Secure Heathrow Airport Parking: Compare Deals at All Terminals
Flying from Heathrow and want your car somewhere secure, simple and fairly priced? At BrandNameABC you can compare official Heathrow car parks with trusted Park Mark-approved Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and hotel + parking deals in just a few clicks. Our partners regularly offer savings of up to 60–70% compared with turning up on the day, especially on longer trips and off-airport Park & Ride options.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Use this guide to choose the right parking for your terminal, understand typical weekly prices, and avoid surprise costs such as the ULEZ and terminal drop-off charge.
What are the best parking options at Heathrow Airport?
Most Heathrow car parks fall into four main types. Each suits a different kind of trip and budget:
- Park & Ride – best value for week-long or longer stays.
- Meet & Greet – best for families, mobility needs and lots of luggage.
- On-airport / Official Terminal Parking – best for walking straight to check-in.
- Hotel & Parking packages – best for early flights and stress-free stopovers.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Enter your dates and terminal on BrandNameABC and we’ll show you live, bookable deals across all four options, with filters for price, distance, customer rating and flexibility.
Heathrow parking types at a glance (comparison table)
*Guide prices are indicative for a week’s parking when pre-booked in advance. Live prices vary by season, demand and availability.
| Parking type |
Best for |
Distance / transfer |
Keep your keys? |
Typical guide price / week* |
| Park & Ride (off-airport) |
Lowest prices on longer trips |
10–25 minutes by shuttle bus, all terminals:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
Usually yes |
From ~£40–£75 (e.g. Purple Parking & other branded parks):contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| Meet & Greet |
Families, heavy luggage, mobility needs, business trips |
Drop at terminal forecourt or Short Stay; no bus |
No – your car is parked for you |
From ~£95–£170 depending on operator & terminal:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| On-airport Terminal Parking |
Shortest walk to check-in |
2–5 minutes’ walk to departures:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
Yes |
Pre-booked: often £120–£230; turn-up short-stay can exceed £600/week in peak dates:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Official Park & Ride (Heathrow Long Stay) |
Official on-airport option with shuttle |
Shuttle 10–20 minutes, free and frequent:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
Yes |
Commonly around £110–£140/week when pre-booked:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| Hotel & Parking packages |
Early flights, long drives before flying, families |
Stay near airport, then short transfer or walk |
Usually yes |
Room + 8 days’ parking from ~£72+ with selected hotels:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
Heathrow Park & Ride: Best for value and long stays
Park & Ride is normally the cheapest way to park at Heathrow, especially for 1–3 week trips. You park in a secure compound just outside the airport and take a free shuttle to your terminal.
- Value first: Off-airport Park & Ride sites regularly undercut official short-stay and even official long-stay tariffs, while still offering Park Mark-accredited security.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- All terminals covered: Transfers typically serve Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, with buses every 10–20 minutes.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Easy process: Park your car, keep your keys with most providers, hop on the shuttle and head straight to your check-in area.
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious travellers, long holidays, and anyone happy to add a short bus ride in exchange for much lower prices.
On BrandNameABC you can filter Park & Ride results by shuttle time, customer rating and whether you keep your keys.
Heathrow Meet & Greet: Best for convenience and families
Meet & Greet offers a forecourt-style service: drive to your terminal, meet a uniformed driver, hand over your keys and walk straight inside. Your car is parked in a secure off-site or on-airport compound and returned when you land.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Zero bus transfers: Perfect if you’re travelling with small children, heavy luggage, mobility needs or tight business schedules.
- Competitive pricing vs. short-stay: For many peak dates, trusted Meet & Greet brands are cheaper than official Short Stay, especially when booked well in advance.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Security as standard: Top providers use Park Mark car parks with CCTV, fencing and 24/7 patrols.:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- EV charging add-ons: Some Meet & Greet operators now include EV charging while you’re away, so you return to a topped-up vehicle.:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
BrandNameABC clearly shows which Meet & Greet services are on-airport (official Heathrow) and which are trusted independent partners, along with verified reviews and key security features.
On-Airport & Official Heathrow Parking: Closest to the check-in desks
Official Heathrow Terminal Parking (formerly Short Stay) and Park & Ride (formerly Long Stay) are located inside the airport boundary and managed directly by Heathrow.:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Shortest walking distance: Terminal Parking sits right next to each terminal, usually 2–5 minutes from your check-in area.:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Simple ANPR entry: Number-plate recognition opens the barrier automatically for pre-booked customers.
