Heathrow Drop Off Fee and Alternative Transport Options for 2024

Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK. The Heathrow drop off fee was implemented instead of the planned Heathrow Vehicle Access Charge, which contributes to sustainable transport initiatives.

If you’re planning to drop off someone there, it’s crucial to understand the Heathrow drop off charges and the different transport options available to avoid unexpected costs.

Key Takeaways

• Heathrow Drop Off Cost: Heathrow Airport charges a £5 fee for dropping off passengers at any terminal. You can pay this fee online, by phone, or through an automatic payment account.
• Avoiding Heathrow Drop Off Fee: You can avoid the drop off fee at Heathrow by using public transport, nearby drop-off spots, carpooling, ride-sharing services, or applying for a Blue Badge holder exemption if you’re dropping off someone with a disability.
• Public Transport to Heathrow: The Heathrow Express and the Tube (Piccadilly Line and Elizabeth Line) are handy ways to get to Heathrow. The Heathrow Express is quicker but pricier, while the Tube is cheaper but takes longer due to multiple stops.

How Much this the Heathrow Drop Off Fee?

Heathrow Airport charges a standard fee of £5 for dropping off passengers at any of its terminals. This terminal drop off charge applies every day of the year, without exception. Unfortunately, there are no airport ticket machines at the drop off zones, so you’ll need to pay the charge online, by phone, or set up an account for automatic payments.

Ways to Avoid Heathrow Drop Off Charges

If you’re looking to avoid the Heathrow drop off fee, there are several alternatives available:

1. Public Transportation: The Heathrow Express, Piccadilly Line, Elizabeth Line, and various bus services provide convenient and often cost-effective ways to reach the airport. The Heathrow Express is the fastest option from central London, taking just 15 minutes from Paddington Station. However, it is more expensive than the tube. The Piccadilly and Elizabeth Lines are cheaper but can take over an hour as these lines make multiple stops.
2. Nearby Drop-Off Locations: Some nearby hotels and business parks offer free shuttle services to the airport. You can arrange for a drop off at one of these locations and then take the shuttle to the terminal. Additionally, you can use the Long Stay car parks for free parking for up to 30 minutes.
3. Carpooling: If you’re traveling with friends or family, sharing the cost of the drop off fee can be a practical solution.
4. Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber can drop off passengers at Heathrow, but they include an additional fee to cover the drop off charge. While this might be more expensive than public transport, it can be convenient, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The Long Stay car parks offer free parking for the first 30 minutes and shuttle bus transfers to the terminal.
5. Blue Badge Exemption: If you’re dropping off someone with a disability, you can apply for a Blue Badge holder exemption, allowing you to drop off for free. Just make sure to register the badge and vehicle in advance.

Public Transportation Options

The Heathrow Express is the quickest way to get to the airport from central London. It takes only 15 minutes from Paddington Station to the Heathrow terminals. Although it’s more expensive, it’s a direct route, which is ideal if you’re in a hurry.

Taking the Tube is a more economical option. Both the Piccadilly Line and the new Elizabeth Line go straight to Heathrow. However, be prepared for a longer journey as these lines make multiple stops. If you’re traveling from east to west London, it can take over an hour, but it’s the cheapest way to get there.

Private Vehicle Drop Off at Heathrow

If you’re driving to Heathrow, each terminal has a designated drop off zone. The terminal drop off zone is located in front of the terminal buildings and incurs a charge of £5 each time a vehicle enters. Here are the key details for each terminal:

• Terminals 2 and 3: Exit the M4 at junction 4 or the M25 at junction 15, and follow the signs. The postcode for Heathrow Terminal 2 drop off is TW6 1EW, and for Heathrow Terminal 3 drop off, it’s TW6 1QG.
• Heathrow Terminal 4 drop off: Take the A3113 exit at junction 14 on the M25, then follow the signs to Terminal 4. The postcode is TW6 3XA.
• Heathrow Terminal 5 drop off: Located on the Western Perimeter Road, you can reach it from junction 14 of the M25 or from junction 4b of the M4. The postcode is TW6 2GA.

