Heathrow Airport Parking: Complete Guide to Prices, Meet & Greet, Park & Ride and Long Stay

Last updated August 2026.

Flying from Heathrow and driving to the airport? Choosing the right Heathrow airport parking can save you time, reduce stress and help you avoid paying more than necessary.

Heathrow currently operates four passenger terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 closed permanently in 2015. The parking option that suits you best will depend on your departure terminal, how long you are travelling for, your budget and whether convenience or price is your main priority.

The main options include Meet & Greet, Park & Ride and terminal parking. Heathrow's Park & Ride service was previously known as Long Stay parking, while Terminal Parking was previously known as Short Stay parking. These older terms are still useful when researching Heathrow long stay parking and Heathrow short stay parking, but it is worth understanding the current terminology before you book.

At Compare My Airport Parking, you can compare available parking options for your travel dates, making it easier to find a suitable service without checking individual parking providers one by one.

Quick Answer

If you want the short version, Park & Ride is generally the best option if value is your priority, while Meet & Greet is better suited to travellers who want maximum convenience and would rather avoid arranging a shuttle transfer.

For parking close to the terminal, Terminal Parking is the most convenient choice. Booking in advance can also give you access to better prices than paying on the day, although the exact cost depends on your travel dates, availability and parking product.

Key Takeaways

• Heathrow has four passenger terminals: T2, T3, T4 and T5.
• Terminal 1 closed permanently in 2015.
• Heathrow Park & Ride was previously known as Long Stay parking.
• Heathrow Terminal Parking was previously known as Short Stay parking.
• Park & Ride is generally the cheapest of Heathrow's official parking options.
• Meet & Greet offers greater convenience but usually costs more.
• Terminal Parking is closest to the relevant terminal.
• Heathrow's terminal drop-off charge is currently £7 per visit.
• Park & Ride offers a free option for short pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Prices vary according to dates, availability, length of stay and how far in advance you book.

Heathrow Terminals: Which One Do You Need?

Before comparing Heathrow airport car parking, confirm which terminal you are flying from. Our Heathrow Airport Guide 2026 also covers the airport's terminals, transport options and parking facilities.

Terminal 2 handles flights from a wide range of international and European airlines and is one of Heathrow's main passenger terminals.

Terminal 3 serves numerous international and long-haul flights and is used by several major airline groups.

Terminal 4 operates separately from the central T2 and T3 area, so allow enough time for your journey if you are parking away from the terminal.

Terminal 5 is primarily associated with British Airways and serves a large number of domestic and international passengers.

Your airline and booking confirmation should tell you which terminal you need. Always check this before booking parking, particularly if you are travelling on a codeshare flight or your airline has changed its operating terminal.

If you are connecting between terminals, allow additional time for the transfer rather than assuming that the terminals are within easy walking distance of one another.

Heathrow Airport Parking Options

Heathrow parking comes in several formats, each suited to different travel needs.

Meet & Greet: Best for travellers prioritising convenience. You drive to the designated meeting point, hand over your vehicle and continue towards the terminal. The provider parks the vehicle while you travel and arranges its return when you arrive back.

Park & Ride: Suitable for travellers looking for value. You leave your vehicle at a designated parking facility and use a free shuttle bus to reach the terminal. Heathrow's current Park & Ride service was previously known as Long Stay parking.

Long Stay: If you are searching for Heathrow long stay parking, this generally refers to the Park & Ride option. It is designed for travellers leaving their vehicles for several days or longer and can be particularly suitable for holidays and business trips.

Short Stay: If you are searching for Heathrow short stay parking, Heathrow now refers to this as Terminal Parking. It is located close to the relevant terminal and is designed for travellers who prioritise convenient access.

There is no single parking option that is best for everyone. Meet & Greet suits passengers who value convenience, Park & Ride suits those prioritising value, and Terminal Parking suits travellers who want to stay as close as possible to their terminal.

