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Heathrow drop-off charges 2026: How to pay & what’s changed

The Otto TeamFebruary 27, 2026
Heathrow drop-off charges 2026: How to pay & what’s changed

Last updated: February 2026

If you’re dropping someone off at London Heathrow Airport, you should be aware of the current rules, charges, and how to pay - especially if you’re a PCO driver that regularly does airport runs to Heathrow.

Heathrow is one of the most common places drivers get fined - but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how the charge works, how to pay it properly, and how to avoid it altogether.

What is the Heathrow drop-off charge?

The Heathrow Airport Terminal Drop-Off Charge is applicable to vehicles entering the official terminal forecourt zones at Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. This helps manage congestion and traffic flow at one of the world’s busiest airports.
If you’re dropping off passengers directly outside the terminals, the charge applies. Here’s what you need to know:
  • Charge per visit: ÂŁ7 (since 1 January 2026)
  • Applies to: All private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers and other vehicles entering the Heathrow terminal forecourts for all Heathrow trips.
  • Time limit: You must exit within 10 minutes of entering the drop-off zones - exceeding this may lead to a fine or PCN.
  • Operating hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Operating locations: In front of the terminal buildings.
You’ll see signs before and around the airport to let you know which areas are chargeable terminal zones.
There are no barriers to enter, so you’ll be tracked as soon as you enter the drop-off zone. This is tracked by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and picks up your vehicle registration number.

Important reminder: Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the ULEZ standards, you’ll need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to use Heathrow’s terminal drop-off areas. This doesn’t apply to electric vehicles (EVs), but it’s good to know for non-compliant vehicles.

How do I pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?

You can pay in advance, on the day you drop off passengers, or by midnight the next day. Just make sure you don’t forget as missing the payment deadline will result in expensive penalties.

There are three payment methods to choose from for the drop-off charge:

Why choose AutoPay?

If you’re a frequent Heathrow visitor, AutoPay is the easiest and fastest way to cover drop-off fees. 

Spend just 10 minutes setting up your account and adding all your vehicle and payment details in advance - once it’s done, you’re all set for every airport run to Heathrow.

You cannot pay at the drop-off zone itself - all payments must be made online or by phone.

How does AutoPay work at Heathrow?

Heathrow Airport recommend that private hire drivers set up a business account to get the full benefits of AutoPay.

This is a free account and means you can see all the drop-offs you do and sort out any registered Blue-Badge drop-offs by passengers.

You can also be organised with your payments and pay before you complete the drop-off or by midnight the next day. It’s guaranteed to save you time and money in the long-run, so worth the extra few minutes to set up.

Register an AutoPay business account with Heathrow

What if I don’t pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?

Failing to pay on time may lead to a PCN:
  • ​Fine: ÂŁ80, reduced to ÂŁ40 if paid within 14 days.

Remember, Otto Car will not register PCO car hire vehicles with Heathrow Airport for you. This is your responsibility. If you do regular drop-offs at Heathrow, you should set up an AutoPay account to avoid fines.

We can’t pay the drop-off charge for you, but we can help you avoid unnecessary PCNs - so you keep more of what you earn.

There’s also been a rise in fraudulent messages about PCNs. Read our quick guide on PCN text scams to learn how to spot the signs and protect yourself.

Are there any free drop-off areas at Heathrow?

Heathrow offers a free drop-off area at its Park & Ride car parks (previously called Long Stay Parking). You will be able to stay here for up to 29 minutes without being charged.

From here, passengers can catch a free bus transfer to the terminal. This is a helpful way to avoid the drop-off charge.

Find out more about the Park & Ride car parks at Heathrow Airport.

Do private hire vehicles get any discounts?

PCO drivers are not exempt from Heathrow’s drop-off charge and do not qualify for any discounts. This includes electric vehicles - EV drivers are also not exempt from the charge or eligible for reduced rates.

​For PCO drivers, missed payments and PCNs directly reduce your earnings. To avoid fines:
  • Register your vehicles with a business account.
  • Consider pre-paying or using AutoPay for frequent airport runs.
By keeping on top of payments and planning your drop-off strategy, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and maximise your profits.

How we support our drivers

At Otto Car, we help you protect your earnings - not chip away at them. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide to Heathrow’s terminal drop-off charges, so you can avoid unnecessary fines.

Mistakes happen. So, if you do receive a PCN, Otto Car doesn’t charge admin fees* - giving you one less cost to worry about. It’s just one of the reasons why thousands of drivers choose Otto Car and how we deliver real value.
 
*If you wish to pay the PCN, you should do this within 48 hours and let us know to avoid paying a ÂŁ10 administration fee. If you pay after 48 hours, the fee applies.

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Guide to Heathrow Airport drop-off charges for PCO drivers