Heathrow raised its drop-off charge in January 2026 and added a strict time limit. Here is exactly what changed and how to avoid paying more than you need.
The 2026 Heathrow drop-off charge
From 1 January 2026, Heathrow charges £7 each time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off zone, up from £6, with a strict 10-minute maximum stay. The charge applies at all terminals, 24 hours a day, and is enforced by ANPR cameras with no barrier on the forecourt.
How to pay and the penalty
There is no kiosk on the forecourt, so you pay online or by phone by midnight the following day. Miss it and you face an £80 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days. Electric cars are not exempt; only Blue Badge holders who register in advance avoid the charge.
The free alternative
Heathrow's Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks offer free drop-off for the first 30 minutes, with a free transfer bus to every terminal. This avoids the £7 charge entirely, trading a short shuttle for the saving, worth it especially for a return drop-off and pick-up.
When parking is cheaper than dropping off
For a return trip, two forecourt visits at £7 each, plus the £12.50 ULEZ for non-compliant cars, add up fast. Pre-booked Park & Ride from around £5 per day keeps your car secure all trip and can work out cheaper, while avoiding the ULEZ if you park outside the zone.
Our verdict
Heathrow drop-off is now £7 with a tight 10-minute limit, so plan ahead. Use the free Long Stay alternative for drop-offs, or pre-book parking for your own trip. See our official Heathrow drop-off page for the latest, and compare parking with BCP30.
More questions
£7 each time you enter a terminal drop-off zone, with a strict 10-minute maximum stay, since 1 January 2026. It is enforced by ANPR; non-payment risks an £80 PCN (£40 if paid within 14 days). EVs are not exempt.
Yes, the Long Stay (Park & Ride) car parks offer free drop-off for the first 30 minutes with a free transfer bus to every terminal. This avoids the £7 charge, trading a short shuttle for the saving.
For return trips, often yes. Two £7 forecourt visits, plus £12.50 ULEZ for non-compliant cars, add up. Pre-booked Park & Ride from around £5/day keeps your car secure and can avoid the ULEZ too. Apply BCP30.
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