London Heathrow or Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest major airports in the UK, serving over 80 million passengers annually.
In the 2022 rankings provided by OAG, Heathrow Airport was the seventh busiest global airport by seats and the second busiest international airport in the world.
Passengers all over the world fly through Heathrow Airport going to more than 203 destinations.
The airport has four terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5.
If you have friends or family arriving at Heathrow Airport, it is important to know about the guidelines on how to pick them up according to each terminal.
Picking someone up at the forecourts is not possible since you need to go to their designated meet-up point and park your car in the right location.
Moreover, be prepared for the fees you have to pay such as parking fees and drop-off charges.
This article is a comprehensive guide where you learn about pick-up and drop-off locations, parking fees, drop-off charges, terminal maps, frequently asked questions, and so on.
All the information in this article is all based on Heathrow Airport’s guidelines.
Contents
- 1 Where Is the Heathrow Airport Pick up Location?
- 2 Ways to Park at Heathrow Airport
- 3 Heathrow Pick up Charges
- 4 Terminal Parking Area Locations
- 5 Heathrow Drop off Charges
- 6 Which Terminal Should I Go?
- 7 How to Get to Heathrow Terminal
- 8 How to Pick Someone up without a Car
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 Did This Guide Answer Your Questions?
Where Is the Heathrow Airport Pick up Location?
Heathrow Airport has designated Meeting Points to meet your friends and family when picking them up.
It is necessary to note that you can only meet them at these locations since you are not allowed to wait at the terminal forecourts for security purposes.
Before coming to the designated Meeting Point, it is always a good idea to check for Live Arrival Updates to avoid waiting too long or coming late for pick up.
Here are the designated Meeting Points for Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.
How Do I Pick Someone up from Heathrow Terminal 2
The Heathrow Terminal 2 Pick Up Meeting Point is across the international arrivals exit, just outside the security area.
It is located at Level 1 at the Arrivals and Departures “B” Gate.
To know how to reach the Meeting Point, you can get directions from the interactive map shown in the Terminal 2 Pick Up Meeting Point page.
Simply type the location where you are coming from or you can also choose your location on the map.
Once you select your point of origin, the specific steps to follow are shown on the map.
For instance, if you are coming from the accessible parking across Terminal 2, you will have to walk to the elevator going down to Level 1, and then walk about two minutes to the Meeting Point.
(Heathrow Terminal 2 Pick up Map provided by Heathrow Airport)
How Do I Pick Someone up from Heathrow Terminal 3
The Meeting Point at Terminal 3 is at the Arrivals area seating section on the ground floor.
It is situated on Level 0 at check-in and arrivals of Terminal 3. In the Ground Level Arrivals, you will find several stores including M&S Simply Food, Boots, Caffè Nero, and WHSmith.
To get to the Meeting Point from the accessible parking near Terminal 2, take the elevator from the parking area and go up to Level 5.
Get on the escalator going down to Level 1 and another escalator going to Level 0.
Then, walk about a minute to another escalator down to Level -1 from where you will find the stairs up to Level 0 where the Meeting Point is accessible.
(Heathrow Terminal 3 Pick up Map provided by Heathrow Airport)
How Do I Pick Someone up from Heathrow Terminal 4
The Meeting Point at Terminal 4 is located at the Level 0 Arrivals area, just outside security.
It is beside WHSmith, a store where you can buy food, drinks, and magazines, to name a few.
You will also find other stores in the area such as Boots, World Duty Free, and Sim Local.
It is easy to reach the Meeting Point from the accessible parking across Terminal 4.
Walk for only two minutes from the accessible parking, which is about 104 meters across.
It is the most direct and fastest route to pick up your loved ones.
(Heathrow Terminal 4 Pick up Map provided by Heathrow Airport)
How Do I Pick Someone up from Heathrow Terminal 5
Pick Up from Terminal 5 includes two Meeting Points: North Meeting Point and South Meeting Point.
The Terminal 5 North Meeting Point is at Level 0 at the Arrivals, just in front of We Know and Travelex Currency Exchange. It is opposite the Cash Machine and beside two escalators.
If you are coming from Terminal 5 Accessible Parking, walk down the stairs going to Level 0.