How Much Does Heathrow Airport Parking Cost?

Heathrow airport parking prices can vary significantly depending on your travel dates, length of stay, availability, parking type and how far in advance you book.

For official Heathrow parking, Park & Ride is the lower-cost option compared with Terminal Parking, while Meet & Greet generally carries a higher price because of the added convenience.

Current drive-up rates can be considerably higher than advance booking prices. For example, Park & Ride on-the-day pricing starts from £46.80 for the first day, with additional 24-hour periods starting from £37.40. Terminal Parking starts from £98 for a 24-hour period when paying on the day.

Meet & Greet pricing also varies by duration and booking date, with drive-up pricing significantly higher than advance-booking rates.

These figures are useful as a guide, but they should not be treated as a fixed price for every journey. Your actual price will depend on your dates and availability.

For that reason, the most reliable way to compare Heathrow airport parking prices is to enter your exact travel dates and compare the total cost of the available options.

Heathrow Terminal Drop-Off Charges

If you are dropping someone off rather than leaving your car at the airport, Heathrow operates a paid terminal drop-off system.

The current terminal drop-off charge is £7 per vehicle each time you enter a designated terminal drop-off zone. Automatic number-plate recognition cameras record vehicles entering the chargeable areas.

If you want to avoid the terminal drop-off charge, free drop-off is available at Heathrow's Park & Ride car parks. Passengers can then use the free shuttle bus to reach their terminal.

Park & Ride can therefore be a useful option if you need more time than the terminal forecourt allows or want to avoid the terminal drop-off charge.

If you are picking someone up rather than dropping them off, the arrangements are different. Pick-ups should be made using the appropriate parking or pick-up facilities rather than waiting in the terminal drop-off areas.

How Does Heathrow Airport Parking Work?

The process depends on the parking service you choose. For a broader explanation, see our guide to how airport parking works.

With Park & Ride, you drive to the designated parking facility, follow the arrival instructions and leave your vehicle in the allocated area. A shuttle bus then takes you to your terminal. When you return, you follow the collection instructions and use the shuttle to return to the parking facility.

With Meet & Greet, you drive to the agreed meeting point and hand your vehicle to the parking provider. Your car is then parked while you continue to the terminal.

With Terminal Parking, you park close to your departure terminal and make your way into the terminal from the car park. This option is particularly useful if convenience and proximity are more important than finding the lowest price.

Before leaving home, check your booking confirmation carefully. Make sure you know the arrival location, terminal, contact details and vehicle collection procedure.

Heathrow Meet and Greet Parking

Heathrow Meet and Greet parking is designed for travellers who want a simple and convenient airport arrival.

Instead of finding a parking space and arranging a shuttle transfer, you drive to the designated meeting point and hand over your vehicle. The parking provider then parks the car while you continue to the terminal.

Meet & Greet can be particularly useful if you:

• Have heavy luggage.
• Are travelling with children.
• Want to minimise transfers.
• Prefer a straightforward arrival process.
• Have limited time before your flight.

The convenience usually means paying more than you would for a standard Park & Ride service, so compare the complete cost before booking.

Check the exact meeting point, arrival instructions and vehicle collection process before travelling. You should know where to go when you arrive and how your vehicle will be returned after your flight.

For more detailed information, see our Heathrow Meet & Greet parking guide.

Heathrow Park and Ride

Heathrow Park and Ride is a practical choice for travellers who want to balance price and convenience.

You drive to the designated parking facility, leave your vehicle and take a shuttle bus to your terminal. The shuttle service then brings you back to the parking facility when you return.

Park & Ride is currently Heathrow's cheapest official parking option and was previously known as Long Stay parking. This makes it particularly relevant for travellers searching for Heathrow long stay parking.

Before booking, check:

• Shuttle operating times.
• Expected transfer time.
• Which terminal the service covers.
• Whether transfers are included.
• Arrival instructions.
• Vehicle collection arrangements.

