London Heathrow Airport Drop-off: How to Pay the Fee in 2025
For private hire drivers, avoiding fines and Parking Charge
Notices (PCNs) is essential to keep more money in your pocket.
Heathrow Airport’s terminal drop-off zone is a frequent
location where Uber and private hire drivers incur fines. To help you navigate
this process smoothly and maximize your earnings, here’s a concise guide.
What Is the Heathrow Terminal Drop-off Charge?
Starting January 1, 2025, Heathrow Airport will increase its
terminal drop-off fee from £5 to £6 per visit.
This charge applies to all vehicles entering the terminal
drop-off zones, located directly in front of the airport terminals. Signage
around the airport will clearly indicate these chargeable zones.
The drop-off charge is enforced via Automatic Number Plate
Recognition (ANPR) cameras, meaning you’ll be charged upon entering the zone.
This fee is applicable 24/7, 365 days a year.
Important Notes on Emissions Standards
Vehicles that do not meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards must pay an additional £12.50 daily charge to use Heathrow’s drop-off zones. Electric vehicles (EVs) are exempt from this charge, but the drop-off fee still applies.
How to Pay the Drop-off Charge
The drop-off fee can be paid:
- Online via
Heathrow’s website.
- By phone through an automated service.
- Through
autopay, a convenient option for frequent users.
Payments must be made either in advance, on the same day, or
by midnight the following day. Note that payment cannot be made at ticket
machines within the airport.
How Does Autopay Function at Heathrow?
Autopay offers a convenient and efficient method to settle
the Heathrow drop-off charge. For private hire drivers, it is recommended to
establish a business account to maximize the advantages of using autopay.
This account is free to set up and allows you to monitor all
your drop-offs, including those involving registered Blue-Badge passengers.
Additionally, it helps streamline payments, enabling you to pay either before
completing the drop-off or by midnight on the same day.
Register
an autopay business account with Heathrow
Benefits of Autopay
Setting up an autopay account is the most efficient way to
manage the drop-off charge. Heathrow offers a free business autopay account for
private hire drivers, allowing you to track drop-offs and manage payments
easily.
With autopay, you can prepay or settle charges by the next
day’s midnight deadline. It’s especially beneficial for avoiding fines and
managing Blue Badge passenger drop-offs.
Penalties for Non-Payment
Failing to pay the drop-off charge by the deadline results
in an £80 PCN. However, this can be reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
Payments can be made online.
You can pay your Heathrow PCN online.
Free Drop-off Options
Heathrow provides a free drop-off area at its Park &
Ride car parks (formerly Long Stay Parking). Drivers can park here for up to 29
minutes without a charge, and passengers can use complimentary shuttle buses to
reach the terminals.
Learn
more about the Park & Ride facilities available at Heathrow Airport.
Capital Hire Management Ltd. does not handle the
registration of PCO vehicles with Heathrow Airport on your behalf. This task is
your responsibility. To prevent incurring penalties when frequently dropping
off passengers at Heathrow, it is recommended that you create an autopay
account.
Additional Information for Uber Drivers
Uber drivers must use Heathrow’s designated Short Stay car
parks for passenger pickups. Terminal forecourts are strictly off-limits for
this purpose.
Discounts or Exemptions for Private Hire Vehicles
Unfortunately, private hire drivers, including those
operating EVs, are not eligible for discounts or exemptions on the drop-off
fee.
By understanding these details, private hire drivers can minimize expenses and avoid unnecessary fines while operating at Heathrow Airport.
About Capital Hire management
Capital Hire Management Ltd. is London's best PCO car rental
company, which provides top-notch vehicles and exceptional services to
professional drivers like you! If you are looking for affordable car hire for
PCO car rental please visit our website https://www.capitalhiremanagement.co.uk/
to explore our latest fleet.
our excellence is validated by driver ratings on Trustpilot.
we offer access to new or recent model cars along with comprehensive training
and support to enhance your profitability, safety, and overall satisfaction as
an Uber driver.
Visit our London Hub located at 56 High
Street Wealdstone Harrow HA3 7AF, London, reach out via email to us, or give us a
call at 0208426005 to get started.
