Heathrow Airport Parking 2026: Prices, Free Options & Map

HEATHROW AIRPORT • PARKING 2026

Heathrow Airport Parking: Prices, Pickup, Drop-Off & Best Options

Heathrow Airport parking ranges from near-terminal parking to lower-cost Park & Ride. Therefore, the best choice depends on your terminal, trip length and whether you are parking, picking up or dropping off. In addition, Heathrow has renamed several products, so this guide explains both the new names and the older signs you may still see.

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2026 PARKING SNAPSHOT OFFICIAL HEATHROW

£8 TERMINAL PARKING
0–29 MIN

£7 DROP-OFF

FREE 29 MIN P&R

4 TERMINALS

2026

TERMINAL PARKING • £8 FOR 0–29 MINUTES PARK & RIDE • FIRST 29 MINUTES FREE TERMINAL DROP-OFF • £7 PER ENTRY BLUE BADGE • DROP-OFF EXEMPTION AVAILABLE NO EV CHARGING IN HEATHROW CAR PARKS TERMINAL PARKING • £8 FOR 0–29 MINUTES PARK & RIDE • FIRST 29 MINUTES FREE TERMINAL DROP-OFF • £7 PER ENTRY BLUE BADGE • DROP-OFF EXEMPTION AVAILABLE NO EV CHARGING IN HEATHROW CAR PARKS

Heathrow Airport Parking: Quick Answer

For the closest self-parking, choose Terminal Parking, which was previously called Short Stay. It is usually only a one-to-two minute walk from the relevant terminal.

However, Park & Ride is the cheaper official option for longer stays. In addition, shuttle buses connect the car parks with the terminals.

For a passenger drop-off directly outside a terminal, the current charge is £7 per entry. Meanwhile, passenger pickups must use Terminal Parking or Park & Ride rather than the terminal forecourt.

If you want a free short pickup option, Park & Ride currently gives the first 29 minutes free. Therefore, it can be useful when a short shuttle transfer is acceptable.

Heathrow Parking Names Have Changed

Heathrow now calls Short Stay Terminal Parking. Similarly, Long Stay is now Park & Ride.

Business Parking has also become Priority Park & Ride. Nevertheless, some road signs may still use the older names.

CLOSEST

Terminal Parking

Therefore, choose this when walking distance matters most.

CHEAPEST

Park & Ride

In comparison, this is Heathrow’s lowest-cost official parking product.

T5 OPTION

Pod Parking

Moreover, Terminal 5 passengers can use the driverless Pod transfer.

Know your terminal before booking Heathrow parking products serve different terminals. Therefore, check the airline terminal before choosing a car park. As a result, you can avoid booking a product that does not serve your departure building.

Heathrow Airport Parking Prices 2026

Heathrow parking prices depend on the product, stay length and whether you pre-book. Therefore, a live quote remains the best way to price a multi-day trip.

However, the airport publishes useful drive-up prices. In addition, the current official comparison shows starting prices for premium products.

Terminal Parking Drive-Up Prices

First, the current Terminal Parking tariff starts at £8 for 0–29 minutes. Next, 30–44 minutes costs £12.50.

Meanwhile, 45–59 minutes costs £15.50. A stay of one to two hours is currently £20.

0–29 min First, a short pickup £8

30–44 min Next, extra waiting £12.50

45–59 min Meanwhile, almost an hour £15.50

1–2 hours Finally, a longer pickup £20

Longer Terminal Parking Prices

Two to three hours currently costs £24. In addition, three to four hours costs £28.

The 12-to-24-hour rate is currently £98. Consequently, Terminal Parking becomes expensive for a long multi-day stay.

Park & Ride Prices

Park & Ride currently gives the first 29 minutes free. Afterwards, 30 minutes to 1 hour 59 minutes costs £9.40.

The first 24-hour period is currently £46.80. Moreover, each additional 24-hour period starts at £37.40.