Then, walk for about three minutes going to the Meeting Point. It is about a 192-meter distance across two floors from the parking lot.
The South Meeting Point of Terminal 5 is situated beside two escalators and near the exit.
You will find it between Costa Coffee and Caffeè Nero. Some of the stores nearby are National Express and Voyager Entertainment.
Going to the South Meeting Point from the parking lot takes about six minutes to walk.
From the parking, walk to the stairs and go down to Level 0. From there, it will only be a five-minute walk to reach South Meeting Point.
(Heathrow Terminal 5 Pick up Map provided by Heathrow Airport)
Ways to Park at Heathrow Airport
You may be wondering – where do I park my car before going to the Meeting Point?
Parking your car at Heathrow is the most convenient for its several parking options.
If you want to park on your own, opt for Short Stay Parking and Long Stay Parking.
Should you decide to have someone else park your car for you, choose between Valet Parking and Meet & Greet Parking.
Prices vary depending on the date, arrival time, and terminal.
You can easily get a parking quote by simply selecting the arrival time and date, exit time and date, and terminal number.
After inputting the details, the Official Parking page shows several parking options to choose from and their pre-booked price.
Pick your preferred parking option, book online, and proceed to payment upon checkout.
In case you need to make changes, you can manage your parking booking to edit or cancel for free if canceled two hours before the booking time.
Heathrow Pick up Charges
The pick up charges depend on how long you plan to stay in the parking lot.
However, you can always park for free if you park in the Long Stay Parking for only 30 minutes.
If you stay longer than 30 minutes, then you will have to pay the parking fee.
Check the Official Heathrow Parking Booking page to know more about the charges.
Take note that prices change whether you are booking on off-peak and peak dates and times.
Below is a sample table to show a comparison of estimated prices per terminal and the available parking options when using the Heathrow Parking Booking.
The date chosen to create this sample table was a month in advance, and the chosen times are 10:00 am to 11:00 am. You can expect the following prices and options below:
| Heathrow Terminal 2 Pick up Charges |
|
| Heathrow Terminal 3 Pick up Charges |
|
| Heathrow Terminal 4 Pick up Charges |
|
| Heathrow Terminal 5 Pick up Charges |
|
Here is a complete parking quotation provided by the Heathrow Airport website for Short Stay, Long Stay, Meet and Greet, and Valet Parking.
Short Stay Parking Cost
Cost provided by Heathrow Short Stay Parking
| 0 – 29 minutes | £5.30 |
| 30 – 44 minutes | £8.50 |
| 45 – 59 minutes | £11.40 |
| 1 – 2 hours | £14.50 |
| 2 – 3 hours | £17.80 |
| 0 – 29 minutes | £5.30 |
| 3 – 4 hours | £21.60 |
| 4 – 5 hours | £27.60 |
| 5 – 6 hours | £35.60 |
| 6 – 9 hours | £48.50 |
| 9 – 12 hours | £63.50 |
| 12 – 24 hours | £77.10 |
| Another 24 hours | £77.10 |
| *If using Motorcycles | FREE on all terminals |
Short Stay Car Park Overheight Tariffs and Cost Requirements
|
Terminal 2 Overheight vehicles of up to three meters are allowed on the ground floor of Short Stay Car Park 2. |
0 -2 hours | £15.30 |
| 2 – 5 hours | £28.20 | |
| 5 – 9 hours | £61.60 | |
| 9 – 24 hours | £87.20 | |
| Another 24 hours | £87.20 | |
| Terminal 3
Overheight vehicles of up to 2.75 meters are allowed on the ground floor of Short Stay Car Park 3. |
Same rates as Terminal 2 Short Stay car park tariffs | |
| Terminal 4
Overheight vehicles of up to two meters and/or two meters wide are allowed on the Long Stay car park Terminal 4. |
Same rates as Short Stay car park tariffs. | |
| Terminal 5
Overheight vehicles should enter and use the Short Stay car park Terminal 5 located on the ground floor. |
0 -2 hours | £15.30 |
| 2 – 5 hours | £28.20 | |
| 5 – 9 hours | £61.60 | |
| 9 – 24 hours | £87.20 | |
| Another 24 hours | £87.20 | |
Long Stay Parking Cost
Cost provided by Heathrow Long Stay Parking
| Hours | Off Peak | Peak |
| 0 – 29 minutes | Free | Free |
| 30 minutes – 1 hour 59 minutes | £8.30 | £8.30 |
| First day | £34.70 | £39.80 |
| Another 24 hours | £27.90 | £31.80 |
Meet and Greet Parking Cost
Cost provided by Meet and Greet Parking
| 1 day | £117.40 |
| 2 days | £160.10 |
| 3 days | £201.70 |
| 4 days | £243.40 |
| Another 24 hours | £31.80 |
Valet Parking Cost
Cost provided by Valet Parking
| 1 day | £117.40 |
| 2 days | £160.10 |
| 3 days | £201.70 |
| 4 days | £243.40 |
| Another 24 hours | £31.80 |
| 2* Car Care for exterior only | £47.00 |
| 3* Car Care for both exterior and interior | £78.30 |
Terminal Parking Area Locations
For your convenience, here is a Google Map link to each Terminal for Long Stay and Short Stay Parking.
