Heathrow Airport Drop Off Charge

How much is the Heathrow drop off charge?

Heathrow Airport charges £7 every time a vehicle enters one of its terminal drop-off zones.

The £7 charge applies to each individual entry. If the same vehicle leaves and enters the drop-off area again, another £7 charge is incurred.

The charge increased from £6 to £7 on 1 January 2026.

Which Heathrow terminals charge for drop off?

The Terminal Drop-Off Charge applies at all four current Heathrow passenger terminals.

How to pay the Heathrow drop off charge

Heathrow does not operate payment machines or barriers at the terminal drop-off areas.

You can pay in three main ways:

• Online through Heathrow's official drop-off payment service.
• By automated telephone payment service.
• Automatically through an AutoPay account.

Payments are card-only. Cash and cheque payments are not accepted.

When do I need to pay the Heathrow drop off charge?

You do not have to pay at the moment you enter the terminal forecourt.

You can pay before your visit, on the day of your visit, or afterwards.

If paying afterwards, the payment must be completed by midnight on the day after your visit.

Example

If you use a Heathrow terminal drop-off zone on Monday, you have until midnight on Tuesday to pay the charge.

What happens if I forget to pay?

Heathrow uses automatic number-plate recognition cameras to record vehicles entering the terminal drop-off zones.

If the £7 charge is not paid by the deadline, Heathrow states that an £80 Parking Charge can be issued.

The Parking Charge is reduced to £40 when it is paid within 14 days.

How does Heathrow know I used the drop off area?

Heathrow uses ANPR, or automatic number-plate recognition, cameras to record vehicle movements.

There are no entry barriers. The charge is created when the vehicle enters a designated terminal drop-off zone.

Road signs around Heathrow indicate when you are approaching a chargeable terminal forecourt.

Heathrow Terminal 2 drop off

Terminal 2's passenger drop-off area is located directly outside the terminal.

Drivers reach the Terminal 2 drop-off area from Constellation Way and follow the ramp towards the terminal forecourt.

Each entry costs £7.

Heathrow Terminal 3 drop off

The Terminal 3 drop-off area is reached via Cosmopolitan Way and Camborne Road.

There are several drop-off lanes outside the terminal. Each visit costs £7.

Heathrow Terminal 4 drop off

Terminal 4 drop-offs continue to operate directly outside the terminal.

The drop-off area can be reached using Stratford Road and the ramp leading to the terminal forecourt.

The charge is £7 for each visit.

Heathrow Terminal 5 drop off

Terminal 5 has a dedicated passenger drop-off area directly outside the terminal.

Drivers approach the drop-off zone using Wayfarer Road before following the ramp towards the terminal.

Each entry into the Terminal 5 drop-off area costs £7.

Our Heathrow Terminal 5 guide also covers rail, Underground and other Terminal 5 transport options.

Can I wait in the Heathrow drop off area?

No. Terminal forecourts are intended for passenger drop-off only.

Waiting is not permitted and vehicles must not be left unattended.

Heathrow warns that unattended vehicles can be removed.

Can I pick someone up from the Heathrow drop off area?

No. Passenger pick-ups are not allowed from Heathrow's terminal drop-off zones.

Heathrow directs drivers collecting passengers to use the appropriate Terminal Parking or Park & Ride facilities.

Is there free drop off at Heathrow?

Yes. Heathrow provides a free alternative for drivers who do not need to drop passengers directly outside the terminal.

Passengers can be dropped at Heathrow Park & Ride car parks and then use a free bus transfer to the terminal.

Heathrow previously referred to these facilities as Long Stay car parks.

Do taxis pay the Heathrow drop off charge?

Yes. London black cabs and private-hire vehicles are also required to pay the £7 charge when they enter a terminal drop-off zone.

Heathrow recommends that taxi and private-hire operators who regularly use the airport create a business account and use AutoPay.

Do Blue Badge holders pay the Heathrow drop off charge?

Holders of a valid UK or European Economic Area Blue Badge can apply for a 100% discount on the Terminal Drop-Off Charge.

The Blue Badge holder does not need to own or drive the vehicle. The discount can be registered against the vehicle dropping the passenger off, including a friend's car or taxi.

Heathrow now uses Blue Badge Accounts for the concession. Passengers should check the current registration procedure before travelling.

Can I pay for several Heathrow drop offs in advance?

Yes. Heathrow allows drivers to pre-pay for multiple terminal drop-off visits.

Prepaid trips remain valid for 12 months from purchase.

Drivers who visit Heathrow frequently can also create a personal account and enable AutoPay.

Heathrow drop off vs parking

The terminal drop-off zone is designed for a quick stop directly outside the terminal.

It is not a parking area. If you need to accompany a passenger inside the terminal, wait for someone or remain at Heathrow for longer, use an appropriate airport car park instead.

Heathrow Drop Off Charge FAQ