Heathrow Drop-Off Charge (£7): How to Pay, Deadlines & Avoid Fines (2026)
Heathrow updates its drop-off rules and pricing structure from time to time. For private hire drivers who work on Heathrow runs, staying up to date with these rules is extremely important.
Missing the £7 drop-off fee can quickly turn into an £80 penalty charge notice. This can stretch your budget and affect your ability to pay your weekly PCO car hire fee if you are using a hire plan. Fortunately, there are free and cheaper alternatives to stop Heathrow drop-off charge from eating into your profits. Let’s explore them and learn more about the drop-off payment.
Article Highlights
This article covers:
- Heathrow drop-off payment
- Where does the charge apply
- How to pay
- Importance of Auto Pay, and more.
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What Is the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?
It was implemented in 2021 to reduce congestion around terminal forecourts. Initially, it was at £5 per visit. From January 1, 2026, it has been increased to £7 per visit for vehicles entering the terminal forecourts. The charge applies to all types of vehicles, including PCO cars, black cabs, and private cars.
Where Does the Charge Apply?
It applies to all four Heathrow terminals (2, 3, 4, 5). Each terminal has a dedicated zone for quick passenger drop-offs. You can follow the signs to reach them. There are no physical barriers to mark these areas. They are monitored by ANPR cameras that capture your number plate as you drive in. Once the system logs you in, you are liable for the charge.
How to Pay the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?
There are three methods to pay the charge: Heathrow Airport’s official website, an automated telephone payment line, and Auto Pay.
Paying Through the Website: You’ll need your vehicle registration, drop-off date, and a valid payment card to pay online. Heathrow’s official website guides you through the process and provides confirmation after payment.
Telephone Payments: Call 0330 008 5600 and follow voice prompts. This suits drivers who lack stable internet access. The system operates 24/7. You can call from your car immediately after drop-off.
Auto Pay: This option is ideal for frequent Heathrow users. An Auto Pay account automatically charges your card after every entry into a Heathrow drop-off zone. You will receive a notification after a payment is deducted.
Is Auto Pay Worth It for PCO Drivers?
Manually remembering to pay a drop-off charge for each Heathrow visit adds unnecessary stress. Auto Pay removes that stress by recognising your registration plate automatically upon entering a terminal forecourt. The £7 charge is deducted from your linked account to avoid missing deadlines and subsequent fines.
For drivers doing five, ten, or fifteen Heathrow trips per week, forgetting one payment is almost inevitable. Auto Pay eliminates that worry.
Also Read: Importance of an Auto Pay Account for Private Hire Drivers in London
How Long Can You Stay in Heathrow’s Drop-Off Zone?
You can stay for a maximum of 10 minutes in any drop-off zone. The ANPR system constantly monitors these zones. Overstaying will result in an £80 fine, which can be reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days. The rule applies 24/7.
What Happens If You Don't Pay Heathrow's Drop-Off Charge?
If you fail to pay the £7 fee by midnight the following day, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice of £80. Pay it within 14 days to get a 50% discount. If you ignore the PCN or miss the deadline, further enforcement action may follow. The best way to avoid this situation is to set up an Auto Pay account for regular Heathrow use.
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Are There Any Free Drop-Off Options at Heathrow?
You can use Heathrow’s Park & Ride facilities at each terminal to avoid the £7 Heathrow drop-off payment. These zones were formerly known as Long Stay car parks. They offer free parking for up to 30 minutes. If you stay longer than that, you will have to pay £9.40 for the first two hours. Stays that are longer than two hours cost £40.80 for the first day and £32.90 for every additional day.
These zones are located far from terminal forecourts, but the airport has a free shuttle service that takes about 10 minutes to transport passengers to the terminals.
Who Is Exempt from the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?
Here are the categories exempt from the Heathrow drop-off payment:
Blue Badge Holders
The most common exemption applies to passengers with disabilities holding a valid Blue Badge. However, this exemption only applies if you follow the correct process.
First, you must register the vehicle in advance. You cannot arrive with a Blue Badge and expect automatic exemption. Registration usually requires the vehicle number plate, Blue Badge number, and travel date.
Second, you must use the designated call point when you arrive at the terminal. These intercom posts are installed within the drop-off zones. You must use them to speak to an operator, provide registration details, and confirm Blue Badge information. This is a mandatory step.
Other Exemptions
- Coaches and buses are exempt from the Heathrow drop-off payment. However, they must use designated coach bays instead of standard drop-off zones.
- Vehicles with pre-booked Heathrow valet parking are also exempt. They pay for a separate service with higher assistance levels. The valet system operates independently from the drop-off charge structure.
- There are no exemptions for PCO-licensed vehicles. A private hire licence does not automatically grant you discounts or special access.
How to Avoid Heathrow PCNs?
The best way to avoid penalty charge notices is to pay the drop-off charge on time. If you receive a PCN, you are not without options. You can appeal penalty charge notices if:
- The notice was issued outside the legal timeframe
- Signage was unclear
- You were unable to pay despite multiple attempts
Appeals require solid proof, and success is not guaranteed.
Also Read: PCN Text Scams Are on the Rise; Here’s How to Stay Safe
Option | Cost | Deadline | PCN Risk |
Terminal Drop-Off | £7 | Midnight the next day | High if unpaid |
Park & Ride | Free (30 mins) | 30 minutes | Low |
Auto Pay | £7 | Automatic | None |
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Conclusion
At £7 per visit, the Heathrow drop-off payment can be a hassle for drivers making regular trips. If left unpaid, it becomes an £80 penalty that can impact your earnings and ability to pay your weekly PCO car hire fee.
Free alternatives exist through Park & Ride facilities. However, they involve time trade-offs that reduce practicality for commercial drivers or passengers in a rush.
For regular Heathrow visitors, Auto Pay offers the most reliable solution. It removes the risk of forgotten payments through automatic deductions. When handled correctly, the charge stops being a source of stress or unexpected penalties. It becomes a predictable operating cost. Just keep your vehicle details current on Auto Pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?
If you do not pay the £7 charge by midnight the following day, Heathrow issues an £80 Penalty Charge Notice. The fine reduces to £40 if paid within 14 days. Ignoring it may lead to further enforcement action.
Can I pay the Heathrow drop-off charge at the airport?
No. There are no payment machines or barriers at Heathrow terminals. Payment must be made online, by telephone, or through Auto Pay after the drop-off.
Is the Heathrow drop-off charge included in Uber or Bolt fares?
In most cases, ride-hailing apps include the drop-off charge in the fare shown to passengers. However, drivers are still responsible for ensuring the charge is paid.
Do electric vehicles or PCO drivers get a discount?
There are no discounts or exemptions for electric vehicles or PCO-licensed drivers. All vehicles entering terminal forecourts must pay the £7 charge.
Is there any way to avoid paying the Heathrow drop-off charge?
You can use Heathrow’s Park & Ride (Long Stay) car parks, which are free for up to 30 minutes. Passengers must take a free shuttle to the terminal from here, which adds travel time.
What is the best way for PCO drivers to avoid Heathrow PCNs?
The most reliable method is setting up an Auto Pay account. Auto Pay automatically charges £7 per visit and removes the risk of missed payments or fines.
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