Heathrow Airport Parking

There is such a huge demand for parking at Heathrow Airport that there are not only over 20 parking lots on site, there are also dedicated landside parking lots run by private companies. So, in the interests of travellers not losing their vehicle or ending up in the wrong lot, IHateTaxis.com has included this advice to parking your car at Heathrow Airport.

Heathrow Airport car parks fall under the following titles:

• Short Stay Car Parks
• Valet Parking
• Long Stay
• Business Parking

If you are going to be at Heathrow for 5 hours or less you should choose one of the short stay parking lots. As there are short stay lots at each of the terminals your choice of lots depends on which terminal you need access to. There are height restrictions at the short stay parking lots so if this applies to your vehicle then it is something you should check in advance.

Parking at Heathrow is not cheap so it is wise to check in advance how much you will be expected to pay for the privilege of leaving your vehicle for a few hours. This information can be found on the Heathrow Airport Guide page.

If you are going to be parking at Heathrow for 3 days or more and would like the convenience of keeping your car in the short term parking lots there is the option to use the pre-booked Short Stay Special which you can do directly through the official Heathrow Airport website.

If you are travelling with children or lots of luggage, or just because you like that little bit extra from life, you can use the valet car parking service at Heathrow Airport. This service ensure that your car is parked at a BAA approved secure car park while you are away and all you have to do is arrive at the terminal forecourt. From the forecourt a valet attendant will take your car to the secure lot and on your return you pick up your car from the forecourt again! Couldn't be easier! Obviously there is a fee for this fabulous service so make sure it fits your budget before you get too carried away with travelling in style!

If you are going to be away for a long period of time then the long stay parking lot is the one for you (unless you can find an alternative form of transport which might actually save you a few pounds). There are three dedicated long term parking lots at Heathrow with security patrols to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Complimentary shuttle buses run from the car parking facilities to the terminals every 12-15 minutes so the transition from parking lot to terminal is stress free. You are looking at a rate of between GBP 15.70-16.30 per day for the privilege of using one of these parking spaces so do check you budget before you commit yourself.

For those travellers looking for lightening quick transfers from plane to car you have the option of using the business parking lots. These lots are located even closer to the airport terminal with even more frequent and fast transfer services. Ideal for the business traveller for whom time is of the essence, have a look at the Heathrow Airport guide page for more information on these parking lots.

Written by Todd Romaine

• More advice on various London Heathrow ground transportation options




• London Heathrow (LHR) Transportation Page