Picking someone up from Heathrow can be confusing. Each terminal has its own parking route, passenger collection area and transfer arrangements. Terminal 4 also introduced major changes in June 2026, meaning older directions may no longer be accurate.
For most Heathrow pick-ups, drivers should use the Terminal Parking car park—previously called Short Stay—at Terminals 2, 3 and 5. Picking up passengers directly from the terminal forecourts is prohibited. Terminal 4 now has a separate Priority Pick-Up area and a free collection option in Zone A of Park & Ride 4.
This guide explains where to park, how much it costs and how to collect passengers without receiving an unexpected charge.
Quick answer: For the fastest Heathrow pick-up at Terminals 2, 3 and 5, use the terminal’s Terminal Parking car park. It costs £8 for up to 29 minutes. For a free option, use the relevant Park & Ride car park for up to 29 minutes. At Terminal 4, Priority Pick-Up costs £7 for up to 10 minutes, while Zone A of Park & Ride 4 is free for up to two hours.
Heathrow Pick-Up Options at a Glance
| Terminal | Closest official pick-up option | Initial charge | Free Heathrow pick-up option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Terminal 2 Terminal Parking | £8 for up to 29 minutes | Park & Ride 2 and 3 for up to 29 minutes |
| Terminal 3 | Terminal 3 Terminal Parking | £8 for up to 29 minutes | Park & Ride 2 and 3 for up to 29 minutes |
| Terminal 4 | Priority Pick-Up, Arrivals Level 1 | £7 for up to 10 minutes | Zone A of Park & Ride 4 for up to 2 hours |
| Terminal 5 | Terminal 5 Terminal Parking | £8 for up to 29 minutes | Park & Ride 5 for up to 29 minutes |
Prices and arrangements checked in July 2026. Heathrow can update routes and charges, so confirm the latest instructions before travelling.
Where Do You Pick Someone Up at Heathrow Airport?
At Terminals 2, 3 and 5, the recommended paid collection point is the terminal’s official Terminal Parking car park, formerly known as Short Stay.
These car parks are within walking distance of the arrivals halls. They are suitable when you want to park, enter the terminal and meet the arriving passenger.
You cannot collect passengers from the departure drop-off forecourts. Those areas are designed for dropping off departing passengers, not waiting for arrivals.
Terminal 4 follows different rules because its multi-storey car park closed on 23 June 2026 for redevelopment. Drivers can now use:
- The Priority Pick-Up area on Arrivals Level 1
- Zone A of Park & Ride 4 for free collection
- Other designated areas within Park & Ride 4
Do not rely on old Terminal 4 directions that instruct you to enter the former multi-storey Short Stay car park.
Heathrow Terminal Parking Pick-Up Charges
The following charges apply to Terminal Parking at Terminals 2, 3 and 5:
| Duration | On-the-day charge |
|---|---|
| 0–29 minutes | £8 |
| 30–44 minutes | £12.50 |
| 45–59 minutes | £15.50 |
| 1–2 hours | £20 |
| 2–3 hours | £24 |
| 3–4 hours | £28 |
| 4–5 hours | £35 |
| 5–6 hours | £44 |
| 6–9 hours | £63 |
| 9–12 hours | £78 |
| 12–24 hours | £98 |
| Each additional 24 hours | £98 |
These prices have applied since 6 January 2026. For collection stays shorter than 24 hours, you cannot normally pre-book. Drive into the car park, take a ticket and pay at a pay-on-foot machine before returning to your vehicle.
You can compare the facilities and arrangements in our guide to Heathrow Short Stay parking.
Heathrow Terminal 2 Pick-Up
Where to Pick Up at Terminal 2
For the most convenient Terminal 2 collection, follow the signs for Terminal Parking 2, which may still appear as Short Stay Parking on some road and airport signs.
After parking, follow the pedestrian signs towards Terminal 2 and Arrivals. The car park is connected to the terminal, making it suitable if you want to meet the passenger inside.