- Premium pricing: Convenience comes at a higher price, particularly for turn-up short-stay, which can run into several hundred pounds for a week in peak dates.:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Good for: Short business trips, last-minute bookings and travellers who prioritise walking to the terminal over saving money.
Heathrow Hotel & Parking Packages: Best for early flights (Stopovers)
Hotel + parking bundles combine an overnight stay near Heathrow with parking for the duration of your trip. Deals can be surprisingly competitive versus booking hotel and parking separately.:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- One booking, two problems solved: Ideal if you’re driving in from further afield, have an early departure or arrive back late at night.
- On-site or nearby parking: Some packages include parking at the hotel itself, others use a partnered Park & Ride or Meet & Greet service.
- Great value: Example guide prices start from around £72 for a double room plus 8 days’ parking, depending on hotel and date.:contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Heathrow Parking Prices: How to find the cheapest deals
Heathrow is one of the UK’s most expensive airports for parking, but you rarely need to pay the headline short-stay rates. Independent consumer research shows that booking even a few hours ahead can cut a week’s short-stay bill from around £661 to roughly £233 – a saving of about £430.:contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
On BrandNameABC we bring together official Heathrow car parks and trusted off-airport operators so you can see exactly how much you’ll pay for each option on your dates, by terminal.
How much is parking at Heathrow for a week? (Price Table)
All figures below are guide prices based on recent examples from Heathrow, Holiday Extras, Purple Parking and independent price analyses. Your exact price will depend on season, how early you book and which terminal and product you choose.:contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
| Parking type |
Example weekly cost |
Notes |
| Official Terminal Parking (Short Stay / Terminal Parking) |
Pre-booked: ~£200–£250 Turn-up peak: up to ~£661 |
Most expensive but closest; best for very short trips or when convenience matters most.:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24} |
| Official Park & Ride (Long Stay / Park & Ride) |
Often around £110–£140 |
Cheaper than short-stay; free shuttle buses to all terminals.:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25} |
| Off-airport Park & Ride |
From ~£40–£75 |
Lowest prices in most BrandNameABC searches; Purple Parking and similar brands often lead here.:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26} |
| Meet & Greet |
Typically ~£95–£170 |
Professional driver meets you at the terminal; priced between Park & Ride and short-stay.:contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27} |
| Hotel + Parking package |
From ~£72+ (room + 8 days’ parking) |
Great for early flights; effective per-day parking cost can be very low.:contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28} |
On every result page, BrandNameABC shows which deals are flexible (amendable / cancellable), which include extras like EV charging or valet cleaning, and which offer the highest review scores for 2024/2025.
What is the cheapest car park at Heathrow right now?
There’s no single car park that is always the cheapest at Heathrow – prices move daily. But across multiple price checks, off-airport Park & Ride sites are consistently the lowest, with some providers offering guide leads of under £7–£12 per day when booked early.:contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
BrandNameABC automatically sorts your search by price so you can see the cheapest Heathrow deals for your dates at a glance, including any promo codes or early-booking discounts available from our partners.
How to save up to 60% by booking in advance vs. turning up
To keep Heathrow parking costs under control:
- Always pre-book: Comparison and airport sites consistently show savings of 50–70% when you book ahead rather than paying drive-up rates, especially on official Heathrow and Meet & Greet products.:contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
- Be flexible on type: Swapping from official short-stay to an off-airport Park & Ride can cut a seven-day bill by several hundred pounds in peak weeks.:contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
- Travel off-peak: School holidays and Friday–Sunday departures are more expensive; shifting your trip by a day can reduce parking prices.
- Use non-flex deals if your plans are fixed: Non-amendable products are often several pounds per day cheaper than fully flexible equivalents.:contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
Which Heathrow parking is best for your specific terminal?
Heathrow has four passenger terminals, each with its own on-airport parking and a wide choice of independent car parks nearby. On BrandNameABC you simply select T2, T3, T4 or T5 and we only show products that work smoothly with that terminal, including transfer times.
