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Heathrow Drop Off Charges 2025: How to Pay and Avoid Fees
Dropping off someone at Heathrow Airport can be a bit tricky with the charges in place, but knowing how it all works will save you hassle and extra costs.
Whether you’re driving your own car or a taxi, this guide will walk you through everything, including ways to avoid the Heathrow drop off fees.
Key Takeaways
- Heathrow Drop Off Charges: It’s £5 to drop someone off at any of the terminals. Payments can be made online, by phone, or through a personal or business account.
- Avoiding the Fee: You can avoid the charge by using public transport, dropping off at the Long Stay car parks, or choosing a nearby location with a free shuttle bus to the terminal.
- Paying the Fee: You’ll need to pay online, by phone, or set up automatic payments. Avoid a hefty fine by paying within 24 hours.
Heathrow Drop Off Charges for 2025
If you’re planning to drop off someone at Heathrow, you’ll need to pay a £5 fee for accessing the terminal drop off zones. This charge applies every day of the year, no exceptions. Importantly, there are no ticket machines at the airport, so you’ll need to pay the fee online, by phone, or through an automatic payment account.
Payment Method | Details |
---|---|
Online | Pay on the Heathrow website using your vehicle registration number and date of drop off. |
Automated Telephone Service | Call 0330 008 5600 to pay over the phone. |
Set Up an Account | For frequent drop offs, set up an account for automatic payments and easy management of trip history. |
If you forget to pay, you’ll be hit with a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80, reduced to £40 if you settle it within 14 days.
How to Avoid Heathrow Drop Off Charges
No one likes extra fees, especially for something as simple as dropping someone off. Luckily, there are several ways to get around the £5 charge:
- Public Transport: Heathrow is well-connected to central London via the Heathrow Express, Piccadilly Line, and Elizabeth Line. While the Heathrow Express is the fastest, it’s also pricier. The Tube offers a cheaper option but will take longer.
- Nearby Drop Off Locations: Some nearby hotels and business parks offer free shuttle bus services to the airport. You can drop off your passenger at these locations, and they can hop on the bus to the terminal.
- Long Stay Car Park: A great free option is to use the Long Stay car parks, where you can park for free for 30 minutes. There’s a free shuttle bus every 10-15 minutes that will take you straight to the terminals. Just make sure not to exceed the 30-minute limit, or you’ll be charged £9.
- Blue Badge Holders: If you’re dropping off someone with a Blue Badge, you can apply for an exemption from the Heathrow drop off fee. Make sure you’ve registered the badge and vehicle beforehand to avoid charges.
Drop Off Zones for Each Heathrow Terminal
Each terminal has its own drop off area right outside the building, and the £5 fee applies to all of them. Here’s how to reach each terminal’s drop off zone:
Terminal | Directions | Postcode |
---|---|---|
Terminal 2 and 3 | Follow the signs after exiting the M4 at junction 4 or M25 at junction 15. | TW6 1EW / TW6 1QG |
Terminal 4 | Exit the M25 at junction 14 and follow the signs. | TW6 3XA |
Terminal 5 | From junction 14 of the M25 or junction 4b of the M4, follow signs to Terminal 5 drop off. | TW6 2GA |
Remember, you can’t leave your car unattended in the drop off areas, as you may receive a hefty fine or risk having your vehicle towed.
Free Drop Off Option: Long Stay Car Parks
If you’d rather not pay the Heathrow drop off charge, head to the Long Stay car parks. You can park for free for 30 minutes, and there’s a free shuttle bus to all terminals that runs every 10-15 minutes.
Long Stay Car Park Perks | Details |
---|---|
Free 30-Minute Parking | Park for free for up to 30 minutes before taking the shuttle to terminals. |
Free Shuttle Bus | Frequent shuttle bus to the terminal. |
Blue Badge Holders | Blue Badge holders get two hours free if registered in advance. |
This option is not available for taxis or private hire vehicles, and re-entry within 24 hours is prohibited.
Payments and Penalties
It’s crucial to remember that if you don’t pay the £5 Heathrow drop off charge within 24 hours, you’ll be fined £80. However, this is reduced to £40 if you pay within 14 days. Setting up an account for regular drop-offs is the best way to avoid this.
Tips for Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
If you’re driving a taxi or working as a ride-share driver, you’ll still need to pay the £5 charge when dropping off passengers. However, setting up a business account with Heathrow can make managing multiple drop offs easier. This allows for automatic payments and easy trip history tracking.
Overall
Understanding how Heathrow drop off fees work and knowing the alternatives can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you opt for public transport, a nearby location with a free shuttle bus, or the Long Stay car park, a bit of planning ahead will make all the difference.
FAQs
What is the Heathrow drop off charge?
The Heathrow drop off charge is a £5 fee for dropping off passengers at any of the terminal drop off zones.
How can I pay the Heathrow drop off charge?
You can pay online through the Heathrow website, by phone via the automated telephone service, or by setting up an account for automatic payments.
Is there a Heathrow drop off payment option on-site?
No, you can’t pay in person. All payments must be made online, by phone, or through a pre-registered account.
How do I avoid the Heathrow drop off fee?
You can avoid the fee by using public transport, dropping off at a nearby location with a free shuttle bus, or using the Long Stay car park, where the first 30 minutes are free.
What happens if I forget to pay the Heathrow drop off charge?
If you forget to pay, you’ll receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
Is there an exemption for Blue Badge holders from the Heathrow drop off fee?
Yes, Blue Badge holders can apply for an exemption by registering their badge and vehicle in advance.
Can I pay the Heathrow drop off charge in advance?
Yes, you can set up an account to pre-pay or pay automatically for future drop offs.
Are there extra fees for taxis or ride-sharing services at Heathrow?
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services will include the Heathrow drop off charge in their fares, so expect it to be added to your total fare.
Can I set up automatic payments for Heathrow drop off charges?
Yes, you can set up automatic payments through a personal or business account on the Heathrow website, making it easier to manage regular drop offs.