Travelling can be so exciting, but managing your finances is essential especially if you are flying through London Heathrow Airport, where parking fees can quickly add up. If you are confused about Heathrow Airport parking fees? Do not worry you are not alone. With so many options and ever-rising costs, it can feel overwhelming. But with the right tips and strategies, you can save money and simplify the process. In this guide, we will break down the payable fees at Heathrow Airport before and after departure.
What are the Parking Options At Heathrow Airport?
Park & Ride – Budget-friendly with a shuttle bus to the terminals. Premium options are available for added convenience.
Meet & Greet – A valet-style service where staff park your car for you. It is ideal for those in a rush.
Short Stay – Perfect for quick drop-offs or pickups. Located close to terminals but can be expensive.
Pod Parking – Option where you’re whisked to your terminal in a self-driving pod.
Valet Parking – Drop off your car at the terminal, and the staff will take care of the rest.
Long-stay Parking – Best for extended trips. Offers shuttle services to terminals and 30 minutes of free parking for quick pickups.
If you want to know more and compare payable parking fees at Heathrow Airport after and before, use Compare Your Parking Deals in UK.
What is The Standard Parking Fee At Heathrow Airport
From November 2021 the charges for the car park at Heathrow Airport was five pounds which is now being increased to Six pounds in January 2025 as drop-off charges for passengers using its terminals have been condemned as a blatant raid on travellers’ wallets. These charges are applied 24/7 and 365 days a year for all the people who use the Heathrow Airport terminal.
How Much Does Heathrow Parking Cost?
| Parking Option | Cost Per Day (Approx.) | Key Details |
| Drop-Off Charges | £6 per drop-off | Increased from £5 (starting Jan 2025). Charged 24/7. |
| Short Stay | £5.30 for 29 mins | Convenient for quick drop-offs. |
| Long Stay | From £34.70/day | Discounted rates if pre-booked in advance. |
| Valet Parking | £117.00/day | Expensive but offers the ultimate convenience. |
How You Can Pay Charges At London Heathrow Airport?
Paying fees is easy if you are on a right track.
Online
To avoid scams, always book directly through Heathrow Airport’s official website. Just log in to their website and choose your terminal and time of stay, enter your vehicle registration, confirm details, and pay for parking in case you want to prebook.
By Phone
Call 0330 008 5600 and use the automated service. Payment is not available at the airport or in drop-off zones. Each entry incurs a separate £5 charge.
Recurring drivers
Private hire drivers can set up a personal or business account to add vehicles, pre-pay for multiple drop-offs, enable autopay, and track trip history for convenience.
When is the Parking Fee payable On Heathtow Airport
Typically car parking at Heathrow airport is payable after your stay. But it can also be pre-booked. The crew will simply charge you five pounds on your return. It is totally up to you whether you prebook, or cancel anytime. The charges will be cut right after you use the parking according to your stay time.
Heathrow parking fees depend on the type of parking you choose:
- Drop-Off Charges (Pay immediately after entering the drop-off zone).
- Pre-Booked Parking (Long Stay) Pay online before your trip.
- Short Stay (Pay after your stay at the terminal).
By planning ahead and pre-booking, you can save time and money.
Before departure
Here are some things you can do to save your money and cut costs before you even arrive at Heathrow Airport.
Pre-Book
Early birds always get their way to save some money so they can have extra fun on their trip. At Long Stay, if you book in advance, you pay before your arrival online. But the exciting thing you don’t know is that you can simply compare parking and you can get a shortcut to save money.
Good news! You can even get FREE parking at Heathrow Airport!
In the long-stay car park, you actually get 30 minutes free, so if you are running a bit early to pick somebody up, you can just wait around for them in the car park. Heathrow does have different long-stay car parks depending on what terminal you’re flying to. If you go to one terminal you might get a different stay time from another terminal.
Booking before departure can do wonders for you such as
1-Save your valuable time so you don’t have to pay at the terminal.
2-Cut out your costs as you can get many early bird discounts
3-You are surely going to get a guaranteed favorite spot to park.
After Arrival
It is no wonder that you can suddenly come to Heathrow airport to drop-off or you are just a driver sending customers off. In short stay or valet parking options you have to pay after you stay. At the terminal, parking staff charges you a standrized amount fixed for certain time as seen in the table above.
Money Saving Tips for Heathrow Parking
Pre-Book Early
Save up to 60% by booking your parking in advance online. Not only does this secure your spot, but many comparison websites like Compareyourparkingdeals.co.uk also highlight discounts and promotions for Heathrow Airport.
Use free parking for Quick Pickups
If you’re picking someone up and expect them to arrive shortly, take advantage of Heathrow’s Long Stay car park, which offers 30 minutes of free parking.
Carpool or Share Rides
If multiple people are traveling together, splitting parking fees can make the cost more manageable. Alternatively, use ridesharing apps to share costs if you’re a frequent visitor.
Compare parking services
Websites like Compare Your Parking Deals or Parkopedia can help you find deals on park-and-ride and Long-Stay options.
Look for Off-Site Parking
Many independent providers near Heathrow offer budget-friendly parking options with shuttle services to the terminals.
What Locals Are Saying?
“As a Londoner who frequently travels, I’ve found that pre-booking Long Stay parking is the most economical option, especially during peak travel times. But if you’re in a rush, Meet & Greet parking is worth the splurge for its time-saving convenience.” – Blake Mike
Conclusion
Parking at Heathrow Airport doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By understanding the available options, planning, and taking advantage of money-saving tips like pre-booking, you can make your trip smoother and more affordable. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just visiting Heathrow for the first time, these tips will help you navigate parking like a pro. Start planning today and save!