Heathrow Terminal 2 Parking: The Queen’s Terminal options
For Terminal 2, you’ll usually choose between:
- Terminal Parking 2: Multi-storey car park right next to the terminal, ideal for short trips and pick-ups.:contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
- Official Park & Ride for T2: On-airport long-stay with shuttle buses every 10–20 minutes.:contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
- Off-airport Park & Ride / Meet & Greet: Popular options include Purple Parking Park & Ride and Meet & Greet products, plus other Park Mark-accredited sites serving T2.:contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
If you want the cheapest possible price, BrandNameABC will usually highlight an off-airport Park & Ride for Terminal 2. If your priority is being under cover and a short walk from departures, look for “Terminal Parking” or “Meet & Greet at Terminal 2 Short Stay”.:contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
Heathrow Terminal 3 Parking: Best deals for Virgin & Delta flyers
Terminal 3 is served by a mix of official and independent car parks:
- Terminal Parking 3: Multi-storey beside T3, with height restrictions typical of Heathrow Short Stay.:contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
- Official Park & Ride T3: Long-stay car park with free shuttles, often around 10–20 minutes from the terminal.:contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}
- Park & Ride & Meet & Greet deals: BrandNameABC lists well-rated Park & Ride products (such as Purple Parking) and Meet & Greet operators dedicated to T3.:contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}
For Virgin Atlantic, Delta and many long-haul flights, Meet & Greet can be a big time-saver at Terminal 3 – you simply drive to the Short Stay car park, meet your driver, and walk to check-in in a couple of minutes.:contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}
Heathrow Terminal 4 Parking: Long stay and valet connections
Terminal 4 has fewer on-airport parking products but is well served by both official and independent options:
- T4 Terminal Parking: Short-stay multi-storey next to the terminal (with a 2.0 m height limit).:contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41}
- Park & Ride T4: Official long-stay and independent Park & Ride car parks with shuttles taking around 10–15 minutes.:contentReference[oaicite:42]{index=42}
- Meet & Greet at T4: Multiple operators offer forecourt or Short Stay handover for T4; some are highlighted as “trusted” or “recommended” on major comparison sites.:contentReference[oaicite:43]{index=43}
BrandNameABC will show you which T4 car parks include late-return grace periods, oversized vehicle options and enhanced security such as 360° cameras or covered parking where available.:contentReference[oaicite:44]{index=44}
Heathrow Terminal 5 Parking: British Airways dedicated parking
Terminal 5 – the main base for British Airways – offers the widest choice of parking, including Heathrow’s unique POD Parking.:contentReference[oaicite:45]{index=45}
- Terminal Parking 5: Multi-storey adjacent to T5, great for short trips.
- Pod Parking: Park in a dedicated car park and travel to T5 in driverless pods in around 6–7 minutes – a premium but very convenient option.:contentReference[oaicite:46]{index=46}
- T5 Park & Ride: Official and off-airport Park & Ride sites with bus transfers, usually the cheapest way to park near T5.:contentReference[oaicite:47]{index=47}
- Meet & Greet at T5: Drop your car in the Short Stay car park or forecourt, hand over your keys and walk straight into BA check-in.:contentReference[oaicite:48]{index=48}
How to transfer between car parks and terminals (Shuttles vs. Pods)
Transfers are straightforward once you know what to expect:
- Shuttle buses: Official Park & Ride and most off-airport Park & Ride sites run free shuttles every 10–20 minutes, typically taking 10–20 minutes each way depending on traffic and terminal.:contentReference[oaicite:49]{index=49}
- POD Parking (T5 only): Driverless electric pods operate between the dedicated pod car park and Terminal 5 in around 6 minutes, offering a quick, step-free transfer.:contentReference[oaicite:50]{index=50}
- Walking from Terminal Parking: Short-stay or Terminal Parking car parks link directly to terminals via covered walkways or lifts – ideal in bad weather or with limited mobility.:contentReference[oaicite:51]{index=51}
Important: ULEZ, Drop-offs, and Driving Charges
Before you set off, it’s vital to factor in London’s emissions and forecourt charges, especially if you’re planning quick drop-offs instead of parking.
Is Heathrow Airport inside the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)?
Yes. Since 29 August 2023, Heathrow Airport and all access roads around it have been inside London’s expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).:contentReference[oaicite:52]{index=52}
- Compliant vehicles: Petrol and diesel vehicles that meet TfL’s emission standards do not pay the ULEZ charge.
- Non-compliant vehicles: Must pay a daily charge (currently £12.50) for entering the zone, in addition to any Heathrow parking or drop-off charge.:contentReference[oaicite:53]{index=53}
- Check your plate: Always check your registration on the TfL website before you travel.
BrandNameABC recommends adding ULEZ costs into your total trip budget, especially if you’re making multiple airport runs.
How to pay the Heathrow Terminal Drop-Off Charge
From 1 January 2025, Heathrow charges £6 per visit for vehicles entering the terminal drop-off areas at T2, T3, T4 and T5.:contentReference[oaicite:54]{index=54}
- The fee is enforced by ANPR cameras – there are no barriers or pay machines at the forecourt.