Terminal 2 Terminal Parking costs:
- £8 for up to 29 minutes
- £12.50 for 30–44 minutes
- £15.50 for 45–59 minutes
- £20 for one to two hours
Do not attempt to wait or collect passengers on the Terminal 2 forecourt. Vehicles left unattended may be removed, and the forecourt is not an authorised passenger collection point.
Free Terminal 2 Pick-Up
For a free Heathrow pick-up, use the Terminal 2 and 3 Park & Ride car park, formerly called Long Stay.
The first 29 minutes are free. The arriving passenger will need to use Heathrow’s complimentary shuttle bus from the terminal to the car park.
This option works best when:
- The passenger has already collected their luggage
- You coordinate by telephone
- The passenger is comfortable taking the shuttle
- You can complete the collection within 29 minutes
If the passenger is still waiting at passport control or baggage reclaim, avoid entering the free car park too early.
Picking Up a Passenger With Heavy Luggage
Terminal Parking will normally be easier if the passenger has several suitcases, children or mobility limitations. You can park close to the terminal and help carry the luggage.
The £8 initial charge may provide better practical value than asking the passenger to manage a shuttle journey.
If you are flying from Terminal 2 rather than completing a short collection, compare Heathrow Terminal 2 Meet and Greet parking.
Heathrow Terminal 3 Pick-Up
Where to Pick Up at Terminal 3
The recommended paid Heathrow Terminal 3 pick-up point is Terminal 3 Terminal Parking, previously called Short Stay Car Park 3.
Follow signs for Terminal 3 and then Terminal Parking or Short Stay. Once parked, use the covered pedestrian walkway to reach the terminal. The walk takes approximately five minutes.
The first-hour charges are:
- £8 for 0–29 minutes
- £12.50 for 30–44 minutes
- £15.50 for 45–59 minutes
- £20 for one to two hours
The Terminal 3 forecourt cannot be used for passenger collection. Do not stop outside Arrivals or attempt to wait in the departure drop-off area.
Free Terminal 3 Pick-Up
The Terminal 2 and 3 Park & Ride car park provides up to 29 minutes of free parking.
The passenger must take the complimentary Park & Ride shuttle from Terminal 3. The transfer takes approximately 15 minutes, although passengers should allow extra time for waiting and loading luggage.
To use this option effectively:
- Wait away from the airport until the passenger confirms they are through Arrivals.
- Ask them to follow signs for the Park & Ride bus.
- Confirm which bus stop or collection area they will use.
- Enter the car park only when they are approaching.
- Park in a designated passenger collection space.
- Leave within the free 29-minute period.
Is Terminal Parking Better Than Free Park & Ride?
Terminal Parking is generally better if you want to enter Arrivals, welcome the passenger or help with luggage.
Park & Ride is better when minimising cost is the priority and the passenger is comfortable travelling away from the terminal by shuttle.
For longer airport parking, see Meet and Greet at Heathrow Terminal 3.
Heathrow Terminal 4 Pick-Up
Terminal 4 parking arrangements changed significantly on 23 June 2026. The former multi-storey car park closed as part of a redevelopment programme.
There are now two main collection options:
- Priority Pick-Up on Arrivals Level 1
- Zone A of Park & Ride 4
Terminal 4 Priority Pick-Up
Priority Pick-Up is located on Arrivals Level 1 and is designed for quick passenger collection close to the terminal.
The charges are:
| Duration | Terminal 4 Priority Pick-Up charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 minutes | £7 |
| 11–29 minutes | £14 |
| 30–60 minutes | £25 |
| Each additional hour or part-hour | £25 |
| Maximum daily charge | £200 |
The vehicle must not be left unattended in this area. The arriving passenger should be ready before you enter.
Priority Pick-Up is most suitable when:
- The passenger is already outside
- You only need a quick collection
- The passenger has heavy luggage
- You do not need to enter the terminal
- You can leave within 10 minutes
Waiting for a delayed passenger in this area can become expensive. A stay of 11–29 minutes doubles the charge from £7 to £14.
Free Terminal 4 Pick-Up
Zone A of Park & Ride 4 offers up to two hours of free parking. This is currently the most generous free Heathrow pick-up option.
