Dropping someone off at Heathrow Airport now costs £7 per visit. The Terminal Drop-Off Charge applies to all vehicles entering the forecourts of Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Payment can be made online, by phone, or through AutoPay, but there are no ticket machines or payment kiosks in the drop-off zones. Understanding how and when to pay is essential to avoid a penalty.
The charge is separate from parking fees and is enforced by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras operated by APCOA. The deadline to pay is strict: midnight on the day after your drop-off. Missing that window results in a Penalty Charge Notice. The process is identical at every terminal, but some drivers qualify for exemptions or discounts.
How Much is the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge and When Must You Pay?
The current charge is £7 per entry into any terminal drop-off area. Payment must be completed by midnight the following day. The following overview summarises the key facts.
- Charge: £7 per vehicle per entry
- Payment Deadline: By midnight the day after your drop-off
- Payment Methods: Online, by phone, or in advance (prepay)
- Exemptions: Blue Badge holders (display valid badge)
Key Insights About the Drop-Off Charge
- The Heathrow drop-off charge applies to all vehicles entering the terminal drop-off zones, except those with automatic exemptions.
- Payment must be made by midnight the next day to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
- There is no option to pay on site – no ticket machines or payment kiosks in drop-off areas.
- Blue Badge holders can apply for a 100% discount and free access.
- Each entry is a separate charge; prepaid bundles are available for frequent users.
- The charge is enforced by APCOA using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Heathrow Drop-Off Charge: Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Charge amount | £7 per entry |
| Payment deadline | Midnight the following day |
| Where it applies | Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5 drop-off forecourts |
| Payment methods | Online, phone, AutoPay, prepay |
| On-site payment | Not available |
| Exemptions | Blue Badge, emergency vehicles, military vehicles |
| Penalty for non-payment | PCN £80 (reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days) |
| Enforcement | APCOA with ANPR |
| Phone payment number | Check official site – not consistently published |
| Prepay option | Yes, bundles available |
How to Pay Heathrow Drop-Off Charge Online
Online payment is the most straightforward method. You can pay on Heathrow’s official website up to six days before your visit, on the day, or by midnight the next day. There is no need to create an account for a single payment, though registering allows you to manage multiple visits and prepay bundles.
Step-by-Step Online Payment
Visit the official Heathrow Terminal Drop-Off Charge page. Enter your vehicle registration number and the date of the drop-off. You can pay by credit or debit card. The system confirms payment instantly and sends a receipt by email.
Prepay for Multiple Visits
Heathrow offers prepaid bundles for frequent users. You can purchase 10, 20, 50, or 100 entries at a discounted rate. These are linked to a specific vehicle registration and must be used within 12 months. Registration on the Heathrow website is required.
AutoPay links a credit or debit card to your vehicle registration. Every time the ANPR camera detects your car entering a drop-off zone, the £7 charge is automatically billed. You can set it up on the official Heathrow payment portal.
How to Pay Heathrow Drop-Off Charge by Phone
Heathrow’s official information states that payment can be made by an automated telephone service. The exact phone number is not prominently displayed on the main charge page, and third-party sources give conflicting numbers. For the most reliable option, use the contact details provided on the official website or the APCOA help centre.
If you have a Blue Badge and cannot apply online, Heathrow directs you to call customer services for support. The official site should be checked for the current number before calling, as numbers may change.
Third-party guides cite 0333 200 7459 for Blue Badge queries and 0330 008 5600 for payments, but these are not confirmed by Heathrow’s official pages. Always rely on the airport’s website or the APCOA help centre for the correct number.
How to Pay Heathrow Drop-Off Charge at Each Terminal (2, 3, 4, 5)
The payment process is identical at all four terminals. The charge applies at the terminal forecourt, not at long-stay car parks or other areas. Below are the specific details for each terminal, though the method of payment does not vary.
Terminal 2 and Terminal 3
Both terminals are adjacent, but each has its own drop-off forecourt. Enter the correct forecourt, note your vehicle registration, and pay online or by phone before the deadline. The same £7 charge and deadline apply.