- You must pay online, by phone or via an AutoPay account either in advance, on the day, or by 23:59 the following day.
- Failure to pay leads to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which increases if not settled promptly.
- The drop-off areas operate 24/7, 365 days a year.
BrandNameABC includes reminders about the drop-off charge in our pre-trip checklists so you don’t forget to pay after dropping off family or friends.
Where are the free drop-off and pick-up zones (Long Stay)?
If you’d rather avoid the £6 terminal charge, Heathrow’s Park & Ride (formerly Long Stay) car parks offer a limited free period for pick-ups and drop-offs.:contentReference[oaicite:55]{index=55}
- Park & Ride car parks: First 29 minutes are free, after which normal tariffs apply; shuttle buses run every 15 minutes between the car park and terminal.:contentReference[oaicite:56]{index=56}
- Blue Badge holders: Entitled to extended free periods (often up to 2 hours) when using long-stay pick-up zones – always check current rules before travel.:contentReference[oaicite:57]{index=57}
- Plan extra time: Using free long-stay drop-off is cheaper but adds transfer time; build this into your journey.
How secure are the official and trusted Heathrow car parks?
Security is a key concern for Heathrow travellers, especially after reports of unregulated “cowboy” operators in some areas. Independent tests and the Park Mark scheme help you identify safer sites.:contentReference[oaicite:58]{index=58}
What does the "Park Mark" award mean?
The Park Mark Safer Parking Award is a police-backed scheme run with the British Parking Association. Car parks that display the Park Mark tick have been independently assessed for security and management.:contentReference[oaicite:59]{index=59}
- Police-vetted sites: Car parks are inspected to ensure they meet standards designed to deter crime.
- Responsible operators: Awarded sites must demonstrate robust management, maintenance and customer service practices.
- Clear signage: You’ll see the Park Mark logo at entrances and in booking descriptions on BrandNameABC.
Security features: CCTV, Perimeter Fencing, and 24/7 Patrols
Most official Heathrow car parks and reputable off-airport sites offer a similar security toolkit:
- CCTV coverage: Continuous or high-coverage video surveillance across parking bays, entrances and exits.:contentReference[oaicite:60]{index=60}
- Perimeter fencing & controlled access: Secure compounds with gated or barriered entry, ANPR monitoring and sometimes 360° vehicle imaging at handover points.:contentReference[oaicite:61]{index=61}
- 24/7 patrols and lighting: Many Park Mark sites advertise round-the-clock staff presence, patrols and bright lighting to improve both safety and the perception of safety.:contentReference[oaicite:62]{index=62}
Every listing on BrandNameABC displays security features clearly so you can compare like-for-like rather than just booking the cheapest headline rate.
How we vet our Heathrow parking partners
To be listed on BrandNameABC, Heathrow parking providers must:
- Use Park Mark or equivalent accredited car parks, or demonstrate comparable security standards.
- Provide full address and storage location details – no mystery “holding areas”.
- Maintain transparent terms covering damage, delays and late returns.
- Achieve and maintain strong independent review scores; persistent complaints or unresolved issues lead to removal from our platform.:contentReference[oaicite:63]{index=63}
Special Requirements: EVs, Accessibility, and Large Vehicles
Not every car park is suitable for every vehicle. BrandNameABC lets you filter results for electric cars, Blue Badge parking and vans or oversized 4x4s.
Blue Badge Parking: Accessibility at Heathrow
Heathrow provides dedicated Blue Badge bays across both Terminal Parking and Park & Ride (Long Stay) car parks.:contentReference[oaicite:64]{index=64}
- Terminal Parking: Blue Badge spaces are located close to lifts and entrances on multiple levels.:contentReference[oaicite:65]{index=65}
- Park & Ride: Accessible bays are positioned near bus stops or admin offices; shuttle buses are generally wheelchair-friendly with low floors and ramps.:contentReference[oaicite:66]{index=66}
- Concessions: Blue Badge holders benefit from extended free periods in some long-stay pick-up zones – always check current Heathrow guidance before travel.:contentReference[oaicite:67]{index=67}
On BrandNameABC, look for the “Accessible / Blue Badge friendly” label and check the distance to the terminal or shuttle transfer times before you book.