Official Parking Comparison

Option	Published Starting Price	Transfer	Available Terminals
Terminal Parking	£8 for 0–29 min	1–2 minute walk	2, 3, 4 and 5
Park & Ride	£46.80 first day	Shuttle transfer	2, 3, 4 and 5
Priority Park & Ride	From £47.90	Under 10 minutes	2, 3 and 5
Pod Parking	From £59.60	About 6 minutes	Terminal 5
Meet & Greet	From £143.40	1–2 minute walk	2, 3, 4 and 5
Valet	From £143.40	1–2 minute walk	2, 3 and 5

Pre-book longer stays Drive-up rates are useful for comparison. However, Heathrow recommends advance booking for the best longer-stay prices. Therefore, check a live quote before deciding.

Heathrow Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

Pickup and drop-off use different areas at Heathrow. Therefore, it is important not to treat the terminal forecourt as a waiting area.

Terminal Drop-Off Charge

The terminal drop-off zones sit directly outside the terminals. Currently, each entry costs £7.

The charge applies 24 hours a day throughout the year. Moreover, each separate entry creates another charge.

Payment can be made before the visit or afterwards. However, post-visit payment must be completed by midnight on the following day.

Passenger Pickups

Pickups are not permitted from the terminal drop-off forecourts. Instead, use Terminal Parking or Park & Ride.

For maximum convenience, Terminal Parking is closest to arrivals. On the other hand, Park & Ride can be cheaper.

Pickup & Drop-Off Radar

£7
DROP Terminal forecourt drop-off Therefore, use this when you need the quickest passenger drop-off.

£8
PICK Closest passenger pickup For example, Terminal Parking costs £8 for the first 29 minutes.

FREE
29M Cheaper short pickup Alternatively, Park & Ride offers the first 29 minutes free.

Free Heathrow Drop-Off Option

Drivers who do not need to stop directly outside the terminal can use Park & Ride for a free short drop-off.

Specifically, the first 29 minutes are free. Afterwards, the passenger can use the airport shuttle to reach the terminal.

Heathrow Terminal Parking

Terminal Parking is the new name for Heathrow Short Stay parking. Therefore, older guides and road signs may still use the previous wording.

Best for Short Stays and Pickups

These car parks sit next to their terminals. As a result, the walk is usually around one to two minutes.

In addition, you keep your keys. Consequently, Terminal Parking works especially well for pickups, short trips and travellers who value proximity.

Do You Need to Pre-Book?

Shorter stays are normally paid on the day. However, Heathrow recommends advance booking for longer stays because online rates can be cheaper.

For stays under nine hours, payment is made at the car park machines or exit gates rather than through advance booking.

Heathrow Park & Ride Parking

Park & Ride is the new name for Long Stay parking. Therefore, signs around Heathrow may still direct you to “Long Stay.”

Cheapest Official Heathrow Parking

Heathrow describes Park & Ride as its cheapest official parking product. In addition, the car parks serve Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Free Shuttle Transfers

Shuttle buses normally run about every 15 minutes. Consequently, allow extra transfer time before check-in.

Depending on the terminal, the journey is generally around 7 to 20 minutes. Therefore, Park & Ride is better suited to travellers who can trade convenience for a lower parking cost.

Free First 29 Minutes

Park & Ride is also useful for passenger pickup and drop-off. Specifically, the first 29 minutes are currently free.

However, re-entry restrictions can apply after using the free period. Therefore, do not repeatedly enter and exit while waiting for a passenger.

Priority Park & Ride and Pod Parking

Heathrow offers faster alternatives between basic Park & Ride and premium terminal services. Therefore, these products can suit travellers who want a quicker transfer without paying for valet-style parking.

Priority Park & Ride

Priority Park & Ride was previously called Business Parking. It currently serves Terminals 2, 3 and 5.

On-demand shuttle transfers take less than 10 minutes in typical airport guidance. Moreover, published prices currently start from £47.90.

Terminal 5 Pod Parking

Pod Parking is available only for Terminal 5. Instead of a bus, driverless electric Pods transfer passengers to and from the terminal.