Terminal 4
Terminal 4’s drop-off zone is located directly outside the terminal building. ANPR cameras record your entry. Payment must be made by midnight the next day. There is no pay machine on site.
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 has a dedicated drop-off area. As with other terminals, the charge is £7 and must be paid digitally. Some third-party sources mention a free 30-minute drop-off in the Terminal 5 short-stay car park, but this is separate from the terminal forecourt charge.
Heathrow explicitly states there is no option to pay at an airport ticket machine or in the terminal drop-off zones. If you drive into the forecourt without arranging payment, you must pay online or by phone before the deadline. Failing to do so results in a penalty.
How Has the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge Changed Over Time?
Heathrow introduced the terminal drop-off charge in 2021. According to official updates from the airport, the fee has increased twice. The following timeline shows the changes.
- 2021: Charge introduced at £5 per entry.
- 2023: Increased to £6 per entry.
- 2025: Current charge of £7 per entry.
Future increases have not been announced. Any changes will be published on Heathrow’s official website.
What is Certain and What is Uncertain About the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?
The information available on the official Heathrow site and associated sources contains both confirmed facts and areas that remain unclear.
Established Information
- Current charge is £7 per entry.
- Payment deadline is midnight the next day.
- Online and phone payment options are available.
- Blue Badge holders are exempt.
- Emergency and military vehicles are automatically exempt.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Future charge increases – not officially announced.
- Exact phone numbers may change – always check the official site.
- Whether the charge applies to delivery vehicles – check with Heathrow directly.
Why Does Heathrow Charge a Drop-Off Fee?
The terminal drop-off charge was introduced primarily to manage traffic congestion and reduce emissions around the terminals. Heathrow says the fee encourages the use of public transport, car parks, and alternative drop-off points. The system is enforced by APCOA, a parking management company, using ANPR cameras that record every vehicle entering the forecourts.
Other UK airports have similar charges. Gatwick charges £6 for a similar drop-off zone, while Manchester charges £5. Heathrow’s £7 fee is among the highest, though the airport offers free drop-off alternatives such as the long-stay car park shuttle buses and some short-stay car parks with free initial periods.
What Do Official Sources Say About the Charge?
Heathrow and APCOA provide the most authoritative information. The following quotes are taken from their official pages.
“A £7 charge applies every time a vehicle enters the terminal drop-off areas. You can pay in advance, on the day you drop-off or by midnight the next day.”
– Official Heathrow Terminal Drop-Off Charge page
“You can pay a Parking Charge online or by phone. If you do not pay, you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.”
– APCOA Heathrow Drop-Off Help Centre
For the most up-to-date information, refer to the official Heathrow page and the APCOA help centre.
What Should You Do Next?
Before your next trip to Heathrow, decide whether you will use the terminal forecourt or an alternative drop-off point. If you drive into a forecourt, pay promptly online or by phone. Blue Badge holders should apply for the discount through the official portal. Keep an eye on the official website for any rate changes. For more details on parking alternatives, see the Heathrow Parking Options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free drop-off area at Heathrow?
Yes, some terminals have free drop-off zones in short-stay car parks (e.g., first 30 minutes free at Terminal 5). Check terminal details.
Can I pay the Heathrow drop-off charge with cash?
No, payment is digital only – online, by phone, or via the app.
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit/debit cards for online/phone payments. APCOA accepts Visa, Mastercard, etc.
How many times can I enter the drop-off zone per payment?
Each entry is a separate charge. You can prepay for multiple drop-offs (e.g., 10 visits) at a discount.
Can I prepay for multiple drop-offs?
Yes, Heathrow offers prepaid bundles on the official website.
Does the charge apply to electric vehicles?
Yes, all vehicles except those with Blue Badges.
What if I accidentally enter the drop-off zone without paying?
You must pay by midnight the next day to avoid a fine.
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Vanessa Cole is Editor-in-Chief at StoryNative.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards, celebrity privacy and publication decisions.