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Heathrow Terminal 5 is home to British Airways and Iberia and handles a large share of Heathrow’s passengers, so its departures forecourt is one of the busiest in the UK, especially in the early-morning BA departure wave.
This guide covers where the Terminal 5 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 the wider terminal see our Heathrow Terminal 5 Guide, and if you are collecting someone, use our Terminal 5 Pick-Up Point guide.
The drop-off zone is on the upper departures forecourt directly outside Terminal 5 check-in. From the M25, leave at junction 14 and follow the Terminal 5 signs. The approach road, Wayfarer Road, climbs a ramp and splits into two drop-off lanes at the top.
Terminal 5 is used almost entirely by British Airways and Iberia. If your booking shows a BA flight number but a partner airline, check which terminal it departs from before you set off.
| 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 terminal. It costs nothing but adds a bus journey with your luggage. The Terminal 5 Short Stay car park 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 times the pickup around the early-morning BA rush. 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 together on one fixed fare. See our Heathrow Airport Taxi page for prices.
Heathrow Terminal 5 station is served by Heathrow Express to London Paddington, the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line. Check Transport for London and Heathrow Express for current times.
On the upper departures forecourt directly outside Terminal 5 check-in. Follow the Terminal 5 signs from M25 junction 14 onto Wayfarer Road, which splits into two drop-off lanes at the top of the ramp.
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.
Terminal 5 is used almost entirely by British Airways and Iberia. Some flights sold with a BA code are operated by partners from other terminals, so check your booking.
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