Pay Heathrow Drop Off – £7 Fee, Deadlines and How to Avoid Penalties

Dropping someone off at Heathrow Airport now comes with a fee that must be paid separately, and understanding the process can save time and avoid penalties. The Terminal Drop-Off Charge applies every time a vehicle enters the forecourt drop-off zones across all passenger terminals. Payment is not accepted on site, and the rules differ from what many first-time users expect.

The official Heathrow website states that the current charge is £7 per entry, and the payment must be completed by midnight the following day. The system is operated by APCOA, and failure to pay results in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN). With conflicting information online, knowing the correct process is essential.

How to Pay Heathrow Drop-Off Charges

• The £7 charge applies to all passenger terminals (T2, T3, T4, T5) and includes taxis and private-hire vehicles.
• Payment cannot be made at the terminal or at any machine in the drop-off zones; you must pay online, by phone, or through Autopay.
• The deadline to pay is midnight the following day – missing it leads to a penalty charge notice issued by APCOA.
• Several older online sources mention a £5 or £6 charge, but Heathrow’s official page now confirms £7 as of 2025.
• Cash and cheque are not accepted; only digital payments via the methods above.
• Exemptions exist for Blue Badge holders, emergency vehicles, Heathrow staff, and some operational vehicles, but these must be arranged in advance.

Heathrow Drop-Off Charges by Terminal

All four passenger terminals at Heathrow operate under the same charge structure. The £7 fee is applied uniformly, and the payment process does not differ by terminal. However, the drop-off zones are located at different points around the airport, and knowing the correct postcode can help with navigation when using a satnav or ride-hailing app.

Terminal 2 Drop-Off

The approach postcode for Terminal 2 is TW6 1EW. This terminal serves many Star Alliance airlines and is the main hub for Singapore Airlines and United Airlines. The drop-off zone is located directly outside the departures entrance.

Terminal 3 Drop-Off

Terminal 3 uses postcode TW6 1QG. It handles a wide range of long-haul carriers including British Airways, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic. The forecourt operates under the same £7 charge and payment rules.

Terminal 4 Drop-Off

With postcode TW6 3YD, Terminal 4 is located on the southern side of the airport. It is used primarily by SkyTeam alliance members such as Delta Air Lines and KLM. The drop-off charge applies here as well.

Terminal 5 Drop-Off

Terminal 5, the dedicated British Airways terminal, uses postcode TW6 2GA. Despite some online suggestions, Terminal 5 drop-off is not free. The standard £7 charge applies to this terminal too. Some third-party guides incorrectly suggest it is free, but Heathrow’s official page confirms the fee applies to all terminals.

When and How to Pay: Deadlines and Penalties

Understanding the payment window is critical to avoid a penalty. Heathrow gives drivers until midnight the day after the drop-off to complete payment. This is relatively generous compared to some UK airports that require immediate payment on entry.

Payment Deadline

If you drop someone off on Monday, you have until midnight on Tuesday to pay. The payment must be completed by the deadline – simply entering the drop-off zone does not automatically charge you. You must actively make the payment via one of the accepted methods.

Penalties for Late or Non-Payment

If you fail to pay by the deadline, APCOA issues a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80. If this is paid within 14 days, the penalty is reduced to £40. The PCN is sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle based on DVLA records. There is no option to pay the drop-off charge later – once the deadline passes, the penalty applies. More details on the enforcement process are available from the APCOA help centre.

Where to Drop-Off: Postcodes and Free Alternatives

Each terminal has its own designated drop-off zone, accessible via specific approach roads. The postcodes are not officially listed on Heathrow’s drop-off charge page, but third-party travel guides commonly provide them based on the terminal addresses. For instance, Weknowlondon.com lists the approach postcodes for all terminals.

Terminal Postcodes at a Glance

• Terminal 2: TW6 1EW
• Terminal 3: TW6 1QG
• Terminal 4: TW6 3YD
• Terminal 5: TW6 2GA

Free Drop-Off Alternatives

Heathrow does offer a way to avoid the £7 charge entirely. The airport’s Park & Ride and Long Stay car parks allow a free drop-off period – typically up to 30 minutes – after which a shuttle bus takes you to the terminal. This is not a free drop-off at the kerbside but is a cost-free option if you are willing to park briefly and take the shuttle. Short-stay car parks are located closer to the terminals but are not free. Check the Heathrow parking website for current terms.

How the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge Has Changed Over Time

The charge was introduced relatively recently and has increased in stages. Below is a timeline of the key changes based on public announcements and official records.

1. 2021: Heathrow introduces a £5 drop-off charge at all terminals.
2. 2023: The fee increases from £5 to £6.
3. 2024: The fee rises further to £7, the current rate as of 2025.

Note that exact effective dates for each increase are not detailed in the available sources. The information is compiled from the official Heathrow website, APCOA communications, and third-party travel guides.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear

Why Heathrow Charges for Terminal Drop-Offs

Heathrow’s drop-off charge is part of a wider trend among major UK airports to manage vehicle congestion and reduce emissions. Similar charges exist at Gatwick (£5), Stansted (£7), and Manchester (variable). The charge applies per vehicle entry, not per passenger, meaning a single car dropping off multiple people pays once. Pre-paying for multiple visits via Autopay saves time but does not offer a discount. The system is enforced by APCOA, which operates automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at each terminal entrance.

The revenue from the charge is used to manage traffic flow and maintain the forecourt infrastructure, according to airport statements. Compared to some European airports, Heathrow’s charge is mid-range; for example, some airports in Germany and France do not levy a dedicated drop-off fee, while others charge similar amounts.

Sources and Official Statements

“A £7 charge applies at Heathrow every time a vehicle enters the terminal drop-off areas.”

– Heathrow.com – Terminal Drop-Off Charge

“You can pay in advance, on the day you drop-off or by midnight the next day. You cannot pay at an airport ticket machine or in the terminal drop-off zones.”

– Heathrow.com – Travel by car

APCOA’s help centre provides the phone number 0330 008 5600 for payment. A 2021 social media post from Heathrow confirmed the original £5 charge, but that amount is now outdated.

Final Thoughts

Paying the Heathrow drop-off charge is straightforward once you know the rules: pay £7 online or by phone before midnight the next day. The fee applies to all terminals, and no on-site payment is possible. For those looking to avoid the charge, the Heathrow’s Terminal Drop-Off Charge page explains free drop-off options via the Long Stay car parks. Always rely on official sources to avoid outdated information from third-party blogs.

Frequently Asked Questions