Heathrow Pick-Up Zones & Waiting Rules: The Complete 2025 Guide
Heathrow Airport, London’s busiest international gateway, handles more than 80 million passengers every year. Whether you’re meeting arriving family or collecting a business associate, knowing where to pick up passengers and how long you can wait will save time, stress, and unnecessary fines.
This 2025 guide covers every Heathrow terminal, including parking layouts, pick-up fees, waiting limits, rideshare rules, and accessibility options — helping you plan a smooth airport pickup from start to finish.
Key Rules for Picking Up at Heathrow
- No stopping or waiting on terminal forecourts. Doing so may result in immediate fines or vehicle towing.
- All passenger collections must take place in Short Stay car parks linked to each terminal (clearly signposted and within a few minutes’ walk of Arrivals).
- Arrive only when your passenger is ready — there are no free waiting areas near the terminals.
- Park & Ride car parks offer up to 29 minutes of free waiting for those arriving early.
- Heathrow is within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) — check if your vehicle meets standards before driving to avoid daily charges.
For additional guidance, review our Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Charges Guide for 2025.
Terminal 2 Pick-Up Zone (The Queen’s Terminal)
Located in Car Park 2, Level 1, Terminal 2’s pick-up zone is accessible directly from the M4 and M25. Passengers exiting from Arrivals can head opposite the Plaza Premium Lounge, take the lift to Level 2, and meet their driver at Row B.
Quick Facts:
- Entrance via Constellation Way (follow signs for Short Stay Parking 2)
- 30 minutes: £6.20 – £9.50
- Lifts and ramps available for wheelchair and mobility access
- Contactless payment and EV charging available
Pro Tip: Use Heathrow’s live arrival tracker before leaving to time your pick-up precisely and reduce parking fees.
Terminal 3 Pick-Up Zone
The Terminal 3 Short Stay Car Park is located on Level 1, accessible from the Arrivals exit. Follow signs marked “Arrivals,” then take the lift opposite Caffè Nero across the walkway. The designated meeting area is on the far left of Level 1.
Key Details:
- Clearly marked lanes for taxis and private cars
- Disabled and Blue Badge parking spaces near the lifts
- Fee: £9.50 for 1 hour (2025 rate)
- Drop-offs remain on the T3 forecourt (£5 charge applies per vehicle)
For transfer alternatives between Heathrow terminals, see our Heathrow Terminal Guide 2025.
Terminal 4 Pick-Up Zone
The Terminal 4 Short Stay Car Park is a covered facility located on Level 1, accessible directly from the Arrivals exit near WH Smith.
Essentials:
- Entry via Southern Perimeter Road
- 24/7 CCTV and regular airport patrols
- Rates: £6.20 (30 mins) – £24.70 (2 hours)
- Step-free access and assistance services available for passengers with limited mobility
Terminal 4’s covered design makes it an ideal option during adverse weather conditions, especially for families or passengers with luggage.
Terminal 5 Pick-Up Zone
Heathrow’s newest terminal offers one of the easiest and safest pick-up setups. From Arrivals, head to the right of Costa Coffee, follow signs to Short Stay Car Park 5, and take the lift to Level 2, Row F.
Highlights:
- Only a 2-minute walk from Arrivals
- High-security car park with constant surveillance
- Fees: £6.20 (30 mins), £9.50 (1 hour)
- Blue Badge bays close to the lifts
Drivers collecting multiple passengers or groups can also choose Meet & Greet services for quicker access. Learn more in our Heathrow Airport Parking Guide 2025.
Rideshare & Taxi Pick-Up Rules
Popular rideshare operators like Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow must follow Heathrow’s authorized pick-up process. All rideshare vehicles queue in the Heathrow Authorized Vehicle Area (AVA) on Northern Perimeter Road (TW6 2RL) before dispatch.
Rules for Rideshare Drivers:
- Wait only inside the AVA before receiving trip assignments
- Pick up passengers inside Short Stay car parks — never at terminal forecourts
- Parking charges (approx. £4.50 for 30 minutes) are billed directly to passengers through the app
- Failure to comply may result in penalties or suspension from the AVA system
Authorized black taxis follow separate ranks located outside Arrivals at all terminals.
Free and Low-Cost Waiting Options
If you arrive early, there are limited options for free waiting:
- Park & Ride Car Parks: Free for the first 29 minutes, ideal for early arrivals.
- Long Stay Car Parks: Provide 2 hours of free waiting, then charge hourly rates.
- Avoid stopping near access roads: CCTV and automatic number plate recognition are in use 24/7 across the airport perimeter.
Before setting off, plan your route using Heathrow’s live parking portal or compare options in our Heathrow vs Gatwick Transfers Guide.
Final Word
Picking up passengers at Heathrow in 2025 is simple when you know the rules.
Use Short Stay car parks for all collections, avoid forecourt waiting, and time your arrival carefully to reduce charges.
Whether you’re greeting a loved one or operating as a professional driver, understanding Heathrow’s pick-up system helps prevent delays, congestion, and costly penalties.
For the smoothest experience, pair your airport visit with a Heathrow Car Transfer or Hotel eShuttle booking for quick onward travel.