The passenger can use the complimentary bus from the Terminal 4 arrivals area to Park & Ride 4.
This option is suitable if:
- You want to meet the passenger inside the terminal
- The flight may be delayed
- The passenger needs more time to clear Arrivals
- You do not want to rush a 10-minute Priority Pick-Up
- You want to avoid a collection charge
Use Zone A specifically and check the entry signs. Other parts of Park & Ride 4 may only provide 29 minutes free.
Can You Pick Up Outside Terminal 4?
Passenger collection is allowed only in the designated Arrivals Level 1 Priority Pick-Up area. Vehicles must not be left unattended.
Do not collect passengers from the departures drop-off forecourt. Follow signs for Priority Pick-Up rather than Drop-Off.
For longer stays, compare Heathrow Terminal 4 Meet and Greet parking. Check availability carefully because Heathrow’s official Meet & Greet arrangements at Terminal 4 changed following the June 2026 car park closure.
Heathrow Terminal 5 Pick-Up
Where to Pick Up at Terminal 5
The standard paid T5 pick-up parking option is Terminal 5 Terminal Parking.
Follow signs for Terminal 5 and then Terminal Parking or Short Stay. Park your vehicle and use the pedestrian route to Arrivals.
Charges begin at:
- £8 for up to 29 minutes
- £12.50 for 30–44 minutes
- £15.50 for 45–59 minutes
- £20 for one to two hours
Terminal Parking is usually the simplest choice if you want to enter the terminal or help the passenger with their bags.
Free Terminal 5 Pick-Up
Park & Ride 5, previously known as Long Stay, provides the first 29 minutes free of charge.
The passenger must take the free shuttle bus from Terminal 5 to the car park. The journey typically takes around 15 minutes, excluding any wait for the next bus.
Make sure the passenger boards the correct bus. Heathrow has several parking products around Terminal 5, including Park & Ride, Priority Park & Ride and Pod Parking.
Can You Pick Up at the Terminal 5 Forecourt?
No. The terminal forecourt is not an authorised passenger pick-up location.
Do not enter the paid departures drop-off zone expecting to collect someone. The drop-off area has a separate £7 charge and is intended for departing passengers.
For longer parking stays, compare Heathrow Terminal 5 Meet and Greet parking.
Travelling at a busy time? Our guide to parking at Heathrow T5 during the Easter holidays explains how seasonal demand can affect parking availability.
Is There a Free Heathrow Pick-Up Area?
Yes. Heathrow’s Park & Ride car parks—formerly called Long Stay—can be used for short passenger collections.
The current free periods are:
| Terminal | Free collection location | Free period |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Park & Ride 2 and 3 | Up to 29 minutes |
| Terminal 3 | Park & Ride 2 and 3 | Up to 29 minutes |
| Terminal 4 | Park & Ride 4, Zone A | Up to 2 hours |
| Terminal 5 | Park & Ride 5 | Up to 29 minutes |
At Terminals 2, 3 and 5, collect the entry ticket and use a designated pick-up space. On exit, insert the ticket at the barrier. If you remain within the free period, there should be nothing to pay.
At Terminal 4, follow signs specifically for Zone A to access the two-hour free arrangement.
Learn more about these facilities in our guide to Heathrow Long Stay parking.
Terminal Parking or Free Park & Ride: Which Should You Use?
| Consideration | Terminal Parking | Free Park & Ride |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From £8 | Free within permitted time |
| Terminal access | Short walk | Shuttle bus required |
| Meeting inside Arrivals | Easy | Less convenient |
| Heavy luggage | Better | More difficult |
| Young children | Better | Additional transfer |
| Flight delays | Can become expensive | Better at Terminal 4 |
| Quick coordinated collection | Good | Good if passenger is ready |
| Passenger with reduced mobility | Usually easier | Assistance may be required |
Terminal Parking offers the most convenient collection, while Park & Ride provides the lowest price.
For a simple collection, choose based on the passenger’s mobility, luggage and ability to use the shuttle—not only the parking charge.