Electric Vehicle Charging points at Heathrow car parks
At present, Heathrow’s official car parks do not offer public EV charging, so you should arrive with a fully charged battery and enough range to leave the airport after your trip.:contentReference[oaicite:68]{index=68}
- Charge en route: Several service areas and local sites near Heathrow provide rapid and fast chargers – for example, along the M4 corridor and nearby retail parks.:contentReference[oaicite:69]{index=69}
- Meet & Greet with charging: Some independent Meet & Greet products include EV charging while you’re away, returning your car ready to drive home.:contentReference[oaicite:70]{index=70}
BrandNameABC flags all Heathrow products that provide EV charging, plus any expected fees, so you can decide whether on-trip top-ups are worth the premium.
Height restrictions and parking for vans or large SUVs
Short-stay multi-storey car parks around Heathrow generally have height limits between 2.0 m and 2.2 m, with special ground-floor areas for taller vehicles in some terminals.:contentReference[oaicite:71]{index=71}
- Terminal 2 & 3: Main Short Stay sections around 2.05–2.2 m; dedicated overheight areas exist on certain levels.:contentReference[oaicite:72]{index=72}
- Terminal 4: Short Stay height limit around 2.0 m; overheight vehicles may be directed to Park & Ride and charged Terminal Parking tariffs for short stays.:contentReference[oaicite:73]{index=73}
- Terminal 5: Overheight / Fast Track entrance on the ground floor with no formal height limit, but standard multi-storey sections remain around 2.2 m.:contentReference[oaicite:74]{index=74}
- Best option for big vehicles: Off-airport Park & Ride and some open-air long-stay car parks are better suited to vans, people carriers and high-roof 4x4s.
BrandNameABC lets you filter for “overheight vehicles allowed” and shows specific height limits in the product description so you can avoid last-minute surprises at the barrier.
Which Heathrow parking is the most popular with customers?
Customer review data and independent research give a clear picture of what Heathrow travellers actually choose once price and security are taken into account.:contentReference[oaicite:75]{index=75}
What do travelers say about Heathrow Park & Ride vs. Meet & Greet?
- Park & Ride: Often rated best for value – travellers like predictable shuttles, Park Mark security and the ability to keep their keys, especially with brands such as Purple Parking and other established operators.:contentReference[oaicite:76]{index=76}
- Meet & Greet: Favoured for convenience – business travellers and families appreciate avoiding buses and going straight from car door to check-in. Independent tests still recommend choosing regulated, Park Mark-based brands and avoiding unreviewed “cowboy” operators.:contentReference[oaicite:77]{index=77}
BrandNameABC aggregates thousands of verified reviews and lets you filter Heathrow parking by rating, so you can see which specific car parks and services are most loved by customers heading to each terminal.
Our highest-rated car parks for 2024/2025
While the exact rankings change over time, the Heathrow products that tend to score highest with customers share similar traits:
- Park Mark accreditation and clearly advertised CCTV, fencing and patrols.:contentReference[oaicite:78]{index=78}
- Transparent pricing with minimal hidden extras on late returns or oversize vehicles.:contentReference[oaicite:79]{index=79}
- Reliable transfers – shuttle frequency and journey times that match the description.:contentReference[oaicite:80]{index=80}
- Responsive customer support for flight delays, cancellations and last-minute changes.:contentReference[oaicite:81]{index=81}
On BrandNameABC, you’ll see clear “Top Rated” and “Best Value” tags for Heathrow car parks that deliver on these points for the 2024/2025 travel seasons.
How to find your exact Heathrow car park location (Maps & Directions)
Heathrow’s road layout can feel busy, especially around the M4, M25 and A30 approaches. A little preparation makes finding your car park much easier.
- Use the postcode and map link in your confirmation: Official Heathrow and most partner car parks provide sat-nav postcodes and Google Maps links in booking emails – keep these handy on the day.:contentReference[oaicite:82]{index=82}
- Follow terminal-specific signs: Once near the airport, follow signs for your terminal number first, then for “Long Stay”, “Park & Ride”, “Pod Parking” or “Short Stay / Terminal Parking” as appropriate.:contentReference[oaicite:83]{index=83}
- Allow extra time for off-airport sites: Independent Park & Ride and some hotel car parks are a short drive beyond the airport perimeter – build in 20–30 minutes to reach them, park and catch the shuttle.:contentReference[oaicite:84]{index=84}
- Keep your booking handy: Many Meet & Greet providers ask you to call a number shortly before arrival or on landing – your confirmation includes the bay, level or forecourt zone you must use.:contentReference[oaicite:85]{index=85}
Every BrandNameABC Heathrow booking includes step-by-step directions, key contact numbers and a quick checklist covering ULEZ, drop-off charges and shuttle timings, so your parking is as organised and stress-free as the rest of your trip.