Dropping off a friend or family member at Heathrow Airport? Before you head to the terminals, you need to know about the Heathrow drop-off charge. What started as an environmental measure has now become a standard £6 fee for the convenience of curbside goodbyes.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Heathrow drop-off charge for 2025, including how to pay, how to avoid it with free options, and smarter, cheaper alternatives that could save you more than just a fiver.Tired of airport fees?
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What Is the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?
First, let’s get the essential details out of the way.
- What is it? A fee for vehicles dropping passengers directly at the terminal forecourts.
- How much is it? The charge is £6 per daily visit.
- Which terminals does it apply to? All Heathrow terminals (T2, T3, T4, and T5).
- Is there a time limit? There is no strict time limit, but the Heathrow drop-off charge only applies to active drop-offs — waiting for arriving passengers is not permitted.
| Terminal | Location | Charge | Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Central forecourt | £6 | Long-Stay T2 shuttle |
| Terminal 3 | Forecourt next to departures | £6 | Long-Stay T3 shuttle |
| Terminal 4 | Main entrance forecourt | £6 | Long-Stay T4 shuttle |
| Terminal 5 | Ground floor forecourt | £6 | Long-Stay T5 shuttle |
Who Has to Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?
It means that nearly all vehicles have to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge.There are a few exemptions:
- Blue Badge holders (the driver or passenger)
- Airport-based operational vehicles (e.g., police, fire service)
- Motorcycles and sidecars
How to Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Fee (Step-by-Step Guide)
Paying the Heathrow drop-off charge is straightforward, with several payment channels available. You must pay by 11:59 PM on the day after you used the drop-off zone.
1. Online via the Official Portal
The easiest and most common method.
- Visit the official Heathrow ‘Pay to Drop Off’ website.
- You will need your vehicle’s number plate (license plate).
- Follow the simple steps to pay by credit or debit card.
2. Automated Phone Service
Prefer to speak to someone? You can call the automated payment line.
- Phone: 0330 008 5600 (Local rate number).
- Have your vehicle registration number and payment card ready.
3. Via the Official Heathrow App
Download the Heathrow Airport app for a seamless experience. You can manage your payment and get flight updates all in one place.
4. At Pay Points
For those who prefer to pay in cash or need assistance, Pay Point terminals are available at various locations around the airport and in local shops. You can find your nearest one on the Heathrow website.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Don’t forget! In case you do not pay the charge on time you will be charged with Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The usual penalty is £80, which is cut down to £40 in the case of payment within 14 days. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are employed in the airport to enforce this and thus there is no escaping.
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Final Thoughts
The Heathrow Drop-Off Charge is here to stay. While it adds an extra cost for the ultimate convenience, a little planning can easily help you avoid it. For most people, the free drop-off at the Long-Stay car parks is the perfect balance of cost-saving and efficiency.
Have a safe and pleasant journey!
FAQs
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How much is the Heathrow drop-off charge at Terminal 2?
The Heathrow Terminal 2 drop-off charge is £6 per visit. You can drop passengers directly at the terminal forecourt, but you must pay online by 11:59 PM the next day. Free drop-off is available at the Long-Stay T2 car park, with a free shuttle to the terminal.
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What is the Heathrow Terminal 3 drop-off charge?
At Terminal 3, the drop-off fee is also £6 per entry. Payment must be made online, via the Heathrow app, or by phone. For a free option, use the Long-Stay T3 car park and take the shuttle bus to Departures.
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Is there a drop-off charge at Heathrow Terminal 4?
Yes. The Terminal 4 drop-off fee is £6 per vehicle, payable the same day or by 11:59 PM the next day. Alternatively, drivers can use the Long-Stay T4 car park for free drop-offs, where a shuttle bus runs to the terminal in about 10 minutes.
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Do I have to pay to drop someone at Heathrow Terminal 5?
Yes, the Terminal 5 drop-off charge is £6 each time you enter the forecourt area. If you want to avoid paying, use the Long-Stay T5 car park, which offers free 24-hour shuttle transfers to the terminal.
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Can I avoid paying the Heathrow drop-off charge?
Absolutely. The easiest way is to use the free drop-off zones at the Long-Stay car parks for each terminal. Park there, and hop on the complimentary shuttle to the terminal — it’s free and only takes a few minutes.
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Can taxis and private-hire cars avoid the charge?
No. Licensed taxis, Uber, Bolt, and other private-hire vehicles must pay the £6 fee each time they enter the terminal forecourt. Many operators include this in the passenger fare.
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Where can I check or appeal a penalty notice?
You can manage or appeal your PCN on the official Heathrow Drop-Off Portal. You’ll need your PCN number and vehicle registration to log in.