How to Avoid Paying More Than Necessary
1. Track the Flight Before Leaving
Check the flight status using Heathrow’s website or the airline’s app. Remember that landing time is not the same as collection time.
After landing, the passenger may still need to:
- Taxi to the gate
- Leave the aircraft
- Pass through passport control
- Collect checked luggage
- Complete customs checks
- Walk through Arrivals
An international passenger may take 30–90 minutes or longer to reach the public arrivals area.
2. Do Not Enter Terminal Parking Too Early
Terminal Parking charges increase from £8 to £12.50 after 29 minutes. Arriving only a few minutes too soon can increase the cost.
Wait at a legal location away from the terminal until the passenger confirms they are close to Arrivals.
Do not wait on airport approach roads, roundabouts, verges or restricted roads.
3. Ask the Passenger to Call After Collecting Their Luggage
“Landed” does not mean “ready for collection.”
Ask the passenger to contact you after:
- Passport control
- Baggage collection
- Customs
- Reaching the arrivals hall
If using Park & Ride, ask them to call when they reach the correct shuttle stop.
4. Confirm the Terminal
Airlines may use different terminals, and operational changes can occasionally affect arrivals.
Check the live flight information rather than relying exclusively on the original booking confirmation.
5. Do Not Use the Drop-Off Zone for Pick-Up
The Heathrow terminal drop-off areas charge £7 per visit and are not authorised pick-up locations.
The £7 drop-off fee is not a parking payment. It does not allow you to wait for an arriving passenger.
6. Set a Timer When Entering a Free Car Park
At Terminals 2, 3 and 5, the free period is short. Note your entry time and aim to leave several minutes before the 29-minute limit.
Allow time for:
- Loading luggage
- Securing children
- Leaving the parking space
- Reaching the exit barrier
- Possible car park traffic
Heathrow Pick-Up for Blue Badge Holders
Blue Badge holders can receive up to two hours of free parking in Heathrow Park & Ride car parks.
The concession is available to valid UK and EEA Blue Badge holders.
Heathrow’s current process requires the driver to:
- Use the call point when required.
- Provide the Blue Badge number.
- Provide the vehicle registration.
- Use the call point at the exit barrier.
- Confirm the vehicle registration to the operator.
Do not assume the barrier will automatically apply the concession. Follow Heathrow’s latest Blue Badge instructions for the relevant terminal.
The standard Terminal Parking concession and accessibility arrangements may differ, so confirm the applicable process before arriving.
Private Hire Vehicles, Taxis and Uber Pick-Ups
Private-hire and trade vehicles must follow Heathrow’s authorised collection rules. These vehicles cannot use the Park & Ride car parks simply to wait between jobs.
At Terminal 4, private-hire vehicles and app-based services can use the designated Priority Pick-Up arrangements.
Passengers booking a private-hire vehicle should confirm:
- The correct terminal
- The authorised collection point
- Any parking or access charge included in the fare
- The driver’s instructions
- Whether the passenger must walk or take a shuttle
Airport access and parking charges may be added to the fare.
What If the Flight Is Delayed?
Do not enter the pick-up car park based only on the scheduled landing time.
If a flight is delayed:
- Monitor live flight status
- Stay at home or another legal waiting location
- Keep in contact with the passenger
- Wait until baggage has been collected
- Confirm the terminal has not changed
- Enter the car park only when collection is practical
At Terminal 4, Zone A’s two-hour free period gives drivers more flexibility. At the other terminals, the 29-minute Park & Ride allowance requires closer coordination.
Can You Pre-Book Heathrow Pick-Up Parking?
Heathrow does not normally allow Terminal Parking bookings for stays shorter than 24 hours.
For a normal passenger collection:
- Drive to the correct Terminal Parking car park.
- Take a ticket at the entry barrier.
- Park in an available space.
- Meet the passenger.
- Pay at a pay-on-foot machine.
- Return to your vehicle and exit.
Longer airport parking should be booked in advance because online prices may be lower than drive-up rates.
If you need parking for an entire trip rather than a short collection, compare Heathrow Meet and Greet airport parking.
You can also review the likely Heathrow Airport parking cost for a seven-day trip.
