Let’s face it, getting to Heathrow can be a mission on its own. Add confusing charges, unclear signage, and the fear of surprise fines? Not ideal, especially if you’re a private hire driver, Uber partner, or just dropping off family before a flight. That’s exactly why we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide on how to pay the Heathrow Airport drop-off charge in 2025, what’s changed, and how you can avoid unnecessary charges.
Whether you’re working with a PCO car, running a private hire business, or simply giving someone a lift, this article cuts through the noise and gives you everything you need to know, in plain English.
What Is the Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Charge?
It costs £6 per visit to use the official terminal drop-off zones at Heathrow. The charge applies at all four terminals and is active 24 hours a day, every day. Heathrow uses ANPR cameras to record your number plate when you enter. There are no ticket machines or cash booths at the London Heathrow Airport drop-off zones. You must pay online, by phone, or set up Autopay.
Short Stay Car Parks
If you want extra time to say goodbye, use the Short Stay car parks. They are within a 2–3 minute walk of the terminals. Prices start at £6 for 30 minutes, then increase based on time. These car parks are the best option for pickups as terminal forecourts do not allow waiting.
Long Stay Car Parks
The Long Stay car parks are free for the first 30 minutes. A shuttle bus runs every 10–15 minutes and takes around 5 minutes to reach the terminal. This option is useful if you want to avoid the £6 drop-off charge completely.
Drop Off at Heathrow Terminal 2
The Terminal 2 drop-off zone is on Constellation Way. Follow the signs marked “T2 Drop-Off.” It is right outside the terminal forecourt, close to the entrance. The charge is £6 per entry, active 24 hours a day.
Payment must be made online, by phone, or through Autopay by midnight the next day. No payment machines are available at the terminal.
If you want extra time, use the Terminal 2 Short Stay car park, just a 2-minute walk away. Prices start from £6 for 30 minutes.
For free access, head to the Terminal 2 Long Stay car park, where you get 30 minutes free and a shuttle to the terminal. Blue Badge drivers can apply for free use of the terminal drop-off, but you must register your vehicle before or just after your trip.
Drop Off at Heathrow Terminal 3
The Terminal 3 drop-off zone is reached via Camborne Road. Signs are clear and will guide you into the forecourt. The £6 charge applies each time you enter, with the same payment rules as other terminals.
For a quick pickup or longer goodbyes, the Short Stay car park at Terminal 3 is the closest option. Prices start from £6.
The Long Stay car park for T2 and T3 gives you 30 minutes free with a shuttle service to the terminal. Blue Badge exemptions apply if registered in advance.
Tip: Terminal 3 has busy traffic during morning and evening peaks. Allow extra time if dropping someone off.
Drop Off at Heathrow Terminal 4
The Terminal 4 drop-off zone is on Stratford Road. Follow the ramp signs to the designated lanes. The £6 charge is automatic once your number plate is read.
Payments must be made online, by phone, or through Autopay. No machines are located on-site.
The Short Stay car park at T4 is right outside the arrivals area and takes just a couple of minutes to walk. It is a good option for pickups.
The Terminal 4 Long Stay car park offers 30 minutes free, with a shuttle to the building. Blue Badge drivers can access the drop-off for free if they register their vehicle.
Drop Off at Heathrow Terminal 5
The Terminal 5 drop-off zone is on Wayfarer Road. Stay left at the top to access the forecourt. The £6 per entry charge applies and must be paid by midnight the following day.
The Short Stay car park at T5 is directly connected by lifts and walkways, making it a good choice for family drop-offs or pickups. Charges start from £6 for 30 minutes.
The Long Stay car park for T5 is free for the first 30 minutes, with shuttles every 10 minutes. This is the only way to avoid the charge entirely.
Blue Badge exemptions also apply if registered in advance. Note that Terminal 5 is the busiest, so expect heavier traffic around the drop-off lanes.
How to Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge
Payment must be made by midnight the next day. Options include:
- Online via the Heathrow payment portal.
