Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Charge: What You Need to Know

How Much Is the Heathrow Drop-Off Fee?

As of now, the standard Heathrow drop-off charge is £5 per vehicle, per visit. This fee applies whether you're stopping for 30 seconds or 10 minutes. If you stay longer, the charge remains the same. The cost can increase with penalty fees if not paid on time. Always check the latest pricing on Heathrow Airport’s official website before travelling to avoid any surprises.

Terminals Covered by the Drop-Off Charge

The Heathrow drop-off charge applies to all passenger terminals—T2, T3, T4, and T5. Each terminal has a designated drop-off zone close to the entrance. You’ll need to pay the charge regardless of which terminal you’re visiting. If you're unsure which terminal applies, check your flight details or Heathrow's online terminal guide to plan your drop-off accordingly and ensure timely payment.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Fee?

If you don’t pay the Heathrow drop-off charge, you’ll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in the post. The fine is usually £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days. Failure to pay the PCN can lead to further legal action. Always ensure your payment is processed correctly and on time to avoid these costly penalties.

How to Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge

You must pay the Heathrow drop-off charge online or through an automated telephone service. Payment cannot be made at the airport. Visit the official Heathrow Drop-Off Payment portal and enter your vehicle registration. Payments can be made in advance or by 11:59 PM the next day. Multiple payment methods are accepted, including debit/credit cards and Apple Pay.

Exemptions and Discounts for the Drop-Off Charge

Certain drivers may qualify for exemptions or discounts, including Blue Badge holders, emergency services, and Heathrow staff. If you fall into one of these categories, you must apply in advance through Heathrow’s official website. Once approved, your vehicle registration will be recorded, and the fee waived. It’s crucial to submit documentation early to ensure eligibility.

Using Heathrow Long Stay Parking for Free Drop-Offs

To avoid the drop-off charge, use Heathrow’s Long Stay car parks, which offer free parking for up to 30 minutes. These are located farther from the terminals but include a free shuttle bus. It’s ideal for those who have time and want to avoid the £5 drop-off fee. Always check shuttle times to ensure you don’t miss your flight.

Alternatives to Terminal Forecourt Drop-Off

If you want to avoid the fee, consider alternative options such as short stay car parks or arranging drop-offs nearby public transport stations. Many people use tube or train stations close to Heathrow and finish the journey via the Heathrow Express or shuttle services. These methods are cost-effective and help reduce traffic congestion around the airport.

Call Now

Heathrow Drop-Off Charge for Taxis and Minicabs

The drop-off charge applies to all vehicles, including private hire vehicles (PHVs), taxis, and minicabs. Operators can either include the fee in your fare or ask passengers to cover it separately. If you're booking a minicab service like Minicabs.co.uk, ask whether the Heathrow drop-off fee is included to avoid confusion at the terminal.

How to Appeal a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

If you believe you were wrongly charged a PCN, you can submit an appeal online through the Heathrow drop-off payment portal. Include all supporting documents such as payment confirmation or exemption status. Appeals must be submitted promptly, usually within 28 days. While not all appeals succeed, valid cases like system errors or emergency situations may be considered.

Heathrow Drop-Off Zones vs Pick-Up Zones

Drop-off zones are located at the terminal forecourts, while pick-up zones are in the short stay car parks. You cannot pick up passengers from the drop-off zone. Doing so may result in fines or enforcement. If you're collecting someone, follow airport signage to the short stay car parks for legal and safe pick-up.

Paying for Multiple Drop-Offs in One Day

Each entry to the drop-off zone is charged separately, even if it’s the same day. So if you drop off more than one person in different terminals or make repeat trips, you’ll be charged £5 per visit. Frequent users should consider long stay parking or rideshare services to reduce total costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Heathrow Drop-Off Charge

1. Do I need to pay the drop-off fee if I only stop briefly?
Yes, even if you stop for just a few seconds to drop someone off, the £5 charge applies. The system records your entry via ANPR cameras regardless of how long you stay.

2. Can I pay the drop-off charge in cash at the terminal?
No, cash payments are not accepted. You must pay online or via the automated telephone system. Make sure to pay by midnight the next day to avoid a fine.

3. Are motorcycles charged for dropping off at Heathrow?
No, motorcycles are currently exempt from the Heathrow drop-off charge. However, always check the latest guidance on the Heathrow website before travel, as policies may change.

4. Is there a way to pay for multiple visits in one transaction?
Yes, the payment system allows bulk payment for multiple visits, which is helpful for taxi companies or frequent travelers. Create an account on the Heathrow payment site for this feature.

5. What should I do if I entered the wrong license plate?
If you made an error in your vehicle registration, contact Heathrow’s support team immediately. Mistakes can result in a penalty if not corrected before the payment deadline.

6. How do I know if my payment was successful?
After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a receipt and reference number. You can also log into the payment portal to view your transaction history and download receipts.

7. Can I drop off at the short stay car park instead?
Yes, the short stay car park allows drop-offs, but standard parking rates apply. It’s a good option if you want to help with luggage or spend more time with the passenger.

8. Is there a discount for frequent users?
Currently, Heathrow does not offer public loyalty or frequent user discounts. However, some private hire companies or fleet accounts may qualify for volume-based billing options.

9. Will my sat nav direct me to the drop-off zone?
Most GPS systems and apps like Google Maps do direct drivers to the terminal forecourt drop-off zone. Ensure you choose the correct terminal to avoid unnecessary driving or delays.

10. Can I use the same payment for drop-off and pick-up?
No, the drop-off and pick-up zones are separate, and each visit incurs its own charge. Pick-ups are not allowed in the forecourt area, so use the short stay car park instead.

Heathrow Drop-Off Charge

Learn more about the Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Charge and avoid unexpected fees. Stay informed on payment options, rules, and exemptions to ensure a smooth drop-off experience every time.