Using the Google Map location helps you easily find the parking areas.
Long Stay Parking
- Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 Long Stay Parking
- Terminal 4 Long Stay Parking
- Terminal 5 Long Stay Parking
Short Stay Parking
- Terminal 2 Short Stay Parking
- Terminal 3 Short Stay Parking
- Terminal 4 Short Stay Parking
- Terminal 5 Short Stay Parking
Heathrow Drop off Charges
If you are only dropping someone off at the airport, take note that there is a drop-off charge.
Heathrow Airport has a terminal drop-off charge to support sustainability and lessen traffic.
It is one of the major airports in the UK that requires drop-off charges for each vehicle entering the drop-off areas just outside the terminals in the airport.
A single drop-off costs £5, payable online or by automated telephone service. If you expect to drop off someone frequently, the best option is to pre-pay for multiple drop-offs.
If you do not pay for the drop-off charge, you will be given an £80 Parking Charge Notice (PCN) to be paid online but can also be cut in half to £40 if you pay it in two weeks.
Don’t like paying for drop-off charges? Not to worry as there is a free drop-off option.
The only free place you can drop someone off at the airport is at Long Stay car parks where free shuttle buses are available to help passengers travel to the terminal with ease.
Who is not required to pay drop-off charges?
Not all types of vehicles are required to pay drop-off charges. Take a look at the list of vehicles exempted from paying drop-off charges:
- Heathrow permitted operational vehicle
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) registered vehicle
- Emergency service vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars.
- Military vehicles
Apart from exemptions, Heathrow Airport also offers 100% discounted drop off charges.
In other words, you do not have to pay for drop off charges if you are using one of the following vehicles below:
- DVLA registered vehicles that are classified as buses, coaches, motorbikes, and recovery vehicles.
- Vehicles booked for Heathrow Valet Parking
Which Terminal Should I Go?
Check the airlines assigned for each terminal before going to save time.
You may also check for live flight updates to know which airport terminal the plane is expected to land at and if there are any unexpected terminal changes.
Here is a complete list of airlines per terminal for your information.
| Terminal 2 Airlines |
|
| Terminal 3 Airlines
|
|
| Terminal 4 Airlines |
|
| Terminal 5 Airlines |
|
How to Get to Heathrow Terminal
The exact steps to reach the terminals depend on where you are coming from.
However, there are only two routes to reach the four terminals: M4 and M25.
Below is a brief summary of how to get to the terminals using these routes.
Terminals 2 and 3
Terminals 2 and 3 are situated next to each other.
To get to these terminals, leave the M4 at Junction 4 and look for signs leading to the Heathrow Terminals.
Alternatively, you can exit M25 at Junction 15 and follow signs going to the terminal.
Terminal 4
It is located in the southern area of the airport. When you are on the M25 Junction 14, exit via A3113 and look for signs going to Terminal 4.
If you are coming from M4, exit at Junction 48 and continue driving to Junction 14.