- By phone with the automated service.
- Autopay account for regular drivers.
You must pay by midnight the day after your drop-off. Otherwise, you’ll receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80, which is reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
There’s no option to pay at an airport ticket machine, so don’t wait until you arrive.
Setting Up an Autopay Account
If you’re a private hire driver, courier, or Uber partner, autopay is a no-brainer. It links your vehicle number plate to an account that automatically charges you when you enter a Heathrow drop-off zone.
You can create a personal or business account, manage multiple vehicles, check trip history, and avoid missing a payment.
Free Drop-Off Option at Heathrow
Looking to avoid the fee altogether?
There’s a free drop-off option available at Heathrow’s Park & Ride car parks (formerly Long Stay). You can stay up to 29 minutes without paying anything, and there’s a shuttle bus that takes passengers to the terminal, free of charge.
Ideal if you’re not in a rush and want to keep costs down.
Are Any Vehicles Exempt from the Drop-Off Charge?
Blue Badge Holders
If you’re dropping off a Blue Badge holder, you can avoid the charge, but only if you register the drop-off in advance or by midnight the next day.
This includes Uber drivers or private hire vehicles carrying eligible passengers.
Electric Vehicles & PCO Cars
Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for EVs, PCO drivers, or minicabs. The charge applies equally across all types of vehicles.
Can You Pick Up from the Terminal?
No. Picking up passengers directly from terminal forecourts is not allowed.
Instead, head to the Short Stay car park for the terminal you’re meeting someone at. It’s the only authorised pickup area for Uber drivers, family members, or minicabs.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Forgot to pay? You’ll receive an £80 PCN via post.
If you’re quick, paying within 14 days reduces it to £40. You can pay your PCN online. If you’re a regular at Heathrow, set up autopay to avoid these fines entirely.
Heathrow Charges: ULEZ Reminder
If your vehicle doesn’t meet ULEZ standards, you’ll also need to pay a £12.50 daily charge on top of the Heathrow drop-off charge. This is especially important for older petrol or diesel cars. Check your vehicle status before entering.
How TappAXI Supports Smart Drivers at Heathrow
At TappAXI, we understand how stressful Heathrow Airport can feel, especially with new drop-off charges and confusing payment rules. Whether you are travelling for business, catching a holiday flight, or dropping off family, the last thing you want is extra hassle or unexpected fines.
That’s why we make Heathrow transfers simple. With free meet and greet, one hour of complimentary waiting, and all charges included in your fixed fare, you don’t need to worry about drop-off fees, parking, or hidden costs. Our drivers handle the timing, the traffic, and the airport rules, so you can focus on your journey.
If you are planning a trip to or from Heathrow, booking your Heathrow airport taxi with TappAXI means clear pricing, 24/7 availability, and peace of mind that your transfer is covered from start to finish.
FAQs
Do you have to pay to drop off at Heathrow?
Yes, from January 2025, the charge is £6 per visit to any terminal’s drop-off zone.
Do you have to pay to pick up at Heathrow Terminal 5?
No, but pickups are not allowed at terminal forecourts. Use the Short Stay car park instead.
Is disabled parking free at Heathrow Airport?
Yes, Blue Badge holders are exempt from the drop-off fee, but you must register in advance or by midnight the next day.
How much is the drop-off fee at Heathrow in 2025?
It’s £6 per entry, and must be paid online, by phone, or via autopay.
Do taxis and cabs pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?
Yes. All vehicles must pay unless carrying a registered Blue Badge holder.
Is the drop-off fee included in taxi fares?
Most private hire and taxi companies, including TappAXI Heathrow taxis, include the £6 drop-off charge in the fare.
Can I pick up passengers from the drop-off zones?
No. Pickups must be from the Short Stay car parks.
How do I avoid Heathrow drop-off charges?
Use the Long Stay car park for 30 minutes free, then take the shuttle bus.
