Heathrow Park & Ride is the cheap, no-fuss way to leave your car for a holiday — you park in a secure off-airport compound, keep your own keys, and a free shuttle drops you at Terminal 2, 3 or 5. This is what to expect from start to finish in 2026, including the address, the timing, the shuttle and the precise pickup points on your return.
How Heathrow Park & Ride works
You drive to an off-airport secure compound near Colnbrook, around four miles from the Heathrow boundary. You park your own car, hand the keys to a member of staff at reception, and take a free shuttle to your terminal. The transfer takes around 20 minutes. On your return, you call from the terminal and the shuttle brings you back to your car.
This product covers Terminals 2, 3 and 5. Pickup points on return are specific to each terminal — they are listed further down.
The compound
- Address: 1A Blackthorne Road, Colnbrook, Slough, SL3 0AL
- Once at the postcode, look for the "A M World" building — the car park entrance is on the narrow road right next to it.
- Fenced, CCTV-monitored, staffed for handovers and returns.
What happens on arrival
- Call ahead. Phone the operator when you are 20 to 30 minutes away from the car park. The number is on your booking confirmation. If you are running early or late, keep them posted.
- Park in the drop-off zone once you reach the compound. Lock the car and bring your luggage and paperwork to reception.
- Photograph your car. We strongly recommend a dated photo from every angle before you hand over the keys — it makes any later condition discussion straightforward.
- Hand over the key. A member of staff inspects the vehicle, gives you the paperwork, and moves the car into the secured area.
- Shuttle to the terminal. Around a 20-minute transfer once all the handover steps are complete.
How early to arrive at the car park
Plan to be at the compound at least 4 hours before check-in, and add another 10 minutes on top of the 20-minute shuttle for the vehicle inspection and handover. At busy periods (early summer-holiday mornings in particular), allow another 10 minutes again.
Each shuttle can carry up to four passengers per booking. If you are travelling with five or more, the operator will need to arrange an additional shuttle and there is an extra charge.
Return — exactly where the shuttle picks you up
On your safe return, call the operator twice: once as soon as you land, and once again as soon as you have collected your luggage. Then make your way to the pickup point for your terminal.
- Terminal 5 — Short Stay car park, Level 1, Row A
- Terminal 3 — Short Stay car park, Level 2, Row A
- Terminal 2 — Short Stay car park, Level 1, Row D
ULEZ — read this if your car is older
Heathrow Airport sits inside the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone. If your vehicle does not meet ULEZ standards, you are responsible for the £12.50 daily charge for each day you drive within the zone — typically the day you arrive at the car park and the day you collect your car. A compliant car (most petrol cars from 2006 onwards, most diesels from 2015, plus all electric vehicles) pays nothing.
Full detail: ULEZ at Heathrow — what your car costs you in 2026.
What it costs
Heathrow Park & Ride at Terminals 2, 3 and 5 starts at £50 a day, with prices scaling up by length of stay. For your exact dates, see live pricing on the booking page.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the shuttle from the Park & Ride compound to Heathrow take?
Around 20 minutes once you have completed the handover. Allow an extra 10 minutes for vehicle inspection, plus another 10 at busy periods.
How many passengers can travel on the shuttle?
Up to four passengers per booking. Larger parties need to book an additional shuttle, which carries an extra charge.
Where does the shuttle drop me off and pick me up?
Pickup points are in the Short Stay car park at each terminal. Terminal 5: Level 1, Row A. Terminal 3: Level 2, Row A. Terminal 2: Level 1, Row D.
Do I have to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge with Park & Ride?
No. Park & Ride uses the Short Stay car park, not the drop-off forecourt, so the airport's drop-off charge does not apply. If you ever set someone down at the terminal forecourt separately, that is a different product and is charged by Heathrow.
Related guides
Last fact-checked May 2026. Compound details, pickup points and ULEZ rules can change — always verify your confirmation and the operator's current instructions before travel.