Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Zones and Charges
Get the latest details about Heathrow Airport drop-off charges, designated zones, and payment options. Each vehicle entering the drop-off area is charged £6 per visit. Learn how to pay and explore alternatives to avoid charges.
Heathrow Airport Terminal Drop-Off
If you're planning to drop someone off at Heathrow Airport, it's important to understand how the terminal drop-off charge works in 2025. This guide breaks it all down for you — including the latest fees, how to pay, penalties, and more.
Why Does Heathrow Charge a Drop-Off Fee?
- Reduce congestion at terminal forecourts
- Encourage sustainable travel options like public transport
- Support Heathrow’s long-term environmental goals
Heathrow Terminal Drop-Off Charge - Summary
| Charge Amount | £6 per vehicle, per visit |
|---|---|
| Effective From | 1st January 2025 |
| Applies To | All private cars, taxis, and hire vehicles |
| Time | 24/7, 365 days a year |
| Terminals Covered | Terminal 2, 3, 4, and 5 |
| Monitoring | No ticket machines or barriers - Monitored via ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) |
| How to Pay | Online, Phone (0330 008 5600), Auto Pay Account |
| No Cash/Cheque | Payments must be made digitally |
| Penalty for Non-Payment | £80 (Reduced to £40 if paid in 14 days) |
| Barriers/Ticket Machines | None – Fully digital access |
When Does the Charge Apply?
The charge is enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays.
How Is It Monitored?
Heathrow uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to automatically detect your vehicle’s plate when entering the drop-off area. There are no paper tickets or barriers — it’s a fully digital system.
What Happens If You Don't Pay?
If payment isn’t made by midnight on the day of the visit, a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued.
| Penalty Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard PCN | £80 |
| Discounted (if paid within 14 days) | £40 |
Heathrow Drop-Off Charge
All vehicles entering Heathrow’s terminal drop-off area incur a £6 charge per visit. Payment is required online, by phone, or via Auto Pay. No cash or cheque payments are accepted.
To avoid penalties, pay by midnight on the day of the drop-off. Failure to do so results in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80, which can be reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
How to Pay the Drop-Off Charge
- Pay Online
- Call Automated Telephone Service: 0330 008 5600
- Auto Pay: Set up an account for automatic payments.
For refunds or payment queries, contact Customer Services:
- Email: refunds.heathrowdropoff(@)apcoa.com
- Phone: 0333 200 7459
- Webchat: Available on Heathrow’s official website.
Payment Information: £1 Card Pre-Authorisation Hold
| Payment Process | Details |
|---|---|
| £1 Card Pre-Authorisation Hold | A temporary £1 hold is placed on your card to verify its validity. This is not a charge but a temporary hold to ensure the payment method is active. |
| Why is this done? | This is done to ensure there are no issues with processing the full payment and that funds are available. |
| Is this refundable? | Yes, the £1 pre-authorisation hold is not a charge and will be released back to your account after a few days. |
| Does this affect my account balance? | No, the £1 hold will not impact your actual balance; it's simply a temporary verification step. |
The £1 card pre-authorisation hold is a common practice for payment verification, and it's completely normal. Here’s a quick summary:
- The £1 pre-authorisation hold is placed on your card temporarily.
- It's a verification step to ensure your card is valid.
- The hold is refunded after a few days and will not impact your balance.
If you have any concerns or questions about this process, feel free to reach out to the customer service team for further clarification.
Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Zones – Terminals 2, 3, 4 & 5
Planning to drop someone off at Heathrow? This guide will help you understand drop-off locations, charges, and alternatives.
Terminal-by-Terminal Drop-Off Zone Locations at Heathrow
Terminal 2 – The Queen's Terminal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drop-Off Location | Access via Constellation Way → up ramp to terminal forecourt |
| Number of Lanes | Multiple lanes on the upper level |
| Cameras | ANPR in operation (no barriers) |
| Fee | £6 per drop-off |
| Payment Options | Online or phone |
| Important Tip | Stay no longer than necessary; no waiting allowed |
Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 Drop-off
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drop-Off Location | Via Cosmopolitan Way → Camborne Road |
| Lanes Available | Four designated drop-off lanes |
| Cameras | ANPR enforcement; no barriers |
| Fee | £6 per visit |
| Payment Options | Online or phone |
| Important Tip | Use Short Stay car park for pickups, not the drop-off lane |
Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 Drop-off
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drop-Off Location | Follow Stratford Road → up the ramp |
| Lanes Available | Three drop-off lanes |
| Cameras | Yes, ANPR operated |
| Fee | £6 per visit |
| Payment Options | Online or phone |
| Important Tip | Do not leave your car unattended; it may be towed |
Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Drop-off
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drop-Off Location | Follow Wayfarer Road → up ramp to forecourt |
| Lanes Available | Two main drop-off lanes |
| Cameras | ANPR cameras in use |
| Fee | £6 per drop-off |
| Payment Options | Online or phone |
| Important Tip | Strictly no waiting in drop-off areas |
Avoiding the Drop-Off Fee – Free Alternatives
Park & Ride (Free Option)
| Terminal | Free Park & Ride Option | Shuttle Service |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Heathrow Long Stay T2 & T3 Car Park | Yes |
| Terminal 4 | Heathrow Long Stay T4 Car Park | Yes |
| Terminal 5 | Heathrow Long Stay T5 Car Park | Yes |
These are free for short visits (up to 2 hours in some cases) and include a quick shuttle to the terminal.
