Heathrow charges drivers a fee to use the terminal drop-off forecourt — and it catches a lot of people out. Here's how it works, how to avoid it, and why a pre-booked transfer takes the worry away.
What the drop-off charge is
Heathrow applies a forecourt drop-off fee for vehicles that pull up right outside the terminals to drop someone off. The exact amount changes over time, so always check Heathrow's official site for the current figure — but the key point is that a quick "I'll just drop you at the door" is no longer free.
Ways to avoid or reduce it
- Use the free drop-off zones further from the terminal and take the shuttle/walk
- Park in a short-stay car park and walk in (sometimes cheaper for a few minutes)
- Pre-book a transfer where access is built into a fixed fare
Why a pre-booked transfer is simpler
With a pre-booked meet & greet transfer, the driver handles where to wait and how to access the terminal, and any forecourt or parking cost for the pickup is included in your fixed fare — so there's nothing extra to pay at a barrier and no fumbling for a payment app. Read our full Heathrow cost guide for the bigger picture.