The journey takes about six minutes. In addition, current published prices start from £59.60.

Meet & Greet and Valet Parking

Premium parking reduces the amount of time spent finding a space. Therefore, it can suit passengers with heavy luggage, children or a tight schedule.

Meet & Greet

Meet & Greet is available for Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. First, drive into the designated Terminal Parking area. Afterwards, Heathrow staff park the vehicle for you.

Current published prices start from £143.40. However, live quotes vary by dates and demand.

Valet Parking

Valet parking offers a terminal-forecourt handover at Terminals 2, 3 and 5. Consequently, it is one of the most convenient official options.

Prices currently start from £143.40. Nevertheless, check the exact live quote before booking.

Blue Badge and EV Parking at Heathrow

Accessibility rules can affect both parking and terminal drop-off. Therefore, Blue Badge holders should review the relevant concession before travelling.

Blue Badge Terminal Drop-Off Discount

Valid UK and EEA Blue Badge holders can apply for a 100% Terminal Drop-Off Charge discount.

The concession can apply even when someone else is driving. For example, the registered vehicle can be a taxi or a friend’s car.

Free Park & Ride Period

Blue Badge holders can also receive the first two hours free in Heathrow Park & Ride.

However, the airport requires the correct Blue Badge and registration details through the car park call-point process.

Accessible Parking Bays

Heathrow states that its official car parks are wheelchair accessible. In addition, Blue Badge spaces are provided across the parking products.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Heathrow currently states that it does not provide EV charging in its airport car parks.

Therefore, charge the vehicle before arrival. Alternatively, plan a nearby public rapid-charging stop before entering airport parking.

BLUE BADGE

Drop-Off Discount

Therefore, eligible users can avoid the £7 forecourt charge after registration.

PARK & RIDE

Two Hours Free

In addition, eligible Blue Badge holders receive a longer free period.

Charge Before Arrival

Currently, official Heathrow car parks do not provide EV charging.

Parking by Heathrow Terminal

Heathrow has four passenger terminals in operation. Therefore, confirm your terminal before booking.

Terminals 2 and 3

Terminal Parking provides the closest self-parking. Meanwhile, Park & Ride serves both terminals from the airport perimeter.

In addition, Priority Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and Valet options are available depending on the terminal.

Terminal 4

Terminal 4 has Terminal Parking and Park & Ride. Moreover, Meet & Greet is available.

Terminal 5

Terminal 5 has the broadest mix of official parking options. For example, travellers can choose Terminal Parking, Park & Ride, Priority Park & Ride, Pod Parking, Meet & Greet or Valet.

Heathrow Airport Parking Arrival Plan

Heathrow covers a large road network. Therefore, knowing your terminal and parking product before arrival is especially important.

1. Confirm your terminal First, check the airline booking so you know whether you need Terminal 2, 3, 4 or 5.

2. Choose the parking product Next, decide between Terminal Parking, Park & Ride, Priority, Pod or a premium service.

3. Save the booking confirmation Then, keep the registration, arrival time and parking directions easy to access.

4. Follow official road signs Afterwards, use Heathrow signs for the correct terminal and car park.

5. Save your vehicle location Finally, photograph the row, zone or level before heading to the terminal.

Heathrow Airport Parking Checklist

Heathrow parking is easier when the main decisions are made before the journey. Therefore, use this checklist before setting off.

Before Leaving Home

Booking Checklist

First, confirm your departure terminal.

Next, compare a live parking quote.

Then, check the vehicle registration.

In addition, review transfer time from the car park.

Finally, save the booking confirmation offline.

On Arrival

First, follow signs for your exact terminal.

Next, follow the current car park name or its older sign.

Then, check that the barrier recognises your booking.

If needed, use the assistance call point.

Finally, save the parking zone and row.

Heathrow Airport Parking Map

Heathrow’s parking sites are spread across different terminal and perimeter roads. Therefore, a general airport map should only be the starting point.

