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Heathrow Terminal 4 stands on its own on the south side of the airport, away from Terminals 2, 3 and 5. You reach it from the Southern Perimeter Road rather than the central tunnel, so the approach is different from the other terminals, and so is the place where people tend to go wrong.
This guide covers where the Terminal 4 drop-off zone is, the £7 Terminal Drop-Off Charge and how to pay it, the free alternatives, Blue Badge rules and the mistakes that lead to fines. For everything else about the terminal see our Heathrow Terminal 4 Guide, and if you are collecting someone, use our Terminal 4 Pick-Up Point guide instead.
The drop-off zone is on the departures forecourt directly outside Terminal 4 check-in. Follow the signs for Terminal 4 from the M25 (junction 14) or the A30, along the Southern Perimeter Road, then take Stratford Road. It leads up a ramp to the forecourt, which has three lanes for setting down.
Terminal 4 is not connected to the central terminals by road inside the airport, so make sure you are heading for the right building before you leave the M25. Check the terminal on your booking: airlines based at Terminal 4 include Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, but airlines move between terminals, so always confirm.
| What | Detail (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Charge | £7 every time a vehicle enters the drop-off area, 24 hours a day |
| How to pay | Online, by the automated phone line (0330 008 5600) or by AutoPay. There are no machines and no cash at the kerb. |
| Deadline | In advance, or by midnight the day after your visit |
| If you don’t pay | £80 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days |
| Blue Badge | 100% discount with a Heathrow Blue Badge account (apply at least 7 days ahead) |
The charge is per entry, not per minute: driving round and coming back in is charged again. Cameras read your number plate, so there is nothing to collect on the day. Check Heathrow’s Terminal Drop-Off Charge page before you travel, as Heathrow reviews the fee each year.
Heathrow’s free option is to drop off at a Park & Ride car park (formerly called Long Stay), from where a free bus runs to the terminals. It costs nothing, but it adds a bus journey with your luggage, so allow extra time. Another option is the Terminal 4 Short Stay car park, which is charged but lets you park and walk your passenger to check-in.
Blue Badge holders can also park free for the first two hours in the Park & Ride car parks (UK and EEA badges), using the call point on entry and exit.
Taxis and private hire cars pay the same £7 each time they enter the zone, unless the passenger has a Blue Badge discount set up. With a pre-booked Jetset Rides departure transfer, your driver handles the approach and the charge, and you simply step out at the doors. Tell us when you book if you hold a Blue Badge so the discount can be applied to our vehicle.
Travelling in a group? An MPV or minibus from our fleet keeps everyone in one vehicle on one fixed fare. See our Heathrow Airport Taxi page for prices.
Heathrow Terminal 4 has its own station on the Piccadilly line and the Elizabeth line. Heathrow Express does not run to Terminal 4: change at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 for the free transfer service between the terminals. Check Transport for London for current times.
On the departures forecourt directly outside Terminal 4 check-in. Follow the Terminal 4 signs along the Southern Perimeter Road and up the Stratford Road ramp to the three drop-off lanes.
The Terminal Drop-Off Charge is £7 each time a vehicle enters the drop-off area, at any time of day. Check Heathrow's website before travelling, as the fee is reviewed each year.
Online, by Heathrow's automated phone line or by AutoPay, either in advance or by midnight the day after. You cannot pay with cash or at a machine in the drop-off zone.
You will receive an £80 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £40 if you pay within 14 days.
Yes. You can drop off free at a Heathrow Park & Ride car park and take the free bus to the terminal, which adds time to the journey.
Holders of a valid UK or EEA Blue Badge get a 100% discount once they set up a Heathrow Blue Badge account, which should be done at least 7 days before travelling.
No. Terminal 4 is served by the Piccadilly line and the Elizabeth line. Heathrow Express passengers change at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Yes, taxis and private hire cars pay the £7 charge on each entry. With a Jetset Rides transfer your driver handles it as part of the journey.
Call 020 3918 0222, email Info@jetsetrides.com or get an instant quote online. Fixed fare, flight-timed pickup, and the drop-off charge handled by your driver.
£7 Charge Explained