Pay Heathrow Drop Off – Fees, Payment Methods & Exemptions

Driving to Heathrow to drop off a passenger now comes with a cost that has risen over the years, reaching £7 per visit from January 2026. The terminal drop-off charge applies at all five terminals and is enforced by automatic number plate recognition cameras. Payment must be made online, by phone, or through an AutoPay account, and the deadline is midnight the day after the drop-off.

The system, operated by APCOA Parking (UK) Ltd, requires drivers to pay for each entry into the designated forecourt areas. There are no on-site payment machines or cash options. For those unfamiliar with the process, understanding the payment methods, deadlines, and exemptions can save both time and money.

This guide covers the essential facts about the Heathrow drop-off charge, based on official information from the airport and the enforcement operator.

How Do I Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?

• Charge Amount: £7 per drop-off (from January 2026)
• Payment Deadline: By midnight the day after drop-off
• Payment Methods: Online, phone, pre-pay, AutoPay
• Exemptions: Blue Badge holders, emergency vehicles, free shuttle from long-stay car parks

• The Heathrow drop-off charge is one of the highest airport drop-off fees in the UK, compared with Gatwick and Stansted at £5 each.
• Most users who miss the payment deadline receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from APCOA.
• Electric vehicles and Blue Badge holders may be exempt, but they must register in advance.
• Payment can be made for up to 20 trips at once when paying as a guest.
• Private hire and rideshare drivers (Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee) are not exempt and face the same charges.
• AutoPay is recommended for frequent users, as it automatically processes payment per visit.

Paying online via the Heathrow website

The most direct method is to use the Heathrow travel by car (payment portal). Enter the vehicle registration number, select the date of the drop-off, and pay by debit or credit card. The system allows you to pay in advance, on the same day, or up to midnight the following day.

Paying by phone (APCOA automated service)

Drivers can call 0330 008 5600 to make an automated payment. You will need the vehicle registration and a payment card. This service is available 24/7 and covers all terminals.

Paying in advance vs. paying by midnight the next day

You can pay before you arrive, on the day, or after the drop-off as long as it is before midnight on the first consecutive day after entry. If using AutoPay, the charge is deducted automatically when cameras detect your vehicle.

How Much Is the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?

Standard charge amount (£5, £6, or £7 depending on year)

The charge has increased in steps. From its introduction in 2021 at £5, it remained at that level through 2024. In 2025, the rate rose to £6. From 1 January 2026, the charge is £7 per visit for all terminals. These amounts apply to any vehicle entering the drop-off zones at Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Terminal-specific charges (Terminal 2, 3, 4, 5)

The charge is uniform across all terminals. There is no difference in fee based on which terminal you use. The Heathrow official drop-off charge guide confirms the same rate and payment process for each location.

Charge for short stay vs. drop-off zone

The drop-off charge applies only to the forecourt areas right outside the terminals. Short-stay car parks are charged separately. Drivers can use Terminal Parking (formerly Short Stay) to wait for arriving passengers, with fees based on duration of stay.

Is There a Free Drop-Off Area at Heathrow?

Free drop-off at long-stay car parks with shuttle bus

Drivers who want to avoid the charge can use the long-stay car parks, which offer free parking for a limited period and a free shuttle bus to the terminals. This option is suitable for those who have extra time and prefer not to pay the £7 fee.

Exemptions for Blue Badge holders

Blue Badge holders are exempt from the charge if they are the passenger being dropped off. They must register online via the Heathrow portal with their Blue Badge number, vehicle registration, and date/time of visit. Registration can be done at least 7 days in advance or retroactively by midnight the next day. A phone alternative is available on 0333 200 7459 (14 days advance). Failure to register by the deadline results in a full charge plus a penalty.

Electric vehicle incentives (if applicable)

There is no specific drop-off exemption for electric vehicles. However, EVs are exempt from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge when entering Heathrow’s drop-off zones, which saves £12.50 per day for non-compliant vehicles.

What Happens If I Don’t Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?

Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) details

APCOA issues a Parking Charge Notice for unpaid drop-off charges. The standard fine is £80 to £100, but if paid within 14 days, the amount is reduced to £40 to £60. Penalties escalate if ignored, potentially leading to debt collection or court action.

Time limits for payment after drop-off

Drivers have until midnight on the day after the drop-off to make payment. The enforcement uses ANPR cameras to capture the entry, and APCOA cross-references payments. If no payment is recorded by the deadline, a PCN is issued automatically.

Consequences for non-payment (debt collection, court action)

If a PCN remains unpaid, APCOA may increase the penalty and initiate debt recovery procedures. In persistent cases, court action can be taken. Appealing a PCN is possible if the payment was made but not registered, or if a valid Blue Badge exemption applies. Evidence such as screenshots should be submitted promptly.

For disputes, contact APCOA via their APCOA Heathrow payment help centre.

When Did the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge Change Over Time?

1. 2021: Heathrow introduces the terminal drop-off charge at £5 per visit.
2. 2024: The charge remains £5 per drop-off.
3. 2025: The charge increases to £6 per visit.
4. 1 January 2026: The charge rises to £7 per visit, with a new maximum 10-minute stay in drop-off zones.

What Is Certain and Uncertain About the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?

Why Does Heathrow Charge a Drop-Off Fee?

The drop-off charge is part of Heathrow’s broader congestion management strategy. By imposing a fee, the airport aims to reduce the number of private vehicles entering the forecourt areas, encourage the use of public transport, and manage traffic flow during peak times. The charge is higher than at Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton, reflecting Heathrow’s busier environment and limited road space.

Rideshare drivers (Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee) face the same charge with no special exemption. Private hire vehicles can wait in the Heathrow Authorised Vehicle Area (AVA) or Terminal Parking to avoid repeated entry fees.

For those seeking to avoid the fee altogether, long-stay car parks with free shuttle buses remain a viable alternative.

Where Can I Find Official Information?

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

— Heathrow Airport official website

You can pay in advance, on the day you drop-off or by midnight the next day.

— Heathrow Airport (Travel by car page)

To make an automated payment, contact us on 0330 008 5600.

— APCOA Help Centre

The most authoritative source is the Heathrow official drop-off charge page, which includes payment portal links, terms and conditions, and Blue Badge exemption details. The UK Government parking enforcement rules provide additional context on penalty charge notices.

What Should I Remember About Paying the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?

The Heathrow drop-off charge is a mandatory fee for any vehicle entering the terminal drop-off zones. From January 2026, the rate is £7 per visit. Payment must be made online, by phone, or via AutoPay before midnight the day after drop-off. Blue Badge holders can claim an exemption if they register in advance. For regular users, AutoPay helps avoid missed payments and penalties. Always check the official Heathrow website for the latest rates and rules. For a complete overview, refer to the Heathrow Terminal Drop-Off Charge guide and the Heathrow Drop-Off payment methods and penalties page.

Frequently Asked Questions