If you plan to pick up your loved ones, friends, or clients from Heathrow Airport, it is necessary to be well aware of the fact that picking up is not as straightforward as just pulling up outside the terminal doors. Heathrow Airport enforces stringent protocols regarding pick-ups, requiring all drivers to use only the labelled car parks that vary in charges based on duration and location.
Passenger pick-up at Heathrow Airport is only from the Short Stay car parks, which are a 2-minute walk from the terminal. No pre-booking is needed for stays of 24 hours or less. Just take a ticket upon arrival and pay at a machine.
By understanding the Heathrow Airport pick-up charges, you can prevent unexpected fines and select the most suitable and affordable option – like a nearby Short Stay car park or a complementary 30-minute window at Long Stay sites with shuttles.
Terminal Pick-Up Rules and Locations
At Heathrow Airport, you must follow specific terminal rules and locations when picking up someone. Make sure to check if their flight is on time by using Heathrow Live Flight Arrivals first.
No Waiting on Forecourts: Waiting in a vehicle on the terminal forecourt while passengers are not present is strictly prohibited.
Short Stay Car Parks: These are located just a short walk from each terminal and are ideal for immediate pickups.
Park & Ride Car Parks: If you are willing to wait longer or prefer to walk, these car parks are available and offer the first 29 minutes free of charge. A free shuttle bus will take you to the terminal.
Find Your Passenger: Once passengers have cleared customs and immigration, they can meet you either in the Short Stay Car Park or at the designated pick-up zone.
How to Pick Up a Passenger?
- Park your car in the Short Stay car park or the Park & Ride car park.
- Meet your passenger in the designated pick-up area.
- Leave the airport quickly after the pickup to prevent extra charges.
Pick-Up Charges by Duration and Location
As compared to drop-offs, picking up passengers is somewhat more complicated. It is prohibited to pick up directly from terminal forecourts. Instead, you can either use designated Short Stay or Long Stay Car Parks.
Short Stay Car Parks
As per Heathrow’s official rates (2025), you need to pay:
- For up to 29 minutes: £7.50
- For between 30 and 44 minutes: £11.50
- For between 45 and 59 minutes: £14.50
- For between 1 and 2 minutes: £18.50
- For between 2 and 3 minutes: £22.00
These rates can increase rapidly, so it is worthwhile to choose the right moment for your pick-up.
Long Stay Car Parks
- Free for up to 30 minutes – This is the most cost-effective choice if you are eager to catch the shuttle to the terminal.
- After exceeding 2 hours, longer-day tariffs apply (for instance, the first day costs approximately £27 to £31 based on peak or off-peak times), but the initial 0–2 hours remain free.
How to Pay Pick-Up Charges at Heathrow Airport?
To pay Heathrow Airport pickup charges, you can pay:
Online or via Heathrow website/app: Best to pay either before leaving home or straight after your visit.
By phone: Some services enable payments through an automated phone line at 0330 008 5600.
At pay machines in car parks: Available for short stays, but you always need to verify the signs.
Auto-Pay accounts: Regular visitors can create an account (for example, via the Heathrow website) to enjoy hassle-free billing.
Payment Deadline: You must make the payment by midnight the day after the payment deadline. Otherwise, a penalty will be incurred.
Note: If you are a Blue Badge holder, you will be pleased to know about the exemptions and extended free parking. Make sure to apply in advance.
Bottom Line!
Navigating Heathrow Airport’s pick-up charges can seem challenging, but understanding the rules makes planning easier and helps avoid costs. Whether using Short Stay car parks or taking advantage of the free 30-minute Long Stay grace period, it is essential to align your choice with your expected wait time.
You can ensure a smooth experience for you and your passengers by paying charges quickly and using official car parks to avoid fines. With a bit of preparation, picking someone up from Heathrow can be a simple, economical, and stress-free experience.
