, the second time you'd be told to stop pratting around and go and get your flight, the third you might well end up arrested. Any attempt to do anything you're not allowed to do (e.g. trying to get from departures to arrivals by staying on transits as they switch sides) will almost certainly skip straight to arrest.

I got in trouble with the police (though not formally an 'arrest') on the first return and this was a couple of years ago.