Heathrow Parking Guide | Best Options & Money-Saving Alternatives

Planning your trip through Heathrow?

Whether you’re picking someone up, dropping them off, or parking for a longer stay, knowing the latest Heathrow parking prices helps you save time and stress. Below, we’ve broken it down terminal by terminal for Short Stay and Long Stay parking.

Note by CityandAirportCars:

“With our chauffeured minicab service, you don’t have to worry about parking hassles – we’ll drop you off or pick you up right at the terminal, stress-free”

We’ve also posted a detailed blog about Heathrow Terminal 2 parking and alternate options—make sure to check that out for more tips.

Short Stay Parking

Best For: Picking up or dropping off passengers, quick business meetings, or short trips.
Distance: Located close to the terminal, usually within walking distance.
Duration: Ideal for a few hours to a couple of days.
Cost: Higher hourly/daily rates compared to long stay.
Convenience: Very convenient as you can walk straight into the terminal.

Long Stay Parking

Best For: Travelers going away for several days or weeks.
Distance: Located further from the terminal, usually with a free shuttle bus service.
Duration: Suitable for stays of multiple days.
Cost: Much cheaper per day than short stay, offering better value for long trips.
Convenience: Less direct, but economical for longer journeys.

Heathrow Terminal 3 Parking

Short Stay Parking (T3)

Perfect for drop-offs, pick-ups, or a quick stop.

0 – 29 minutes: £7.50
30 – 44 minutes: £11.00
45 – 59 minutes: £13.90
1 – 2 hours: £14.50
2 – 3 hours: £17.80
3 – 4 hours: £21.60
4 – 5 hours: £27.60
5 – 6 hours: £35.60
6 – 9 hours: £47.30
9 – 12 hours: £61.00
12 – 24 hours: £77.10
Each additional 24 hours: £77.10

👉 Tip: Book online in advance for better rates.

Long Stay Parking (T3)

Free shuttle buses run every 10–15 minutes to the terminal.

0 – 29 minutes: Free
30 – 59 minutes: £9.40
1 hour – 2 hours: £12.10
2 – 24 hours: £37.70
Each additional 24 hours: £30.50

Heathrow Terminal 4 Parking

Short Stay Parking (T4)

Closest car park to the terminal, ideal for quick trips.

0 – 29 minutes: £7.50
30 – 44 minutes: £11.00
45 – 59 minutes: £13.90
1 – 2 hours: £14.50
2 – 3 hours: £17.80
3 – 4 hours: £21.60
4 – 5 hours: £27.60
5 – 6 hours: £35.60
6 – 9 hours: £47.30
9 – 12 hours: £61.00
12 – 24 hours: £77.10
Each additional 24 hours: £77.10

Long Stay Parking (T4)

Shuttle transfers to the terminal included.

0 – 29 minutes: Free
30 – 59 minutes: £9.40
1 – 2 hours: £12.10
2 – 24 hours: £37.70
Each additional 24 hours: £30.50

Heathrow Terminal 5 Parking

Short Stay Parking (T5)

Great for drop-offs, business meetings, or pickups.

0 – 29 minutes: £7.50
30 – 44 minutes: £11.00
45 – 59 minutes: £13.90
1 – 2 hours: £14.50
2 – 3 hours: £17.80
3 – 4 hours: £21.60
4 – 5 hours: £27.60
5 – 6 hours: £35.60
6 – 9 hours: £47.30
9 – 12 hours: £61.00
12 – 24 hours: £77.10
Each additional 24 hours: £77.10

Long Stay Parking (T5)

Budget-friendly option for longer trips.

0 – 29 minutes: Free
30 – 59 minutes: £9.40
1 – 2 hours: £12.10
2 – 24 hours: £37.70
Each additional 24 hours: £30.50

Alternatives to Heathrow Parking

Airport Transfers / Minicabs – Book a reliable Heathrow taxi or chauffeur service straight from your home, no need to worry about parking fees or space availability.
Ride-Sharing Apps – Services like Uber or Bolt can drop you directly at your terminal.
Public Transport – Use the Heathrow Express, Underground (Piccadilly Line), National Rail, or buses to avoid car parking completely.
Hotel + Parking Packages – Many Heathrow hotels offer stay + parking deals that are often cheaper than airport parking alone.
Park & Ride Services – Park in an off-site location near Heathrow and take a quick shuttle bus to the terminal.
Car Hire Drop-off – If you’re renting a car for your trip, simply return it at Heathrow instead of parking your own.
Friends/Family Drop-off – Arrange for a friend or relative to drop you off at Heathrow’s designated drop-off zones (but note some zones charge a small fee).

Overview of Heathrow Airport Terminals:

Heathrow Terminal 3 – International Gateway

Terminal 3 is well-known for its long-haul international flights, serving airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, and Emirates. Travelers love it for the wide selection of duty-free shopping, luxury brands, and global dining options. With excellent lounges and family-friendly facilities, Terminal 3 is perfect for both business and leisure travelers heading to destinations across the globe.

Heathrow Terminal 4 – Business & Global Connections

Located to the south of the airport, Terminal 4 primarily serves long-haul destinations as well as many Middle Eastern, Asian, and European carriers. It’s often favored by business travelers due to its quiet atmosphere and efficient check-in process. Passengers can enjoy modern lounges, premium restaurants, and convenient transport links to London.

Heathrow Terminal 5 – British Airways Hub

Terminal 5 is the flagship terminal of Heathrow and the main base for British Airways and Iberia flights. Sleek, spacious, and modern, T5 offers a premium travel experience with award-winning lounges, world-class shopping, and multiple dining choices. It’s designed for smooth connections, making it popular with frequent flyers and international travelers.

FAQs – Heathrow Terminals

Terminal 3 FAQs

Q: Which airlines fly from Terminal 3?
A: Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, American Airlines, and many other long-haul carriers.

Q: Are there lounges in T3?
A: Yes, including Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and several independent lounges.

Terminal 4 FAQs

Q: Who mainly uses Terminal 4?
A: Many Asian, Middle Eastern, and European airlines operate here.

Q: Is T4 good for business travelers?
A: Yes – it’s quieter, efficient, and has premium lounges.

Terminal 5 FAQs

Q: Which airline is Terminal 5 dedicated to?
A: British Airways (and Iberia for some flights).

Q: What makes T5 stand out?
A: It’s modern, stylish, and offers an excellent shopping and dining experience.

Final Tips Before You Park

Book online early – it’s often cheaper than paying on the spot.
Shuttle buses from Long Stay parking are quick and reliable.
If you’re just dropping off, look out for Heathrow’s Drop-Off Zones near each terminal (separate charges apply).
Want to skip the hassle altogether? CityandAirportCars transfer service to Heathrow offers stress-free drop-offs and pickups right at the terminal, so you don’t have to worry about parking at all.