How to pay Heathrow Airport drop-off charge

HEATHROW Airport introduced a £5 drop-off charge in October 2021 for people travelling in any motor vehicle.

Here's everything you need to know about how to pay, so you don't end up with a nasty penalty.

How do I pay Heathrow Airport drop-off charge?

You can pay the Heathrow Airport drop-off charge online.

To do this you must visit the and enter your registration number.

You will then need to confirm that it is your car by verifying details such as the category it falls under, make, model and colour.

Once confirmed, you will be directed to a payment page.

It is also possible to use the automated telephone service to pay the drop-off charge — the number is 0330 008 5600.

There are no airport ticket machines, so the only payment methods are via your phone or through the website.

If you are a frequent user of the drop-off zone at London-Heathrow you can set up a personal or business account.

The personal account lets you add a vehicle, pay for a single drop-off, pre-pay for multiple drop-offs, set up autopay and review trip history.

The business account allows you to add multiple vehicles, set up autopay, manage vehicles and review trip history.

Blue badge holders and emergency vehicles are exempt, but taxis and private hire cars will have to cough up.

How much is it to drop-off at Heathrow Airport?

It costs £5 to drop someone off at Heathrow Airport.

The policy is in line with charges at Gatwick and Manchester airports, which also have a £5 drop-off fee.

The charge applies 24 hours, 365 days a year.

You can pay for a single drop-off or pre-pay for multiple drop-offs through your phone or online.

If you pay for one drop-off, but then a minute later re-enter the drop-off zone, you must pay the £5 fee again.

Every time you enter the drop-off zone, you have to pay £5.

The charge must be paid by midnight the day after your visit.

Unlike some airports, there is no time limit in place at the Heathrow Terminal drop-off zone — but please keep in mind that you cannot leave your car unattended.

If you hold a Blue Badge card, you can apply for a 100% discount online and get the drop-off charge for free.

If you do not want to pay the drop-off charge, you can try using the long stay car parks, which will grant you a free 30 minutes.

However if you do use the drop-off zone and fail to pay the £5 charge before midnight of the next day, you will be issued a with a Parking Charge Notice (PCN), which must be paid within 28 days from the date of issue.