Terminal 5
Located on Western Perimeter Road, Terminal 5 is accessible via Junction 14 of M25. From M4, exit via Junction 4b and head to M25 going to Junction 14.
How to Pick Someone up without a Car
You can always pick up your loved ones even without a car.
All you need to do is to come to the airport via public transportation and commute back the same way or take a taxi.
Get directions using Heathrow Airport’s Journey Planner, where you input your from and to destinations, time, and date.
Travel to the airport terminals via train or bus and coaches. If you are traveling by train, you can use the Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express, and The London Underground.
The Elizabeth line and London Underground’s Piccadilly Line service all four terminals, whereas Heathrow Express stops only at Heathrow Central for 2, 3, and Terminal 5.
If you would like to travel by bus, you can catch several types of buses such as coaches and local buses.
Ride an express coach via National Express, megabus, RailAir, and The Airline.
Take note that cash payment is not accepted and that you can only pay for the bus fare using an Oyster card, a Visitor Oyster card, Day Travelcard, or a contactless payment card.
Since you are picking someone up, keep in mind that pick-ups and drop-offs are still not allowed at the forecourts or the bus stations.
You should go to the Meeting Points or via the Short Stay Car Park.
Afterward, you can use Heathrow taxis and minicabs or commute via public transportation going back to your London destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know which terminal to go to?
The first thing you need to do is to use the Terminal Finder to see which terminal the flight is assigned to.
You can also check for live updates of the flight to see if there are delays or changes in the terminal designation.
Is it free to pick up at Heathrow Terminal 2, 3, 4, and 5?
You normally have to book and pay for a parking spot when you pick up someone using a car.
However, if you utilize Long Stay car parks for only 30 minutes, it is the only free pick-up option.
If you park for more than 30 minutes, then you will have to pay the parking fee.
Can I pick up someone at Heathrow drop off areas?
No, it is not allowed to pick someone up at the drop off areas as it should only be at the Meeting Points at the Arrivals area.
Where can I find a map of the terminals?
Heathrow Airport provides interactive maps for its visitors to use. Take a look at the maps below for each terminal.
Are Meet and Greet and Valet Parking the Same?
Meet and Greet and Valet Parking are both similar since Heathrow Airport staff will take your car and keys and park it for you while you go to the Meeting Point.
The only difference is the car drop-off location. For Meet and Greet, you can only leave your car at Short Stay car parks near the terminals.
For Valet Parking, you can easily leave it near the terminal forecourts already.
Moreover, it is the only parking service where they offer Car Care services to clean your car while you are at the Meeting Point.
Did This Guide Answer Your Questions?
Heathrow Airport offers one of the most convenient facilities for passengers and visitors, saving you the hassle of having to go through a crowded area to find someone.
This service promises a simple and organized process for picking up someone at the airport.
If you have any more questions, just visit Heathrow Airport’s website to find out more.
If this detailed guide helped you in picking up or dropping off someone at the airport, share it with your friends and family who may need it too.
Do you also have some tips and advice for fellow airport visitors? Post a comment below in the comments section.
nowhere does it tell me where the pick up point is in the Term 3 Car Park – assuming there is one as in Term 5.
Hi Victor,
I suggest watching the video for more details
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXiPymvqePg
What a shower that you cannot have. A pick up place for people that have paid good money fly with you then we have just looked it’s 21.19 can’t get online. No Wi-Fi how in gods name do we meet people that took off from Stanstead because of yet another strike had to fly to Heathrow with a 1 yo gets in 10 at night and 2 75 yo. Are trying to pick them up as the main uk airport I am disgusted Just another rip off we have to suffer for no real reason
Hi David,
I understand that you’re frustrated with the situation you’ve described, but it seems like you might be experiencing difficulties at an Heathrow Airport and trying to connect with people who are traveling. Air travel can sometimes be challenging, especially when there are unexpected circumstances like strikes or flight delays.
It would be helpful to know how to get from terminal 2 to3 on foot.
Hello Rolande,
Here is the information I found on heathrow.com
You can walk between Terminals 2 and 3 via the pedestrian underpass. The route is well signposted and can be followed on interactive Heathrow map here https://maps.heathrow.com/.
Average journey time: 10 minutes