Avoiding Drop Off Charges: Long Stay Car Park

For a free drop off option, head to the Long Stay Car Park. The first 30 minutes are free, and there’s a free transfer bus service running every 10-15 minutes to all terminals. If you exceed the 30-minute limit, a fee of £9 applies. Note that re-entry within 24 hours is prohibited, and this option is not available for private hire vehicles and trade vehicles.

For Blue Badge holders, the first two hours are free. Simply use the call point at the entry to provide your badge number and vehicle registration.

Payment and Penalties

If you forget to pay the charge for the Heathrow drop off, you’ll receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80, which is reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days. To avoid this, you can set up a personal or business account for frequent drop offs, which allows for automatic payments and reviewing trip history.

Special Cases and Additional Tips

Electric Vehicles: Currently, there are no specific exemptions for electric vehicles, but it’s worth checking for any updates on new sustainable transport initiatives.

Multiple Drop Offs: If you need to make multiple drop offs, be aware that each entry will incur a separate charge unless you use the Long Stay Car Park for the first 30 minutes free option.

Taxi and Private Hire: Taxi drivers and private hire drivers must pay the charge for drop off at Heathrow, and drivers can also set up business accounts for easier payment management.

Contact Information

For any queries related to Heathrow drop off charges, you can contact APCOA Parking customer service at 0333 200 7459 or the automated telephone service at 0330 008 5600. For general inquiries, email generalenquiries.heathrowdropoff@apcoa.com.

Final Word

Understanding the Heathrow drop off fee and the various transport options can help you save money and time. Whether you choose public transport, a nearby drop off area, or the Long Stay Car Park, planning ahead can make your trip to Heathrow smooth and cost-effective.

FAQs

What is the Heathrow drop off charge?

The terminal drop off charge is a £5 fee for dropping off passengers at any of the terminal drop off zones at Heathrow Airport. This fee applies every day of the year, 24/7.

How can I pay the Heathrow drop off charge?

You can pay the Heathrow drop off charge online via the Heathrow Airport website, through an automated telephone service at 0330 008 5600, or by setting up a personal or business account for automatic payments.

Is there a Heathrow drop off payment option on-site?

No, there are no airport ticket machines at the drop off zones. All Heathrow drop off payments must be made online, by phone, or through a pre-registered account.

Are there different Heathrow drop off charges for each terminal?

No, the drop off charge is the same £5 fee for all terminals, including Heathrow Terminal 5 drop off, Heathrow Terminal 2 drop off, Heathrow Terminal 3 drop off, and Heathrow Terminal 4 drop off.

How do I avoid the Heathrow drop off fee?

To avoid the Heathrow drop off fee, you can use the Long Stay Car Park where the first 30 minutes are free, use public transportation, or arrange to be dropped off at a nearby location with a shuttle service.

What happens if I forget to pay the Heathrow drop off charge?

If you forget to pay the Heathrow drop off charge, you will receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.

Can I pay the Heathrow drop off charge in advance?

Yes, you can pay the Heathrow drop off charge in advance by setting up an account on the Heathrow Airport website, which allows for pre-payment and automatic payments.

Is there an exemption for Blue Badge holders from the Heathrow drop off fee?

Yes, Blue Badge holders can apply for an exemption from the Heathrow drop off fee. You must register your badge and vehicle in advance to qualify for this exemption.

Are there any additional fees for drop off at Heathrow if using ride-sharing services?

Yes, ride-sharing services such as Uber will include the drop off charge Heathrow in their fare, along with any additional service fees they may charge.

Can I set up automatic payments for Heathrow drop off charges?

Yes, you can set up automatic payments for Heathrow drop off charges by registering for a personal or business account on the Heathrow Airport website. This makes it easy to manage and review your trip history.