London Heathrow Airport drop-off: How to pay the charge in 2025

Last updated: December 2024

If you’re a private hire driver, avoiding fines and Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) means keeping more money in your pocket.

London Heathrow Airport’s terminal drop-off area is a common spot where Uber drivers often get fined. To help you avoid penalties and maximise your earnings, the Otto Team has created a simple guide for you to follow.

It covers everything you need to know, including what the terminal drop-off charge is, how to pay, and how you can drop-off for free.

What is the Heathrow terminal drop-off charge?

The Heathrow terminal drop-off charge applies to all vehicles that enter the drop-off area. From 1 January 2025, Heathrow’s terminal drop-off charge will increase from £5 to £6 per visit.

If you are dropping off passengers at the Heathrow terminal forecourts, you will need to pay the drop-off charge. These drop-off areas are located in front of the terminal buildings. You’ll see signs before and around the airport to let you know which areas are chargeable zones.

This is tracked by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. There are no barriers to enter, so you’ll be charged as soon as you enter the drop-off zone.

The terminal drop-off charge applies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Did you know?

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone (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.

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

• Online (London Heathrow Airport website)
• By calling an automated telephone service
• Automatically once you set up autopay

You won’t be able to pay the drop-off charge at an airport ticket machine. You can only pay using one of the three options listed above.

Remember, you will need to pay the £6 charge every time you enter a drop-off area.

How does autopay work at Heathrow?

Autopay is the easiest and quickest way to pay your Heathrow drop-off charge. Heathrow 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.

Register an autopay business account with Heathrow

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

If you don’t pay the Heathrow drop-off charge by midnight the next day, you’ll receive an £80 PCN. This can be reduced to £40 if you pay within 14 days of receiving the PCN.

You can pay your Heathrow PCN online.

Remember, Otto Car will not register your PCO car 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.

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.

Can I pick up Uber passengers at Terminal 2?

Uber drivers can pick up passengers from Heathrow Airport’s designated Short Stay car park. It is prohibited to pick up passengers from Heathrow’s terminal forecourts.

Do private hire vehicles get discounts?

PCO drivers are not eligible for any exemptions or discount on the drop-off charge. There are also no discounts available for drivers with EVs.

For more private hire news and trends, sign up to driver newsletter below or visit our PCO Newsroom

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