If keeping costs down is your priority, Park & Ride is one of the first options worth comparing.

Heathrow Long Stay Parking

Heathrow long stay parking is a common search term for travellers looking for parking for several days or longer. Heathrow's current official product is called Park & Ride, which was previously known as Long Stay parking.

It is designed for longer trips, including week-long holidays, extended breaks and business travel.

When comparing long-stay options, focus on the total booking cost for your entire trip rather than simply looking at a daily rate. A lower daily figure does not necessarily mean a lower final price.

Your final cost can depend on your travel dates, length of stay, availability and how far in advance you book.

For longer journeys, compare Park & Ride with Meet & Greet and other suitable options to find the right balance between price and convenience.

Heathrow Short Stay Parking

Heathrow short stay parking is another term travellers commonly use when searching for convenient parking close to their terminal. Heathrow now refers to this as Terminal Parking.

Terminal Parking is designed for passengers who want to park close to the terminal rather than use an off-site shuttle.

It can be useful for:

• Short trips.
• Passenger drop-offs and collections.
• Travellers with heavy luggage.
• Passengers who prioritise convenience.
• Situations where terminal access is more important than price.

Terminal Parking costs more than Park & Ride, particularly for longer stays. If you are travelling for several days, compare the total cost with Park & Ride before booking.

How to Find Cheap Heathrow Airport Parking

Finding cheap Heathrow airport parking does not necessarily mean choosing the lowest advertised price.

Good value comes from finding the right balance between price, convenience, transfer arrangements and booking conditions.

Book in advance

Booking ahead can give you access to better prices and a wider choice of parking options. Availability can become more limited as your travel date approaches.

Compare different parking types

Don't automatically choose the closest car park. Compare Meet & Greet, Park & Ride and Terminal Parking to see which option suits your journey.

Check the total price

Look at the final booking price rather than an advertised starting price. Check what is included and whether any additional charges apply.

Search your exact dates

Prices can vary according to the day you arrive, the day you return and the length of your stay. Entering your actual dates gives you a more useful comparison.

Look for Heathrow parking deals

Heathrow parking deals can help you reduce the cost of your booking, but check the complete service before choosing a discounted option. A lower price is only useful if the parking arrangements suit your trip.

Which Heathrow Parking Option Is Best?

The best Heathrow parking option depends on your priorities.

Choose Meet & Greet if convenience is your main concern and you want to minimise parking and transfer arrangements.

Choose Park & Ride if price and value are more important and you are happy to use a shuttle bus.

Choose Long Stay if you are searching for parking for several days or longer. Remember that Heathrow now markets its Long Stay product as Park & Ride.

Choose Short Stay or Terminal Parking if staying close to your terminal is more important than finding the lowest price.

The best option is the one that fits your budget, trip length, terminal and preferred level of convenience.

Heathrow Airport Parking for Different Trip Lengths

One to three days

For a short trip, convenience may be more important than finding the absolute lowest price. Compare Terminal Parking, Meet & Greet and Park & Ride based on the total cost and transfer time.

Around one week

For a seven-day trip, Park & Ride is worth comparing closely because it is designed for longer stays. Meet & Greet is also worth considering if convenience is a priority.

Two weeks or more

For longer trips, focus on the complete booking price rather than the daily rate. Park & Ride is particularly worth comparing for extended stays.

Whatever the length of your trip, search using your actual dates because prices and availability can change.

How to Compare Heathrow Parking Before Booking

Price matters, but it should not be the only factor.

Before booking Heathrow airport car parking, check:

• Total price: Look at the complete cost for your dates.
• Parking type: Decide whether Meet & Greet, Park & Ride or Terminal Parking suits you.
• Terminal access: Make sure the parking service is suitable for your departure terminal.
• Transfer arrangements: Check shuttle arrangements if you are using Park & Ride.
• Arrival procedure: Know exactly where you need to go when you arrive.
• Vehicle collection: Understand how and where you collect your car after your trip.
• Cancellation terms: Check the conditions before confirming your booking.
• Vehicle requirements: Make sure your vehicle meets the service requirements.
• Security information: Review the information provided about vehicle storage and handling.

