Heathrow Drop-off and Pickup Points Explained
Heathrow Airport charges for dropping off passengers directly outside the terminal buildings. This guide explains all your options for every terminal, including the free drop-off zones, the paid forecourt areas, and why a pre-booked taxi transfer often makes the most sense.
Free Drop-off at Heathrow
Every Heathrow terminal has a free drop-off option at the Long Stay car parks. You can stop for up to 15 minutes without charge. However, passengers then need to take a shuttle bus to the terminal, which adds 5-15 minutes to the journey.
| Terminal | Free Drop-off Location | Shuttle to Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Long Stay Car Park | ~10 minutes by bus |
| Terminal 3 | Long Stay Car Park | ~10 minutes by bus |
| Terminal 4 | Long Stay Car Park | ~5 minutes by bus |
| Terminal 5 | Long Stay Car Park | ~8 minutes by bus |
The free option works if you have plenty of time, but it is not ideal with heavy luggage, young children, or elderly passengers who may struggle with the shuttle bus.
Paid Forecourt Drop-off
For a faster, more convenient drop-off, Heathrow offers a paid forecourt zone directly outside each terminal's departures entrance. As of 2026, charges are approximately:
- £5 for up to 10 minutes
- £25+ for up to 20 minutes
- Charges increase steeply beyond 10 minutes
Payment is automatic via ANPR (number plate recognition). You do not need to stop at a barrier — the charge is billed to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
Pickup at Heathrow
Picking up arriving passengers is handled via the Short Stay car parks at each terminal. These are connected to the terminals via covered walkways (2-5 minute walk). Charges are approximately:
- £5-8 for up to 30 minutes
- £15-25 for up to 1 hour
- £30+ for up to 2 hours
There is no free waiting area for pickups at Heathrow. Circling the terminal roads is not permitted and is enforced by ANPR cameras.
Why a Taxi Is the Simplest Option
When you book a taxi with Heathrow Airport Taxi Links, all drop-off and pickup logistics are handled for you:
- Drop-offs — your driver takes you directly to the terminal forecourt. The drop-off charge is included in your fixed fare.
- Pickups — your driver monitors your flight in real time and waits for you. No rushing, no parking charges, no circling.
- Meet and greet — for arrivals, your driver can meet you inside the arrivals hall with a name board.
- No surprises — your fare is fixed at booking. There are no additional charges for terminal access, waiting time (for flight delays), or luggage.
Skip the Hassle
Fixed-price transfers with drop-off and pickup included. No parking charges, no shuttle buses.
Book Your TransferTips for Drop-off and Pickup
- Know your terminal — check with your airline before you travel. See our airline terminal list for a quick reference.
- Allow extra time for free drop-off — add 15-20 minutes to your schedule if using the Long Stay car parks
- Do not stop on the approach roads — Heathrow enforces strict no-stopping rules on the terminal approach roads. ANPR cameras issue automatic fines.
- For pickups, use the Flight Arrivals board — check live arrivals at heathrow.com before setting off, so you are not waiting in a paid car park while the flight is delayed
- Pre-book your transfer — a fixed-price taxi eliminates all the guesswork and parking costs
