Heathrow charges £7 every time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off area. The charge must be paid by midnight the following day, and if it is not, the registered keeper receives an £80 parking charge, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days. That parking charge is what most people mean when they talk about a Heathrow “taxi fine”.
This page explains how the charge works, how to avoid the parking charge if someone is dropping you off, and how pick-ups work, since the rules for collecting passengers are different again.
The drop-off charge in brief
| Charge | £7 per vehicle, per entry to a terminal drop-off area |
| When it applies | 24 hours a day, every day |
| Payment deadline | Midnight on the day after your visit |
| If unpaid | £80 parking charge to the registered keeper, £40 if paid within 14 days |
| How to pay | Online, autopay account, or automated phone line on 0330 008 5600 |
| Free alternative | Park & Ride car parks (previously Long Stay), with a free bus to the terminal |
Source: Heathrow terminal drop-off charge, checked October 2026.
“Per entry” is the part that catches people out
The £7 is charged each time the car drives into a drop-off zone, not once per day. If a driver drops one passenger, loops round because someone forgot a bag, and comes back in, that is two entries and £14. The same applies to a family car that drops passengers at Terminal 2 and then Terminal 3 for different flights.
There is no free grace period on the forecourt and no option to pay in cash at the kerb. Number plate cameras record the vehicle, and the bill goes to whoever the car is registered to.
When we drive you to Heathrow
The £7 drop-off charge is already included in our fares, along with ULEZ and the Congestion Charge where they apply. You do not pay Heathrow anything yourself or need an account. You can check fares by destination on our Heathrow taxi prices page. Our fares do not change with the time of day, so a 4am run to Terminal 5 costs the same as a midday one.
If a friend or relative is dropping you off
The charge falls on the driver of the car, so it is worth telling them about it before the day:
- Pay online or on 0330 008 5600 before midnight the next day. Card payment only.
- If they use Heathrow often, an autopay account takes the charge automatically and removes the risk of forgetting.
- If they would rather not pay, the Park & Ride car parks offer free drop-off and a free bus to the terminals. Allow extra time for the bus.
Blue Badge holders can get a full discount, but it has to be applied for. It is not automatic.
Already received a parking charge letter?
Pay it within 14 days and it drops from £80 to £40. After 14 days the full £80 applies. If you believe the letter is wrong, for example because the charge was paid on time, contact Heathrow’s drop-off customer service on 0333 200 7459 (Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00, weekends 08:00 to 17:00, closed bank holidays).
If you travelled in a pre-booked taxi or minicab, any letter goes to that vehicle’s registered keeper, not to you as the passenger.
How pick-ups work at Heathrow
The drop-off zones are for drop-offs only. Heathrow does not allow pick-ups or waiting on the terminal forecourts. Passengers are collected from the Terminal Parking car parks (previously Short Stay) or from the Park & Ride car parks.
Private hire drivers who arrive early can wait at the Heathrow Authorised Vehicle Area, away from the terminals, and move to the terminal car park when their passenger is ready.
When we collect you, your driver meets you inside the arrivals hall and walks with you to the car in the terminal car park. We track your flight, and the first 60 minutes after it lands are free, which covers passport control and baggage reclaim on most arrivals. Add meet and greet for £10 and your driver will be waiting with a name board.
Our drivers track your flight and give you 60 minutes of free waiting after landing. More on flight delays and waiting time.
Terminal guides
Each terminal has its own layout and car park. Our terminal pages cover the journey and pick-up for each one:
Flying from Gatwick instead? Its rules and charges are different; see our Gatwick drop-off charge explainer.
Questions people ask
Do taxis have to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?
Private hire vehicles, which includes pre-booked minicabs and airport transfer cars, are not on Heathrow’s list of exempt vehicles. The charge applies to them in the same way as a private car.
Is there a free way to drop someone off at Heathrow?
Yes. Drop-off at the Park & Ride car parks is free, and a free bus runs to the terminals.
How long do I have to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?
Until midnight on the day after the drop-off. You can also pay in advance.
What is the fine for not paying the Heathrow drop-off charge?
An £80 parking charge, reduced to £40 if you pay within 14 days.
Can a taxi wait outside the terminal to pick me up?
No. Waiting and pick-ups are not allowed in the drop-off zones. Pick-ups take place from the terminal car parks, and private hire drivers wait at the Authorised Vehicle Area until you are ready.
For the full picture of our Heathrow service, fares and vehicles, see our Heathrow airport taxi page.