Confusion reigns over whether London taxi drivers will be charged increased Heathrow drop-off fees before tariff update
Confusion reigns over whether London taxi drivers face paying some of their passengers' airport drop-off fees following Heathrow Airport’s decision to raise its terminal charge to £6 per visit, effective 1 January 2025.
Despite this increase, cabbies are still limited to charging passengers a maximum of £5.20 for the drop-off until the next tariff update proposed for April 2025.
On their website, Heathrow Airport clarified the updated charge that ALL taxis (black cabs) and private-hire vehicles must pay the £6 Terminal Drop-Off Charge each time they enter the terminal drop-off zones.
However, a London Cab Driver’s Club (LCDC) spokesperson said on social media: “Please note the £6 ‘every time a vehicle enters’ does not apply to taxis. We remain with £5 charge until further notice (April tariff).”
Some taxi drivers have since reported only being charged £5 since the new £6 drop-off fees arrived days ago.
Passengers looking to avoid the fee have the option to use Heathrow’s Park & Ride car parks, which offer free drop-offs and complimentary shuttle services to the terminals.
Please note this article was updated at 10.40am 3 January 2025
