If you are planning to drop off friends, family, or colleagues directly outside a Heathrow terminal, there is one crucial thing you need to know. As of January 1, 2026, Heathrow increased its mandatory drop-off fee to £7 per visit at all terminals.
Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, this Terminal Drop-Off Charge (TDOC) is enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. There are no barriers or ticket machines to remind you. If you drive through the drop-off zone, your number plate is recorded. Failure to pay online before the strict deadline will result in an £80 Parking Charge Notice (PCN).
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we will explain exactly how to pay the £7 charge, what happens if you forget, and why booking an Air Park Pro Park & Ride or Meet & Greet service is often a much cheaper and stress-free alternative.
Heathrow Drop-Off Charges by Terminal (T2, T3, T4 & T5)
The rules and costs are identical across all operating passenger terminals. The charge applies the moment your vehicle enters the drop-off lanes. Furthermore, Heathrow has now introduced a strict 10 minute maximum stay in these zones.
| Terminal | Location | 2026 Charge | Max Stay | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Level 4 departures forecourt | £7.00 (per visit) | 10 Minutes | Midnight the day after your visit |
| Terminal 3 | Departures forecourt | £7.00 (per visit) | 10 Minutes | Midnight the day after your visit |
| Terminal 4 | Departures forecourt | £7.00 (per visit) | 10 Minutes | Midnight the day after your visit |
| Terminal 5 | Level 5 departures forecourt | £7.00 (per visit) | 10 Minutes | Midnight the day after your visit |
Exemptions: Blue Badge holders are eligible for a 100% discount but must apply in advance. Private Hire Vehicles (Uber, minicabs) must still pay the £7 charge, and there are no discounts for Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Tired of paying the £7 drop-off fee and rushing your goodbyes? Park safely outside the terminal traffic with Air Park Pro’s Park & Ride and avoid the terminal charges completely.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge
There are no physical ticket machines, and you cannot pay in cash. Here is how to settle the charge:
Step 1: Note Your Details
Ensure you know the exact vehicle registration number (number plate) that you drove into the airport.
Step 2: Go to the Official Website
Visit the official Heathrow Airport payment portal. Be wary of third-party ad sites that charge a premium administration fee.
Step 3: Pay by the Deadline
You can pay the £7 charge in advance, on the day of your drop-off, or by midnight the following day. If you enter the drop-off zone twice in one day, you must pay the £7 charge twice (£14 total).
Payment Deadlines & £80 Fines
The payment window is notoriously strict. If you miss the midnight deadline the day after your visit, a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £80 is automatically generated and posted to the registered keeper of the vehicle. This is reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
If you believe the PCN was issued incorrectly (for example, your vehicle was cloned), you can appeal via the instructions on the PCN letter. Please note that “I forgot to pay” is never accepted as a valid ground for an appeal.
Cheaper Alternatives: Avoid the Drop-Off Zone Entirely
If you want to walk your family into the terminal, help them with their bags, and say a proper goodbye, the Drop-Off zone is the wrong choice. The 10 minute limit makes this impossible. If you choose to use the Short Stay Car Park instead, you will be charged £8 for up to 29 minutes. Relying on these options can quickly become the most expensive way to visit the airport.
- Park & Ride: From as little as £6 per day, you can park in an Air Park Pro secure compound and take a free shuttle directly to the terminal. You pay £0 in terminal drop-off fees.
- Premium Meet & Greet: For ultimate convenience, drive straight to the terminal. With our Premium Meet & Greet service, we handle your vehicle and we pay the airport barrier fees for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to pay if I just drive through without stopping?
Yes. The cameras register your vehicle entering the zone. Even if you do not stop, the £7 charge still applies.
2. Does the drop-off charge apply to picking up passengers?
You are not legally allowed to pick passengers up in the drop-off lanes. Pick-ups must be done in the Short Stay Car Parks, which currently charge an £8 minimum fee.
3. Are electric vehicles (EVs) exempt from the £7 charge?
No. While EVs are exempt from ULEZ charges, they must still pay the £7 Heathrow drop-off charge.
Avoid the £80 PCN & Travel Stress-Free
Book your parking with Air Park Pro today. Choose our Premium Meet & Greet and we will cover your airport barrier fees, ensuring a seamless start to your holiday. Get Your Quote Now
this site does not offer a PCN menu option ???
Hi Ken, thanks for your comment! You have landed on the blog for Air Park Pro. We are an independent premium airport parking provider, and we wrote this guide to help travellers navigate the drop-off rules. >
Because we are not the official Heathrow Airport authority, you cannot pay your PCN fine on our website. To pay your £80 fine, you need to visit the official APCOA Heathrow Drop-Off portal at: https://pcnhr.apcoa.co.uk/
Next time you fly, book a Premium Meet & Greet with us, and we will cover the terminal barrier fees for you so you never get a fine again! Safe travels.