Heathrow Airport Parking Guide
Heathrow offers a range of parking options, from budget-friendly long-stay lots to premium valet services. Here’s everything you need to know:
Types of Parking
1. Short Stay Parking
Best for: Quick stops (drop-offs, pick-ups, stays under 24 hours).
Locations: Adjacent to all terminals (closest to check-in).
Cost:
Terminals 2 & 3: £8.50 for 30 mins, £37 for 3 hours.
Terminal 5: £9.50 for 30 mins, £40 for 3 hours.
Walking time: 2–5 mins to terminals.
Features: Covered, secure, and CCTV-monitored.
2. Long Stay Parking
Best for: Trips over 24 hours (budget-friendly).
Locations:
Long Stay Terminal 2 & 3: 10-min shuttle ride to terminals.
Long Stay Terminal 5: 15-min shuttle ride.
Cost: From £25/day (cheaper if pre-booked online).
Shuttles: Free, running 24/7 every 10–15 mins.
Features: Outdoor parking, EV charging points.
3. Meet & Greet (Valet Parking)
Best for: Ultimate convenience (no shuttles, no walking).
How it works: Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and they park your car.
Cost: From £70/day (discounts for weekly stays).
Terminals: Available at all terminals.
Features: Fully insured, 24/7 service, car washed on request.
4. Pod Parking (Terminal 5 Only)
Best for: Tech lovers and eco-conscious travelers.
How it works: Park in a designated area and take a driverless "Pod" to Terminal 5.
Cost: From £20/day.
Travel time: 5 mins via Pod to Terminal 5.
Features: Covered parking, EV charging included.
5. Business Parking
Best for: Frequent travelers and business trips.
Locations: Terminals 2 & 3, 5.
Cost: From £35/day.
Features: Closer to terminals than Long Stay, covered parking, fast shuttle service.
How to Save Money
Pre-Book Online: Save up to 70% vs. drive-up rates.
Use Discount Codes: Check voucher sites like Groupon or Heathrow’s seasonal offers.
Loyalty Programs: Earn points with Heathrow Rewards.
Parking Comparison Table
Type | Cost/Day | Walking/Shuttle Time | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Short Stay | £30–£60 | 2–5 mins walk | Quick stops |
Long Stay | £25–£40 | 10–15 mins shuttle | Budget travelers |
Meet & Greet | £70–£120 | Instant | Convenience |
Pod Parking | £20–£30 | 5 mins Pod ride | Terminal 5 travelers |
Business | £35–£50 | 5–10 mins shuttle | Frequent flyers |
Additional Services
EV Charging: Available in all parking lots (free in Pod Parking).
Disabled Parking: Free accessible spaces (book in advance).
Car Wash/Oil Check: Add-ons available when booking Meet & Greet.
Security: All lots have 24/7 patrols, CCTV, and fencing.
Step-by-Step Parking Guide
Pre-Book Online: Visit Heathrow Parking.
Arrive at Heathrow: Follow signs for your booked parking lot.
Check In:
Short/Long Stay: Scan your booking QR code at the barrier.
Meet & Greet: Meet the valet at the designated area.
Catch Your Flight: Walk or take a shuttle to the terminal.
Pro Tips
Avoid Peak Times: Mornings (5–9 AM) and evenings (4–7 PM) are busiest.
Download the Heathrow App: Track shuttle times and parking availability.
Keep Documents Handy: Booking confirmation, ID, and flight details.
FAQs
Q: Can I park overnight?
A: Yes! All lots allow overnight stays (pre-booking recommended).
Q: What if my flight is delayed?
A: Heathrow offers a 2-hour grace period. For longer delays, contact parking support.
Q: Are there height restrictions?
A: Yes (2.1m for Short Stay, 2.4m for Long Stay).
Emergency Contacts
Parking Support: +44 (0)344 335 1801.
Lost Keys: Report immediately to parking staff.
Key Takeaways
✅ Book early for the best rates.
✅ Meet & Greet is ideal for families with luggage.
✅ Long Stay + shuttle saves money for longer trips.
Safe travels and stress-free parking! 🚗✈️