Short Stay Car Parks (Paid Alternative)
- Ideal for picking someone up
- Located close to terminal entrances
- Charges depend on the time you stay (starts from ~£6 for 30 minutes)
Important Drop-Off Rules
- ❌ Do Not Leave Your Vehicle Unattended
- ❌ No Pickups in drop-off zones
- ✔️ Use Short Stay or Park & Ride for pick-ups
- ✔️ Pay the fee on time
Heathrow Terminal 3 Drop-Off
Drop passengers off directly outside Terminal 3. Payment of £5 per vehicle applies, with no ticket machines available at the terminal. Payment must be made online or by phone.
Free Alternative
Use the Long Stay car park for free parking up to 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute shuttle ride to the terminal.
Heathrow Terminal 5 Drop-Off
Terminal 5 offers a dedicated drop-off area separate from parking zones. Pay the £5 charge before entering or by midnight on the same day.
Auto Pay Option
Travelers and taxi drivers can set up an Auto Pay account on Heathrow’s website to avoid manual payments for every visit.
Free Drop-Off Options at Heathrow
Use the Long Stay car park for free parking up to 30 minutes, with a free shuttle service to terminals.
Blue Badge Holders: Everything You Need to Know About Discounts and Benefits
If you're a Blue Badge holder, you can enjoy several benefits, including discounts on drop-off charges and free parking. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the key benefits available to Blue Badge holders.
Key Benefits for Blue Badge Holders
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Drop-Off Charge Discount | 100% discount on drop-off charges for Blue Badge holders, including taxis and private vehicles. |
| Long Stay Parking | The first two hours of parking in Long Stay areas are free for Blue Badge holders. |
| Application Period | You can apply for your discount up to three months in advance. Ensure your Blue Badge is valid at the time of the drop-off. |
How to Apply for the Blue Badge Discount
To make the most of your Blue Badge benefits, follow the steps below:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Create a Blue Badge Account | Sign up online to create your Blue Badge account and access the benefits. |
| Submit Your Blue Badge Details | Provide the necessary details about your Blue Badge to verify your eligibility. |
| Confirm Vehicle and Visit Date | Confirm the vehicle registration number and the date of your visit to apply for the discount. |
| Apply in Advance | Ensure to apply up to three months in advance to ensure a smooth process. |
| Phone Application for Assistance | If you need help applying, you can call 0333 200 7459 for accessibility support. |
Important Information You Should Know
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taxi Drop-Off Process | For taxi drop-offs, ensure that the vehicle registration plate is provided when applying for the discount. |
| Application Deadlines | While there is no strict deadline, it’s recommended to apply at least 7 days before your visit for smooth processing. |
Tips for Blue Badge Holders
- Always keep your Blue Badge valid: Ensure that your badge is up-to-date before applying for any discounts.
- Plan ahead: Apply for your parking discount early (up to three months in advance) to avoid last-minute hassle.
Final Thoughts
Being a Blue Badge holder comes with several valuable benefits that make travel more accessible. By understanding how to apply for discounts and parking benefits, you can enjoy a smoother and more affordable experience. Remember to follow the steps outlined above to take full advantage of these offers.
If you have any questions or need help with the application process, don't hesitate to reach out to the Blue Badge customer support team at 0333 200 7459.
Exemptions and Discounts for Vehicles
If you're traveling to Heathrow or using certain services, you might encounter exempt vehicles and discounted vehicles. This guide will outline which vehicles are exempt from certain charges and which vehicles may be eligible for discounts.
Exempt Vehicles: Automatic Exemption from Charges
| Exempt Vehicle Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Emergency Vehicles | These vehicles, including ambulances and fire engines, are automatically exempt from any charges. |
| Military Vehicles | Military vehicles are also exempt from charges when accessing designated areas. |
| Heathrow Operational Vehicles | These vehicles, which are required for airport operations, are not subject to charges. |
Discounted Vehicles: Vehicles Eligible for Discounts
| Discounted Vehicle Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Recovery Vehicles | Vehicles used for recovery or breakdown services can receive discounts, but they must meet certain criteria. |
| Two-Wheeled Motorbikes | Motorbikes are eligible for a discount, but specific rules and conditions may apply. |
| Buses/Coaches (with Forecourt Height Limits) | Buses and coaches that fit within the forecourt height limits are eligible for discounts. |
| Vehicles Booked with Heathrow Valet Parking | Vehicles that are booked for Heathrow Valet Parking can benefit from a discount. |
No Discounts for Electric Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles | Currently, electric vehicles do not qualify for any discounts at Heathrow. |
Understanding the exemptions and discounts available can help you save money or ensure you're following the correct procedures when driving in certain areas. Here's a quick recap:
- Exempt Vehicles: Emergency, military, and Heathrow operational vehicles are not charged.
- Discounted Vehicles: Recovery vehicles, motorbikes, buses/coaches, and valet-booked vehicles may receive discounts.
- Electric Vehicles: Unfortunately, electric vehicles do not receive discounts at Heathrow at this time.
If you have more questions or need additional information about exemptions and discounts, feel free to reach out to the appropriate authorities.
Taxi and Cab Drop-Off Charges
All taxis and private hire vehicles are charged £5 per visit to terminal drop-off zones. Many cab services register for a business account, allowing automatic deductions for each drop-off.
Drivers without a business account must make payments by midnight on the day of the drop-off to avoid penalties.
Dropping off at Heathrow is simple—if you know where to go and pay your fee on time. Whether you're heading to Terminal 2, 3, 4, or 5, follow the signs, stay a few minutes, and get on your way stress-free.