Heathrow Drop-Off Charge (2026): Cost, How to Pay, Deadline & Free Alternatives
- Charge
- £7 per entrySource: heathrow.com
- Applies to
- The drop-off areas directly outside every terminal (T2, T3, T4 and T5)Source: heathrow.com
- Free time
- None – charged on entrySource: heathrow.com
- Pay by
- Midnight on the day after you drop offSource: heathrow.com
- Penalty if unpaid
- £80 Parking Charge, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 daysSource: heathrow.com
Last verified · 2 sources
What it costs to drop someone at Heathrow by car, where the charge applies, how and when to pay, and the free alternative. Every line links to the airport's own page and shows when we last checked it.
How to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge
- Methods
- Online via the APCOA portal or by phone, card only. No cash, and no payment machines at the airportSource: heathrow.com
- Pay by phone
- 0330 008 5600Source: heathrow.com
- Blue Badge
- 100% discount for valid UK or EEA Blue Badge holders, on applicationSource: heathrow.com
Deadline and penalty
- Pay by
- Midnight on the day after you drop offSource: heathrow.com
- Penalty
- £80 Parking Charge, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 daysSource: heathrow.com
How to avoid the Heathrow drop-off charge
- Free alternative
- Park & Ride car parks (formerly Long Stay), free for up to 30 minutesSource: heathrow.com
- Free time limit
- 30 minutesSource: heathrow.com
- Shuttle
- Every 15 minutes; 7–20 minutes to the terminal depending on car parkSource: heathrow.com
- Free alternative details
- heathrow.comSource: heathrow.com
Sources
- https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/heathrow-parking/heathrow-park-and-ride — retrieved 3 September 2026
- https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/terminal-drop-off-charge — retrieved 3 September 2026