At Compare My Airport Parking, comparing these factors alongside price can help you make a more informed booking decision.

Is Heathrow Airport Parking Safe?

Security arrangements can vary between parking providers, so check the information provided for the specific service you are considering.

Depending on the facility, security measures may include CCTV, controlled access, perimeter security and monitored parking areas.

For Meet & Greet services, also consider how your vehicle is handled. Check where the handover takes place, how the vehicle is collected and how it will be returned to you.

Don't choose a parking service based on price alone. Consider the available security information, booking conditions, vehicle-handling arrangements and customer feedback where available.

Tips for Booking Heathrow Airport Parking

Before confirming your booking, take a few minutes to check the important details.

1. Confirm your terminal before booking.
2. Read the arrival instructions so you know exactly where to go.
3. Allow enough transfer time when using Park & Ride.
4. Check cancellation terms in case your travel plans change.
5. Review vehicle requirements before travelling.
6. Save your booking confirmation and provider contact details.
7. Compare the complete service, rather than choosing based only on the advertised starting price.

A few minutes of preparation can make your airport parking experience much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Major Airport parking FAQs;

What is the cheapest Heathrow airport parking?

Park & Ride is generally the cheapest of Heathrow's official parking options. The exact price depends on your travel dates, length of stay, availability and when you book.

Is Heathrow Meet and Greet parking worth it?

It can be worthwhile if convenience is more important to you than price. You hand over your vehicle and continue towards the terminal rather than arranging a shuttle transfer yourself.

Is Heathrow long stay parking suitable for a holiday?

Yes. Heathrow long stay parking is a common search term for longer trips, while Heathrow's current official product is Park & Ride. It is designed for travellers leaving their vehicles for several days or longer.

Should I book Heathrow airport parking in advance?

Booking in advance can give you better prices and more choice than waiting until the day of travel. Prices and availability vary, so compare your exact dates before booking.

How much is the Heathrow terminal drop-off charge?

The terminal drop-off charge is currently £7 per vehicle per visit at the designated terminal drop-off areas.

Can I avoid the Heathrow drop-off charge?

Yes. Free drop-off is available at Heathrow's Park & Ride car parks, from where passengers can take the free shuttle bus to the terminal.

Which Heathrow parking is best for a seven-day trip?

For a seven-day trip, Park & Ride is generally worth comparing first because it is designed for longer stays. Meet & Greet is another option if convenience is more important than price.

What should I check before booking Meet & Greet parking?

Check the exact meeting point, arrival instructions, vehicle handover procedure, collection arrangements, cancellation terms and any additional charges.

What should I consider when using Heathrow Park & Ride?

Check the shuttle arrangements, expected transfer time, operating times, terminal coverage and vehicle collection procedure. Allow enough time for the transfer when planning your arrival.

Compare Heathrow Airport Parking

Finding the right Heathrow airport parking does not have to be complicated.

Start by entering your exact travel dates, then compare the available parking options based on total price, parking type, terminal access, transfer arrangements and convenience.

At Compare My Airport Parking, you can compare suitable Heathrow parking options for your journey, helping you make a more informed choice rather than relying on a single advertised price.

Whether you are travelling for a few days, one week or several weeks, comparing your options before booking can help you find the right balance between cost and convenience.

Ready to compare Heathrow airport parking? Enter your travel dates with Compare My Airport Parking and compare the available options to find parking that fits your terminal, trip length and budget.

For broader guidance, explore our Airport Parking in the UK: The Complete Guide, then use our supporting Heathrow guides for Heathrow Meet & Greet parking, Heathrow Park & Ride, Heathrow parking prices, Heathrow parking for 7 days and Heathrow parking for 14 days.