Once near Heathrow, follow the road signs for the exact terminal and parking product. In particular, remember that signs may still say Short Stay, Long Stay or Business Parking.

Heathrow Airport Location

Terminals 2 and 3 are reached from the central terminal area, while Terminals 4 and 5 have separate approaches. Consequently, selecting the correct terminal in navigation is important.

Heathrow Airport Parking
Follow official signs for your terminal and booked car park Open Google Maps

Official Heathrow Airport Parking Information

Heathrow parking prices and product availability can change. Therefore, use the official pages below for the final booking check.

Parking and Comparison

Official Heathrow Parking First, compare current products and live booking prices. Compare Heathrow Parking Next, compare terminal distance, transfers and published starting prices. Terminal Parking In addition, check the latest near-terminal drive-up prices. Park & Ride Finally, check the latest Long Stay replacement and shuttle information.

Drop-Off and Directions

Terminal Drop-Off Charge Check the current £7 charge, payment deadline and exemptions. Find Heathrow Car Parks Moreover, review official addresses, postcodes and driving directions.

Heathrow Airport Parking FAQs

Finally, these answers cover the questions drivers commonly ask before parking, picking up or dropping off at Heathrow.

Parking Prices

How much is Heathrow Terminal Parking?

Terminal Parking currently costs £8 for 0–29 minutes. Afterwards, 30–44 minutes costs £12.50. In addition, a one-to-two-hour stay costs £20 at the published 2026 drive-up rate.

How much is Heathrow Park & Ride?

The first 29 minutes are currently free. Next, 30 minutes to 1 hour 59 minutes costs £9.40. Meanwhile, the first day costs £46.80 at the published drive-up rate.

What is the cheapest official Heathrow parking?

Heathrow describes Park & Ride as its cheapest official product. However, advance-booked prices vary. Therefore, check a live quote for your travel dates.

Pickup and Drop-Off

How much is Heathrow terminal drop-off?

The current terminal drop-off charge is £7 per entry. Moreover, it applies every time the vehicle enters a chargeable forecourt.

Can I pick someone up from the Heathrow drop-off area?

No. Instead, passenger pickups should use Terminal Parking or Park & Ride. Therefore, do not wait on the terminal forecourt.

Is there free pickup parking at Heathrow?

Yes, for a short period. Park & Ride currently provides the first 29 minutes free. However, allow time for the shuttle transfer.

Parking Names and Transfers

Is Heathrow Short Stay still available?

Yes, but it is now called Terminal Parking. Nevertheless, some signs and older information may still use the Short Stay name.

Is Heathrow Long Stay still available?

Yes. It has been renamed Park & Ride. Therefore, follow Long Stay signs when Heathrow’s road directions still use the older name.

How often do Park & Ride buses run?

Shuttle buses normally run around every 15 minutes during standard operating hours. Consequently, allow extra time between parking and terminal check-in.

Blue Badge and EV Parking

Do Blue Badge holders pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?

Eligible UK and EEA Blue Badge holders can apply for a 100% discount. Therefore, register the correct vehicle details through Heathrow’s official exemption process.

Do Blue Badge holders get free parking?

Eligible Blue Badge holders currently receive the first two hours free in Park & Ride. However, the correct call-point procedure must be followed.

Can I charge an electric car at Heathrow parking?

Heathrow currently says EV charging is not available in its official car parks. Therefore, charge before arriving or use a nearby public charging location.

Terminal 5 Parking

What parking options are available at Heathrow Terminal 5?

Terminal 5 offers Terminal Parking, Park & Ride, Priority Park & Ride, Pod Parking, Meet & Greet and Valet. Consequently, travellers have options from budget parking to premium handover services.

How long does Heathrow Pod Parking take?

The driverless Pod transfer takes about six minutes. In addition, the service is designed specifically for Terminal 5.

Should I pre-book Heathrow Airport parking?

For longer stays, pre-booking is usually worthwhile. In particular, Heathrow says online rates can be cheaper. Therefore, compare a live quote before travelling.