Traveling to Heathrow Airport is exciting, but figuring out the Heathrow drop off can feel tricky. Many people drive friends or family to the airport, and there are rules to follow. As of [current_year], Heathrow has clear guidelines for dropping off passengers to keep things smooth and safe.

What is the Heathrow Drop Off Charge?

Heathrow Airport charges a fee when you drive into the areas right outside the terminals to drop off passengers. This is called the Terminal Drop-Off Charge. The airport started this to reduce traffic and encourage people to use public transport or other options.

The charge helps manage the busy roads around the terminals. Too many cars stopping for long can cause jams. With this rule, the Heathrow drop off areas stay quick and easy for everyone. The money from the charge also goes toward improving transport at the airport.

In short, every time your car enters one of these zones, you pay the fee. It’s simple, but important to know before you go.

How Much Does Heathrow Drop Off Cost in 2026?

As of January 2026, the Heathrow drop off fee is £7 for each visit. This is an increase from £6 in previous years. The charge applies every time your vehicle enters the drop-off zone, no matter how quick your stop is.

The fee is the same for all terminals: 2, 3, 4, and 5. You pay £7 each time, even if you drop off more than one person. If you enter the zone twice in one day, you pay twice.

This small fee is for the convenience of dropping off right at the terminal door. Many people find it worth it for short trips.

Where Are the Heathrow Drop Off Zones?

Heathrow has clear drop-off areas for each terminal. Signs guide you all the way.

• Terminal 2: Follow signs for “T2 Drop-Off” on Constellation Way. Go up the ramp to the drop-off lanes right outside the entrance.
• Terminal 3: Drive along Cosmopolitan Way to Camborne Road. There are four lanes for quick drop-offs.
• Terminal 4: Take Stratford Road and go up the ramp. Choose one of the three lanes at the top.
• Terminal 5: Follow Wayfarer Road, go up the ramp, and pick one of two lanes.

All zones are close to the terminal doors. This makes unloading luggage easy. Remember, these areas are for drop-off only – no waiting or parking.

How to Pay for Heathrow Drop Off

Paying the Heathrow drop off charge is easy and can be done online or by phone. There are no machines in the zones.

Here are the ways to pay:

• Go online to the official payment site and enter your car registration.
• Call the automated phone line at 0330 008 5600.
• Set up Auto Pay so it charges your card automatically each time.

You can pay before your trip, on the day, or by midnight the next day. Paying early is smart to avoid forgetting.

If you drop off often, buy credits in advance. They last for 12 months. Only card payments work – no cash.

The system uses cameras to read your license plate. It knows when you enter the zone.

Important Rules for Heathrow Drop Off

There are rules to keep the Heathrow drop off areas moving.

The big one is the 10-minute maximum stay. From 2026, you can only stay up to 10 minutes in the drop-off forecourt. This stops congestion.

If you stay longer, you get an £80 fine. Pay within 14 days to reduce it to £40.

No waiting or parking is allowed. Unload quickly and say goodbye fast.

If you don’t pay the £7 charge by midnight the next day, you get the same £80 fine.

Cameras watch everything, so follow the rules to avoid trouble.

Who Gets Exemptions from Heathrow Drop Off Charge?

Some people don’t pay the Heathrow drop off fee.

• Emergency vehicles like police, fire, or ambulances are free.
• Official Heathrow vehicles don’t pay.
• Blue Badge holders (disabled parking permit) get 100% off if registered. They also have no 10-minute limit.

To get the Blue Badge discount, register your details online or by phone. You can do it before, during, or after the drop-off.

Military vehicles may also be exempt in some cases.

Check the official site if you think you qualify.

Free Ways to Do Heathrow Drop Off

You can avoid the £7 charge with free options.

The best is using the Park & Ride car parks (formerly called Long Stay). These are a bit farther but free for drop-off.

Drive to the Park & Ride for your terminal. Park, help with luggage, then passengers take a free shuttle bus to the terminal. Buses run often and take 10-15 minutes.

This is great for longer goodbyes. No time limit in the car park for quick stops.

Blue Badge holders get the first two hours free here too.

Another idea: Drop off at a nearby train or tube station, like Hatton Cross, and take public transport the last bit.

Or use short-stay parking if you want to walk in with passengers, but that costs more.

Other Ways to Reach Heathrow Without Driving

If Heathrow drop off seems too much, try other options.

• Public transport is great: Heathrow Express train, Tube (Piccadilly line), or buses.
• Taxis or minicabs can drop off without you driving.
• Book a ride-share or private transfer for door-to-door service.
• For groups, coaches have special bays.

These ways avoid driving stress and the drop-off charge altogether.

FAQs

Plan Your Heathrow Drop Off Today

Dropping off at Heathrow doesn’t have to be hard. With the £7 charge for terminal zones or free Park & Ride options, you have choices. Know the rules, pay on time, and follow tips for a smooth trip.

Whether you pay for convenience or save with alternatives, good planning makes happy travels.