How much is the Heathrow drop-off charge?
£7 for each entry, with a 10 minute maximum stay. The Terminal Drop-Off Charge has been £7 since 1 January 2026 (up from £6). It applies 24 hours a day, every day, to cars, taxis and private hire vehicles alike.
Where the drop-off zone is
Each of the four terminals has its own drop-off zone on the departures forecourt. Cameras read number plates; there are no barriers and no machines.
How to pay
Pay online, by phone or by AutoPay, by midnight the day after. The payment phone line is 0330 008 5600. You cannot pay at the kerb. If you use the zone often, set up AutoPay so it is taken from your card automatically.
What happens if you do not pay
The registered keeper of the car gets an £80 parking charge, cut to £40 if paid within 14 days. If you went in a taxi or a hire car, the charge falls on the driver, which is why most drivers add it to the fare.
Blue Badge holders
Blue Badge holders can get a 100% discount, even in a taxi, by registering the taxi's number plate up to 3 months ahead, during the trip or by midnight the next day.
How to avoid the charge
The free option is Heathrow's Park and Ride car parks, with a free bus to the terminals. Heathrow's own pages disagree on whether private hire cars may use it, so taxis use the forecourt. It adds 15 to 30 minutes to the trip, so leave earlier.
Picking someone up at Heathrow
Private hire cars are not allowed to wait on the terminal forecourts, so your driver parks in the Terminal Parking car park, two minutes' walk away, and meets you at the arrivals meeting point with a name board. Terminal Parking costs £8 for up to 29 minutes and £15.50 for 45 to 59 minutes.
By taxi, the charge is already paid
Every A1 Airport Taxis fare to Heathrow Airport includes the £7 Terminal Drop-Off Charge, and every pickup fare includes the car park. Nothing is added at the kerb. See Heathrow taxi prices from your area, or compare the drop-off charges at all four London airports.
Questions
How much does it cost to drop off at Heathrow in 2026?
£7 for each entry, with a 10 minute maximum stay, paid online, by phone or by AutoPay, by midnight the day after.
Is there a free drop-off at Heathrow?
Yes: Heathrow's Park and Ride car parks, with a free bus to the terminals. Heathrow's own pages disagree on whether private hire cars may use it, so taxis use the forecourt.
Do taxis pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?
Yes. Taxis and private hire cars pay it like any other vehicle. Our fares already include it.
What is the fine for not paying the Heathrow drop-off charge?
An £80 parking charge, cut to £40 if paid within 14 days.