Parking at Heathrow Airport can be confusing, especially if you’re choosing between Short Stay, Long Stay, or Meet & Greet services. Each comes with different rules, costs, and convenience levels.
This guide explains the differences between Heathrow parking options in 2025, highlights the hidden costs to watch out for, and shows why booking a private Heathrow transfer may be the smarter alternative.
What Parking Options Are Available at Heathrow in 2025?
Heathrow offers three main types of parking:
- Short Stay Parking – Best for quick pick-ups and drop-offs.
- Long Stay Parking – Designed for trips lasting several days.
- Meet & Greet Parking – Premium convenience where staff park your car for you.
Let’s look at each in detail.
How Does Short Stay Parking Work at Heathrow?
- Location: Multi-storey car parks located next to each terminal.
- Use Case: Ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers, or for very short business meetings.
- Charges (2025):
- 0–30 minutes: £7.50
- 30–60 minutes: £12.50
- 1–2 hours: £16.50+
Pros:
- Closest to terminal arrivals halls.
- Easy access for families with luggage.
Cons:
- Expensive if you stay longer than one hour.
- Can get busy during peak hours.
?? Alternative: Instead of paying for Short Stay, consider booking a Heathrow Hotel eShuttle for direct pick-up and drop-off with no parking fees.
What is Heathrow Long Stay Parking?
- Location: Slightly further from terminals, with free shuttle buses every 10–15 minutes.
- Use Case: Best for holidays, business trips, or anyone leaving their car at Heathrow for multiple days.
- Charges (2025):
- First 30 minutes: Free (useful for pick-ups).
- Daily rate: From £37.70 per day (discounts for online pre-booking).
Pros:
- Free 30-minute waiting zone is perfect for passenger collections.
- Safer for leaving cars long-term.
Cons:
- Not as convenient as Short Stay.
- Shuttle bus adds travel time.
?? If you’re collecting family or colleagues, a private Heathrow transfer may be easier than navigating car parks and shuttle buses.
How Does Heathrow Meet & Greet Parking Work?
- Location: Drop your car at the terminal forecourt, and Heathrow staff park it for you.
- Use Case: Designed for premium travellers, business passengers, or families wanting a hassle-free experience.
- Charges (2025):
- From £117.40 for one day.
- Additional days are charged at £29.90 each.
Pros:
- Ultimate convenience — no shuttles or parking stress.
- Secure parking with staff handling your car.
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other options.
- Costs rise quickly for longer trips.
?? For the same convenience without the cost, book a fixed-rate Heathrow transfer. Your driver meets you inside arrivals and takes you directly to your destination.
Hidden Costs Travellers Often Overlook
When choosing parking at Heathrow, watch out for these extra costs:
- Overstaying: Even a short delay can double your bill in Short Stay.
- Flight delays: Your planned 2-day parking can turn into 3.
- Congestion Charge & ULEZ: If driving into central London afterwards, extra charges apply.
- Meet & Greet surcharges: Premium services often add extra for late-night or oversized vehicles.
Is Parking at Heathrow Worth It?
- For short visits or pick-ups: Short Stay works, but gets expensive quickly.
- For long trips: Long Stay can be good value if pre-booked online.
- For business travellers: Meet & Greet offers convenience but at a premium.
- For stress-free arrivals: A WKG Heathrow Transfer avoids all parking charges and gives you door-to-door service.
Why a Private Transfer Can Be Better Than Parking
Parking is only part of the journey. Once you’ve parked, you still need to walk, shuttle, or wait. A private transfer solves all of this.
- No parking charges or fines.
- Driver waits inside arrivals with a name board.
- Flight tracking ensures no extra waiting costs.
- Eco-friendly electric fleet.
??Book Your Heathrow Transfer Today
FAQs
How much does Short Stay parking cost at Heathrow in 2025?
Short Stay parking costs £7.50 for 30 minutes and £12.50 for one hour. Prices increase for longer stays.
Is there free parking at Heathrow?
Yes. Long Stay car parks allow 30 minutes of free waiting, ideal for passenger pick-ups.
How much does Long Stay parking cost at Heathrow?
Daily rates start at £37.70. Discounts are available if you pre-book online.
Is Heathrow Meet & Greet worth it?
Meet & Greet is the most convenient but also the most expensive option, starting at £117.40 for one day.
What’s the best alternative to Heathrow parking?
A pre-booked Heathrow transfer is often cheaper and easier, with no parking charges or shuttle buses.
Conclusion
Heathrow offers Short Stay, Long Stay, and Meet & Greet parking, each suited to different needs. Short Stay is convenient but costly, Long Stay is better for longer trips, and Meet & Greet is the premium option.
However, parking comes with hidden costs and logistical challenges. A WKG Heathrow Transfer offers the simplest, most cost-effective solution, with fixed pricing, meet-and-greet service, and no parking hassle.