Heathrow Airport sits fully inside London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Since the ULEZ was expanded across every London borough in August 2023, all Heathrow terminals fall within the charging area.
For drivers with older or higher-polluting vehicles, even a quick airport drop-off can come with an extra daily charge.
Heathrow and the ULEZ Explained
Heathrow Airport sits fully inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
The airport is located in the London borough of Hillingdon, which was included when the ULEZ expanded across Greater London.
Official guidance makes it clear that Heathrow’s access roads, terminal entrances, and on-site car parks all fall within the zone.
The airport itself confirms that Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 are all inside the charging boundary.
In practical terms, any non-compliant vehicle driven to a terminal, official drop-off area, or airport car park is treated as entering the ULEZ.
The Cost of Driving to Heathrow
The ULEZ charge at Heathrow is exactly the same as anywhere else in London.
Drivers of non-compliant cars, vans, and motorcycles must pay £12.50 per day.
The charge applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Any journey that crosses midnight counts as two separate charging days.
This fee is completely separate from Heathrow’s own charges, including the £5 terminal drop-off fee at official forecourts.
A non-compliant car making a drop-off on one day and a pick-up on another could face £25 in ULEZ charges alone, before fuel, parking, or airport fees are even considered.
Which Vehicles Avoid the Charge?
The ULEZ only applies if a vehicle fails to meet the required emissions standards and is not exempt.
Most petrol cars registered from 2006 onwards meet the Euro 4 standard and are usually compliant.
Diesel vehicles generally need to meet Euro 6 standards, which broadly applies to models from around 2015, although there are exceptions.
Motorcycles typically need to meet Euro 3 standards.
Electric vehicles and most plug-in hybrids are compliant and do not pay the charge.
Drivers are strongly advised to check rather than assume.
Using the official vehicle checker, motorists can enter their registration number and see instantly whether a charge applies.
Does Parking at Heathrow Trigger ULEZ?
ULEZ charges are triggered by driving, not by parking.
If a non-compliant vehicle is driven inside the zone, the daily charge applies.
If the vehicle remains parked and is not moved on a given day, no additional charge is due for that day.
Airport parking provides a clear example.
Driving into Heathrow on departure day triggers one charge.
Leaving the car parked for several days incurs no further ULEZ fees.
Driving out on return day triggers a second charge.
Some meet-and-greet and off-airport parking services move vehicles between locations.
In those cases, extra chargeable days may apply, and drivers are often responsible for paying them.
Can Drivers Reach Heathrow Without Entering the ULEZ?
Because Heathrow itself sits inside the zone, avoiding ULEZ entirely is difficult once you head towards the terminals.
The M25 remains outside the ULEZ, even where it loops around Greater London.
Parts of the A30 stay outside the zone until the Clockhouse Roundabout, which marks the boundary.
At Terminal 5, the M25 junction itself is outside the ULEZ.
Every exit that leads into the airport, however, takes drivers straight into the charging zone.
Drivers can circle London on the M25 without paying anything.
The moment they turn towards Heathrow, a non-compliant vehicle becomes chargeable.
How to Avoid Unexpected Charges
Drivers looking to avoid the £12.50 daily fee have limited but workable options.
One approach is to park outside Greater London, at a hotel or park-and-ride beyond the ULEZ boundary, and continue by train or coach.
Another option is to use a compliant hire car, particularly a petrol, hybrid, or electric model.
Public transport remains the simplest solution for many travellers.
The Heathrow Express offers the fastest route into Paddington.
The Elizabeth line provides direct services across central London.
The Piccadilly line offers a cheaper, slower alternative.
Paying the ULEZ Charge
The ULEZ charging day runs from midnight to midnight.
Drivers usually have until midnight on the third day after travel to pay.
Payments can be made online, through the official app, or by setting up Auto Pay.
Failure to pay on time can result in a Penalty Charge Notice being issued.
For frequent Heathrow users, including airport staff and contractors, Auto Pay is often the safest way to avoid fines.
What Overseas Drivers Need to Know
Foreign-registered vehicles are not exempt from ULEZ rules.
Non-UK cars must meet the same emissions standards or pay the daily charge.
Most major car-hire firms at Heathrow operate modern, compliant fleets.
Drivers should still check booking details carefully, as some rental companies charge administration fees if they have to process ULEZ payments or penalties.