Heathrow Airport parking can cost more than your flight if you're not careful. Short Stay parking is around £8 per hour, Long Stay over a week runs into hundreds of pounds, and Meet & Greet adds another premium on top. For most travellers, a pre-booked taxi works out significantly cheaper than parking — especially if you live within 30 miles of the airport.
This guide compares every Heathrow parking option in 2026, shows real cost breakdowns, and explains when parking is worth it versus when a taxi makes more financial sense.
Heathrow Short Stay Parking
Short Stay car parks sit closest to each terminal — a 2-3 minute walk to check-in. They're designed for very short visits (collecting arrivals, business meetings) and are extremely expensive for anything over 2 hours.
2026 Short Stay rates (approximate, per terminal):
- Up to 30 minutes: £4.50
- 30-60 minutes: £8.20
- 1-2 hours: £11.60
- 2-3 hours: £18.50
- 3-4 hours: £25.40
- 24 hours: £72.50
For a typical 7-day holiday, Short Stay parking would cost £500+. Never use Short Stay for longer than a couple of hours.
Heathrow Long Stay Parking
Long Stay car parks are 5-10 minutes from the terminals with a free shuttle bus. Pre-booked online, these are Heathrow's most affordable on-airport option.
2026 Long Stay rates (pre-booked, indicative):
- 3 days: £55-65
- 7 days: £90-120
- 10 days: £125-150
- 14 days: £155-185
- 21 days: £205-245
The shuttle adds 10-20 minutes to your journey at each end. Long Stay also incurs the £5 drop-off charge when leaving the terminal — unless you take the shuttle.
Meet & Greet (Valet Parking)
Heathrow's Meet & Greet service lets you drive to the terminal, hand the keys to a valet, and walk straight into the terminal. The car is parked off-site and returned to the terminal when you land.
2026 Meet & Greet rates (pre-booked):
- 3 days: £95-110
- 7 days: £135-165
- 14 days: £195-235
Convenience comes at a premium of around £30-50 more than Long Stay for the same period.
Taxi vs Parking: Real Cost Comparison
Here's how a return taxi compares to 7 days of Long Stay parking from common pickup areas (taxi prices are our actual quotes):
| From | Long Stay 7 days | Return taxi | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slough | £100 | £40 (return £22 + £18 with discount) | £60 |
| Maidenhead | £100 | £59 (return) | £41 |
| Reading | £100 | £106 (return) | -£6 |
| Marlow | £100 | £74 (return) | £26 |
| Windsor | £100 | £49 (return) | £51 |
And remember — these numbers don't include the £5 drop-off charge if you're using POP! to avoid parking entirely, or fuel/wear-and-tear on your own car. For most journeys under 25 miles, a taxi is cheaper than parking AND saves the hassle.
Hidden Costs of Driving to Heathrow
When comparing parking to a taxi, factor in:
- Fuel — round trip Maidenhead to Heathrow ≈ 26 miles, £5-7 in fuel
- £5 drop-off charge on arrival (and another £5 on collection if you re-enter forecourt)
- Time stress — finding parking, walking to terminal, getting back to car
- Risk of late flight changes — your car is at the airport whether you make it or not
- Car insurance considerations — leaving a vehicle for weeks may affect cover
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest parking at Heathrow?
Long Stay car parks are the cheapest official Heathrow option, starting around £55 for 3 days when pre-booked. Off-airport parking via third parties (with a shuttle) can be cheaper but adds 20-30 minutes to your journey.
Is it cheaper to taxi to Heathrow than park?
For trips under about 25 miles, yes — a return taxi typically costs less than 7 days of Long Stay parking, and you avoid the £5 drop-off charge and fuel costs. For longer journeys (60+ miles), parking can be cheaper.
How much is short stay parking at Heathrow?
Short Stay parking is around £4.50 for 30 minutes and rises sharply: £8.20 for an hour, £18.50 for 3 hours, and £72.50 for 24 hours. It's designed for very short visits only.
Can I park free at Heathrow?
No on-airport parking is free, but the POP! zones in the Long Stay car parks offer the first 30 minutes free — useful for a quick drop-off without paying the £5 forecourt charge.
What is the cheapest way to get to Heathrow Airport?
For solo travellers, public transport (Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line) is cheapest. For couples or families with luggage, a pre-booked taxi often beats parking + fuel + drop-off charge combined.
Book Your Heathrow Transfer
Skip the hassle of driving, parking, and drop-off charges. Get an instant quote for a fixed-price airport transfer with flight monitoring included, or call 01753 575757. We cover all four Heathrow terminals 24/7.