Is there a drop off point at Terminal 5 Heathrow?

Terminal 5 has its designated 'drop off' zone right outside the building. This will be the most convenient and fast way for your passengers, but will mean a ?5 charge, though some vehicles are exempt from having to pay. Note that you can't pay at a ticket machine - you'll need to do it online or by phone.



Yes, there is a very convenient drop-off point located directly in front of the Terminal 5 Departures Hall, but as of 2026, it is no longer free. To use this "forecourt" drop-off zone, you must pay a £7 Terminal Drop-Off Charge (recently increased from £6 in January 2026). The zone uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, so there are no barriers; you simply drive in, drop off your passengers, and must pay the fee online or via phone by midnight the following day to avoid an £80 fine. For those who want to avoid the £7 fee, the only "free" option is to use the Long Stay car park at Terminal 5, where you can park for free for up to 30 minutes and have your passengers take the free shuttle bus to the terminal. If you are dropping someone off at the "Short Stay" car park instead, be prepared for even higher rates (starting at £8 for just 30 minutes).

Yes, there is a designated drop-off point at Heathrow Terminal 5.

Here are the key details you need to know:

  • Location: The forecourt directly outside the terminal building. It’s clearly signposted as you approach the terminal.
  • Charge: Yes, there is a charge. Heathrow charges a £5 Drop-Off Charge for all vehicles (except exempt categories) that enter and drop off in the terminal forecourt area.
  • How to Pay: You must pay online, by phone, or via an automated payment machine by midnight the day after your drop-off. You will need your vehicle registration number.
    • Best to pay in advance or immediately after: You can pay up to 6 months in advance, on the day, or by midnight the next day. It’s often easiest to pay online at the official Heathrow website or via their app to avoid forgetting.
  • Important Note: The charge applies every time you enter the forecourt to drop off. There is no free waiting period; the charge is for entry.

Free Alternative Option

If you want to avoid the £5 charge, you can use the Long Stay Car Park for a free drop-off. How it works: Drive to the Long Stay Car Park, where you can park for free for up to 30 minutes. Transfer: From there, take the free Heathrow Express shuttle bus (it runs every 10-15 minutes, 24/7) to the Terminal 5 arrivals level. The total journey time (walking to the bus stop, waiting, and the ride) is usually around 15-20 minutes. Best for: Travellers with more time and less luggage, or if you want to avoid the charge.

Exemptions

The following vehicles are exempt from the charge: Blue Badge holders (the driver or passenger must be registered). Motorcycles. Heathrow-approved operational vehicles (e.g., emergency services, buses, coaches).

Key Recommendation

For a quick, convenient, and direct drop-off, use the terminal forecourt and pay the £5 charge. Just remember to pay it promptly.

To save money and have a few extra minutes, use the free Long Stay Car Park and shuttle bus option.

Always check the official Heathrow website for the

People Also Ask

If you want to avoid the £5 charge, you could use the Heathrow Long Stay car parks. If you drop your passengers there, they will simply need to catch the free transfer shuttle to the terminal. Don't forget that free drop-off is only available at the Long Stay car parks for the first 30 minutes!

MORE DETAILS

How long can you wait at Heathrow Drop Off? Unlike some airports, there isn't a time limit in place at the Heathrow Terminal Drop Off zone. Please keep in mind, however, that you cannot leave your car unattended and must pay the charge every time you re-enter the Drop Off areas.

MORE DETAILS

Heathrow Long Stay FREE Parking Heathrow offers FREE parking for up to 29 minutes at the Long Stay car parks, perfect if you're dropping off or picking up passengers. ?? Passengers will need to catch the FREE shuttle bus to and from the terminals - transfers run every 10-15 minutes and take 5 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

Terminal 5 has its designated 'drop off' zone right outside the building. This will be the most convenient and fast way for your passengers, but will mean a £5 charge, though some vehicles are exempt from having to pay. Note that you can't pay at a ticket machine - you'll need to do it online or by phone.

MORE DETAILS

Walking is only available between terminals 2 and 3 as they are located at the centre of Heathrow airport while the other terminals are significantly farther apart.

MORE DETAILS

The short stay car park is located on Level 5 of the Terminal 5 multi-storey car park and offers easy access to the terminal building. The rates for the short stay car park are £4.50 for up to 30 minutes, £9.00 for up to 1 hour, £13.50 for up to 2 hours, and £18.00 for up to 24 hours.

MORE DETAILS

Making the most of a short layover at Heathrow (0-6 hours)
  1. Enjoy a meal in our huge range of restaurants.
  2. Indulge at some of Heathrow's exclusive shops.
  3. Relax in one of our premium lounges.
  4. Refresh with a relaxing spa treatment.


MORE DETAILS

These are initial fees charged for dropping off someone as close to a terminal as possible. The biggest hikes in so-called kiss and fly charges are at Southampton and Belfast International, the RAC found. Airports argue the higher fees are to deter drivers from lingering around and help to keep flight costs down.

MORE DETAILS

Drivers picking up at Heathrow airport must use the short stay car park at each terminal as passengers are directed there through the app. We will take care of the cost of parking for up to 30 minutes (£4.50). Please make sure your passenger arrives within that time before entering the car park.

MORE DETAILS