How Much Is the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?
As of 2025, Heathrow drop off chargesHeathrow drop off charges a £7 fee for every vehicle dropping off passengers at the terminal forecourts. This applies to all private vehicles, including cars, minicabs, and ride-hailing services like Uber.
The charge is enforced via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. You must pay within 48 hours of your drop-off, or face a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days).
Note: This fee does not apply if you’re dropping off at the Long Stay car parks and using the free shuttle bus to the terminals—a smart workaround many locals use.
Heathrow Drop-Off Rules You Must Know
- Drop-offs are only permitted in designated terminal forecourts (T2–T5).
- You must pay the £7 charge within 48 hours via Heathrow’s official portal.
- Blue Badge holders are exempt from the fee—just register your vehicle in advance.
- Taxis and private hire vehicles licensed by Transport for London (TfL) may have different arrangements—many include the fee in their fare.
- Idling or waiting in the drop-off zone is strictly prohibited and may result in fines.
Heathrow introduced these rules to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and encourage use of public transport or long-stay alternatives.
How to Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Fee
Paying is quick and can be done online:
- Visit the official Heathrow Drop-Off Payment Portal.
- Enter your vehicle registration number and drop-off date/time.
- Pay securely using a credit/debit card.
- Receive a confirmation email for your records.
If you're using a licensed minicab from North or West London (e.g., Hendon, Kingsbury, or Stanmore), many companies like Minicabs.co.uk include this fee in their fixed fare—so you won’t pay extra.
How to Avoid the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge
Smart travelers and locals use these proven methods:
- Use Long Stay Car Parks: Drop off at the free drop-off points in Long Stay car parks (T2 & T3, T4, or T5), then take the complimentary shuttle bus (runs every 10–15 mins) to the terminal—takes just 5–7 minutes.
- Book a Licensed Minicab: Reputable services like Minicabs.co.uk offer fixed fares that include all airport fees. No surprise charges, even during traffic delays.
- Use Public Transport: The Piccadilly Line, Heathrow Express, or Elizabeth Line offer affordable, stress-free access from central and North London.
For families, elderly passengers, or those with heavy luggage, a pre-booked minicab from your local area is often the most convenient—and cost-effective—option.
Trusted Local Taxi Services to Heathrow
If you're based in North or West London, avoid the drop-off fee entirely by booking a licensed, fixed-fare minicab. These services include meet-and-greet, flight tracking, and all airport charges:
All these services are operated by Minicabs.co.uk—a TfL-licensed provider with 20+ years of experience, DBS-cleared drivers, and fixed fares up to 40% cheaper than competitors. First-time users get 10% off with code WELCOME10.