Picking Up Someone Who Parked With Meet and Greet
Meet and Greet is designed for passengers parking their own vehicle for the duration of a journey. It is not normally a short-term collection area for friends or relatives.
If you are considering Meet and Greet for a future flight:
- Check the exact handover location
- Confirm where the vehicle will be stored
- Read recent customer reviews
- Check driver insurance
- Review delay and late-return charges
- Photograph the vehicle at handover
- Confirm whether airport access fees are included
Our guide explains what to check before booking Heathrow T5 Meet and Greet parking.
Heathrow Pick-Up Checklist
Before driving to Heathrow, check:
- The live flight status
- The correct arrival terminal
- Whether the passenger has checked luggage
- The preferred paid or free collection option
- Current parking charges
- The car park route
- Whether the passenger can use a shuttle bus
- Any Blue Badge requirements
- Your vehicle’s ULEZ compliance
- Your mobile phone has sufficient battery
- The passenger has your registration number
- You have allowed for airport traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to pick someone up at Heathrow?
For the closest option at Terminals 2, 3 and 5, use the appropriate Terminal Parking car park. At Terminal 4, use Priority Pick-Up on Arrivals Level 1 or Zone A of Park & Ride 4.
How much does Heathrow pick-up parking cost?
Terminal Parking at Terminals 2, 3 and 5 costs £8 for up to 29 minutes, £12.50 for 30–44 minutes and £15.50 for 45–59 minutes. Terminal 4 Priority Pick-Up costs £7 for up to 10 minutes.
Is there free pick-up parking at Heathrow?
Yes. Park & Ride offers up to 29 minutes free at Terminals 2, 3 and 5. Zone A of Terminal 4 Park & Ride offers up to two hours free.
Where is Heathrow Terminal 3 pick-up?
Use Terminal 3 Terminal Parking for the closest paid option. For free collection, the passenger can take a shuttle to the Terminal 2 and 3 Park & Ride car park, where the first 29 minutes are free.
Where is T5 pick-up parking?
The closest T5 pick-up parking is Terminal 5 Terminal Parking. It costs £8 for up to 29 minutes. Park & Ride 5 provides a free alternative for up to 29 minutes, but the passenger must use a shuttle bus.
Can I pick someone up from the Heathrow drop-off zone?
No. Heathrow’s terminal drop-off forecourts are intended for departing passengers and cannot be used for passenger collection.
Can I wait outside Heathrow Arrivals?
You cannot park or wait on the terminal forecourts. Use the designated Terminal Parking, Priority Pick-Up or Park & Ride facility for the relevant terminal.
Can I pre-book Short Stay parking for a Heathrow pick-up?
No. Heathrow generally does not accept Terminal Parking bookings shorter than 24 hours. Drive into the car park and pay at a machine before leaving.
What happens if I stay longer than 29 minutes?
At Terminal Parking, the charge increases from £8 to £12.50 after 29 minutes. In Park & Ride, you will need to pay the applicable charge if you exceed the free period.
How long after landing should I arrive at Heathrow?
For an international flight, passengers may take 30–90 minutes or longer to reach Arrivals. Ask the passenger to contact you after collecting their luggage rather than entering the car park when the aircraft lands.
Is Heathrow in the ULEZ?
Yes. Heathrow is within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone. Non-compliant vehicles may need to pay the daily ULEZ charge. Check your vehicle before travelling.
Final Heathrow Pick-Up Advice
The simplest paid Heathrow pick-up option at Terminals 2, 3 and 5 is Terminal Parking, starting at £8 for up to 29 minutes.
For a free collection, use the relevant Park & Ride car park and coordinate carefully with the arriving passenger. The standard free period is 29 minutes at Terminals 2, 3 and 5.
Terminal 4 has different arrangements following the closure of its multi-storey car park in June 2026. Use Priority Pick-Up for a quick paid collection or Zone A of Park & Ride 4 for up to two hours of free parking.
Whichever terminal you use, check the live flight status, confirm the passenger has collected their luggage and never wait on terminal forecourts or airport approach roads.